ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Optimizing Broiler Production Through Local Diets Supplemented with Ginger and Turmeric: Impacts on Physiology, Immunity, and Visceral Organ Development

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:17:35 +0700

Local feeds have the potential to be used as feed ingredients in poultry diets. This study was to evaluate

the effects of local diets supplemented with ginger and turmeric meal and to compare with commercial broiler

feeds. In total, 180 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 36 pens and kept for 5-7 weeks. The birds were fed

experimental diets as follows control group (R1), the birds were fed as commercial diets, experimental diets

were: local feed + 2% ginger (R2), local feed + 2% turmeric (R3), local feed + 1% ginger + 1% turmeric (R4) and

slaughter age treatments: 5 weeks (P1), 6 weeks (P2), 7 weeks (P3) with 3 replicates. The results revealed no

significant interaction between diet type and slaughter age. The inclusion of ginger and turmeric meal in local

diets resulted in a significant (P<0.05) enhancement of immunity, evidenced by increased sizes of immune

organs, ventriculus, small intestine, and caecum compared to commercial diets. However, these dietary

treatments significantly reduced rectal temperature and respiration rate. Differences in the slaughter age of

chicken (5, 6, and 7 weeks) were significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate but significantly

decreased immune organ sizes and visceral organs weights. This study concludes that the inclusion of 1% ginger

and 1% turmeric meal in local diets (R4) offers a more efficient formulation, as it utilizes lower levels of additives

while still yielding favourable outcomes. This dietary strategy enhanced immune organ development and

visceral organ weights in broiler chickens, despite the general trend of increasing age being associated with

elevated rectal temperature and respiration rate. Furthermore, based on physiological, immunological, and

visceral organ parameters, the optimal slaughter age for broiler chickens fed local diets supplemented with

ginger and turmeric meal (R2, R3, and R4) was determined to be 5 weeks (P1)

Birth Weight and Linear Body Measurements of Saburai Goats: Influence of Sex and Birth Type

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:36:22 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sex and birth type on birth weight and linear body measurements of Saburai Goats at different age groups (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age). The study used secondary data from 76 Saburai Goats raised in Lampung Province. Data were obtained from farm records and included birth weight, chest circumference, body length, ear length, and withers height. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test to compare differences between groups. The results showed that male goats had significantly (P<0.05) higher birth weight (3.99 ± 1.62 kg) than females (2.76 ± 0.44 kg). In single births, male goats (5.26 ± 1.40 kg) had significantly (P<0.05) higher birth weight than females (3.79 ± 0.79 kg), while in twin births, no significant difference was observed (P>0.05). Birth weight in single births was significantly higher than in twin births for both sexes (P<0.05). Body size measurements, including chest circumference, body length, ear length, and withers height, were generally higher in males than in females across age groups. In conclusion, sex and birth type significantly affected the birth weight of Saburai goats, with males and single-born kids showing higher birth weight than females and twins, respectively. The independent t-test analysis revealed that the effect of sex on linear body measurements was parameter- and age-dependent. Specifically, body length and withers height were consistently greater in males across all age groups, while chest circumference and ear length showed significant differences between sexes only at certain ages. These findings suggest that sex and birth type are important factors to consider in selection and breeding programs for Saburai Goat.

Comparative Superovulatory Response, Embryo Recovery, and Embryo Quality in Holstein-Friesian and Limousin Donor Cattle in Indonesia

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:24:35 +0700

Embryo transfer (ET) is a reproductive biotechnology used to accelerate the dissemination of superior genetics. However, its success under Indonesian tropical conditions remains variable and may be influenced by physiological and adaptive differences between dairy and beef cattle used as embryo donors. This study compared in vivo embryo production between Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Limousin donor cattle. The study was designed as a comparative observational study using selected donor cattle, comprising 11 HF and 25 Limousin cows maintained under standardized ET management. The observed parameters included superovulatory response, represented by the number of corpora lutea (CL), total ova/embryos collected, fertile embryos, transferable embryos, embryo quality, response rate, and recovery rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and breed differences were analyzed using Welch’s independent t-test when variance heterogeneity was detected, and Cohen’s d was used to estimate effect size. Limousin cows showed higher CL counts than HF cows (12.72 ± 6.98 vs. 6.55 ± 2.88; P < 0.001), produced more total ova/embryos (11.44 ± 6.45 vs. 6.00 ± 3.00; P < 0.001), fertile embryos (9.16 ± 5.17 vs. 3.45 ± 2.81; P < 0.001), and transferable embryos (5.76 ± 4.29 vs. 1.91 ± 2.07; P < 0.001). Response rate between HF and Limousin cows was 94.12% vs. 92.86%, as was the recovery rate (89.92% vs. 90.12%). Overall, these findings indicate that under the conditions of this study, Limousin cattle exhibited higher superovulatory responses and embryo production than HF cattle, although breed-specific protocol optimization remains necessary.

Analysis of Farmers' Knowledge on Animal Feed Processing and Its Adoption Constraints: A Case Study

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:39:40 +0700

An effective animal feed extension program is expected to support the development of the livestock sector and improve farmers’ welfare. This study aims to analyze farmers’ knowledge of animal feed processing as an outcome of an extension program and to identify the constraints faced in adopting feed processing technologies. The research was conducted at the Putrayasa Livestock Farmer Group in Tenganan Village, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia. A census method was applied, involving all 54 group members as respondents. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative descriptive approaches. The results show that farmers’ knowledge of animal feed processing is in the high category, with an average score of 4.06. This indicates that the extension program has been effective in improving farmers’ understanding of feed processing technologies. However, the adoption of these technologies remains limited. The main constraints identified include the inconsistent implementation of processed feed and financial limitations among farmers. These findings suggest that although extension programs are successful in increasing knowledge, additional efforts are required to enhance practical skills and address economic barriers to improve the adoption of feed processing technologies.

Enhancing Broiler Feed Market Share in Jabodetabek: An Importance–Performance Analysis Approach

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:53:52 +0700

This study aims to formulate a market share enhancement strategy for broiler feed in the Jabodetabek region using Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). A survey was conducted with 68 PT NH customers in the Jabodetabek region as respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and IPA. The results indicated that competitive pricing (Gap: +1.25), distribution availability (Gap: +1.20), and feed variety (Gap: +0.51) were the key priority attributes requiring improvement. In contrast, after-sales service, feed quality, and nutritional content were in the "Keep Up the Good Work" quadrant. The strategic recommendations derived from the IPA mapping include price restructuring through volume-based discounts and price matching guarantees, distribution network optimization through buffer stock points in Bekasi and Bogor with real-time inventory tracking, and product portfolio expansion through specialized formulations for different broiler growth phases. The implementation of these strategies, prioritizing resource reallocation from low-impact Quadrant D attributes (promotion programs) to critical Quadrant A attributes, is projected to increase market share by 15–20 percent through improved customer satisfaction while simultaneously reducing unnecessary promotional expenditures. This study fills three critical gaps in existing literature: (1) the absence of integrated multi-attribute analysis in feed marketing research, which has previously focused on single factors such as price or distribution in isolation; (2) the lack of attention to the unique logistical and operational characteristics of the Jabodetabek market, which differ fundamentally from other Indonesian regions; and (3) the limited attempts of previous studies to translate diagnostic IPA results into measurable, actionable implementation strategies with specific targets and timelines, rather than generic recommendations. The novelty of this research lies in its integration of IPA diagnostic results with concrete, time-bound strategic programs tailored specifically to the Jabodetabek context, combined with external market dynamics such as the 2026 soybean meal import policy shift and increasing competition from state-owned feed mills. Together, these contributions provide feed companies with a customer-centric, evidence-based framework for competitive positioning in Indonesia's most challenging poultry feed market.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Supplementation on Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency of Slow-Growing Broiler

Sugiarto Sugiarto, Nuun Marfuah, Aynan Hismafanti Gunawan — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 01:52:57 +0700

Stunting syndrome in broilers is a growth disorder characterized by reduced feed efficiency, slow weight gain, and higher mortality, often caused by digestive disturbances and poor nutrient absorption. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making them a potential natural supplement to enhance growth and health in stunted chickens. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation on the growth performance of broilers experiencing stunting syndrome. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks diagnosed with stunting syndrome were reared for five weeks and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0, 4, 6, 8, and 10% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, each consisting of five birds. Parameters observed included feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, performance index, and mortality rate. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed that Moringa oleifera supplementation had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on feed consumption, body weight gain, performance index, and mortality, but no significant effect (P>0.05) on feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that the dietary inclusion of 8–10% Moringa oleifera leaf meal effectively improves growth performance and survival rate in stunting-affected broilers.

Cultural Resilience of Livestock Production in South West Sumba

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:18:53 +0700

The sustainability of livestock production systems is influenced by environmental, economic, and social conditions, as well as technological advancements. In Sumba, Indonesia, livestock is not only an economic asset but also a symbol of social status, integral to various traditional rituals. This study aimed to identify local livestock production systems and examine the role of culture in their sustainability across three agroecosystem zones: Kodi, Wewewa, and Loura. The research employed a structured survey methodology based on the Livestock On-Farm Trials method and involving 420 farmers. Results show that Sumba's livestock production systems apply an integrated crop- agro-pastoral, kaliwo agroforestry-livestock system, also rangeland-based, predominating in Loura. Socio-cultural aspects strongly influence livestock practices, with sources of capital stemming from agricultural revenues (dry-land and rice fields), kaliwo agroforestry, family inheritance, livestock barter, profit-sharing arrangements, and surplus animals from wedding dowries and other cultural ritual ceremonies. Feed resources are primarily derived from cultivated dry-land and kaliwo agroforestry. Livestock are primarily raised for cultural, ceremonial, and ritual purposes, including funerals, wedding dowries, and the pasola festival, as well as for income and education support. Preservation of local wisdom and socio-cultural values is crucial to advancing sustainable livestock production in Southwest Sumba.

Overcoming the Challenges of Silage Production: Insight into the Importance of Silage Additives

Firla Amalia Resmawan, Asri Peni Wulandari — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:51:50 +0700

The lack of high-quality feed remains a critical global challenge that demands that demands long¬term, sustainable solutions. Ensiling has emerged as a key strategy for preserving forage; yet significant challenges persist, particularly regarding nutrient losses and aerobic spoilage during storage. Poor silage quality not only reduces the net nutritional value of the feed but also adversely affects herd health and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in silage technology, focusing on the pivotal role of additives in enhancing fermentation dynamics, preserving essential nutrients, and maintaining post-opening aerobic stability. The biochemical profile of the feedstock significantly dictates the specific requirement for additives, ranging from water-soluble carbohydrate sources and bacterial inoculants to chemical enzymes and organic acids. Unlike previous literature that predominantly focuses on temperate forages, this study highlights the integration of underutilized tropical biomass resources, such as cassava leaves and oil palm fronds. Furthermore, it explores novel biotechnological interventions, including microencapsulation and multi-omics technologies, which offer innovative pathways to optimize additive efficiency. By bridging conventional conservation practices with advanced molecular tools, this study highlights the potential of silage additives to provide a sustainable, resilient, and region-specific feed supply for the modern livestock sector.