Efficacy of Iron-Rich Premix Mineral Supplementation on Egg Yolk's Fe Content and Egg Quality

Iron's significance in human health and diseases has been extensively examined in recent reviews, leading to the consensus that iron insufficiency is a worldwide issue requiring immediate attention. Fe-enriched eggs are significant for delivering this essential trace mineral to humans. This study aimed to assess the effects of adding premix minerals on the physical and chemical quality of eggs and the yolk's iron levels. 1,680 Lohman brown laying hens, aged 31 weeks (body weight: 1.70±0.11 kg, egg production average: 81.2 %), were divided into two groups (n = 840) and fed different diets for six weeks. The diets included a basal diet (CON) and a diet enriched with a 2.5 g / kg food premix mineral (PM-Fe). The findings indicated that there was no impact on the physical and chemical quality of the eggs. However, compared to the control diet, the addition of premix significantly enhanced the iron level in the yolk after 42 days (p<0.05). To summarize, adding 2.5 g per kg of premix mineral (which contains 12.6 g per kg of iron premix) can result in a 23.4% rise in iron content in the diet and a 15.7% increase in iron content in the egg yolk

Technical Note: Silo Type for Laboratory Scale Experiment on the Silage Quality

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of silo type for laboratory scale on chemical compositions, fermentation characteristics, and microbial counts of silage. Four typical silos use on a laboratory scale, consisting of transparent plastic bags (Silo A), black plastic bags (Silo B), transparent plastic bags covered with a bucket (Silo C), and transparent plastic bags covered with a sack (Silo D). All silo types were used to ensilage 5 kg Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) for 21 d. Each Silo was conducted in triplicate. After ensiling, Silo C had higher crude protein with lower ammonia compared to other Silos (p<0.05). In addition, the Silo C resulted in lower pH, butyrate, and yeast with higher lactate and lactic acid bacteria (p<0.05) compared to other Silos. Silo C had the lowest bulginess, which indicated the optimum ensiling process. The present study concluded that ensiling forage with Silo C is more suitable and recommended for laboratory scale, which can reduce the errors, especially in the nutrient loss, production of ammonia, lactate, and butyrate, and also the counts of microbes in the silage.

Technological Acceptance of Cattle Farmers in Mobile Applications for Livestock Digital Marketing

The farmers have encountered challenges in conducting livestock trade due to the absence of dealer activity caused by Anthrax and Foot Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemics. In this context, it is crucial to utilize technology in livestock marketing to obtain current market information from distant marketplaces and reduce the risk of contagion. To meet these purposes, a mobile phone application has been developed in order to be used by cattle farmers; after that, market testing has been conducted to gain feedback and determine the segmentation. Thus, the study aimed to examine the differences in the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social impact amongst farmers who are willing and unwilling to embrace a mobile phone application for digital marketing. A total of 968 cattle farmers were surveyed with stratified random sampling techniques in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data obtained were analyzed using mean difference inferential analysis. The result showed that farmers with various categories of age, education, farm revenue, farmers group, farmer experience, cattle ownership, and regions have significantly different (p<0.01) perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PE), and social influence (SI) on mobile applications for livestock digital marketing. Furthermore, farmers willing to adopt mobile application have significantly higher (p<0.01) PU, PE, and SI factors. This study recommends mobile app developers evaluate potential user needs and background factors that may influence farmers' interest

Characteristics and Antibacterial Activity of ZnO Nanoparticle Fortified Probiotic Yogurt

Zinc deficiency is a major health issue in developing nations, especially in Southeast and South Asia. To address this, food fortification using nanotechnology, such as ZnO nanoparticles deemed safe by the US FDA, can enhance daily zinc intake essential for growth and immune health. This research emphasizes on yoghurt fortification with various types: ZnO nanoparticle fortification and the addition of probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum IIA-1A5 (Accession Number: OR473281) and aims to analyze the nutritional value, characteristics, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and antibacterial activity of probiotic yogurt fortified with ZnO nanoparticles. There were six levels of treatment designed in this study and each treatment was tested three times. The statistical test used in analyzing the nutritional value, characteristics, total LAB and antibacterial activity in this study is the Tukey test which is applied as a multiple range test while in organoleptic testing using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. The results showed that the fortification of yogurt with ZnO nanoparticles had significant interaction (p<0.05) on yogurt viscosity, LAB content, and color attributes in hedonic quality test. The antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli produced by six treatments were moderate, with inhibition zones ranging between 5 to 10 mm. This study concluded that the fortified yoghurt treatment met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI), demonstrating the potential of this approach in addressing zinc deficiency in at-risk populations. This research underscores the promise of nanotechnology in food fortification strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies globall

Different Flushing Frequency on Blood Metabolites Profile of Ewes and Their Lambs at Pre-Weaning Period

This study determined the effects of different flushing frequency on performance and blood metabolite profile of ewes and their suckling lambs at pre-weaning period. Twelve multiparous Garut ewes (2 years-old, BW 30.06 ± 6.20 kg) and 18 lambs born to experimental ewes (lambing weight 2.49 ± 0.56 kg) were used in this study. Ewes were randomly assigned into four treatment groups in a complete block design, namely: without flushing (T0: control), flushing at the beginning of mating (T1: 2 weeks before and after mating), two times flushing (T2: T1 + 4 weeks flushing at mid-gestation), and three times flushing (T3: T2 + 2 weeks flushing at before and after parturition). Three times flushing increased ((p0.05) dry matter intake and intakes of crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and total digestible nutrients of ewes at the pre-weaning period. Different flushing frequencies did not change (p>0.05) the productive performances of ewes during the pre-weaning period. Flushing application improved (p<0.05) the average daily gain of pre-weaning lambs at 14 days, but it did not affect the weaning weight of lambs. Two times flushing showed no pre-weaning mortality rate (p<0.05). Flushing application tended to decrease (p=0.08) blood plasma triglyceride of ewes at 21- days, while two times flushing frequency tended to increase blood plasma cholesterol (p=0.05) and triglyceride (p=0.08) of lambs at 21 days. In conclusion, increased flushing frequency supports ewes and their twin lamb growth performance and blood metabolite profile at the pre-weaning perio

Analysis of Potential Development of Goat Farming at Bantul Regency, in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The objective of study was to analyze the potential development of goat farming at Bantul Regency, in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research was conducted from January to April 2023. Data collection were obtained from stakeholder i.e farmers, goat traders, the Central Statistics Agency, the Food Security and Agriculture Office, the Communication and Information Office. These data were collected by using interview, survey, and direct observation. The collected data then were analyzed to calculate; population dynamics, location quotient, growth share, population pressure, carrying capacity and carrying capacity index (CCI). Analysis of the location quotient were five sub-districts which included in the base sector. Analysis of the growth share were Bantul Regency included in the leading sectors. Bantul Regency has not been experienced population pressure. The potential for feed dry matter at Bantul Regency was 82.319,68 tons dry matter/year. There was potential for the development of goats around 17.186,77 animal unit. To a large extent, the Bantul Regency area was obtained CCI values above 2 which was safe criteria. In conclusion, Bantul Regency has good potential in the development of goat. Then, the potential needs support from the government, private sector and the community

Herbal Mineral Block Supplementation Containing Turmeric Flour, Black Soldier Fly, and Micro Minerals on Performance and Blood Profile of Dorper Crossbred Sheep

This study aimed to determine the effect of herbal mineral block (HMB) supplementation containing turmeric flour, black soldier fly (BSF), and micro minerals on the performance and blood profile of Dorper crossbred sheep. Ten growing sheep and ten lactating sheep were divided into two treatment groups (P0: complete feed without HMB supplementation and P1: complete feed with HMB supplementation). The research design used was a factorial completely randomized design (2 × 2) with 5 replications. Factor physiological status of growing and lactating sheep and factor supplementation with and without HMB. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s test. The results showed no interaction between physiological status and HMB supplementation on sheep performance (nutrient intake, initial and final body weight, daily body weight gain, and feed efficiency) and blood profile (hematology, metabolites, and minerals). The physiological status had a very significant effect (p<0.01) on nutrient intake, initial and final body weight, daily body weight gain, feed efficiency, and significantly (p<0.05) on serum phosphorus. Supplementation of HMB significantly (p<0.05) increased serum calcium which was crucial for bone an teeth development in growing sheep and milk production in lactating sheep. Serum phosphorus was higher in growing sheep, supporting their bone growth and energy metabolis compared to lactating sheep as it was diverted to the mammary gland

The Quality of Frozen Buffalo Sperm Following Sexing using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Column and Swim-Up (SU) Methods

This study assesses the impact of two sperm sexing techniques, the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) column method, and the swim-up (SU) method, on frozen buffalo spermatozoa quality.  A total of 50 straws of frozen buffalo semen were used in this study. Spermatozoa quality was evaluated before (post thawing) and after the spermatozoa sexing process. Spermatozoa trapped in BSA upper fraction, BSA lower fraction, SU upper fraction, and SU lower fraction were separately evaluated. The parameters measured consisted of  spermatozoa motility, viability, intact plasma membrane, intact acrosome cap, and spermatozoa DNA integrity. The results indicated that the quality of post-thawing buffalo spermatozoa remained relatively high, with motility at 41%, viability at 64.48%, intact plasma membrane at 55.42%, intact acrosome cap at 47.12%, and sperm DNA integrity at 74.94%. However, the use of the BSA column method significantly (p<0.05) decreased spermatozoa quality in both the upper and lower fractions, resulting in motility levels of 34% and 32%, viability rates of 49.36% and 44.71%, intact plasma membrane percentages of 44.78% and 37.13%, intact acrosome cap figures of 37.58% and 33.27%, and sperm DNA integrity levels of 74.76% and 72.45%, respectively. In contrast, the application of the SU method proved effective in preserving post-thawing spermatozoa quality, yielding motility rates of 42% and 41%, viability levels of 63.62% and 62.78%, intact plasma membrane percentages of 54.42% and 54.74%, intact acrosome cap figures of 46.94% and 45.74%, and sperm DNA integrity values of 70.57% and 70.01%, respectively. In summary, after freezing, the SU method excel the BSA column method in maintaining the quality of buffalo spermatozoa post-thawing

Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Local Feed Ingredients Commonly Used in the Concentrate Formula for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Indonesia

Indonesia's annual beef consumption is experiencing a steady rise. In 2021, the per capita beef consumption amounted to 2.56 kg per person per year, resulting in a total of 696 million kilograms consumed across the country. This quantity is equivalent to the slaughtering of approximately 3.98 million cattle annually. With the increasing growth of the feedlot industry, cattle farmers, including feedlot operators, have the opportunity to enhance the value of agricultural companies in Indonesia by utilizing local feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability and nutritional value of indigenous feed sources for beef cattle in Indonesia. The research utilized feedstuff varieties and characteristics sourced from feedlots spanning since 2012-2021. The employed methodologies encompassed surveys, interviews, and questionnaires. This research involved the collection of both primary and secondary data. The potential and quality of local feedstuff were described using descriptive analysis. This research showed that eight types of local feedstuff could be categorized as energy sources including dehydrated cassava chips with a total digestible nutrients (TDN) value of 84.2% and bran pollard with a TDN value of 66.6%. The fiber sources consisted of corn cob (37.7% crude fiber), coffee husk (38% crude fiber), cocoa bean shell (20% crude fiber), tapioca solid waste/onggok (22% crude fiber), and palm kernel meal (22.1% crude fiber). The protein source consisted of copra meal with a protein content of 22.4%. The physical test most frequently inspected the feed color (18.1%) and odor (18.1%). Moisture examination (24%) was the most frequently used of proximate analysis was employed to identify the chemical composition. In conclusion the existence of eight local ingredients which were categorized into three different types: energy source, protein source, and fiber source commonly used in the concentrate formula for beef cattle feedlots in Indonesia

Influence of Retanning Agents on Physical Characteristics of Snow-White Glove Leather from Goat Skin

The quality of leather is subject to various elements, such as the specific raw material used, and the processing techniques implemented throughout the production process. Goatskin, renowned for its exceptional softness and durability, is frequently employed in the production of gloves owing to its desired attributes, notably its capacity to produce snow-white gloves. Retanning is an essential step in the leather manufacturing process as it significantly improves the characteristics of the leather. Through an investigation into the impacts of distinct retanning agents on goatskin leather gloves, this research endeavor seeks to offer significant knowledge regarding the most effective retanning procedures that can augment the tactile attributes of snow- white leather gloves. In this study, formaldehyde, alum, chromium, and chromium alum were employed as retanning agents. The retanned leathers were assessed by physical parameters, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), then compared to a commercially available snow-white leather glove. The physical characteristics of chrome alum retanned leather showed a high degree of softness (6.60±0.02 mm), good tear strength (1.530±117 N/cm), and tensile strength (1.500±100 N/cm 2 ). The principal component analysis (PCA) also supported that the properties of chrome alum retanned snow-white glove leather closely resemble commercial leather and the result from this study suggested that all factors notably impact the skin&#39;s physical quality, except for thickness. Additionally, the FTIR analysis reveals similar functional groups from the different retanned leathers indicated by comparable peaks and stretching patterns. Therefore, chrome-alum could be a well alternative retanning agent for the production of snow-white glove leather