Correlation and determination of the Metabolizable Energy (ME) of tropical forage with nutrient content for ruminants

The metabolizable energy (ME) of tropical forages measured by in vivo method in ruminants had a high degree of accuracy but requires a long time and is expensive. One method that can be done is the ME estimation model. The objectives of the present study were carried out to investigate the relationship between tropical forage nutrient content and ME for ruminants as well as determine and validate a model for estimating ME of tropical forage based on nutrient content. A total of 26 forage samples consisting of 14 types of grass and 12 legumes were obtained after data pre-processing or data cleaning and data normalization. Forage samples will be grouped into 3, Grass + Legume (G+L=26), grass (R=14), and legume (L=12). The database used is Crude Protein (CP), Extract Ether (EE), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose as well as ME with in vivo experiments. The initial stage is preprocessing data. Nutrient content and ME were analyzed using Pearson Correlation and followed by multiple linear regression to determine the ME estimation model. However, validated used the mean absolute deviation (MAD), root means square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results showed that there was a significant and highly significantly correlated between nutrient composition and ME in the Grass + Legume, Grass, and Legume groups so it could be used to determine ME. There are 9 regression equations with significance and have high R2 and after being validated with the lowest MAD, RMSE, and MAPE values, three regression equations are obtained with one each for each group Grass + Legume (G+L), Grass (R), and Legumes (L). It is concluded that the regression equation of ME of tropical forage is MER+L = 12.429 – 0.122 ADF for Grass + Legume, EMR = 15.609 – 0.115 NDF for Grass, and EML = 3.726 – 0.186 CP for Legume

Productivity of comet goldfish (Carassius auratus) cultured in aquaponics system using fine bubbles (FBs)

Water quality is an important factor in the process of fish farming. This study aims to determine the application of FBs pressure that can increase the productivity of comet goldfish farming in an aquaponic system. The research was carried out from January to March 2022 at the Ciparanje Green House, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) experimental method with four treatments and three replications. The treatment used was the application of FBs pressure of 0 atm (A), 5.25 atm (B), 5.5 atm (C), and 5.75 atm (D). Maintenance of test fish for 30 days with ad satiation feeding. Observation of fish growth through sampling is done by taking fish 10% of the total population randomly in each pond. Data were analyzed using the F test at a 95% confidence level, followed by Duncan's multiple range test with a 95% confidence level, while water quality data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the specific daily growth rate of FBs 5.75 was 2.51%, the absolute length growth was 3.33%, the absolute weight growth was 1.70 grams and the fish survival rate was 99.3%. It was concluded that the use of FBs in the aquaponic system can increase production of the system.

Haematological effect of chlorfenapyr-exposed freshwater African mud catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The effects of chlorfenapyr pesticide were investigated on juvenile of Clarias gariepinus. Sub-lethal test was carried out using 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 mgL-1 of chlorfenapyr pesticide for 96 hours, and peripheral blood was collected through the caudal vein and examined for haematological changes. There was significant reduction (P0.05) in WBC when compared to the control. RBC increase was directly proportional to increase in chlorfenapyr dose and significantly differed from control (p0.05). HGB increased in a dose-dependent manner. MCV values of all treatment groups, except 15 mgL-1, were higher when compared to control. MCH was not significantly different from control. PLT decreased with increase in concentration and was lower for all treatment when compared with control. Results obtained in this study suggest that exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of chlorfenapyr can alter the haematological indices of non-target organisms

Bioremediation of shrimp pond wastewater using effective microorganism-4 (EM4)

The problems of shrimp farming with semi-intensive systems are leftover feed, organic matter, and toxic compounds that can reduce water quality. Shrimp pond wastewater treatment can be done through several technologies, such as chemical, physical, and biological treatment. One of biological treatment that widely used for wastewater treatment is bioremediation. Bioremediation is a biological process that utilizes microorganisms to decompose waste in aquaculture ponds into compounds that are not harmful to aquatic biota. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of effective microorganism-4 (EM4) in reducing ammonia compounds and BOD levels in shrimp pond wastewater. The research method used is a laboratory-scale experimental method. A total of 6 aquariums were used for 3 different treatments with two replications, control, adding EM4 2.5% and EM4 3% into 5 L of wastewater. The water quality parameters observed were dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, ammonia, and BOD. The one-way ANOVA test was used in this study. The results showed that there was a decrease in ammonia and BOD levels. The highest reduction of ammonia was found in the treatment with the addition of EM4 2.5%.  The decrease in BOD with the highest effectiveness was found in the control treatment (37.73%) with the initial BOD value 5.3 to 3.3. mg/l, which fulfilled the allowed maximum level of standard of Ministerial Decree No. KKP. KEP.28/MEN/2004 concerning General Guidelines for Shrimp Cultivation in Ponds. In conclusion, the small dosage addition of EM4 did not have a significant effect on decreasing levels of ammonia and BOD

Growth pattern and condition index of exploited Meretrix meretrix (Linnaeus, 1758) at Kambu River estuary, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Meretrix meretrix is one of the economical shellfish that has been exploited in Kendari Bay, Indonesia. Several studies have been done, but its growth pattern and condition index are not fully known. This study aims to determine its growth pattern and condition index at the Kambu River estuary, Kendari Bay. This research was conducted for 6 months from August 2021 to January 2022. Clams were collected using a rake, cleaned, and brought to the laboratory to be measured for length and weight using calipers and scales with an accuracy of 0.1 mm and 0.01g, respectively. Furthermore, the clam meat was dried using an oven and weighed. Data on growth and condition index were analyzed using simple regression and the Mann-Whitney test, respectively. The results showed that the growth of M. meretrix was in negative allometric conditions, with b values in males and females in the range of 2.20-3.00 and 1.86-2.73, respectively. The condition index of male and female clam ranged from 1.86-2.62 and 1.66-2.41, respectively, and differed significantly by month. The results of the Mann-Whitney test on clam showed that there was no significant difference between August-November and December-January. In conclusion, male and female clam had relatively different patterns based on the observation period, while the condition index was in the skinny and medium categor

Length-weight relationships and condition index of Pokea clams (Batissa violacea var. celebensis, von Martens 1897) in the Laeya River, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

The length-weight relationship and condition index of pokea clams in the Laeya River are not fully known. This study was aimed to determine the length-weight relationship and condition index of pokea clams in the Laeya River, Southeast Sulawesi. This research was conducted 10 months from May 2016 to February 2017 in the Laeya River, Southeast Sulawesi. Pokea clams are collected using a shovel. The length and weight of each clam was using calipers and analytical scales with accuracy of 0.05 mm and 0.01 g, respectively. The weight of the shell and dried meat was obtained by drying the shells first using an oven and weighing using an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.01 g and 0.0001 g, respectively. The results showed that the relationship between length and weight of pokea clams in males and females were 2.61 and 2.78, respectively; with R2 values of 0.89 and 0.93, respectively. The highest b values for males and females were found in July with values of 3.03 and 2.94, respectively. The lowest b value was found in November with values of 2.45 and 2.46, respectively. The condition index values for males and females were 4.7 ± 2.2 and 5.17 ± 2.32, respectively. The highest condition index was found in May with values of 6.00 ± 3.07 and 7.83 ± 2.55, respectively. The condition index values for males and females increased with increasing shell size. Male and female at the largest size (6.01-6.05 cm) had the highest index with values of 8.05 ± 6.41 and 9.12 ± 3.38, respectively. In conclusions, the growth was negative allometric pattern, condition index was in fat category, and had peak spawning in July and experienced partial spawning in September-February

Short communication: Length-frequency distribution, length-weight relationship and condition factor of two grey mullets from Lagos Lagoon

There is a growing interest in examining of economically important fish species with excellent mariculture potentials in lagoons of coastal states. Members of the family Mugilidae, which are permanent residents in Lagos Lagoon form a mainstay of fish protein source and are potential candidates for such investigations. Length-frequency distribution, length-weight relationship, condition factor and molecular characteristics of two grey mullets, Mugil cephalus and Liza falcipinniswere investigated in Lagos Lagoon. A total of 52 samples (26 specimens of each species) of the fish were collected from the Lagos Lagoon. The standard length ranged from 10.0 – 19.2 cm and 12.0 – 18.2 cm for M. cephalus and L. falcipinnis respectively, with corresponding weights of 13.90 – 105.00 g and 36.00-129.00 g respectively. The growth pattern of the species showed negative allometric, b = 0.32 and 0.65 respectively. The condition factors were 1.81 and 2.16 respectively and this meant both species were in good condition

Assessment of heavy metals in water, fish tissues and soil from selected fish farms in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Heavy metals were determined in samples of fish tissues, soil, and water from nine randomly selected fish farms based on production facility (earthen pond) in the Ekiti Central (EC), Ekiti North (EN) and Ekiti South (ES) senatorial districts of Ekiti state. Fresh fish samples were collected and tissues from the dorsal area were used for analysis. Soil samples were collected using a soil auger, air-dried and stored in a sterile and well-labeled polythene bag. The water samples were collected using sterile bottles (2L) and labeled. After digestion of samples, Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Co), Chromium (Ch), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The levels of Co, Cd and Pb which are disastrous to fish species were observed to be elevated while Zn and Cu were observed to accumulate in the fish tissues. It was revealed that the heavy metals concentration across the districts was higher when compared with recommended standards. This suggests a dire need for intervention in controlling water pollution which is posed by anthropogenic activities in the state. It is recommended that there should be a reduction in the use of chemicals with high concentrations of heavy metals which is a significant source of pollution in the environment

The characteristics of gelatin from fish waste: A review

Gelatin is a commonly used ingredient in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It is obtained through the hydrolysis process of collagen, the main protein found in animal connective tissues. Fish waste such as skin and bone are a promising source for gelatin, however the characteristics of gelatin can vary depending on its source. The purpose of this review is to compare the characteristics of gelatin from fish skin and bones, such as yield, gel strength, and viscosity. The research findings indicate significant differences in the characteristics of gelatin from different types of fish skin and bones. In this study, it was found that gelatin with the best characteristics was derived from the skin of mackerel fish, with a yield of 5.90%, viscosity of 7 cP, and gel strength of 328.57 g bloom. Meanwhile, gelatin from the bones of tilapia fish had a yield of 8.10%, viscosity of 5.85 cP, and gel strength of 376.21 g bloom. It was concluded that gelatin from various types of fish skin and bones had different characteristics, so the specific purpose of using the obtained gelatin had to be considered. 

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains among pigs

Growing evidence of resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin (MRSA) is worrying. Domestic pigs are potential asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus, including strains resistant to methicillin, which poses a serious threat to meat consumers. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in nasal swaps of selected pigs. This study investigated one hundred and fifty (150) nasal swabs of pigs from fifteen (15) selected pig farms (PGF) within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to assess their levels of exposure to S. aureus and MRSA carriage. Isolation, characterization, and identification of S. aureus and MRSA were done using Mannitol Salt Agar (Oxoid, UK) and Mannitol Salt Agar supplemented with 4µg/ml oxacillin, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were done using disc diffusion protocols, while presence of MRSA mecA genes was characterised using PCR. Thirty percent (30 %) of 150 analyzed swabs were positive for S. aureus, of which 13 (28.9 %) contained MRSA. MRSA were found in nasal swabs of animals from 9 different farms. All 13 (100%) MRSA isolates contained the mecA gene and were resistant to penicillin, 5 (38.5 %) were resistant to vancomycin and were characterized by multidrug resistance. The results of this study show that 38.5 % of examined pigs were infected with MRSA posing a serious threat to humans. These findings highlight the significant threat posed by MRSA in pigs, raising concerns for human health and emphasizing the importance of effective surveillance and control measures in livestock production to mitigate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens to consumers. Therefore, it was concluded that the MRSA was detected in pig from 9 different farms, indicating a widespread distribution.