Marine Invertebrate Inventory at Ai Limung Beach, Teluk Saleh, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Saleh Bay, which is a semi-enclosed water body bordering the Flores Sea, is located in the northeast coastal region of Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara. This area has potential for the utilization of various natural resources such as fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and industry. Increased human activities and ongoing development around the coastal area of Teluk Saleh have put pressure on marine habitats, impacting ecosystem health and water quality. Invertebrate biota, as part of the kingdom Animalia, play an important role in ecosystems as environmental bioindicators and providers of significant ecological services. However, data on the presence and diversity of marine invertebrates in this area are still very limited. Therefore, this study was conducted at Ai Limung Beach, Pungkit Village, Sumbawa Regency, with the aim of identifying marine invertebrate species and evaluating their ecological and economic roles. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for stakeholders in managing marine resources in the Teluk Saleh area, supporting conservation efforts, and facilitating sustainable resource utilization policies

Sexual Dimorphism in Scavenging Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata): Differences in their Growth Traits, Physiological and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters

The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a widely distributed domestic waterfowl species known for its adaptability and scavenging behaviour. This study investigates the impacts of sex on growth traits, physiological, and haemato-biochemical parameters in scavenging adult Muscovy ducks. 100 adult Muscovy ducks (27 males and 73 females) were sampled from free-ranging scavenging populations. Data were collected on growth traits, physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters. The data collected were subjected to t-test and correlation analyses. The results showed significant sexual dimorphism in growth traits, with male Muscovy ducks consistently outperforming females. Body temperature and rectal temperature did not show a significant (p0.05) difference. Significant (p0.05) differences in heartbeats and respiratory rates were observed. Males exhibited higher mean values for PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, and MCHC. Females demonstrated higher mean values for platelets, MCV, MCH and Neutrophils. Serum biochemical parameters showed no significant effect (p0.05) in all the variables except in urea, in which males had a higher value. Sex-related variations are essential for optimizing management practices, assessing health status, and increasing the productivity of Muscovy ducks

Studies on the Biochemical Composition of the Whole, Flesh and Exoskeleton of Two Penaeid Species from Makoko Fish Landing Sites, of the Lagos Lagoon, South-West Nigeria

Shrimps remain a healthy seafood option found in most recipes of people all over the world due to its rich supply of protein, vitamins and minerals. With this and several reasons, it becomes pertinent for consumers to be informed on the choice of the parts of the shrimps they eat. This study therefore, sought to examined the morphometric characters and the biochemical composition of the whole, flesh and exoskeleton of P. monodon and P. longirostris from Lagos Lagoon. Using standard methods, the species were collected monthly between November, 2022 and February, 2023 and later subjected to various laboratory procedures. The morphometric characters showed that P. monodon is larger than P. longirostris with the total length ranging from 11.00 - 20.00 cm, 8.00 - 14.00 cm, total weight ranged between 9.10 - 30.40 g, 5.70 - 15.50 g (before de-shelling) and 5.60 -15.80 g, 3.20 - 6.00 g (after de-shelling) for P. monodon and P. longirostris respectively. The proximate composition varied significantly (p0.05) in both species for the whole body, flesh and the exoskeleton. The flesh of the species contained the highest amount of moisture (7.91, 7.62 %), crude protein (44.01, 45.63 %) and crude fat (1.12, 1.59 %) while the exoskeleton had the highest amount of crude fibre (0.30, 0.23 %), total ash (36.62, 33.82 %) and total carbohydrate (40.87, 41.20 %) for P. monodon and P. longirostris respectively. The minerals analysis indicated that the exoskeleton of the two species had the highest mineral contents with Calcium been the highest (20.580.06 g/100g, 18.920.11 g/100g) of all the minerals for P. monodon and P. longirostris respectively. Based on this nutritional composition, the various parts of both species are recommended for consumption by all human age groups depending on individual preference. The exoskeleton and the shrimp head which are often considered as waste from shrimp processing could serve a potential alternative for industries engaged in animal feed formulation. It is therefore pertinent to pay attention to shrimp nutritional composition which will be of importance to shellfish biologist and aquaculturist during the feed formulation

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Birds at Taman Rusa, Aceh Besar

Captive animals are not immune to infectious diseases, including parasitic infections that can be fatal. Prolonged periods of captivity can increase the likelihood of transmission between animals and humans. This study was conducted to identify and document the parasites that infect birds housed at Taman Rusa in the Aceh Besar District. The collected fecal samples were placed in labeled sample bottles containing formalin and stored in ice boxes. Fecal samples were collected, preserved in 10% formalin, and examined using flotation, sedimentation, formol-ether, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. The data obtained from the examination of the fecal samples were tabulated and descriptively analyzed. The results of fecal sample examinations carried out on 60 birds (representing 28 species) indicated that 39 birds (19 species) were infected with parasites. The nematode class included Heterakis sp. (3.33%), Capillaria sp. (13.3%), Trichuris sp. (6.67%), and Strongyloides sp. (8.3%). The cestode class included Hymenolepis sp. (10%), while the trematode class included Neodiplostomum sp. (1.67%). Additionally, the class Conoidasida protozoa included Eimeria sp. (33.3%) and Isospora sp. (1.67%). The highest prevalence of helminth infection was observed in Capillaria sp. infection (13.3%), while Eimeria sp. exhibited the highest prevalence of protozoan infection (35%). The findings deliver valuable guidance for veterinary health management, disease surveillance, and biosecurity strategies in avian conservation facilities. The identification of parasites with established pathogenic and zoonotic potential, including Strongyloides sp. and Capillaria sp., highlights the significance of these results for both avian health and potential public health risks

Species Variation and Collection Time on the Nutrients and Microbial Loads of Some Frozen Marine Fishes Sold in Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the influence of collection time and species type on the nutritional compositions and microbial loads of some frozen marine fish species sold in the Dambatta local government area of Kano State. Three fish species; Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus, Linnaeus, 1758), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Linnaeus, 1758), and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, Linnaeus, 1758) were assessed. Nine pieces of each fish species were collected at three different times designated as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd collection times between when a new supply is received and almost finished, making a total of 27 fish from the cold room in Dambatta town. The proximate, free fatty acid, mineral compositions and microbial loads of the samples were analyzed. The results indicated that both the species type and collection time significantly affected all the proximate composition and free fatty acids, except carbohydrates. that was not different among the collection times. Crude protein was significantly higher in T. trachurus than in other species and the highest was 21.93 0.04% collected at the 3rd time. The highest lipid (4.97 0.02%) was also in T. trachurus but at the 2nd collection. Free fatty acid was also significantly higher in T. trachurus. All the minerals were also influenced by the species but collection time affected only the iron and manganese. For the microbial population, Salmonella sp. was influenced by both the species and collection time, it was higher significantly in T. trachurus, and the least was recorded in the first collection. E. coli was higher significantly in S. scrombrus than others and the highest was observed in the 2nd collection. T. trachurus is the best in terms of nutritional composition while the first collection had a higher microbial load, all the microbial loads were within the safety level for fish consumption

Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Cost-Efficiency of Broiler Chickens Administered Higher Doses of Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) and Larvacide

The use of plant-based additives has helped in the improvement of feed utilization, performance, and poultry welfare. Yohimbe is a botanical additive that could be used to achieve these objectives. A total of 225 broiler chickens were randomly into five (5) treatment groups. The group includes: T1 = Control, T2 = 5mg/kg Larvicide, T3 = 240 mg/kg Yohimbe, T4 = 300mg/kg Yohimbe, T5 = 360mg/kg Yohimbe was further divided into 3 replicates. All replicate groups had 15 chickens each with relatively similar live weights. Feed was served to chickens ad libitum at the starter and finisher phases, while data were collected on intake, growth, and later, feed digestibility. Results showed that chickens served 300mg/kg Yohimbe diet had better digestion of carbohydrates, energy, crude fiber, and livability, while other performance parameters were unaffected. It is therefore concluded that Yohimbe can be included up to 300 mg/kg, above which there was a decline in the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens

New Distribution Record and Genetic Relationship of Bottlenose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) Found in the Waters of Meulaboh, West Aceh

Bottlenose Wedgefishes are fish that belong to the subclass Elasmobranchii, which are cartilaginous fish. West Aceh waters are one of the areas directly connected to the Indian Ocean. Bottlenose Wedgefish can be found in the Indian Ocean. Some information on Bottlenose Wedgefish DNA has now developed molecular approaches, which provide a fast and precise alternative to identify species. This research activity aims to report the presence of Bottlenose Wedgefish sharks (Rhynchobatus australiae) and analyze the relationship between Bottlenose Wedgefish sharks found in West Aceh with other regions. This research was conducted from October to December 2021. The specimens were taken from the Ujong Baroh Fish Landing Site (PPI), West Aceh, and analyzed at the Laboratory of Genetics and Aquatic Biodiversity, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Syiah Kuala University. The results of the study resulted in several conclusions, namely the Query Cover value of Meulaboh 1 and Meulaboh 2 samples of 93%. The Ident value of 99.70%-99.85% indicates that the same species is R. australiae. Thymine (T) nucleotide composition is 30.8%, Cytosine (C) is 24.9%, Adenine (A) is 27.4%, and Guanine (G) is 16.9%. Based on the results of phylogenetic tree reconstruction, the relationship between Rhynchobatus australiae Meulaboh samples 1 and 2 has a close kinship with Rhynchobatus australiae from India1, India2, India3, Malaysia1, Indonesia3, and Indonesia5. This research confirms the presence of Rhynchobatus australiae in West Aceh and establishes a close genetic link to regional populations

Pig Management and Biosecurity Measures against African Swine-Fever (ASF) Disease: After the outbreak in Lagos State

This study identified management and biosecurity measures taken against ASF disease before and after the outbreak. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) pig farmers from fifteen communities represented the sample population in Lagos State. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information from farmers, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that about 34% of respondents experienced the disease outbreak for the first time, while 66% had previously witnessed an outbreak. However, only 53.3% of the total respondents had experienced an ASF outbreak within the last three years. Management-wise, the majority of farms (90.8%) practiced an intensive management system, while the remaining 9.2% practiced a semi-intensive system. Most farmers (69.7%) sourced their water from boreholes. For health and safety, 35.5% of farmers reported burying their waste. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of respondents claimed occasional use of veterinary services for their livestock. It can be deduced from this study that a lack of adequate knowledge and training on biosecurity, the indiscriminate purchase of stock without quarantining, and reliance on water sources other than boreholes predisposed farmers to the disease. In conclusion, farmers are encouraged to establish strict biosecurity protocols, consistently use veterinary services, and ensure appropriate waste disposal to prevent contracting and spreading the disease

Performance, Physiological and Blood Profile of Kalawad Bucks fed Brachiaria Ruziziensis or Panicum maximum

This study evaluated growth performance, physiological parameters and blood profile of crosses between Kalahari Red bucks and West African Dwarf does (KalaWAD) fed ruzi (Brachiaria ruziziensis) and/or guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Twelve (12) KalaWAD bucks were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments: Panicum maximum (PM), Brachiaria ruziziensis (BR) and 1:1 mixture of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria ruziziensis (PMBR) for 84 days. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance using a completely randomized design. Crude protein (p0.05) and ether extract (p0.05) were in the range from 5.68-7.35% and 0.82-1.11% respectively. Crude fibre (p0.05) and ash content (p0.05) were highest in PM with values of 37.75% and 11.38% respectively. PMBR had a dry matter content of 90.93% while the highest value of nitrogen free extract (55.19%) was observed in BR. PM recorded the highest weight gain of 2.75 kg and feed conversion ratio of 14.19. The daily weight gain of crosses fed PM, BR and PMBR were 49.11 gday-1 , 35.00 gday-1 and 34. gday-1 respectively. The feed conversion ratio was in the range between 14.19 and 20.64. Physiological parameters were significantly (p0.05) influenced with highest values in heart (88.121.02 beat/minutes) and pulse rate (72.280.61 beat/minutes) of bucks fed with PM while highest value of rectal temperature was observed to be 38.58oC in BR. Haematological parameters (p0.05) of the bucks fed with PM, BR and PMBR were within the normal range. Total bilirubin, Zinc and Sodium were significantly (p0.05) influenced by the diets. The study concluded that the experimental diets promoted growth rate, haematological and physiological parameters which resulted in healthy and better performance as observed in KalaWAD bucks fed with PM

Abundance, Morphometrics, Length-Weight Relationship, and Condition Factors of Lola Snails (Rochia Niloticus L) in the Waters of Sarang Island, Belakang Padang, Batam

Lola snails (Rochia niloticus) are biota that are widely consumed by coastal communities in Batam waters. Even though it is not a favored commodity, exploitation that does not consider sustainability can lead to population scarcity in nature. This research aims to collect comprehensive data regarding the abundance, morphometrics, and weight-length relationship of Lola snails in the waters of Sarang Island, Batam. Sampling was carried out at 3 locations, including Kajang, Piring, and Layang Islands. The Lola snail sampling method was carried out using purposive sampling. Water quality measurements are carried out in situ. Morphometric data were collected by measuring the body dimensions of Lola snails using digital calipers. Abundance was determined based on the number of individuals per unit area, and the length-weight relationship was analyzed using linear regression to determine growth patterns. The research results show that the condition of the aquatic environment still meets the environmental quality standards set by the Ministry of Environment No. 51 of 2004. The abundance of Lola snails was in range of 0.22- 0.97 ind/m2, and the highest was found on Kajang Island. The results of morphometric measurements showed that the highest shell length, weight, and shell width were observed in Lola snail samples from Kajang Island with values of 48.40 25.28 mm, 68.77 101.55 mg, and 44.42 23.28 mm. There is a relationship between the growth patterns of Lola snails caught at three stations which have negative allometric growth patterns, where Kajang Island, Piring Island, and Layang Island have negative allometric growth patterns (b3) with exponential values of 0.9685, 1.5121, and 2.5471, respectively. The value of relative weight condition factor (Wr) shows a value close to 100 on Kajang, Piring, and Layang Island, namely 102.753 and 104.812, 99.654, which indicates that Lola snails were in good condition during the research