Tropical Animal Science Journal

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Taurine Cattle Using STR Markers in Burkina Faso, West Africa

2024-06-06T13:25:23+07:00

Burkina Faso relies on its substantial bovine population for meat and milk production, ensuring food security. The country hosts three primary taurine cattle populations: Lobi, Gourounsi Nahouri, and Gourounsi Ténado. These cattle are adapted to local conditions and exhibit valuable trypan tolerant traits, playing a crucial role in sustaining local communities and holding cultural and socio-economic significance. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and structure of Burkina’s primary taurine cattle populations using 27 microsatellite markers. Blood samples from 143 cattle representing these populations were genotyped. The analysis included assessing genetic diversity, deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, calculating genetic distances, and population structure. The results revealed that all loci were polymorphic, indicating high allelic diversity. The overall mean FIS was moderate (0.028), ranging from -0.36 (CSRM60) to 0.73 (INRA035). Genetic differentiation between populations was moderate, accounting for 4% of the total differences. The highest pairwise FST was observed between Lobi and Gourounsi Ténado. The neighbor-joining tree displayed high admixture levels between Gourounsi populations, while Lobi cattle clustered as a distinct population. The population structure analysis indicated significant zebu gene introgression in Burkina taurine populations with relatively higher levels of admixtures in Gourounsi cattle compared to Lobi. The study provided a thorough genetic analysis of Burkina Faso's taurine cattle populations, uncovering the diversity and population structure. The study also revealed the differences in the prevalence of tsetse flies and associated trypanosomosis across the native tracts of Burkinabe taurine cattle populations had shaped the level of zebu introgression in them.

Detection of Polymorphisms in BMP15 and GDF9 Genes and Their Associations with Reproductive Traits in Black Bengal Goat of Bangladesh

2024-06-06T13:25:22+07:00

The Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP15) and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) genes play important roles in follicular development, ovulation rate, and litter size in goats. This study aimed to investigate polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding sequences of BMP15 and GDF9 genes and to find possible associations between identified polymorphisms and reproductive traits in Bangladesh’s Black Bengal goat (BBG). In total, 85 DNA samples of BBG were utilized for PCR amplification, gene fragments sequencing, and subsequent association studies using a generalized linear model implemented by R software. Sequence analysis revealed three SNPs (g.5875A>G, g.6051G>A, and g.6124C>G) in the exon 2 of the BMP15 gene, having one nonsynonymous mutation (g.6124C>G) that changed amino acid glutamic acid to glutamine (E270Q). Besides, the g.3764C>T polymorphism identified in the GDF9 gene was nonsynonymous in nature, changing the amino acid alanine to valine (A273V). The association analysis revealed that litter size and kidding interval differed significantly (p<0.05) for g.6051G>A and g.6124C>G SNP genotypes of the BMP15 gene in the BBG population. Besides, the combined genotypes derived from three BMP15 polymorphisms also significantly affected average litter size and at the 3rd parity. However, the g.3764C>T SNP genotypes of the GDF9 gene showed significant association with only average service per conception. Taken together, the identified SNPs of BMP15 and GDF9 genes showed potentials that could be used as molecular markers for improving the reproductive traits of BBG.

SNP Detection in FREM2 Gene and Its Association with Carcass Quality in Bali Beef

2024-06-06T13:25:22+07:00

The FRAS1-related extracellular matrix protein 2 (FREM2) gene is one of the genes that play a role in controlling marbling scores in beef cattle. This study aimed to identify SNPs in exon 6 of the FREM2 gene and its association with carcass quality in Bali beef using ultrasonography. A total of 93 cattle were used: 55 cattle from Banjarmasin slaughterhouse, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, 28 cattle from Bali Cattle Breeding Centre in Bali Province, and 10 cattle from UPTD Kupang Regency, NTT, Indonesia. SNP of the FREM2 gene was identified by using sequencing techniques and then genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The association of FREM2 gene SNPs with carcass characteristics was analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) method using SPSS software version 22. Carcass (longissimus dorsi thickness; back fat thickness) and meat (intramuscular fat; marbling score) characteristics were identified non-invasively using ultrasonography images and then analyzed with Image-J NIH software. SNP at position g.89327G>A was located in exon 6 of the FREM2 gene and did not change the amino acid (prolineproline) sequence in Bali beef. The genotyping results with PCR-RFLP technique SNP g.89327G>A FREM2|BccI gene has high diversity. The alleles of A and G were 0.747 and 0.253, respectively. The diversity of SNP g.89327G>A was significantly associated (p<0.05) with longissimus dorsi thickness (LD), while back fat thickness, intramuscular fat, and marbling score did not significantly different (p>0.05). Thus, SNP at position g.89327G>A in exon 6 of the FREM2 gene might be used as a candidate genetic marker for carcass quality in Bali beef.

Analysis of Growth Curve with Non-Linear Models of Gompertz and Logistics Model in Female Katjang X Boer Goats in Malaysia

2024-06-06T13:25:21+07:00

This study aimed to predict the mature size specifically for body weight, body length, height at withers, and chest circumference in Katjang X Boer crossbred goats. The parameters of the growth curve, mature size (A), mature rate (k), and constant of integration (B) were estimated using Gompertz and Logistic non-linear growth models. A total of 228 heads of female Katjang X Boer goats were raised semi-intensively- weighed and measured monthly from birth to 54 months old. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to find the ideal growth model to estimate growth curve parameters. Gompertz’s model demonstrated higher R2 values for body weight and height at withers (0.91, 0.99, respectively) than the logistic model (0.90, 0.97), while body length was comparable at 0.98. The Logistic model R2 for chest circumference was greater than the Gompertz model (0.98 vs. 0.96). Gompertz model estimated mature size (A) for body weight, height at withers, body length, and chest circumference were 37.68±1.63 kg, 60.40±0.57 cm, 53.83±0.73, and 70.62±0.89 cm, respectively while Logistic model estimated 36.27±1.42 kg, 60.05±0.54 cm, 53.65±0.71 cm, and 70.20±0.85 cm respectively. Parameters A and k had negative correlations from -0.439 to -0.530 (Gompertz) and -0.259 to -0.474 (Logistic), showing that animals with larger mature sizes tend to grow slower. The highest correlation coefficient between body sizes is body weight-chest circumference (0.961). Thus, the Gompertz model predicts body weight and height at withers better than the Logistic model, which is fitted for chest circumference. Both models are ideal for estimating body length.

The Quality of Cryopreserved Semen of Local Chickens Treated with Ringer’s Lactate-Egg Yolk Extender Supplemented with Glycine and Glucose

2024-06-06T13:25:20+07:00

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of glucose, glycine, and a combination of glucose and glycine supplemented into Ringer’s lactate extender on the quality of pre- and post-cryopreservation of semen of local chickens. Semen samples were collected from KUB roosters. The research procedures involved formulation of the extender, semen collection, assessment of fresh semen, dilution, packaging, cryopreservation, storage, and subsequent assessment of cryopreserved semen. Parameters assessed in fresh, pre-cryopreservation, and post-thawed semen using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), included motility (total motility, progressive, static, and slow motilities), kinematics, spermatozoa morphology, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were four treatments: T1= control, T2= 50 mM glucose, T3= 60 mM glycine, and T4= a combination of 50 mM glucose and 60 mM glycine. Each treatment was repeated 10 times. The results showed that the addition of 60 mM glycine and the combination of 50 mM glucose and 60 mM glycine effectively preserved total motility, maintained progressive motility, and reduced damage to the bent tail during the equilibration process (prior to cryopreservation). In addition, total motility, progressive motility, DAP, DSL, DCL, VAP, VSL, VCL, STR, and LIN were significantly increased after thawing. This approach also minimized the formation of MDA. Furthermore, observations using SEM showed comparatively more intact acrosomes compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, the addition of 60 mM glycine and a combination of 60 mM glycine and 50 mM glucose to Ringer’s lactate-egg yolk extender proved to be effective in preserving the quality of domestic chicken spermatozoa during semen cryopreservation.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Based on VP1 Gene Fragments in Madura Cattle and Ongole Grade Cattle

2024-06-06T13:25:19+07:00

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious vesicular disease of cloven-hoofed animals caused by the FMD virus. It is acute, highly contagious, and has a lot of genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to confirm cases diagnosed in the field as FMD virus (FMDV) infection through identification and molecular characterization based on the amplification of the VP1 gene of FMDV to provide information about serotype, virus clustering, and additional molecular scientific data on FMDV circulating in Indonesia. The samples used in this study were Madura cattle and Ongole Grade cattle, which showed clinical signs of FMD. Twenty-six samples were collected from the vesicular fluid of blister epithelial cells (tongue, gum, and hard palate), oral, and nasal swabs. Those samples underwent a screening test using the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method with a 3D gene target to detect FMDV infection. About 46.15% of samples (12/26) were detected as RT-qPCR positive for FMDV. Those positive results were then amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequenced using the Sanger sequencing technique targeting the VP1 gene fragment of the FMDV. The sequencing results were analyzed by the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software X version, which includes assembly, alignment using ClustalW, amino acid prediction, genetic distance, and phylogenetic tree construction. The result showed that amino acid sequence variations were found in this gene, including at positions 96, 99, 129, 134, 138, 140, 156, 158, and 197, and no changes were found either at the critical amino acid sites at positions 144 (V), 148 (L), 154 (K), and 208 (P) or in the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif at positions 145–147. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that FMD viruses detected in this study were identified as serotype “O”, topotype “Middle East South Asia (ME-SA)”, lineage “Ind-2001”, and sub-lineage “e” (O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e), which have high homology to the VP1 gene (99–100%) between the viruses studied and the viruses found at the beginning of the FMD outbreak in Indonesia in 2022.

Dietary Supplementation of Spirulina platensis as a Substitute for Antibiotics in Arab Chicken (Gallus turcicus)

2024-06-06T13:25:19+07:00

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding Spirulina platensis to replace zinc bacitracin on performance, egg quality, blood profile, total gut bacteria, and liver histopathology of local indigenous Arab chicken (Gallus turcicus). One hundred and eight 28-week-old laying hens were distributed randomly to three treatments: T0 (control diet), T1 (T0 + 1% S. platensis), and T2 (T0 + 0.04% zinc bacitracin). The treatment was applied for 49 days. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin decreased feed intake (p<0.05), but the egg mass had no significant effect; this provides a good improvement in feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). S. platensis helped maintain persistent egg production (p<0.05). S. platensis and zinc bacitracin provided the best results on haugh unit (p<0.05). S. platensis increased the yolk score (p<0.05). Zinc bacitracin decreased erythrocytes (p<0.05) but was not significantly different from S. platensis. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p<0.05). Blood chemical profile and total gut bacteria were not affected by the treatments. S. platensis was the best at maintaining liver’s health (p<0.05). This research concludes that S. platensis can efficiently optimize feed consumption, enhance performance, maintain egg quality, and protect the liver damage of Arab chicken. Therefore, S. platensis could be considered to replace the use of antibiotics.

Molecular Identification, Chemical Composition, and In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Sargassum duplicatum Against Haemonchus contortus

2024-06-06T13:25:16+07:00

The resistance of the Haemonchus contortus, a parasite causing severe anemia in ruminants, to commercial anthelmintics emphasizes the need for alternative bio-anthelmintics. This study aimed to identify the molecular, chemical composition, and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Sargassum duplicatum against H. contortus. Molecular identification employed the Chelex method, with DNA diversity and phylogeny assessed using maximum likelihood in IQ-tree. The analyzed chemical composition included proximate, total flavonoid, and total phenols. Adult worm motility test (AWMT) and egg hatch inhibiting test (EHIT) were conducted at concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 mg/mL of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract. AWMT followed a completely randomized factorial design (5 replications, each with 5 worms), while EHIT used a completely randomized one-way design (5 replications, each with H. contortus egg batches from 3 adult female worms). The cox1 gene sequence revealed the Sargassum sample as S. duplicatum (KP101270.1) with 99.83% similarity. The results indicated that the identified concentrations of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract, and the observation time significantly influenced motility and egg hatchability (p<0.05). Both factors exhibited a significant interaction (p<0.05). Concentrations of 4-6 mg/mL reduced worm motility by up to 50% (LD50) within 6-8 hours, while concentrations of 2-6 mg/mL inhibited egg hatchability by more than 87% during 24 hours of incubation. In conclusion, S. duplicatum holds significant potential as a bio-anthelmintic agent.

Effect of Rumen-Protected Glucose Supplementation on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Kamphaeng Saen Steers

2024-06-06T13:25:15+07:00

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary rumen-protected glucose (RPG) supplementation on feedlot steer performance, blood metabolite, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Twelve Kamphaeng Saen steers were used with mean ± standard deviation for age 27.9 ± 6.9 months and initial body weight of 471 ± 3.03 kg. Steers were randomly assigned to either a control diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 200 g/head/d of RPG by top-dressing at each feeding daily (RPG). Both groups were fed the concentrate diet, consisting of 14% crude protein and using rice straw as a roughage source in a ratio of 75:25. After being fed for 120 d, the steers were slaughtered. The feedlot performance, ruminal fermentation, blood biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were evaluated. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, gain feed ratio (G:F), blood metabolite, and carcass characteristics between the CON and RPG groups. The marbling score, fat and protein contents of the longissimus dorsi muscle of the steers fed the RPG diet were significantly (p<0.05) greater than those for the steers fed the CON diet. In addition, the cooking loss and shear force of the steers fed the RPG diet were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those for the steers fed the CON diet. These results indicated that rumen-protected glucose has the potential to improve the meat quality of Kamphaeng Saen steers.

Nutrient Value and In Vitro Digestibility of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott under Varying Gamma Irradiation Doses in Acidic Soil

2024-06-06T13:25:14+07:00

Gamma irradiation is an emerging technique in agriculture with the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of forage crops and improve their adaptability to infertile environments. This study examined how different doses of gamma irradiation affected the nutrient content, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) uptakes, and the in vitro digestibility of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, a forage grass cultivated on acidic soil. The experiment involved the application of various gamma irradiation doses (0 Gy, 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 15 Gy, 20 Gy, 25 Gy, and 30 Gy). Four replications were done using a randomized block design, with 25 P. purpureum cv. Mott seeds in each repetition, totaling 700 seeds. The plants were grown in acidic soil with a pH of approximately 4.5–5. After two months of growth, the plants were harvested, and various parameters were analyzed. The research results indicated that the treatment had a significant effect on increasing organic matter content (p<0.01), NDF (neutral detergent fiber) (p<0.01), ADF (acid detergent fiber) (p<0.01), cellulose (p<0.01), hemicellulose (p<0.01), crude protein (p<0.01), crude fat (p<0.05), non-nitrogen-free extract (p<0.05), fiber fractions (p<0.01), nutrient digestibility (p<0.01), and fiber fraction digestibility (p<0.01). Overall, it can be concluded from this study that a gamma irradiation dose of 15 gy can enhance the nutritional content of P. purpureum cv. Mott cultivated on acidic soil and improves its utilization efficiency for livestock due to the increased digestibility.

Hematological and Performance Variables of Male Broiler Chickens Fed with Moringa oleifera Extract and Probiotic in Drinking Water

2024-06-06T13:25:10+07:00

Moringa oleifera is a potential plant that can be used to improve immunity, the gut health of broiler chickens, and reduce the number of pathogens in the intestine. Probiotics are non-pathogenic microbes that can balance the microflora in the digestive tract and improve poultry production performance. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the impact of adding probiotic Lactobacillus sp. and M. oleifera extract to broiler feed. In this study, a factorial, completely randomized design was used. This research used 900 animals, which were divided into two factors: the first factor was the dose of M. oleifera (0%, 1%, and 2%) and the second factor was the dose of probiotics (0%, 1 %, and 2%). The treatment was 9 (3 x 3 factorial design), with each consisting of 10 replications and each replication consisting of 10 chickens. M. oleifera extract and probiotics were supplemented in drinking water during the 5-week experimental period. Ad libitum supplies of food and drink were provided. The results revealed that there was an interaction (p<0.05) between the doses of M. oleifera extract and probiotic on leucocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, thrombocytes, and hematocrit when M. oleifera extract and probiotics were added. There was no interaction between the doses of M. oleifera extract and probiotics on the levels of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and erythrocytes, but all blood profile values were within the normal range. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and daily body weight gain showed significant differences (p<0.05) that increased between treatments. It could be concluded that using M. oleifera extract and Lactobacillus sp probiotics as feed additives did not alter the normal blood profile values and could increase the performance of male broiler chickens and income over feed cost (IOFC).

Effects of Replacing Dietary Antibiotic Supplementation with Chitosan Levels on Rumen Metabolism and Nitrogen Use in Finishing Steers Fed Forage-Free Diets

2024-06-06T13:25:09+07:00

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing antibiotics with increasing doses of chitosan (CHI) on nutrient intake and digestibility, corn grain excretion, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen metabolism, and feeding behavior in finishing steers fed forage-free diets. Five ruminally cannulated crossbred steers were assigned to a 5 x 5 Latin square experimental design and given the following diets: C0= basal diet with no additives, ANT= basal diet with inclusion of virginiamycin 30 mg/kg DM, C375= basal diet with inclusion of chitosan 375 mg/kg DM, C750= basal diet with inclusion of chitosan 750 mg/kg DM, and C1500= basal diet with inclusion of chitosan 1500 mg/kg DM. Supplementation with CHI did not affect ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3) concentration. Chitosan quadratically affected corn grain excretion and molar proportion of ruminal butyrate, with greater values for C750. Animals fed C375 showed greater dry matter intake and neutral detergent fiber intake; and greater digestibility of DM, starch, and NDF. Animals fed C750 and C1500 diets presented greater absorbed N compared to ANT. Animals fed ANT, C750, and C1500 spent more time eating and chewing than animals fed CON. More specifically, the dose of 375 mg/kg DM of diet was very promising for steers fed free-forage diet due to its ability to improve nutrient digestibility, with only slight changes in N metabolism.

Characteristics, Antioxidant, and Antihypertensive Activities of Probiotic Greek Yogurt with Roselle Extract Addition

2024-06-06T13:25:07+07:00

Yogurt is one example of a functional food that can improve health and reduce the risk of diseases. Certain ingredients, such as probiotic bacteria and roselle extract, are added to yogurt to enhance its benefits. The utilized probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5, provides notable antimicrobial benefits. Additionally, the incorporated roselle extract is established to possess antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. This study aims to analyze the characteristics, antioxidant, and antihypertensive activities of probiotic Greek yogurt (PGY) and probiotic Greek yogurt with roselle extract (PGYR). The roselle extract added to the Greek probiotic yogurt was 3%, and the bacteria used in the fermentation process for both treatments were S. thermophilus IFO 13957, L. bulgaricus IFO 13953, and L. plantarum IIA-1A5. Each treatment was replicated three times in duplicate. The results showed that the addition of roselle extract to probiotic Greek yogurt significantly influenced (p<0.05) the antioxidant and antihypertensive activity, water activity (a_w), pH, total acidity (TAT), and the color aspect in the hedonic test and the flavor, color, and aroma aspects in the hedonic quality test. The antioxidant activity and antihypertensive activity tests yielded significantly different results. The antioxidant activity increased from 29.32% (PGY) to 44.93% (PGYR), while the antihypertensive activity increased from 35.68% (PGY) to 81.36% (PGYR). This study concluded that the characteristics of PGYR have met the SNI standards and have a higher antioxidant and antihypertensive activity value than PGY. PGYR also has a promising potential for commercial development due to its health benefits.

Effect of Import Policy on Beef Supply and Demand in Indonesia before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

2024-06-06T13:25:07+07:00

Beef production in Indonesia has experienced a decline after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an expanding gap between the supply and demand of beef. This widening gap has resulted in an increased reliance on beef imports, which in turn impacts domestic food stability. This study examines the impact of import policies on the supply and demand of beef both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing secondary data related to beef production, consumption, and prices, officially released by relevant ministries or institutions, the analysis was conducted using an econometric model with a simultaneous system equation. The results show that implementing a policy to decrease beef imports while concurrently increasing imports of feeder after the pandemic can enhance beef production by 25%, surpassing levels observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a policy will lead to a decrease in the national beef supply, although demand will remain unchanged during both periods. By using a simultaneous equation system approach that links the dimensions of beef production and consumption, this study offers comprehensive insights for policymakers in designing policies and programs to increase Indonesia’s beef production.

Sodium Butyrate Supplementation for Improving Poultry and Rabbit Performance

2024-06-06T13:25:06+07:00

Sodium butyrate (SB) is a compound that belongs to the class of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). It is derived from the breakdown of dietary fiber in the colon by gut bacteria. Supplementation of SB in poultry and rabbit diets is of great importance due to its numerous benefits to animal health and performance. Previous studies have shown that sodium butyrate can improve nutrient digestibility, enhance gut health, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the incidence of intestinal diseases in poultry. These favorable benefits eventually contribute to the increased of growth, feed efficiency, and profitability in the poultry and rabbit industries. By improving nutrient digestibility, enhancing gut health, and strengthening the immune system, SB supplementation helps to reduce the incidence of intestinal diseases in poultry and rabbits. This ultimately leads to improved growth, feed efficiency, and overall profitability in the poultry industry. Additionally, SB supplementation can help reduce the need for antibiotics in poultry farming, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to raising poultry. It has efficacy against acid-intolerant species, including Salmonella sp., Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the pH of the gastrointestinal system was successfully decreased by administering SB. These properties make SB a promising alternative for maintaining gastrointestinal health and improving poultry and rabbit performance. Therefore, this review provides insight into the continuous development of novel SB supplements and highlights their potential contribution to poultry and rabbit farms.

Front-matter

2024-06-06T13:25:24+07:00

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.2.fm.i

Back-matter

2024-06-06T13:25:24+07:00

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.2.bm.vi