Tropical Animal Science Journal

Use of Random Regression Models to Estimate the Heritability of Weight Growth in Meat Quails

2024-12-10T14:05:58+07:00

The aim of this study was to estimate the best covariance function structure, by means of Legendre polynomials using random regression models (RRM) to describe the genetic variability of the weight growth trajectory of quails and to estimate the genetic parameters. Body weight records of animals at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age were used. The orders of fit of the polynomials were gradually increased in orders from 3 to 6 for comparison between the models the Akaike information criteria were used. The models included fixed effects of the contemporary group, the fixed regression coefficient of weight on the Legendre polynomial, random regression coefficients of the direct additive genetic, and the permanent environment effects of the animal, in addition to the residual random effect. The RRM with orders five for the additive genetic effect and six for the permanent environment effect, under the assumption of homogeneity, was the most suitable to describe the genetic variability of the birds’ ponderal growth. There was greater expression of additive genetic variability after 21 days, resulting in distinct and increasing heritability estimates between two periods in ponderal development. Estimates of additive genetic correlations for weights between the ages evaluated indicated that genetic associations are more correlated between body weights at closer ages when compared to ages more distant along the growth trajectory. Thus, it is concluded that selection in birds is more efficient from 28 days of age due to the higher heritability values.

Association of BoLA-DRB3 Alleles with the Progression of Bovine Leukosis in the Lucerna Breed

2024-12-10T14:05:57+07:00

The bovine leukosis virus causes enzootic bovine leukosis (BLV) of the Retroviridae family and is the most significant neoplastic disease in cattle, leading to substantial economic losses globally. This study aimed to associate the progression of bovine leukosis with BoLA-DRB3 alleles in the Lucerna breed. A total of 104 animals were tested for the presence of BLV by nested PCR, the development of persistent lymphocytosis (PL) by peripheral blood smear, antibody titers (AT) to BLV by ELISA, and proviral load (PVL) by qPCR. Animals were genotyped for the BoLA-DRB3 gene by PCR-SBT. Allele frequencies of the DRB3 gene were estimated and associated using Fisher’s exact test and odds ratio. About 93.2% of the animals were virus positive, and 18.3% developed PL. Fifty percent of the animals had elevated AT with a value of 88.7 log2, and 43.3% had elevated PVL with 326871 copies/105 cells. In total, 17 BoLA-DRB3 alleles were found; the BoLA-DRB3*011:01 allele (12.1%) was the most frequent. Two alleles showed an association with susceptibility to viral infection (BoLA-DRB3*15:01 and *23:01), and only the BoLA-DRB3*38:01 allele was considered resistant. The BoLA-DRB3*11:01 and *15:01 alleles were not associated with LP, and neither allele was associated with high LP. Low AT was found in the BoLA-DRB3*13:01 and *20:01:02 alleles. The BoLA-DRB3*15:01 and *16:01 alleles were associated with high AT. Low PVL was associated with the BoLA-DRB3*11:01 and *23:01 alleles. BoLA-DRB3*15:01 allele was associated with high PVL. In conclusion, the Lucerne breed has a slow progression of enzootic bovine leukosis.

Determining the Minimum Time Interval for Completely Eliminating the Carryover Effect of Dehydration in Heat-Stressed Goats: Insights from Physiochemical Mechanisms

2024-12-10T14:05:57+07:00

Heat stress, coupled with water deprivation, is widely acknowledged as one of the most potent stressors capable of impairing the production performance of small ruminants; therefore, comprehending and mitigating this stressor is of paramount importance. This experiment aimed to investigate the physiochemical adaptability of heat-stressed goats to periods of water deprivation and subsequent rehydration, focusing on determining the minimum time interval required to fully eliminate the carryover effects. Nine healthy Aardi bucks, aged 10 months and weighing 29.14±1.06 kg, underwent three experimental stages: euhydration (EU), dehydration (DE), and rehydration (RE). The EU and DE stages lasted 72 hours each, while the RE stage extended to 10 days. Physiochemical responses, including daily feed intake (DFI), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), hematology, biochemistry, and hemogasometry, were all monitored. Exposure of heat-stressed goats (as evidenced herein by the temperature-humidity index values) to complete water deprivation during the DE stage had manifested significant modulation in their physiological responses (DFI, RT, and RR), which thereby led to notable changes in their hematological, biochemical, and hemogasometric profiles. Surprisingly, blood pH remained unchanged throughout the experiment, underscoring goats’ remarkable adaptive mechanisms to tolerate infrequent liquid intake in their natural hot and arid environment. Notably, all measured variables completely returned to EU levels after 10 days of commencing the RE stage. Based on the obtained findings, a minimum recovery period of 10 days post-rehydration is recommended to eliminate carryover impacts of water deprivation for 72 hours before conducting any further experiments on heat-stressed and water-deprived goats. This research contributes to enhancing goat welfare under harsh environmental conditions.

The Quality of Gaga Roosters Semen During Cold Storage Using a Diluent Supplemented with Sorbitol

2024-12-10T14:05:56+07:00

This study aimed to examine the effect of adding different concentrations of sorbitol to the Ringer’s lactate-egg yolk (RLEY) diluent on the quality of Gaga roosters’ semen during cold storage. A completely randomized design was used with 10 replicates and 4 levels of diluent treatment, including control, 1%, 2%, and 3% sorbitol. Semen was collected using a massage method, followed by fresh semen evaluation and dilution with a ratio of 1:5. Semen was stored at a cold temperature (5 ºC) and observed after 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The variables observed were semen pH, motility, kinematics, viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations of sperm. All data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Subsequently, the evaluation of sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA damage was carried out, and the data were analyzed using the T-test. The results showed that treatment with sorbitol in the diluent had no effect on semen pH, kinematics (except straightness), acrosomal cap integrity, DNA damage, mitochondrial activity, and MDA concentration. However, sorbitol concentrations significantly affect (p<0.05) total motility, progressive motility, static motility, STR, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and intracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, the addition of 1-3% sorbitol preserves the quality of Gaga roosters’ semen during 72 hours of cold storage.

The Association of IGFBP7 Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Meat Quality in Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

2024-12-10T14:05:55+07:00

The insulin-like growth factor binding-protein 7 (IGFBP7) gene is one of the potential genes related to meat quality. The objective of the current study was to evaluate polymorphism of the IGFBP7 gene (g.72351183A>C) and its association with meat quality traits in the Javanese thin-tailed (JTT) sheep. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 88 JTT male sheep to examine their fatty acid composition, carcass characteristics, carcass retail cuts, and the physical properties of lamb meat. The polymorphism was detected using the PCR-RFLP technique. The association between the IGFBP7 gene polymorphism and the observed variables of meat quality was evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study results indicated that the IGFBP7 gene was polymorphic in JTT sheep population, with the allele distribution conforming to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The AA genotype was found to be predominant. The IGFBP7 gene variants were associated (p<0.05) with erucic acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Sheep possesing the CC genotype exhibited the highest levels of linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and total PUFA in comparison to those with AA and AC genotypes. However, the IGFBP7 gene polymorphism was not associated with carcass characteristics, carcass retail cuts, and physical properties of meat. These findings suggest that the IGFBP7 gene is a promising candidate marker for improving fatty acid composition in JTT sheep.

Selenium Supplementation Tended to Increase Digestibility and Milk Fat Content in Dairy Goats: A Meta-Analysis

2024-12-10T14:05:55+07:00

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of selenium supplementation on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient digestibility in dairy goats. A database was constructed based on relevant published papers. Related studies that met the criteria were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. After the identification of studies through the SYRCLE method, the final dataset consisted of 15 studies and 188 treatments. The data were analyzed using R version 4.3.3 (2024-02-29 ucrt) “Angel Food Cake”, which utilizes packages such as lme4, lmerTest, and caret. The results showed that increasing concentrations of selenium tended to increase the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (p<0.05). Additionally, the results indicated a significant improvement on the milk fat content (p<0.05). In conclusion, selenium supplementation until 0.2 mg/kg significantly increase digestibility and milk fat content in dairy goats.

Health Status of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Palm Kernel Cake with Enzyme Mixture Supplementation

2024-12-10T14:05:54+07:00

Palm kernel cake (PKC) utilization as poultry feed has limitations due to its high crude fiber and non-starch polysaccharides, which make it difficult for poultry to digest. This study aimed to determine the effect of enzyme supplementation on blood profile, gastrointestinal health, and intestine histomorphology of broiler chickens fed PKC. This study used 1,080 Indian River strain roosters and two kinds of enzyme mixtures. Enzyme 1 consisted of mannanase 182 g/ton, NSPase 200 g/ton, and protease 130 g/ton, and Enzyme 2 consisted of mannanase 182 g/ton, NSPase 400 g/ton, and protease 260 g/ton. This study used six treatments and six replicates, and each replicate consisted of 30 birds. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern of 2 × 3 and 6 replications. The treatment of factor A consisted of 3 levels of enzyme addition (No enzyme, Enzyme 1, and Enzyme 2), and factor B consisted of 2 levels of PKC (10% and 20%). The data obtained was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the significant difference among treatments was further analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test. The experimental broilers fed PKC supplemented with enzyme had increased (p<0.05) villus height in the duodenum and ileum and decreased (p<0.05) relative weight percentage of the ventriculus (A2B1 and A3B1). The PKC supplementation increased (p<0.05) the relative weight percentage of proventriculus, duodenum, ileum, caecum, pH of ileum, crypta depth in the duodenum and ileum, but decreased (p<0.05) villus height in the jejunum. Enzyme supplementation increased (p<0.05) the plasma albumin, pH of duodenum, and villus width, but decreased crypta depth in the duodenum. This research concluded that Indian River strain roosters fed ration with 10% PKC supplemented with mannase, NPSase, and protease at doses of 182 g/ton, 200 g/ton, and 130 g/ton had the best health status.

Enhancing Nutrient Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Blood Metabolites in Kacang Goats Using Compost-Enriched Hydroponic Maize Fodder

2024-12-10T14:05:54+07:00

This study aimed to enhance nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in Kacang goats by substituting grass silage with hydroponic maize fodder enriched with fermented compost tea. The compost tea, prepared by fermenting organic compost with sugared water + 40 mL EM4 for 3 days, was used to grow maize fodder hydroponically. Four male Kacang goats (13.05 ± 1.32 kg) were assigned to four dietary treatments in a 4x4 latin square design over four 15-day periods (10 days for adaption, 5 days for data collection). The treatments were: 60% grass silage + 10% Leucaena leucocephala + 30% concentrate (control, FCG0); 30% grass silage + 30% hydroponic maize fodder + 10% L. leucocephala + 30% concentrate (FCG1); 15% grass silage + 45% hydroponic maize fodder + 10% L. leucocephala + 30% concentrate (FCG2); and 60% hydroponic maize fodder + 10% L. leucocephala + 30% concentrate (FCG3). Goats on FCG3 had lower (p<0.05) dry matter intake (152.48 g/day) compared to FCG0 (226.83 g/day). Nutrient digestibility, including organic matter and crude fiber, improved (p<0.05) in FCG3 (77.21% and 66.12%) compared to FCG0 (76.62% and 52.27%). Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased in FCG3 (131.54 mM) compared to FCG0 (111.73 mM). However, no significant differences were observed in ruminal ammonia (NH₃-N), ruminal pH, or blood metabolites. In conclusion, substituting grass silage with hydroponic maize fodder enriched with fermented compost tea up to 75% of the diet improved digestibility and rumen fermentation without negatively affecting intake, digestibility, or blood metabolites in Kacang goats, suggesting its potential as an alternative feed. However, complete substitution (100%) reduced intake, indicating challenges at higher substitution levels.

Chemical and Physical Quality, Fermentation Characteristics, Aerobic Stability, and Ruminal Degradability of Sorghum Silage Inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus fermentum

2024-12-10T14:05:53+07:00

This study was carried out to determine the effect of homo (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC 0020) and hetero (Limosilactobacillus fermentum BN21) fermentative lactic acid bacteria on chemical compositions, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and ruminal digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage. The sorghum forage was harvested at the milk ripening phase with a dry matter content of 25.6% and fermented for 100 days with different inoculants: treatments without inoculant (CON), L. plantarum (LP), L. fermentum (LF) as well as a mixture of LP and LF at a ratio of 1:1 (MIX). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 5 replications per treatment, and all inoculants were applied at 105 cfu/g of fresh forage. The results showed that LF silage caused a 66.3% reduction in cyanide acid content, the lowest mold count, and longer aerobic stability compared to LP and CON. The lowest pH (p<0.05) and highest organic matter digestibility (p<0.05) were obtained on LP silage, while the CON silage showed no significant difference. The LP and LF silage showed the highest total volatile fatty acid (p<0.05), while there was no significant between CON and others. The LF silage had the highest acetate and the lowest propionate (p<0.05). These results showed that L. fermentum was more effective in decreasing cyanide acid content and increasing the aerobic stability of sorghum silage, while L. plantarum was able to lower pH and reduce ammonia concentration.

Dynamics of Physiological Poikilocytosis and Anisocytosis in Cholistani Cattle Blood

2024-12-10T14:05:48+07:00

The present study is the first account of physiological poikilocytosis and anisocytosis attained through stained peripheral blood smear in terms of prevalence, types, severity, and association with age, sex, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in Cholistani cattle blood (n=64). The correlation of these red blood cells (RBC) forms has been made with certain RBC indices attained through a multi-species hematology analyzer. The total poikilocytes (24.7±0.2%) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the total anisocytes (8.4±0.1%) with echinocytes being the highest seen cells (5.4±0.5%). There was no statistical difference for poikilocytes and anisocytes between males and females. The spherocytes and schistocytes were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in young cattle as compared to adult cattle. All the animals in the study groups showed slight (13%-20%) to moderate (21%-30%) total poikilocytosis. Young (n=18; 28.1%) and females (n=7; 10.9%) revealed higher marked (˃30%) total poikilocytosis. The severity of total poikilocytosis did not significantly (p≤0.05) affect any of the RBC attributes. Normal cells were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in low Hb group being 68.5±1.5% as compared to 65.09±0.8% for high Hb group. The highest values were attained for the relation between total anisocytes and Hb, and between total anisocytes and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (r-square=0.159; 15.9% probability). In conclusion, the blood of healthy Cholistani cattle presents physiological peculiarities in terms of the presence of various poikilocytes and anisocytes. Furthermore, the multi-species hematology analyzer failed to predict the level of poikilocytosis and anisocytosis in the present study, whereas the stained PBS provided reliable results.

The Prediction of Somatic Cell Count Through Multilayer Perceptron of Deep Machine Learning

2024-12-11T13:29:22+07:00

The main objective of the research is to generate an alternative approach to classical techniques in the prediction of the somatic cell count (SCC), which is the gold standard indicator of subclinical mastitis. This approach involves using the physical properties of milk such as density, the temperature at fore milking (TFM), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) with a feed-forward backpropagation multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural networks (ANN) model, which is one of the widely used machine learning techniques. The performance of the model was assessed by test with cross-validation on data that was not introduced to the model before and compared to the classical linear model (multiple linear regression) as the control model. The findings showed that the model has satisfactory results in terms of loss and performance criteria (R2=0.95, RMSE=0.01; AIC=-338). The test model (ANN) had a higher performance (AIC=-338) than the control model (AIC=-240) created with the classical linear model despite using more parameters (81). Using big data from automated milking information—like estrus cycle, lactation stage, and milk yield—on supercomputers can improve the accuracy of performance assessments in dairy farming.

Characteristics of Liquid Egg White with Addition of Forest Bee Honey During Cold Storage

2024-12-11T13:29:21+07:00

Eggs were perishable foodstuffs during distribution to consumers. Hence, appropriate egg handling and preservation methods were needed and could be applied to farmers and the egg processing industry. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding forest bee honey (Apis dorsata) on the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of liquid egg whites at storage temperature of 4 °C. The treatments consisted of three levels of honey (0%, 5%, and 10%) with storage durations of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks. The variables analyzed include physical properties (foam capacity and foam stability), chemical properties (S-ovalbumin and protein profile on SDS-PAGE), and total plate count (TPC). The results revealed that the interaction of storage time and the addition of honey has a significant effect (p<0.05) on foam capacity, foam stability, S-ovalbumin, and TPC. Egg whites with 10% honey had higher foam capacity and foam stability, but lower S-ovalbumin content and the number of microbes after eight weeks compared to egg whites with 0% honey and 5% honey. In conclusion, the addition of 10% forest bee honey could maintain physicochemical qualities and extend the shelf life of liquid egg white during 8 weeks of cold storage.

Evaluating Physicochemical Properties of Whey-Chia Seed Edible Films for Biodegradable Packaging

2024-12-11T13:29:21+07:00

The use of whey-chia seed edible films can help reduce environmental pollution while preserving the quality of food products. Films were produced using varying ratios of whey to chia seed (v/w) (whey-chia seed ratio of 1:0.5 (W1), 1:0.75 (W2), and 1:1 (W3)) through a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. The results showed significant differences (p<0.01) in elongation, tensile strength, moisture content, solubility, and color properties, except for crude fiber content (p>0.05). As the whey:chia seed ratio increased to 1:1, elongation increased up to 76.77%, while tensile strength decreased to 3.876 MPa, indicating an inverse relationship between these properties. The film with a whey:chia seed ratio of 1:0.5 showed 71.08% elongation but higher tensile strength (4.306 MPa) compared to the W3 treatment. The whey:chia seed ratio of 1:1 chia seed film also had the highest moisture content (49.52%), solubility (53.69%), and fiber content (15.67%). Increasing the ratio of chia seed resulted in a brighter and more transparent appearance. The microstructure of the film was continuous, compact, and homogeneous, without any irregularities such as cracks or air bubbles. The study concluded that chia seeds enhance the physicochemical and mechanical properties of whey-based edible films, with the optimal film produced at a 1:1 whey-chia seed ratio.

Perceptions and Economic Losses of Foot and Mouth Disease to Beef Cattle Farmers in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta

2024-12-11T13:29:20+07:00

The objectives of this study were to measure the level of farmers’ perceptions on psychological, socio-cultural and economic aspects, and to analyze the economic losses during foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. This study was conducted in Bantul District, Yogyakarta, during the period of July-September 2023. A total of 148 farmers affected by FMD were surveyed by a purposive sampling method using a questionnaire and the data were analyzed using the ordinal logistic regression method. The result showed that farmers’ perceptions of FMD outbreaks of psychological, socio-cultural and economic attributes were in the high category. The majority of farmers experienced low economic losses (47.30%). Age and livestock ownership (p<0.01), formal education, and informal education (p<0.1) had a positive effect on the level of farmers’ economic losses, while only farming experience (p<0.01) had a negative effect. Pseudo R-Square value of 33.9% or the level of economic losses, is influenced by farmers’ age, farming experience, livestock ownership, as well as formal and informal education. Reaction in the field of opportunity: the highest level of economic losses in the low category is 0.997%. This study shows that FMD handling carried out by farmers is good enough to prevent the impact of large economic losses on cattle farmers in Bantul Regency.

Enhancing Heat Stress Resilience in Broiler Chickens Through the Use of Probiotics and Postbiotics: A Review

2024-12-20T09:40:46+07:00

The broiler industry is currently the most important and rapidly growing livestock sector worldwide. However, it faces critical environmental issues, especially heat stress (HS). HS adversely affects the bird’s physiological and behavioural status, welfare, and growth performance, leading to numerous economic losses. Nevertheless, a limited understanding remains of the deep physiological and cellular responses related to energy formation and gut health. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to gain a better understanding of how HS affects broilers and to explore the potential of probiotics and postbiotics in mitigating HS effects, with a primary focus on antioxidant capacity, heat shock proteins (HSPs), gut health, and growth performance in HS-exposed broilers. HS induces various physiological and cellular responses related to energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, gut health, and inflammation. Probiotics and postbiotics, whether in single or mixed strains (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, and Enterococcus faecalis, etc.), have been shown to increase antioxidant enzyme activity, down-regulate HSP70 mRNA expression, and improve gut health through the enhanced gut morphology, strengthened barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and restored gut microbial balance. Consequently, these benefits can lead to the enhanced growth performance in heat-stressed broilers. This indicates that probiotics and postbiotics hold promise as alternative feed additives to antibiotics for alleviating the negative effects of HS in the future. However, probiotics, being living microorganisms, are more sensitive and require conditions for viability and colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, for practical application, postbiotics may offer greater effectiveness due to their safety, longer shelf life, and ease of storage, handling, and transportation.

Front-matter

2024-12-10T14:05:59+07:00

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.4.fm.i

Back-matter

2024-12-10T14:05:58+07:00

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.4.bm.vi