GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CATFISH SEEDS (Pangasius sp.) WHICH IS GIVEN AN ANTHILL TUBER EXTRACT

The use of probiotics, prebiotics and aquaculture synbiotics is widely applied to aquaculture intensification as control agents. Three species of endophytic bacteria were found, namely Bacillus sp. (1), Bacillus sp. (2), and Bacillus pumilus which is associated with anthill plants and can produce antioxidant compounds. This study aims to evaluate the growth performance of catfish fry (Pangasius sp.) given ant nest tuber extract. In this study, ant nest tuber extract was mixed into feed using the coated method in doses of 0% (A), 1% (B) and 2% (C). Fish with an initial body weight of 2.00-3.17 g were kept in three ponds with a total of 9 nets measuring 1x1x1 (m 3) (30 fish/nets), is 3 nets placed in each pond. Fish were fed treatment with three replications for 30 days. The results of this study are the average final biomass weight of catfish ranging from 8.75 to 22.17 g, in all treatments not significantly different from K. The average value of JKP, RKP, EP, LPH and Wg obtained on administration of the doses of 1% and 2% ant nest tuber extract were not significantly different for K. The highest amylase enzyme activity and feed efficiency were found in the catfish fry group that consumed feed supplementation with 1% ant nest tuber extract, each of 9.537 IU/mL. and 102.57% and the least feed consumption, namely 443.33 g. It can be concluded that the best dose of ant nest tuber extract which produces amylase enzyme activity and the highest feed efficiency is found in the catfish fry group that consumes feed supplementation with 1% ant nest tuber extract.

The Apelinergic System Immuno-Detection in the Abomasum and Duodenum of Sheep Grazing on Semi-Natural Pasture

Apelin (APLN) is an adipokine mainly produced by adipose tissue and related to an individual’s nutritional status as well as digestive apparatus functions. In this work, APLN and its receptor (APLNR) were investigated, by immunohistochemistry, in the abomasum and duodenum of 15 Comisana × Appenninica adult sheep reared in a semi-natural pasture. Organ samples were collected after maximum pasture flowering (M × F group) and after maximum pasture dryness (M × D group); the experimental group (E × p group) received a feed supplementation of 600 grams/day/head of barley and corn in addition to M × D group feeding. APLN and APLNR were identified in the lining epithelium and the fundic gland chief cells of the abomasum. APLNR was observed in the lining epithelium, in the crypts and the serotonin secreting cells of the duodenum. Similar reactivity was observed between the M × F and E × p groups, while the M × D group showed a lower intensity of immunostaining for both APLN and APLNR in all positive structures but the duodenal serotonin neuroendocrine cells. Hence, our findings show that the E × p group presents a picture quite overlapped with M × F and suggest that food supplementation has a maintaining effect on the apelinergic system expression in the investigated digestive tracts of the sheep.

Carcass and meat characteristics of Dorper x Santa Ines lambs finished in pasture, silvopastoral system, and feedlot

The objective of this work was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcass and meat of Dorper x Santa Ines crossbred lambs finished in a silvopastoral system, pasture or feedlot. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs were used (8 animals in each production system). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three production systems and eight replications. The production systems were: pasture of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana, without shading + feed supplementation (Pasture); pasture of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana, with natural shading provided by the native laurel tree (Cordia trichotoma) + feed supplementation (Silvopastoral) and feedlot. The cold carcass weight, empty body weight, cold carcass yield, fat color, fat consistency and carcass compactness index showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between production systems, with higher values observed in the feedlot. The shoulder weight and the percentage of shoulder components (bones, muscle, fat and others), did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) between production systems. The pasture silvopastoral systems presented similar results and also, when contrasted with the feedlot system, did not influence the parameters related to meat. Feedlot provided better quantitative and qualitative characteristics to the lambs’ carcassess.

POULTRY PRODUCTION AND SELLING CLASSIFICATIONS IN JIMMA HORRO WEREDA, OROMIA WESTERN WOLLEGA

A survey was conducted at Jimma Horro District, Oromia Region. The key purpose of the study was to describe the present poultry production and selling structure of the Jimma Horro District. Over-all 165 aimlessly nominated poultry holders were used for the study. As the results, indicate there were three poultry manufacture structures in the study areas, foraging with seasonal feed supplementation (86.7%). The mean amount of eggs placed/clutch and yearly yield of local hens was 12.3 and 39.8eggs respectively. There was no formal chicken and chicken product marketing channel in the Jimma Horro District and informal marketing of live birds and eggs involving open markets are common throughout the district.

Nannochloropsis oceanica as a Sustainable Source of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Enrichment of Hen Eggs

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica as a sustainable source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) for hen eggs enrichment. During 4 weeks, hens were fed with 3% (w/w) of Nannochloropsis oceanica supplemented diet. Throughout the assay, eggs were analyzed according to several nutritional and physical parameters, namely: (i) protein, fat, and ash content; (ii) fatty acid profile; (iii) thickness and colour of the shell; (iv) total egg weight; (v) protein quality (HU) and (vi) yolk colour. A remarkable increase in eicosapentaenoic (EPA), from 2.1 ± 0.1 to 5.2 ± 1.2 mg/100 g, and docosahexaenoic (DHA), from 50.3 ± 4.0 to 105 ± 18 mg/100 g, fatty acids was observed. Yolk colour also changed significantly according to the La Roche scale, from 9.6 ± 0.8 to 11.4 ± 0.8 (more orange). Feed supplementation did not lead to changes in the remaining analyzed parameters. A shelf life study, carried out for 28 days at room temperature, showed a decrease in eggs protein quality. In conclusion, eggs from hens fed with Nannochloropsis oceanica had a yolk colour more appealing to consumers and higher levels of EPA and DHA, allowing its classification as high in n-3 PUFA (CE nº 1924/2006).

In vitro embryo production from early antral follicles of goats fed with a whole full-fat linseed based diet

Summary The present study aimed to use an in vitro follicle culture (IVFC) biotechnique as a tool to evaluate the influence of whole flaxseed as a feed supplementation in the diet on the in vitro development of caprine early antral follicles (EAFs) and further embryo production. In total, 18 adult goats were homogeneously allocated into two diet groups: Control and Flaxseed. EAFs from both experimental groups (300–400 µm) were isolated and cultured in vitro for 18 days. After IVFC, recovered cumulus–oocyte complexes were submitted to in vitro maturation, and subsequently to IVF and in vitro embryo culture. The endpoints evaluated were follicular growth and morphology, oocyte recovery rate and diameter, sperm penetration, pronuclei formation, embryo development, and estradiol production. The addition of the whole flaxseed in the diet did not affect (P > 0.05) follicular growth and diameter. A higher (P < 0.05) percentage of oocytes ≥ 110 µm was recovered from the flaxseed treatment. However, the sperm penetration rate was higher (P < 0.05) in the control treatment when compared with the flaxseed treatment, but no differences were found regarding the rate of fertilization nor cleaved embryos. In conclusion, dietary flaxseed increased the recovery rate of fully grown oocytes, but it did negatively affect the sperm penetration rate, even though there was no further effect on the cleavage rate.

Mitigation of sterigmatocystin exposure in cattle by difructose anhydride III feed supplementation and detection of urinary sterigmatocystin and serum amyloid A concentrations

We evaluated the effects of supplementing cattle feed with difructose anhydride III (DFA III) by measuring urinary sterigmatocystin (STC) concentrations using 20 Japanese Black cattle aged 9–10 months from one herd. DFA III was supplemented for 2 weeks for 10 animals, and non-treated animals served as controls. The natural STC concentration in the dietary feed was 0.06 mg kg−1 (mixture of roughage and concentrate) at the beginning of the study (Day 0). The urine STC concentration was measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry 1 d prior to DFA III administration, 9 and 14 d thereafter, and 9 d following supplementation cessation, concomitant with the measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA). The number of heifers in which STC was detected in the urine was low (10 %) in the DFA III group compared to that (60 %) in the control group on Day 9. After 9 d following supplementation cessation (Day 23), STC concentrations were significantly lower (P=0.032) in the DFA III group than in the control group, although there was no difference in the number of heifers in which urinary STC was detected or in SAA concentrations between the two groups. Our findings demonstrate the effect of DFA III on reducing the urinary concentration of STC in Japanese Black cattle.

A Preliminary Study on Effects of Fermented Feed Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Hanwoo Steers during the Early and Late Fattening Period

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of formulated feed (IRG: Italian ryegrass, WCC: whole crop corn, and fermented feed) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Hanwoo steers during early and late fattening periods. Twelve Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned into two groups: control and treatment (n = 6/group). The control group received rice straw with concentrate; the Treatment group received formulated feed for 13 months. Results revealed that formulated feed supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased effects on dry matter (DM) intake, body weight, average daily gain, and carcass yield than control feed. Hanwoo steers fed formulated feed showed higher meat quality, carcass yield, and ribeye area than steers fed control feed. However, meat quality characteristics (such as cooking loss, fat thickness, marbling score, meat color, and crude fat), sensory characteristics, and pH values were similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in FA compositions of steers between the two groups (p > 0.05). Overall, these results indicate that feeding Hanwoo steers with formulated feed can improve their growth efficacy, carcass yield, and meat quality characteristics during early and late fattening periods. Regarding an economic strategy, our research findings suggest that formulated feed is effective and profitable for feeding Hanwoo steers during early and late fattening periods without causing adverse effects.