Tropical Animal Science Journal

Reproductive Performance and Physiological Responses in Awassi Ewes Under Intravaginal Sponges Application and Fed Selenium and Vitamin E

O. A. Saeed — 2024-08-26

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of feeding selenium (Se) and vitamin E on the physiological and reproductive performance of 18 multiparous Awassi ewes through the breeding season. The ewes received three levels of oral selenium-vitamin E for 60 days until the study was completed. The experimental ewes were assigned into three groups; the control group (SE0) received 2 mL of sterile saline per head, the second group (SE1) received 1.5 mL/head Se and vitamin E (150 mg α-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite), while the third group (SE2) received 3 mL/head (150 mg α-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite). The SE1 and SE2 groups demonstrated significant highest (p<0.05) rate of conception and overall pregnancy. The study results showed the lambing rate in the SE2 group increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the other groups. All groups had low plasma progesterone levels on day 14, even though concentrations increased in SE0 and SE1, which had higher progesterone levels than SE2. SE1 had the highest estrogen concentration on day 16 compared to SE0 and SE2. On day 14, the SE0 group had a significantly lower ALT enzyme compared to the SE1 and SE2 groups. SE1 had significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT) concentrations than the other two groups. Overall, the estrus synchronization program and the administration of Se and vitamin E resulted in a significant improvement in pregnancy and lambing rates among Awassi ewes. Physiological and reproductive potential of sheep can be increased by improving their diet throughout the period of reproduction by including Se and vitamin E.

Association of a Synonymous SNP of INHA Gene with Litter Size Trait in Indonesian Thin-Tailed Sheep

M. Abuzahra — 2024-08-26

The inhibin alpha (INHA) serves as a marker for the number of fully developed ovarian follicles and plays a crucial role in regulating the secretion of pituitary FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and the frequency of ovulation. This study aims to examine the effect of INHA gene polymorphisms on the litter size of thin-tailed sheep. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the INHA gene was performed using PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. A total of 45 ewes were included in the study. Three SNPs were identified: g.236311141G>C, g.236311367G>A, and g.236311368G>A. Further investigation of the g.236311367G > A variant revealed that individuals with the GA genotype had a significantly higher litter size than those with the AA or GG genotype (p<0.05). SNPs at positions g.236311141G/C and g.236311368G/A were non-synonymous mutations resulting in amino acid changes p.A225P and V301I, respectively. Our results suggest that g.236311367G>A loci may serve as a potential molecular marker for improving the litter size trait in thin-tailed sheep.

The Metagenomic Analysis of the Pig Digestive System Microbiome as a Basis for Disease Control on Farming in Tangerang District, Indonesia

E. Endrakasih — 2024-08-26

Characteristics of microbiome of the pig’s digestive tract play an important role in the animal’s physiology, including metabolism, nutrient processing, the body’s immune response, and disease resistance. This study aims to analyze the abundance and diversity of microorganisms (pathogenic and non-pathogenic) from the digestive system of pigs on farms in Tangerang District. The samples used in this research were pig feces from 43 pig farms in Tangerang District. Then DNA extraction was carried out using the Zymo Quick-DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe Kit according to manufacturing procedures. Sequencing was performed using an MGI DNBSEQ-G50 machine with a DNBSEQ-G50RS High-throughput sequencing set (FCL PE100) according to manufacturing procedures. The quality of fastq files was evaluated with FastQC. Taxonomic classification of the processed sequences was performed using Diamond, followed by MEGAN6. The microbiome of the pig’s digestive system was dominated by bacteria (85%) with the taxonomic profile at the phylum level of abundance dominated by Firmicutes (84.46%) and Bacteroidetes (9.11%). Abundance at the genus level was dominated by Enterococcus (20.44%) and Clostridium (10.31%), and at the species level it was dominated by Escherichia coli (4.92%) and Levilactobacillus brevis (4.84%). There were 10 species of pathogenic bacteria detected, with E. coli showing the highest relative abundance (4.92%). Changes in the gut microbiome play an important role in the physiology of animal health and disease. In addition, the pathogenic bacteria detected not only affect the health and productivity of pigs but also have the potential to threaten public health.

Efficacy of Garcinia mangostana Linn. and Achyranthes aspera Linn. Combined Extracts in the Prevention of Endometritis in Cattle

C. So-In — 2024-08-26

Endometritis is an important factor in cattle fertility. Pathogenicity and the development of numerous reproductive diseases are directly related to bacterial imbalance in the genital tract. A commercial antibiotic can be relatively costly and can disrupt the animal’s usual gut microflora; instead of plant medicals. The aim of this study was to develop an effective artificial insemination (AI) gel from traditional Thai herbs that exhibit bacterial inhibition. Twenty-four female Thai native cattle were divided into two groups: endometritis and healthy. Uterine swabs were isolated, identified, and tested for bacterial biofilm formation in vitro. Brucella ovis, Campylobacter fetus, Helicobacter trogontum, and Arcobacter cryaerophilus were found in female genitalia with endometritis based on weak biofilm information. Garcinia mangostana Linn. and Achyranthes aspera Linn. extracts were tested for antibacterial activity using agar dilution assay. A 10 µg/mL concentration of both extracts in combination was effective against the mixed bacterial isolation. The specific AI gel with those extracts was then developed (so-called GA-Gel) in vivo. The combined extracts inhibited the endometritis bacteria that expressed antimicrobial activity in vivo. Their hematological profiles indicated that the total white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes counts decreased (p≤0.05). Compared to healthy cattle, the treated cattle had no significant difference in the levels of aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. Both in vivo and in vitro indicated that the GA-Gel was effective for the prevention of an increase of bacteria and can be potentially developed to be an efficient AI gel.

Thermo-physiological and Molecular Profiling of Two Indigenous Purebred Saudi Sheep under Acute Heat Stress Conditions

E. M. Samara — 2024-08-26

In light of the escalating global concern regarding adaptation and resilience to elevated temperatures due to climate change, this experiment was designed to assess the thermo-physiological attributes of two native sheep breeds (Najdi and Naimi) and to delineate potential genetic factors conferring heat tolerance amidst acute exposure to elevated ambient temperatures. Meteorological and thermo-physiological parameters were scrutinized at distinct intervals (0 min, 30 min, 120 min, 24 hr, and 48 hr), alongside the analysis of heat-responsive gene expression at 0 min, 30 min, and 120 min, following the exposure of nine healthy male lambs from each breed (mean body weight: 25 kg; age: 4 months) to a bio-meteorologically-simulated environment, maintaining an average ambient temperature of 45 °C (approximately 93 units in the temperature-humidity index). In addition, blood samples were collected from each lamb, with total RNA isolated and purity assessed, followed by qRT-PCR analysis of 16 heat stress candidate genes using validated primers and standardized thermocycling protocols, including controls to ensure accuracy. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including PROC GLM and PROC MEANS in SAS, one-way ANOVA, and pairwise differences with the LSD test for significance, while gene expression differences were calculated using the comparative Ct method and 2^ (−ΔΔCt) for relative quantification. The findings elucidate that the Najdi breed manifests heightened thermotolerance relative to the Naimi breed, as evidenced by diminished indicators of heat stress, encompassing skin temperature, respiratory rate, packed cell volume, adaptability coefficient, serum total protein, glucose levels, and triiodothyronine concentration. Moreover, analysis of gene expression patterns revealed widespread activation of heat stress-responsive genes in both breeds under thermal stress conditions; however, Najdi lambs consistently exhibited elevated expression levels of these genes compared to their Naimi counterparts. Notably, genes including HSP90AB1, HSPB6, HSF1, STIP1, HSP60, HSP90, and HSPB1 demonstrated particularly pronounced upregulation in Najdi lambs. In conclusion, the integrative thermo-physiological and molecular profiling highlights the superior thermotolerance and evolutionary adaptation of the Najdi breed to the hot climate of the KSA, in contrast to the Naimi breed.

Nutritive Value, Digestibility, and Gas Production of Pennisetum purpureum Silage Supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum

L. Riyanti — 2024-08-26

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum as silage additives and their combinations on the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott silage and assess fermentation characteristics, digestibility, and in vitro gas production. The experiment used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments are: T0= dwarf elephant grass silage + 3% molasses, T1= T0 + S. cerevisiae, T2= T0 + L. plantarum, and T3= T0 + S. cerevisiae + L. plantarum. Variables measured were organoleptic, physical, microbial, nutrient composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics and nutrient digestibility, as well as total gas and methane productions. The result showed that all silages had good physical quality, low pH (<3.8) and NH₃ content, and high fleigh point. Inoculants decreased the percentage of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract (p<0.05), increased crude fiber, and decreased the composition of nitrogen-free extract and non-fiber carbohydrate (p<0.05) but it was able to increase Ca and P. Total gas production of T0 was the highest among treatments, while the T3 had the lowest total gas and methane productions (p<0.05). The supplementation of S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum as a silage improved organoleptic, physical, and microbiological qualities. Although the nutrient composition did not increase significantly, the combination of 2 (two) inoculants was able to improve fermentation activity in the rumen, increase total volatile fatty acid (VFA), dry matter and organic matter digestibility, reduce total gas production and the ratio of methane gas production to VFA.

Egg Production, Blood Profile, and Histopathology in Japanese Quail with Phytogenic Additives

R. Murwani — 2024-08-26

This study aimed to determine the effect of combining phytogenic Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb powder with C. xanthorizza standardized extract or with Anredera cordifolia leaf powder in an antibiotic-free diet on the egg production, red and white blood cell profile, fecal endoparasite, serum biochemistry, and intestinal and liver histopathology of Japanese quails. Four hundred eight-month-old Japanese quails were raised in 5-tier cages, randomly allocated into four treatments, namely: T0 (standard diet), T1 (standard diet plus 1% C. aeruginosa Roxb rhizome powder), T2 (standard diet plus 1% C. aeruginosa Roxb rhizome powder and C. aeruginosa extract (equal to 200 ppm standardized curcumin), and T3 (standard diet plus 1% C. aeruginosa Roxb powder and 1% A. cordifolia leaf powder). The data were analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA). Duncan’s test was carried out at a 5% significant level when a significant effect was found. The results showed that weekly egg production was not affected by phytogenic addition, but egg production significantly increased on the last day of treatment (p<0.05). Combining 1% C. aeruginosa Roxb and 1% A. cordifolia significantly increased (p<0.05) erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, lymphocytes, serum glucose, uric acid, creatinine, and AST. However, their values remained within the normal range of Japanese quails. No endoparasites were found in the fecal samples. The addition of phytogenic did not affect the height of intestinal villi and crypt depth (p>0.05). Interestingly, intestinal inflammation levels were reduced significantly in T1 and T2 compared to the control, while T3 was the same as the control (p<0.05). An elevated liver score was found (1 score higher) in T2 (p<0.05). This study suggests that phytogenic additives can help reduce normal intestinal inflammation (due to harsh intestinal environment) and improve the performance of laying Japanese quail, especially in the absence of endoparasites or infection.

Growth Performance, Apparent Ileal Digestibility, and Nutrient Transporter Gene Expressions of Broilers Fed Seaweed-Supplemented Diets

M. N. Azizi — 2024-08-26

Seaweed provides macro-, micro-nutrients, and biological bioactive components that may improve broiler production. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of various levels of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and hepatic growth and nutrient transporter gene expressions. The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) (twelve treatments, six replicates, and seven birds per replicate). The dietary treatments contained: basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% BS and GS, respectively. The data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) of the statistical analysis system (SAS 9.4) by one-way ANOVA. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to assess the significant differences between treatment groups at p<0.05. Various levels of BS and GS (p<0.05) improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake (FI) at the starter phase. No significant effects were observed in the carcass characteristics. The AID of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and dry matter (DM) during the starter phase were significantly improved. The hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene had increased expression in birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% of GS-contained diets. Similarly, birds fed 0.50% of BS and 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of GS had higher (p<0.05) expression of the hepatic Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the intestinal nutrient transporters genes, including aminopeptidase (APN), glucose transporter (SGLT5), and oligopeptide transporter (PepT1) at the jejunum tissue. It was therefore concluded that different levels of BS and GS in the broiler chickens’ diet improved the starter period growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

Improvement of Performance, Blood Profiles, Gut Health, and Immune Response of Broilers Supplemented with Chitosan, Bacillus subtilis, or Their Combination

I. Agusetyaningsih — 2024-08-26

The study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing chitosan, Bacillus subtilis or blends of both on broiler growth performance, immune response, biochemical variables, and intestinal ecology of broiler chickens. Two hundred and eighty day-old chicks were distributed into 4 experimental groups, including T0 (control, basal feed), T1 (basal feed + chitosan 0.1% feed), T2 (basal feed + B. subtilis 0.01% feed), and T3 (basal feed + chitosan 0.1% feed + B. subtilis 0.01% feed). Variables measurements and sample collection were conducted on day 35. The T3 did not differ from T0 and T1, but they consumed less (p≤0.05) feed than T2 chickens. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p≤0.05) in T1 and T3 compared to T0 and T2 groups. Leukocyte counts in T2 and T3 were higher (p≤0.05) than those in T0. The T1, T2, and T3 had higher (p≤0.05) lymphocyte counts than T0. The T3 had lower (p≤0.05) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels than the T0 group. The T2 had higher (p≤0.05) levels of total protein and globulin than T3 and T0. Compared to T0 and T3, serum albumin levels were greater (p≤0.05) in T1 and T2. The T3 had higher (p≤0.05) duodenal villi height than that in the other groups. The T2 and T3 chicks had higher (p≤0.05) Newcastle disease titer than T0 and T1. Compared to T2 and T3, T0 and T1 showed a worse (p≤0.05) microscopic structure of jejunum. The T2 and T3 showed lower (p≤0.05) lesion score in bursa of fabricius than that in the other groups. In conclusion, the blends of chitosan and B. subtilis resulted in improved FCR, higher leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, lower LDL, higher duodenal villi height, higher Newcastle disease titer, better microscopic structure of jejunum, and lower lesion score in bursa of fabricius of broiler chickens.

Performance of Thin-Tailed Sheep Fed Cassava Peel Silage-Based Diet with Different Protein Supplements

Mashudi — 2024-08-26

Growing sheep using native grass or crop byproducts has been commonly practiced by farmers in East Java, Indonesia. Better growth rates can be achieved when protein and energy sources are combined in the ration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding cassava peel silage (CPS) and different protein sources on the growth of sheep fed a maize stover-based diet. Twenty-four growing sheep aged 8-10 months and weighing 17.24 ± 1.87 kg were used, and they were kept in individual cages that allowed the measurements of feed intake, feces, and urine secreted per animal. The treatments applied were T1: rice bran (0.75% BW)+Urea (2% CPS); T2: (50% rice bran + 50% copra meal in 1.5% BW); T3: cassava leaf hay (1% BW); and T4: sunflower leaf hay (1% BW). All treatments provided maize stover (MS) at 0.5% of body weight and CPS ad libitum. The variables measured were nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and live weight gain (LWG). The results revealed that the treatments had a significant increase (p<0.01) in the digestibility of CP, EE, CF, NDF, and ADF and reduced the amount of methane gas (CH₄). Additionally, the treatments had a significant increase (p<0.01) in some variables such as N retention, LWG, and reduced FCR. Furthermore, the treatments significantly increased (p<0.05) NH₃, propionic acid, and the C2/C3 ratio, but they did not have a significant effect on pH, acetic acid, or butyric acid content. In summary, the T3 treatment improved live weight gain (LWG) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in thin-tailed sheep.

Morphological and Productive Correlations of Cutting Pennisetum Varieties Under Conditions of Peruvian Humid Tropics

S. F. Pinchi-Carbajal — 2024-08-26

Livestock farming in the Peruvian tropics is based on the use of grazing forage, but cutting grasses offers greater productivity and seasonality advantages. In this study, the morphological and productive characteristics of King Grass Morado (KGM), Cuba OM-22 (CU), and Maralfalfa (MA) were evaluated and correlated with chlorophyll content under Peruvian humid tropic conditions. Five plots of 1 ha each were installed for the three Pennisetum varieties (2-1-2), with three samples per plot. No significant differences were found in plant height, leaf length, number of nodes, number of leaves/stem, number of stems, stem circumference, length of nodes, leaf, stems, and total weight, chlorophyll index (atLEAF CLOR), performance index (API), and dry matter. KGM stood out in tillering (12.86) (p<0.01), but CU and MA showed greater leaf width (4.16 and 4.42 cm, respectively) (p<0.05). The calculated biomass production was 40.3 t/ha for KGM, 24.5 t/ha for MA, and 76.5 t/ha for CU. MA had higher nitrogen (0.70%) and protein (4.33%) contents (p<0.01). The correlations were significant between stem height with the number of nodes and leaf width, stem circumference with stem, leaf, and total weight (p<0.05), and nitrogen and protein content were estimated with the atLEAF CLOR and API values of the basal leaves with R2 = 0.548 and R2 = 0.563, respectively (p<0.05). In conclusion, KGM, CU, and MA differed in some morphological and productive variables and were correlated with others; furthermore, the protein content could be estimated with the atLEAF CLOR and API values in these Pennisetum varieties.

Supplementation of Zinc Palm Oil Soap Improves Feed Fermentability and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Profile in Rumen Liquid

A. Muktiani — 2024-08-26

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of energy and organic zinc supplements, specifically zinc palm oil soap (ZPOS), on digestibility and unsaturated fatty acid profiles in vitro. The study used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were: T0= basal diet without supplementation, T1= basal diet + 5% palm oil (PO), T2= basal diet + 5% partial ZPOS (3.75% ZPOS + 1.25% PO), and T3= basal diet + 5% ZPOS. The inoculum source was rumen liquid from three fistulated female dairy goats and was homogenized. The goats were fed ration consisting of corn straw, soybean hulls, and concentrate containing total digestible nutrients (TDN) 63%, crude protein (CP) 14%, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 35%. Results showed that both 5% partial ZPOS and 5% ZPOS supplementation (T2 and T3) resulted in the increase of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, propionate, butyrate, unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) and a decrease in the ratio of acetate/propionate (A/P) compared to the control and supplementation of 5% PO (p<0.05). Supplementation of 5% partial ZPOS (T2) is better than 5% ZPOS because increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), NDF, and acids detergent fiber (ADF) (p<0.05) and decreased of methane compared to the control (p<0.05). In conclusion, adding 5% partial ZPOS (3.5% ZPOS and 1.5% PO) increases fiber digestibility, VFA, LCFA, and USFA concentration, and decreases methane production in the rumen liquid.

Chemometrics Assisted LC-HRMS Non-Targeted Metabolomics for Discrimination of Beef, Chicken, and Wild Boar Meats

A. Windarsih — 2024-08-26

Meat authentication is very important to avoid adulteration, substitution, and mislabeling of meats and meat-based products to protect consumers by ensuring quality, safety, and halal status. This research aimed to employ metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to identify metabolites of beef (BM), chicken meat (CM), and wild boar meat (WBM) as well as to identify the discriminating metabolites of BM-WBM and CM-WBM. The chemometrics of principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to differentiate BM, CM, and WBM. The orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to discriminate and identify discriminating metabolites of BM-WBM and CM-WBM through the variable importance for projections (VIP) value analysis (VIP>1.50, p<0.05). The heatmap plot showed the distribution of discriminating metabolites in BM, CM, and WBM samples. The results of this study suggested that untargeted LC-HRMS successfully identified metabolites in meats. In addition, chemometrics could be used to discriminate between BM, CM, and WBM clearly. In summary, the combination of LC-HRMS and chemometrics is promising for the authentication of meats to ensure the quality as well as halal status of meats.

The Resilience of Smallholder Layer-Chicken Farmers Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Indonesia

Priyono — 2024-08-26

Smallholder layer-chicken farming in Indonesia is essential to ensure national food production, food security, and economic resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, small-scale layer-chicken farming exhibited adaptability. This study aims to assess the smallholder layer-chicken farmers resilience in Indonesia during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research employed cross-sectional data collected from February to July 2023 from 114 smallholder layer chicken farmers in West Java, Central Java, and East Java using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, financial analysis, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the decline in the population and production of layer-chicken at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but subsequently demonstrated an increase afterward. Financial analyses showed an increase in operational costs, specifically feed and labor, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The layer-chicken farms could adapt and maintain profitability amidst increasing operational costs. The findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted increasing feed costs (p<0.05) and labor costs (p<0.05). The revenue-cost ratio remained relatively stable. The study also showed significant differences in profit levels before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). Profit levels decreased during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovered afterward, showcasing the smallholder layer chicken farmer’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings offer valuable insights for policy formulation aimed at fortifying the resilience demonstrated by smallholder layer-chicken farming in Indonesia amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other potential crises in the future.

Cost Efficiency Analysis of Broiler Production in Peninsular Malaysia

N. A. A. Mohammad Nor — 2024-08-26

The broiler industry is crucial in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to meat production and the economy. However, the industry faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from high production costs, with feed costs constituting a substantial portion. Therefore, there is a need to improve domestic farm performance and competitiveness by optimizing resources and minimizing expenses to enhance overall productivity. This study aims to estimate the extent of cost efficiency in broiler farming in Peninsular Malaysia and identify key determinants influencing the inefficiency cost. A comprehensive survey involving 241 broiler farms in Peninsular Malaysia was conducted using structured questionnaires and a stratified random sampling technique. Employing the Stochastic Cost Frontier model revealed an operational inefficiency of approximately 5.7% above optimal costs among the surveyed farms, indicating substantial potential for a 5.7% reduction in production costs through enhanced management strategies. Factors such as feed prices, day-old chick prices, price of miscellaneous inputs, production output levels, and capital investment prices emerged as prominent influencers in the broiler cost function. Furthermore, the study indicated that socio-economic factors such as housing system, extension visits, credit access and contract farming are associated with lower inefficiencies, thereby enhancing cost efficiency in broiler farming operations. Conversely, higher bird mortality rates are associated with the increased inefficiency. Gaining insights into these factors is crucial for stakeholders to allocate resources wisely, plan strategically, and enhance competitiveness in broiler farming.

Front-matter

K. G. Wiryawan — 2024-08-26

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.3.fm.i

Back-matter

K. G. Wiryawan — 2024-08-26

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2024.47.3.bm.vi