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Effects of Ginger, Turmeric, Teak Leaf Extracts Combined with a Probiotic on Broiler Chicken Performance
Get PDFIn poultry production, the transition to antibiotic-free systems has resulted in an increased demand for effective natural growth promoters. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mash-form feed additive made from microwave-extracted ginger, turmeric, and teak leaf phytobiotics, combined with a multi-strain bacterium as a probiotic, administered at graded inclusion levels in broiler chickens. A 35-day feeding experiment was conducted with 300 broiler chickens, arranged in a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments and five replicates per treatment. In the first group, chickens received only the basal diet and served as the control (T0). The treatment groups received the basal feed top-dressed with the phytobiotic and probiotic additive at inclusion levels of 0.2% (T1), 0.4% (T2), 0.6% (T3), and 0.8% (T4). Measurements of performance, including body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), performance index, and income over feed cost (IOFC), were collected and analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds, such as curcumin and 6-gingerol. The inclusion of 0.2% bacterium as a probiotic additive resulted in optimal BWG, FCR, and the highest IOFC, indicating that this level was biologically effective and economically efficient. In contrast, higher inclusion levels of bacteria as probiotics led to reduced performance, likely due to polyphenol-induced mineral binding and issues with feed palatability. The co-administration of probiotics may enhance the bioavailability of curcumin and promote a healthier gut environment. The present findings highlighted the potential of phytobiotic-probiotic combinations as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters when used at optimal dose levels
Detection and Genetic Analysis of Feline Coronavirus in Clinically Suspected Cats
Get PDFFeline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common infection in cats, producing outcomes that differ from mild intestinal disease to the fatal form known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Accurate antemortem diagnosis is challenging, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the nucleocapsid (N) gene offers high sensitivity and specificity, while phylogenetic analysis reveals viral variation. The present study aimed to detect FCoV in clinically suspected cats using RT-qPCR and to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of local isolates from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A total of 45 clinical samples, consisting of 14 ascitic fluid and 31 blood samples, were collected from cats of different breeds (mixed, domestic shorthair, and Persian), aged 0.5-4 years, including 22 males and 23 females, that were presented to seven veterinary clinics in Yogyakarta with clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal effusion, uveitis, and ataxia. The RT-qPCR revealed 62.2% (28/45) positive cases, with detection rates of 100% (14/14) in ascitic fluid and 45.2% (14/31) in blood. The most frequent clinical findings among FCoV-positive cats were abdominal distension (50%), uveitis (32.1%), ataxia (21.4%), and rhinitis (17.9%). Most infected cats (71.4%) were under two years of age, with a slightly higher prevalence in males (57.1%). Phylogenetic analysis of three isolates from ascitic fluid demonstrated a close genetic relationship with strains from Italy, the United Kingdom, and China, clustering into two distinct clades. The present study highlighted the utility of RT-qPCR targeting the N gene as a reliable diagnostic tool for clinical cases, while providing new clinicopathological and molecular data on naturally occurring FCoV infection in Indonesia. These findings contribute to the global understanding of FCoV molecular epidemiology and support future surveillance and control strategies for coronavirus infections in domestic cats
Simulation of Multiple Mediation Variables for Finding the Ideal Model to Improve the Performance of the Chicken Farming Business in Indonesia
Get PDFThe success of chicken farming can be assessed using performance indicators. The present study aimed to investigate internal and external environmental factors, entrepreneurial skills, innovation, financial management, and the business performance of chicken farms in the Penebel District, Indonesia. A total of 51 chicken farmers meeting the criteria were included as the study sample. Data collection methods included interviews, surveys, documentation, and literature review. The analysis employed quantitative descriptive methods, including simple tabulation and generalized structured component analysis software. The feasibility of the initial model was tested, and if any discrepancies were found, the model was re-specified and retested until it achieved overall goodness-of-fit criteria. The simulation model included 11 paths connecting variables. Five path coefficients demonstrated significant effects, while six did not. Significant effects were found between the internal environment and entrepreneurship, the external environment and entrepreneurship, the internal environment and innovation, the external environment and innovation, and the internal environment and financial management. The present findings indicated that entrepreneurship did not serve as a mediating variable. The internal and external environments significantly impacted farmers’ entrepreneurial skills. However, entrepreneurial skills did not significantly enhance business performance. Furthermore, internal and external factors influenced innovation, but innovation did not affect business performance
Assessment of the Level of Urban Traffic Congestion for Improved Mobility: Case Study of Selected Intersections in Ibadan, Nigeria
No full textThe traffic problems in Ibadan can be primarily attributed to inadequate road infrastructure and a shortage of traffic control personnel. The objective of this study is to assess and analyze the current level of urban traffic congestion at specific intersections in Ibadan. A comprehensive traffic survey was conducted using a manual methodology for counting traffic volume. The volume to capacity ratio was employed to assess the levels of service at the Sango –Polytechnic Ibadan Road intersection, while the Kimber empirical regression technique was utilized to evaluate the capacity of the Iwo Road Intersection. The results indicated that the volume to capacity ratio at the Sango-Polytechnic Road Intersection ranges from 0.71, 0.72 and 0.74, resulting in consistent Levels of service classified as C. In contrast, the volume to capacity ratio at the Iwo Road Intersection ranges from 0.73, 0.77, 0.76, 0.90 and 0.96, corresponding to Levels of service classified as C, D and E. A questionnaire survey data was analyzed utilizing the Relative Important Index (RII) to ascertain the ranking of factors that contribute to and influence congestion at the selected intersections. The main factors contributing to congestion identified by the respondents are presence of a roadside market with RII of 0.888, lack of parking facilities resulting to on street parking with RII of 0.878, increased population with RII of 0.820, peak hour congestion with RII of 0.810 and poor driving behaviors with RII of 0.807. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that factors with RII ≥ 0.80 have high rating and R-square Nagelkerke of the model shows 95% of the variance in explanatory variables indicating that the overall model fit is good. The analysis demonstrated that well-designed and accessible pedestrian walkways can significantly reduce congestion caused by the factors, thereby fostering a more vibrant urban environment
Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous cattle breeds in the Amhara region of Ethiopia
No full textEvaluating the feedlot potential and carcass traits of beef cattle breeds is crucial for identifying breeds suited to meat production and for guiding fattening enterprises. This study was conducted to assess the performance of cattle breeds sourced from selected districts in northwest Amhara, Ethiopia, under controlled feeding conditions. A total of 40 mature (2 pairs of permanent incisors intact bulls were purchased from four purposively selected local markets: Adet (Yilmana Densa), Merawi (Mecha), Dembecha (Dembecha), and Yifag (Libokemkem). The animals were transported to the Bahir Dar University beef farm and randomly allocated to two feeding treatments: 60:40 and 70:30 ratios of concentrate:roughage (Treatments 1 and 2, respectively) of the animals’ daily dry matter intake. The experiment was conducted over 95 days via a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement. Data collected included body weight, morphological traits, carcass yield, and edible and non-edible offal, analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS 9.0. Breed significantly influenced initial and final body weights (P < 0.01), slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, weight-to-bone thickness ratio, and the weights of tail, head, and skin (P < 0.05). Cattle from Yilmana Densa consistently outperformed others, with a mean slaughter weight of 339.35±10.90 kg, hot carcass weight of 196.49±6.50 kg, and cold carcass weight of 193.51±6.07 kg. In contrast, feeding treatments had no significant effect on the evaluated traits. Overall, indigenous cattle breeds in northwest Amhara exhibited promising feedlot potential and acceptable carcass yields. Further studies incorporating meat quality parameters, age effects, and alternative dietary supplements are recommended to optimize production and market value
Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Gambir with Potential Probiotic Properties
No full textABSTRACT: Gambir is commonly used as a key ingredient in betel quid and is one of Indonesia's major agricultural commodities. West Sumatra is the primary production region, contributing approximately 80-90% of the country's total gambir production. This study aimed to investigate the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from gambir, assessing their potential probiotic qualities using biochemical and molecular approaches. Biochemical characterization included catalase activity testing and fermentation pattern analysis, while molecular identification was carried out through the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The results revealed that the isolated LAB strains were Gram-positive, bacilli-shaped, catalase-negative, and exhibited hetero-fermentative behavior. Further biochemical analysis confirmed their ability to ferment a variety of sugars but not produce gas from glucose. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis showed that the bacterial isolate from gambir, labeled with the sample code GM2, was closely related to Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, a species recognized for its probiotic potential. The isolates showed antimicrobial activity against common foodborne pathogens like Salmonella spp. and other pathogens, suggesting their potential use in food preservation. The present study also demonstrated the LAB isolates’ tolerance to low pH and bile salts, which are key attributes for probiotic candidates. Thus, the findings of the current study suggest that LAB from gambir possess promising characteristics for application in probiotic products and as biocontrol agents in food safety
Roles of Environment, Nutrition, and Genetics in Woody Breast Condition in Chickens
Get PDFWoody breast (WB) condition is a muscle disease in broiler chickens that makes breast meat hard and rubbery, and it has a negative impact on the texture and appearance of fast-growing broiler chicken breast muscle. This condition is safe for consumers, but the meat generally goes under extra meat processing, such as making pet foods, because of lower consumer acceptance, which is an additional cost for the industry. The exact etiology of myopathy is unknown. Although there is no promising solution for the issue, several strategies, such as nutrition, have been introduced to reduce the WB rate. The present study reviewed the strategies that improved WB conditions, including genetics, nutritional, and environmental factors such as temperature and air quality. © The Author(s) 202
Synergistic Effects of Phenanthroindolizidine Alkaloids from Tylophora indica Against Ascaridia galli: Phytochemical Characterization and In vitro Evaluation
Get PDFThe increasing resistance of helminths such as Ascaridia galli to conventional anthelmintics has necessitated the search for alternative treatments from natural sources. This study aimed to assess the anthelmintic properties of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids derived from Tylophora indica leaves, a plant renowned for its medicinal value, including its traditional use in treating respiratory disorders, inflammation, and various infections. The leaves were subjected to sequential extraction with chloroform, ethanol, and water, which produced yields of 7.2, 17.8, and 11.2, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanol extract was rich in bioactive compounds, including significant amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis confirmed the ethanol extract’s superiority, displaying the highest contents of phenolics (7.51 ± 0.62 mg/g), flavonoids (9.34 ± 1.63 mg/g), and alkaloids (17.65 ± 1.69 mg/g), underscoring its potential for various therapeutic applications. Further fractionation and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) purification isolated key phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids, including Tylophorinidine, Tylophorine, Septicine, Tylophorinol, and Antofine. Structural characterization via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) validated these compounds. In vitro assays demonstrated significant dose-dependent anthelmintic activity against Ascaridia galli worms. Ethanol extracts exhibited the highest mortality rates, achieving 100 mortality within 24 hours at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. The mixture of all five alkaloids at 500 µg/mL showed a synergistic effect, leading to rapid and complete anthelmintic action. The egg embryonation assay further highlighted the efficacy of these alkaloids. The egg embryonation assay further demonstrated the potent efficacy of these alkaloids, with the mixture at 500 µg/mL inhibiting 92.67 of egg development, surpassing the positive control, i.e. piperazine citrate, which showed 87.25 inhibition. Among individual alkaloids, Tylophorinidine exhibited the highest inhibition of egg embryonation (80.76), followed by Antofine (78.42). These findings demonstrated the potent anthelmintic properties of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids from Tylophora indica, particularly when used in combination (Tylophorinidine, Tylophorine, Septicine, Tylophorinol, and Antofine), compared to their individual effects. The study underscores the potential of these compounds as effective treatments for helminth infections and highlights the importance of further research to isolate specific mechanisms and optimize their therapeutic efficacy. © The Author(s) 202
Adoption Preferences of Greek Citizens in Stray Dogs: The Role of Morphological Characteristics
Get PDFA critical aspect of addressing the stray dog population issue in Greece involves the investigation of the likelihood of dog adoptions based on morphological traits. Recent statistics indicate that 43% of Greek households own at least one companion animal. This study aimed to explore some of the factors influencing the decision to adopt a stray and the morphological traits that are preferred by the adopters. To undertake this research, data spanning four years (2019-2022) were used; the data comprised information on 858 adoptions from a Greek animal welfare organization on the Island of Lesvos in the Aegean Sea. The analysis revealed that younger age, smaller size, and tan or tricolor coats were associated with faster adoption rates. In addition, when comparing the data of all four years (2019-2022), the year of adoption was found to be a statistically significant variable, which confirms that Greeks also followed the international trend of increased adoptions during the Covid-19 pandemic
The Association between the Global Threat of Ocean Pollution and Climate Change on the Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance: One Health Strategy
Get PDFAntibiotic resistance represents a fundamental issue affecting public health today. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria alter their response to antibiotics. Pathogenic bacteria and their genes can diffuse throughout human and natural habitats. The complicated interactions between diverse bacterial communities that affect the health of people, aquatic animals, and the aquatic environment are an illustration of ecological issues. Pollution of the oceans by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) can disturb the natural equilibrium of the oceans and may spread to humans. Also, climate change (CC) significantly affects the health of marine environments. Rising temperatures, acidification, increased sea levels, an increasing number of invasive marine animals, changed biological systems, and a decrease in biodiversity are some of the major impacts on the oceans caused by CC. However, the elevated temperatures linked to CC facilitate the higher spread of bacterial infections in aquatic environments, aquatic animals, and humans with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The present study aimed to provide a scientific understanding of the relationship between ocean pollution and CC, as well as their impacts on ocean health. Additionally, the present study presented the current status of ARB and its associated genes in the oceans, comparing to future projections based on previous studies. One Health (OH) concept strategies for reducing antibiotic pollution in the ocean were discussed. The present paper is a foundation for further studies to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the oceans, as well as to understand the current state and key highlights of ocean pollution