Polymorphism of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Gene and Its Association with Growth Traits in Bali Cattle

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a gene that controls growth traits.  This gene is embedded in the leptin-melanocortin pathway and regulates body weight.  Previous studies have successfully identified the genetic diversity of the MC4R associated with growth traits.  However, studies on Bali cattle are limited.  This study aimed to identify the SNP markers of the MC4R gene and its effect on birth body weight, weaning body weight, weaning chest girth, weaning withers height, weaning body length, yearling body weight, yearling chest girth, yearling withers height, and yearling body length in Bali cattle (n=43).  The MC4R genotype was identified by sequencing and aligned using BioEdit v.7.2.5.  The association between genotype and growth traits was analyzed using the GLM procedure and DMRT in RStudio program v.2022.02. Four SNPs were identified in the exon region:  g.355GT, g.394CT, g.463GA, and g.682GA.  Based on the Chi-square test, the population was fitted with HWE (p0.05).  Genotype-phenotype association based on SNPs showed no significant result (p0.05) where the g.682GA (AG) locus had values of WB (104.33+17.15 kg), WCG (112.83+3.66 kg), WBL (89.50+3.94 kg), YB (124.17+22.44 kg), YCG (120.50+5.50 kg), and YBL (92.83+4.31 kg) higher than the other genotypes.  Association based on haplotype type showed significant results (p0.05) in BB, where haplotype 2 had the highest BB (21.17+0.75 kg).  In conclusion, the SNP markers found in this study were polymorphic but did not affect growth traits in Bali cattle

The 84-bp Indel Polymorphism of The Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1 (SREBP1) Gene in Several Cattle Breeds in Indonesia

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) gene is a gene that encodes SREBP1, a family of transcription factors that have a key role in lipid homeostasis as well as fatty acid metabolisms. The present study aimed to detect the 84-bp indel polymorphism in the intron 5 of the SREBP1 gene (84-bp indel) in several cattle breeds in Indonesia.  A total of 740 cattle of six breeds (Limousin, Simmental, Holstein-Friesian, Bali, Sumbawa, and Pasundan) from two National Artificial Insemination Centers (NAICs) and smallholder farmers were used in this study. The detection of 84-bp indel polymorphism was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and visualized through a gel agarose electrophoresis system. The study showed that the L allele (insertion-type) was common and is fixed in Holstein-Friesian, Bali, and Sumbawa cattle (1.00). Meanwhile, the S allele (deletion-type) was found in Limousin, Simmental, and Pasundan cattle with a frequency of 0.24, 0.16, and 0.01, respectively. The presence of the S allele in Pasundan cattle was only found in the form of the heterozygous LS genotype (0.03). In conclusion, the 84-bp indel of the SREBP1 gene was found to be polymorphic in Limousin, Simmental, and Pasundan cattle, but monomorphic in Holstein-Friesian, Bali, and Sumbawa cattle

Performances of Post-weaned Pasundan Calves Fed Extra Diets in an Extensive Grazing System

Changing from the pre-weaning to the post-weaning period is a transition from liquid to solid feed accompanied by a dramatic transformation of the GI tract.  Supplemental solid feeding of grazing post-weaning calves is expected to improve their productivity.  The study aimed to determine the effect of extra diet on the performances of post-weaned Pasundan calves (15 males and 15 females) that were grazed, using a completely randomized design of 2x3 factorials (two sex factors x three diet factors).  The diet treatments were that post-weaned Pasundan calves were grazed: without being given extra diets (grazing/control), extra diets without urea-impregnated zeolite (extra diet-1), and extra diets with urea-impregnated zeolite (extra diet-2).  The parameters were diet consumption (only for extra diets, unmeasured grazing consumption), body weights, and body condition.  The data were analyzed with GLM Univariate.  The results showed: The interaction between diet treatment and sex did not affect all the observed parameters.  Consumption of extra diet-1 (529.37±3.06 g DM/head/day) was higher (P0.05) than extra diet-2 consumption (525.17±1.96 g DM/head/day), but after a correction of body weight, the result was no different.  Sex factors did not affect all observed parameters.  The ADG of post-weaned calves fed extra diet-1 (155.8±27.5 g), or extra-2 diet (124.2±56.3 g) was higher (P0.05) than the grazing (66.67±35.8 g).  The extra diet-1 produced a higher change in body condition (1.8±0.78, P0.05) than extra diet-2 or grazing (1.2±0.42).  In conclusion, feeding extra diet-1 to post-weaned Pasundan calves increased ADG by 234% and improved the body condition by 150% better than calves that were only grazed in an extensive grazing system

Meat Quality Characteristics of IPB-D1 Chicken and the Final Stock from Different Locations

The increasing demand for animal protein encourages innovations development of new livestock types or breeds.  IPB-D1 chicken is an improved local chicken for their productivity.  Its rearing was carried out in Sukabumi and Bekasi Regency.  Physical, chemical, and microbiological quality testing of IPB-D1 chicken meat was carried out at the Integrated IPTP Laboratory and the Microbiology Laboratory of Livestock Products, and organoleptic testing was carried out in the Organoleptic Room, both of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, IPB University.  The research was carried out from February to June 2022.  The scope of this research includes chicken rearing at two locations and sampling that aims to test the physical, chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic quality.  The chickens tested were the IPB-D1 Sukabumi chicken, IPB-D1 Bekasi chicken, IPB-D1 final stock Sukabumi chicken, IPB-D1 Bekasi final stock chicken, and Kampong, Sentul, and broiler chickens, which consist of 15 chickens each.  At each location, sampling was carried out 10 times as a replication.  The sampling technique used is simple random sampling.  The results showed that the quality of IPB-D1 chicken meat and its Final Stock did not have a significant difference (P0.05) in physical quality aspects such as pH and water holding capacity (WHC) but had a significant difference (P0.05) in cooking loss and tenderness than Kampong, Sentul, and broilers.  Meanwhile, the chemical quality of IPB-D1 broilers and their final stock showed significantly different results (P0.05) in the fat content of the meat.  As for the parameters of ash content, protein, minerals, and cholesterol showed no significant difference (P0.05).  Microbiological quality analysis in the form of total bacterial colonies (total plate count) of IPB-D1 broilers and its Final Stock was 105 CFU/g.  These results are still within the Maximum Microbial Contamination Limits set by the Indonesian National Standardization Agency in 2009.  Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to improve handling methods, hygienic packaging, and sanitation so that the quality of broilers can be improved and microbial contamination can be minimized

Quality of Physical and Sensory of Super-native Chicken Breast Marinated with Herbs and Spices with Different Levels of Marination Concentration

Super-native chickens result from crosses between male native chickens and laying hens.  The diversification of processed products from super-native chicken can be developed into ready-to-cook products by marinating them with local herbs and spices.  This research was conducted on the effect of marination concentrations of different local herbs and spices on the hedonic quality of super-native chicken breast.  The research material consisted of super-native chicken breast, chili powder, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon, palm oil, lime juice, monosodium glutamate, and ginger.  The treatment levels of marination concentration were 10, 20, and 30% of the weight of the meat.  Physical quality parameters tested were color, pH value, moisture, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, yield, and hardness.  Each treatment consisted of 3 replications.  In addition, sensory quality was tested by a hedonic quality test by 40 untrained panelists.  The hedonic quality parameters tested were color, flavor, taste, texture, tenderness, and juiciness.  The data from the physical quality test were analyzed by analysis of variance.  The hedonic quality test results were analyzed by non-parametric analysis through the Kruskal-Wallis hedonic test.  If there was a significant difference (P0.05), the test was continued with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test.  The results showed that the concentration level of different local herbs and spices marination could affect the physical quality (redness, pH value, and moisture) and sensory (color and texture) of super-native chicken breast.  The marination concentration of local herbs and spices at 20% level was the best treatment based on hedonic quality with a smooth meat texture and a score of 3.98

Changes in the Qualitative Composition of the milk of Holstein Cows During Summer Chronic Heat Stress

Seasonal summer heat stress leads to significant economic losses, resulting in a drop in milk yield in dairy cows and a deterioration in milk quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in some qualitative parameters of milk in Holstein cows during chronic heat stress on one of the largest commercial dairy farms Ukraine (50°49′14″ N, 31°49′23″ E). Five multiparous cows of medium lactation with a milk yield of about 30 kg per day were randomly selected into the reference (in the spring, at the end of May) and the experimental group (in the summer, at the end of August). Milk samples were taken from cows during the morning milking. Qualitative analysis of milk included the identification of milk solids-not-fat, density, mass fraction of lactose, fat, protein and minerals, as well as the freezing point, electrical conductivity and active acidity using ultrasonic method. Animals were kept in naturally ventilated barns. The total mixed single-type balanced diet consisting of corn silage and concentrates that the cows received remained unchanged. The sampling of milk from cows of the experimental group was preceded by a continuous 26-day hot period, during which the maximum daily values of the temperature and humidity index did not fall below 72 units. The results showed that in the milk of the animals of the experimental group there was a significant decrease in the content of milk solids-not-fat, the mass fraction of fat and protein (P0.05). The mass fraction of lactose and minerals tended to increase. It should be noted that the average daily milk yield of dairy cows in the herd in spring and summer was almost at the same level. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that high summer temperatures lead to a deterioration in the quality of milk in Holstein cows. Despite the decrease in milk density and freezing point, these figures met the requirements of the standard. Organoleptic indicators of milk, electrical conductivity and active acidity of milk did not change in hot weather, their value indicated the naturalness of milk. The mass fraction of milk fat, which undergoes the greatest change under the influence of seasonal heat stress, is one of the most valuable components of milk, which has a direct effect on nutritional value and purchase price of raw milk. Therefore, a further deeper study of the fatty acid composition of milk using the method of chromato-mass spectrometry will provide valuable data necessary to search for possible herd management strategies to maintain high milk quality under conditions of seasonal heat stress

Rumen Fermentation Profiles of Protein-Energy Synchronization Index-Based Ration: an In Vitro Study

The study examined the effect of protein-energy synchronization (PES) index-based rations on the rumen fermentation profile. The material used was the Jawa Randu goat's rumen fluid, collected soon after the goat was slaughtered. The treatment ration consisted of elephant grass, lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala), coconut meal, tofu waste, bran, cassava waste, and mineral mix arranged based on the PES index of each feed ingredient. The research was conducted in vitro using a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment consisted of 4 PES indexes, namely 0.55 (R1); 0.6 (R2); 0.65 (R3); 0.7 (R4), and each had 5 replications. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and orthogonal polynomials (OP). The results of the ANOVA showed that the PES index did not affect the production of acetate (C2) and butyrate (C4) but had a highly significant effect on dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), pH, a total of volatile fatty acids (VFA), propionate (C3), C2:C3 ratio, methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), and microbial protein synthesis (MPS). The analysis of OP showed a quadratic effect on all variables with the equation Y= - 81.601X2 + 375.04X – 310.78  (DMD), Y= -433.69X2 + 522.69X – 128.75 (OMD), Y=-44X2 + 54.04X – 9.9 (pH), Y= -2160X2 + 2576.8X – 604.2 (VFA Total), Y= -481.8X2 + 585.01X – 143.45 (C3), Y = 50.93X2 – 60.177X + 21.067 (C2:C3), Y = 202.45X2 – 223.18X + 103.41 (CH4), Y= 436X2 – 552.28X + 181.08 (NH3), dan Y= -1012X2 + 1260X – 311.64 (MPS). Protein-energy synchronization (PES) index of 0.6 achieved the best rumen fermentability. The formulation of the PES index-based ration of 0.6 had the most effective compared to other indexes based on the high of propionate, the lowest methane, the lowest NH3, and the best microbial protein synthesis. The ration with an index of 0.6 is composed of 30% elephant grass, 30% Leucaena leucocephala, 10% coconut meal, 10% tofu waste, 10% rice brand, 9% cassava waste, and 1% mineral mix

Association of DGAT1 Gene Related to Flavor, Odor, Cholesterol, and Mineral in Indonesian Sheep

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) is a potential candidate gene for improving Indonesian lamb’s quality and nutrient value.  The study aimed to identify the diversity of the DGAT1 gene with SNP g.8539 CT and its relation to Indonesian lamb's flavor and odor, cholesterol, and mineral.  Total of 254 ten to twelve months old sheep consisted of 20 Javanese fat-tail sheep (JFTS), 107 Javanese thin-tail sheep (JTTS), 10 Garut composite sheep (GCS), 10 Compass agrinak sheep (CAS), 10 Barbados cross sheep (BCS), 20 Garut sheep (GS), 27 Jonggol sheep (JS), and 50 Jambi local sheep (JLS).  One hundred sheep were used to analyze the association of the DGAT1 gene with flavor and odor content, cholesterol, and mineral.  The diversity of DGAT1|AluI was analyzed with the PCR-RFLP method.  The association of the DGAT1 gene with the nutritional value of meat was analyzed using the GLM (General Linear Model) method.  The results showed that the DGAT gene was polymorphic in JTTS, GS, and JFTS and monomorphic in CAS, BCS, JLS, and GCS.  CC and CT genotypes were found in JTTS, GS, and JFTS.  SNP g.8539 CT of DGAT1 gene had a significant association (P0.05) with flavor and odor, 4-Ethyloctanoic Acid (EOA).  However, the DGAT1 gene had no significant association (P0.05) with cholesterol and mineral.  The DGAT1 gene might be marker-assisted selection for improving lamb flavor and odor in Indonesian sheep

Embryo Production and Development from Superovulated Donors in Double-Muscled Cattle and Their Crosses

Belgian Blue was introduced in Indonesia to increase the biodiversity of livestock genetic resources.  Belgian Blue was crossed with Ongole grade to increase the productivity of local cattle.  Therefore, this study evaluates reproduction traits, especially the response to superovulation, embryonic development, and quality of Belgian Blue, Ongole grade, and their crosses.  Estrous was synchronized with intravaginal progesterone Cue-Mate before artificial insemination (AI).  Superovulation was performed with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) intramuscularly with non-surgical embryo flushing.  In addition, embryo quality was assessed microscopically according to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) criteria.  The study was performed in a quasi-experimental design, and data were analyzed with an analysis of variance.  After superovulation, oocytes/embryos were obtained from all donor breeds.  Oocyte and embryo production from Ongole grade and Belgian Blue differed at 11.83±1.91 and 4.86±1.33, respectively, P0.05 (mean±SEM).  In addition, there are differences in recovery rate (89.63% vs. 75.35%) and fertilization rate (77.35% vs. 68.22%) between Ongole grade and Belgian Blue, respectively (P0.05).  There is no difference in embryo development quality and proportion of transferable embryos between Ongole grade, Belgian Blue, and their crosses.  This study concluded that the cross-bred Belgian Blue x Ongole donor had identical oocyte and embryo production, recovery rate, fertilization rate, and degenerative embryos compared to its purebred

Farmers’ Perceptions and Behavior which Affecting the Adoption Rate of KUB Chickens

KUB chicken as a superior breed produced by Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Instrument Standardization (IAAIS) becomes one of the solutions in an effort to increase the need for animal protein. KUB chicken breeds have been successfully disseminated to all provinces in Indonesia. Thus the rate of adoption and behavior of breeders in maintaining the sustainability of KUB chicken rearing needs to be analyzed  because the breeds that are disseminated may not be successfully developed in a certain area. This research will collaborate between the two theories; "Theory of Planned Behavior" (TPB) and "Technology Acceptance Model" (TAM). It was conducted in June 2022 in the City of Salatiga, Semarang and Magelang, Central Java Province. The determination of the research location was based on the consideration that there was a KUB chicken breeders group that already had a KUB chicken breeder association called AnaKUB (KUB Chicken Breeders Association) and a breeding population that met the sampling requirements. The purpose of this research was to analyze the perception factors and breeders behavior that affect the adoption rate of KUB Chicken Technology in Central Java Province, Indonesia. ). The combined results of path analysis (path) and regression analysis on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, it can be concluded that perceived benefits (25.3%), ease of raising KUB chickens (23.9%), attitudes (21.2%), subjective norms (16.7%) and perceptions of control behavior (17.3%) have a positive effect on the intention to adopt KUB chickens. The perceived benefits (45.8%) and the perceived ease of raising KUB chickens (50.1%) have a very positive effect on the attitude variable of the farmer. Important people including family members have an important role in supporting the maintenance of KUB chickens, while extension workers have not contributed much in supporting breeders to adopt KUB chickens. Collaboration of two theories has a mutually influencing relationship, especially towards attitudes and intentions to adopt KUB chickens which have a positive effect on the adoption rate. The adoption rate of KUB chicken is 3.32 (66.40%), this shows that the adoption rate of breeders in the Central Java region, is classified as high adoption