ANIMAL PRODUCTION

In Vitro Digestibility Evaluation Ammoniated Palm Frond as Cattle Feed

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to assess the potential of ammonia-treated palm fronds as a substitute for conventional forage in animal feed through in vitro analysis. The materials used were palm fronds, elephant grass, fine bran, corn, coconut meal, and urea. This study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments applied in this study were: T0: 70% forage (all grass, no ammoniated palm fronds) + 30% concentrate, T1: 70% forage (75% grass, 25% ammoniated palm fronds) + 30% concentrate, T2: 70% forage (equal portions of grass and ammoniated palm fronds) + 30% concentrate, T3: 70% forage (25% grass, 75% ammoniated palm fronds) + 30% concentrate, and T4: 70% forage (entirely ammoniated palm fronds, no grass) + 30% concentrate. The observed variables in this study encompassed pH, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, as well as the digestibility of NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. The data obtained in this experiment were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to the design used. The post hoc test used was Duncan's multiple range test. The experimental results indicated that the treatments did not significantly affect (P>0.05) pH after in vitro testing. However, they had a significant impact (P<0.05) on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. Digestibility increased with the increasing percentage of ammoniated palm fronds in the diet. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the ammoniation process can improve the quality of palm fronds, leading to increased digestibility of palm fronds in the diet. Ammoniated palm fronds can replace forage in cattle feed based on nutrient digestibility in vitro.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli in Broiler Farms in Ciampea Bogor

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:22:29 +0700

Long-term use of antibiotics in broiler chicken farming causes the emergence of resistant bacteria and increases the potential for multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aims to investigate the presence and characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) in broiler farms located in Ciampea, Bogor. A total of 90 samples were taken from three broiler chicken farms located in Ciampea, Bogor. Sampling was carried out by swabbing the cloaca of 1% of the population on each farm. Gram staining and IMVIC biochemical tests were performed on colonies suspected of being E. coli. Confirmation of ESBL-producing E. coli using a double disc diffusion test with MHA. The results showed that ESBL-producing E. coli was present in 28,9% of broiler chicken cloaca swab samples (26/90). Antibiotic resistance tests of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates showed resistance to four antibiotics, namely chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. In this test, 22 isolates showed multidrug-resistant

Development of Slow-Release Urea Additives Using Autoclaved Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Urea via Wet Granulation for Ruminants

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:25:32 +0700

This study developed slow-release urea (SRU) additives using autoclaved oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) and urea via wet granulation to improve nitrogen utilization in ruminants. OPEFB was autoclaved at 121°C and 1 atm pressure to create a stable matrix, which was then combined with urea in different proportions to form SRU. In the first phase, the physical and morphological properties of autoclaved and non-autoclaved OPEFB were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were measured, with hemicellulose calculated as the difference between NDF and ADF. In the second phase, SRU formulations included varying percentages of urea and autoclaved OPEFB: SRU 100 (100% urea), SRU 98 (2% OPEFB), SRU 96 (4% OPEFB), SRU 94 (6% OPEFB), SRU 92 (8% OPEFB), and SRU 90 (10% OPEFB). SEM and FTIR descriptively showed surface changes in OPEFB after autoclaving, including increased porosity. Autoclaving also descriptively reduced NDF, ADF, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents. In vitro rumen incubation revealed that the addition of autoclaved OPEFB in SRU reduced urea release and pH in the rumen at various time intervals: 3, 6, 9, and 24 hours. SRU with autoclaved OPEFB optimizes urea use and controls nitrogen release.

Evaluation of Whey Protein Wafer Supplementation on The Performance and Blood Profile of Weaning Sheep

Widya dwi prasetyoningrum, Yuli Retnani, Tekad Urip Sujarnoko — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:31:07 +0700

The provision of feeder sheep is a problem for farmers due to a high mortality rate among pre- and post-weaned lambs. Whey protein contains amino acids, glucose, and immunoglobulin which facilitate immunity enhancement and body weight gain. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementing whey protein wafer on the performance and profile of weaning sheep. A total of 12 ewe were randomly allotted to 3 treatments: P0 (non-supplemented feed); P1 (1.5% whey protein wafer supplement; and P2 (3% whey protein wafer supplement). Each treatment was replicated four times. The results showed that the whey protein wafer supplement treatment significantly (P<0.05) affected erythrocytes, leukocytes, monocytes, glucose, and cholesterol. Wafer with 3% whey protein supplement showed the best average daily gain, a normal range of blood profile, and a good performance compared to other treatments. The normal blood profiles reflect the sound health of the sheep.

Effect of Thermomechanical Fermented Soybean Meal on Javanese Super Chicken’s Performance, Protease, and Blood Metabolic

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:36:39 +0700

Soybean meal, feedstuff obtained from soy seed oil extraction, is a common feed ingredient for poultry despite containing antinutritional factors (ANFs), which can alter digestive activity and decrease poultry productivity. ANFs are reportedly eliminable by fermentation protocol. This study identified the effect of thermomechanical Fermented Soybean Meal (FSBM) on Javanese Super Chicken’s protease activity, blood metabolism, and growth performance. A total of 90-day-old chicks (DOCs) of Indonesian male Javanese Super Chicken were allotted to three treatment groups: CON (non-FSBM); T1 (FSBM with Bacillus subtilis); T2 (FSBM with Aspergillus niger). All groups were replicated six times with five birds each. The study was conducted for 76 days, and all birds were healthy and vaccinated with Newcastle Diseases (ND), Lasota, and Gumboro A. The result indicated that thermomechanical FSBM affected significantly (P<0.05) daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, total protein, total albumin, and globulin. Protease activity was not affected by the treatments.

Livestock Business Development Strategies of Beef Cattle in Pangandaran District

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:25:21 +0700

The Pangandaran Regency in West Java has shown an increasing trend of beef cattle population over the past three years, reaching its peak of 18,938 in 2021, which indicates a potential opportunity for the development of beef cattle farming businesses. It is crucial to understand the key factors and strategies for this development. The study utilized a participatory survey method and the Harry King Nomogram technique to sample beef cattle farmers, collecting and analyzing the primary and secondary with descriptive, SWOT, and qualitative modeling analyses. The results showed that farmers in both lowland and highland areas were predominantly productive-aged. Performance metrics such as average service per conception and calving interval were observed at 14.48 and 2.37 in lowland areas, and 16.68 and 2.25 in highland areas, respectively. Key factors influencing the development of beef cattle farming in Pangandaran Regency included the availability of agricultural land, a supportive community environment, and effective breeding management. The SWOT analysis positioned both lowland and highland areas in quadrant I, suggesting that an aggressive growth-oriented strategy would be the most appropriate. Proposed strategies include increasing beef cattle population by optimizing agricultural land use, introducing technologies for processing forage feed and agricultural waste, aligning production with market demands through integrated farming practices, and implementing effective livestock waste management systems.

Exploring the Personality Types of Sheep Farmers and Influencing Factors in Banjarnegara Regency

Mochamad Sugiarto, Danang Nur Cahyo, Yusmi Nur Wakhidati, Dyah Gandasari — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:31:30 +0700

This study explores the personality types of sheep farmers in Banjarnegara Regency and the influencing factors to their personality. Utilizing a quantitative approach with survey design, we collected data from 100 sheep farmers across various agroecological zones in the regency. The analysis revealed that the majority of sheep farmers were middle-aged (48.7 years on average) and extroverted (59%). Extroverted farmers tend to be younger, more open to innovation, and having higher education levels than their introverted counterparts. Logistic regression analysis identified age and education as significant factors influencing personality types (p<0.05), with older farmers were more likely introverted while extroverted farmers were associated with higher education levels. The findings suggest that personality traits drive sheep farmers in their farming practices, decision-making, and adaptability to change. This study has underscored the importance of tailored training programs and educational opportunities to enhance the productivity and welfare of sheep farmers in Banjarnegara. Future research should delve deeper into the interplay between personality types and other socio-economic factors to develop more effective empowerment strategies for livestock farmers.