ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Phytogenic Turmeric–Ginger Blend Enhances Nutrient Digestibility and Enzyme Activity in Broiler Chickens

Dyanovita Al Kurnia, Ririn Novita; Fitri Dian Perwitasari — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:05:38 +0700

This study examined the effects of turmeric–ginger flour supplementation on the digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens as a natural substitute for synthetic feed additives. The research was motivated by two major challenges in poultry production: the high cost of feed, which contributes to about 60–70% of total expenses, and the growing concern over antibiotic resistance. One hundred one-day-old Lohmann MB Platinum broilers were randomly divided into five groups, each with four replications, receiving 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% supplementation levels. The birds were raised for 35 days in open cages with free access to feed and water. At the end of the trial, intestinal digesta from the duodenum to the ileum were collected, frozen at −70 °C, and analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to measure amylase, protease, and lipase activities with substrates including 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, azocasein, and Tris buffer systems. Results showed a significant dose-dependent increase (P < 0.01) in enzyme activity. The 0.8% treatment yielded the highest values: 105.90 ± 1.05 U/g for amylase, 421.42 ± 6.96 U/g for protease, and 260.70 ± 5.71 U/g for lipase, indicating enhanced digestive performance and nutrient utilization in broilers.

Impact of Indonesia's Corn Import Restriction Policy on Feed Production Costs and Feed Price Dynamics in the Feedmill Industry

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:24:49 +0700

This study examines the impact of Indonesia's corn import ban on production costs and feed prices in the feedmill industry. Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, we analyzed monthly time-series data from January 2020 to August 2025 (68 observations) obtained from the Indonesian Feedmill Association (GPMT) and Statistics Indonesia (BPS), and conducted in-depth interviews with five key industry stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression with the Cochrane-Orcutt transformation to correct for autocorrelation, log-log regression models to estimate elasticity, and descriptive statistics with volatility measures to assess seasonal patterns. Interview data were transcribed, coded using thematic analysis, and triangulated with the quantitative findings. The results show that the import ban significantly increased feed production costs, raising broiler feed costs by IDR 78.28/kg and layer feed costs by IDR 69.84/kg. Feed prices were highly inelastic to corn price changes, with elasticity coefficients of 0.030 for broiler feed and 0.064 for layer feed. The policy also increased volatility in corn availability and prices during off-harvest seasons (January–April and October–November). These findings suggest that although the policy aims to protect domestic corn farmers, it imposes substantial cost pressures on the downstream feed industry, underscoring the need for policy approaches that balance upstream and downstream interests.

Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality in Relation to Body Weight, Feed Efficiency, and Health of Broilers: A Case Study

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:05:37 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drinking water quality improvement on broiler chicken performance at CV Dua Warna Perkasa. The research employed a comparative observational study design with a pre-post intervention approach, utilizing data collected from three commercial farms before and after the implementation of a comprehensive water quality improvement program. Parameters observed included mortality rate, average body weight (ABW), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Feed Efficiency (FE), and Performance Index (IP). Water quality was assessed through microbiological analysis of samples collected from the source, storage tank, and nipple points, compared against SNI 6488:2019 and Cobb-Vantress 2020 standards. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, and Spearman's correlation. The results showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in all performance parameters after water quality treatment. Mortality rates decreased from 12.00% to 3.77% in Dendi Farm, 10.61% to 3.49% in Endin Farm, and 13.65% to 3.58% in Noh B Farm. Average body weight (ABW) increased significantly in all farms, while FCR improved from an average of 1.731 to 1.496. The Performance Index showed remarkable improvement from an average of 301 to 449, with Cohen's d effect size of 9.42 (very large). Correlation analysis revealed a very strong relationship between water quality and production performance (Spearman's rho = 0.836-0.867; p < 0.05). The study concludes that water quality management is a critical factor in broiler production efficiency and health maintenance, with significant implications for farm profitability through improved feed efficiency and reduced mortality.

Global Research Trends on the Utilization of Black Soldier Fly in Ruminant Nutrition (2004–2025): A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:59:45 +0700

The growing demand for sustainable protein sources in ruminant production systems has intensified scientific interest in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens L.) as an alternative feed ingredient. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global scientific publications on the use of BSFL in ruminant nutrition. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database for the period 2004–2025 and analysed using established bibliometric tools to assess publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks, source concentration, and thematic evolution. A total of 194 peer-reviewed documents were identified, published across 115 sources by 903 authors, with a mean of 6.0 authors per article and 36.08% international co-authorship. Publication output increased markedly over the past decade, indicating that BSFL research has emerged as a rapidly developing and multidisciplinary field. Thematic analysis revealed a clear transition from early studies centred on basic biology and waste bioconversion toward applied research addressing ruminant nutrition, feed efficiency, and sustainability. Source analysis further showed that although insect- and feed-specific journals dominate publication volume, environmental journals attract disproportionately higher citation intensity, suggesting that the field remains conceptually anchored in circular-economy frameworks rather than fully integrated into mainstream animal nutrition science.