Animal Science and Zoology, Agricultural and Biological Sciences
97
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Enhanced Mushroom Cultivation Using Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Waste: Insights from Transcriptomic and Lignocellulose Degradation Studies Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Nur Fariha Amir, Amatul Hamizah Ali, Md. Ali Amatul-Samahah, Farida Zuraina Mohd Yusof, Roni Pazla Sains Malaysiana, 2026 Volvariella volvacea is a nutritional and pharmacologically valuable tropical mushroom. Yet, its potential as a sustainable food source and bioremediation agents remains underutilised. This study evaluated the efficiency of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) as a lignocellulosic substrate to enhance the growth and biological efficiency (BE) of V. volvacea. Among the tested formulations, F3 (OPEFB supplemented with black soil) produced the highest yield (11 kg) and a BE of 17.75%. F3 also showed a high cellulose degradation rate (34.14%) and reduced lignin content (5.55%). Transcriptomic profiling showed that key lignocellulolytic genes were strongly expressed during the pinhead (Stage 1) developmental stage, correlating positively with the improved substrate conversion observed in F3. Overall, the findings highlight the synergistic interaction between fungal and soil-associated microbial communities in promoting enzymatic degradation and advancing sustainable utilisation of OPEFB for mushroom cultivation.
Evaluation of Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum crassifolium, and Enhalus acoroides as feed additives for improving rumen fermentation and mitigating enteric methane emissions in vitro Nurzainah Ginting, Roni Pazla, Rahmat Hidayat, Asmuddin Natsir, Adanan Purba, et al. Veterinary World, 2026 Background and Aim: Enteric methane emissions from ruminants contribute substantially to greenhouse gas accumulation and energy loss in livestock systems. In maritime regions such as Indonesia, macroalgae and seagrass represent abundant but underutilized bioresources with potential antimethanogenic properties. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum crassifolium, and Enhalus acoroides as feed additives for improving rumen fermentation characteristics and mitigating methane production in vitro. Materials and Methods: A completely randomized factorial design was employed using three marine plant species and four inclusion levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) with six replicates. Parameters assessed included dry matter degradation (DMD), organic matter degradation (OMD), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃), volatile fatty acids (VFA), gas production, methane (CH₄), and microbial protein synthesis. Proximate, Van Soest, and phytochemical analyses were performed to determine nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Results: All three species exhibited favorable nutritional profiles and contained bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. Supplementation at 10% significantly enhanced DMD, OMD, NH₃, VFA, gas production, and microbial protein synthesis (p < 0.05), with S. cristaefolium demonstrating the most pronounced effects. Rumen pH remained within the optimal physiological range (6.60–7.01) across treatments. Methane production decreased significantly at 10% inclusion, with reductions of 39.86%, 29.30%, and 23.92% for S. cristaefolium, S. crassifolium, and E. acoroides, respectively. Although 15% inclusion yielded greater methane suppression, it adversely affected fermentation efficiency and digestibility parameters. Projections indicated that adopting 10% supplementation could reduce methane emissions in North Sumatra Province from 5,286,097,238 kg to 3,645,821,265 kg by 2050. Conclusion: Supplementation with S. cristaefolium, S. crassifolium, and E. acoroides at 10% optimizes rumen fermentation while effectively mitigating methane emissions. These findings highlight the potential of marine biomass as a sustainable feed additive for improving livestock productivity and environmental performance. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate long-term efficacy and practical applicability under field conditions. Keywords: enteric methane mitigation, in vitro fermentation, marine biomass, methane emissions, ruminant nutrition, Sargassum crassifolium, Sargassum cristaefolium, Enhalus acoroides.
Improving Goat Milk Production and Functional Quality Through Local Resource-Based Feed: A Study of Tithonia diversifolia, Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus) and Palm Kernel Concentrate International Journal of Veterinary Science, 2026 This research aimed to assess how replacing forage with Tithonia diversifolia and adding katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) alongside palm kernel meal concentrate affected Peranakan Etawa goat milk intake, digestibility, production, and quality.A 60-day experimental period was conducted at Toni Farm in Payakumbuh, where researchers used 20 lactating goats distributed across 4 treatments, with 5 replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design.The treatments consisted of: A (control: 60% conventional forage + 40% concentrate), B (60% Tithonia + 20% concentrate + 20% palm kernel meal), C (B + 1.5% katuk leaves), and D (B + 3% katuk leaves).The parameters observed included dry matter intake and digestibility, organic matter, crude protein, milk production, and milk amino acid and fatty acid content.Compared with the control, treatments C and D significantly enhanced feed utilization and milk production (P<0.05),along with notable increases in essential amino acids (lysine and leucine) and linoleic acid levels.It was concluded that the combination of Tithonia diversifolia, katuk leaves, and palm kernel meal is an effective local feed formulation for sustainably improving the quantity and quality of goat milk.
Potency of Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit as a Saponin Source in Modulating Ruminal Fermentation and Reducing Methane Production in Fiber Feed International Journal of Veterinary Science, 2026 This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Phaleria macrocarpa fruit, serving as a natural saponin source, for influencing rumen fermentation as well as reducing the production of methane during fiber feed fermentation.A randomized block design was applied with four treatments and four replications.Grouping was based on rumen fluid from 4 ruminants and an in vitro experiment was performed to examine the effects of P. macrocarpa fruit supplementation (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%) on corn straw substrate.The parameters that were observed were methane, total volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia (NH3), rumen pH, individual VFA and protozoa population.It was found that P. macrocarpa supplementation reduced protozoa population, methane and ammonia concentration significantly (P<0.01).Total VFA production and rumen pH showed no significant differences (P>0.05) with the addition of P. macrocarpa fruit from 1 to 3%.The greatest decrease in protozoa population (63.7) and methane (24.5) was observed at 3% supplementation.Propionic, butyric and branched-chain fatty acids were found to be significantly improved (P<0.01) at 1% addition that decrease the ratio of acetate to propionate (2.15).The suppression of protozoa and the decrease in hydrogen transfer between protozoa and methanogens were indicated to be the causes of the reduction in methane production.Conclusively, P. macrocarpa fruit serves as a good natural additive to enhance the efficiency of rumen fermentation to lower protozoa and methane formation without changing rumen pH and total VFA.The most suitable supplement is 3% that offers a sustainable approach to the mitigation of methane production and enhance feed efficiency in ruminant systems.
The role of tannin-based products in mitigating enteric methane emissions in ruminant livestock: A review Roni Pazla, Antonius Antonius, Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Zaitul Ikhlas, Yelly Fitri, Hadriana Bansi, Yelsi Dewi, Maureen Hadiatry, Novia Qomariyah, Sutiastuti Wahyuwardani, Yenni Yusriani, Eni Rohaeni, Bachtar Bakrie Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research, 2026 Global greenhouse gas accumulation receives significant contributions from methane emitted by ruminant livestock, thereby exacerbating climate change. Tannin-based feed additives are being investigated by researchers as a potential means to alter rumen fermentation and reduce methanogenesis. The researchers build on previous studies on the impact of tannins on methane reduction in the digestive tract and investigate the biological mechanisms of tannins, which are coupled with the potential of animal feed sources. Tannins kill methanogenic archaea by reducing protozoa and altering volatile fatty acid composition. This simultaneously results in reduced meth¬ane emissions and improved feed and nitrogen utilization efficiency. As a result, animal production is made more efficient by the reduction of nitrogen excretion and the enhancement of protein metabolism. The use of tannins, essential oils, biochar, and probiotics together is being researched as a way to treat the diet. Yet there are still issues, such as the adverse effects of tannins on nutrition, inconsistent tannin supply across sources, and microbial adaptation over time. The effec¬tiveness of tannins also varies and is connected to the plant source, concentration, and processing methods. Besides, scientists are developing encapsulation methods and selecting optimal feeding protocols to increase tannin effectiveness while minimizing unwanted effects. Future researchers must improve the administration techniques for tannins, develop more efficient delivery systems, and conduct a comprehensive assessment of how tannins affect rumen microbiome health and animal performance. Tannin application emerges as an ecological approach that serves sustainabil¬ity in livestock management systems and helps environmental adaptation practices.
Replacing Concentrate with Tithonia diversifolia Improves in Vitro Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics in Ruminant Diets International Journal of Veterinary Science, 2026 The research aims to analyze the possibility of using tithonia instead of concentrate in the animal's ration.The study was designed as a randomized-block, four-treatment, four-group design.The treatments were P1 (50% Pakchong grass + 35% tithonia + 14% concentrate + 1% minerals), P2 (50% Pakchong grass + 40% tithonia + 14% concentrate + 1% minerals), P3 (50% Pakchong grass + 45% tithonia + 4% concentrate + 1% minerals), and P4 (50% Pakchong grass + 49% tithonia + 1% minerals).Digestibility, rumen fluid properties, gas production, microbial biomass, and protozoa populations were observed.Analysis of variance was utilized to analyze the data obtained in this research.The analysis revealed that the treatments produced a statistically significant effect (P<0.01) on dry matter digestibility (62.05-65.08%),digestibility of organic matter (63.95-68.26%),crude protein digestibility (62.82-67.76%),NH3 (10.31-16.47mg/100mL),and total gas production (83.22-121.43mL/gDM).The results showed no significant change (P>0.01) in microbial biomass (2.2168-2.5568mg/mL)and protozoa population (0.7810 4 -1.6410 4 cells/mL).Significantly affected (P<0.05)methane production (17.84-24.90mL/gDM), VFA (125-140mM), ADF digestibility (54.72-57.84%),and hemicellulose digestibility (61.84-64.08%).The impact on the pH (6.81-6.91)was not statistically significant (P>0.05),NDF digestibility (55.80-57.91%),and cellulose digestibility (60.83-63.28%).Based on the study results, it can be concluded that incorporating 40% Tithonia diversifolia (P2) into the ration provided the best results for dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH3, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose, gas production, microbial biomass, and protozoa population.This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 and SDG12 through sustainable feeding.
In vitro characterization of coconut waste-derived indigenous microorganisms as probiotic and synbiotic candidates for sustainable poultry production Hera Dwi Triani, Muhammad Amri, Toni Malvin, Ibran Eka Putra, Wulansih Dwi Astuti, Gusri Yanti, Resolinda Harly, Yetti Marlida, Roni Pazla Veterinary World, 2026 Background and Aim: The global restriction on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production due to antimicrobial resistance concerns has accelerated the search for effective, sustainable alternatives. Probiotics derived from agricultural by-products offer a promising strategy to enhance gut health and productivity while reducing environmental waste. Coconut-waste, including coconut water and pulp, is rich in fermentable substrates that support the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the production of functional metabolites. This study aimed to perform an integrated in vitro characterization of indigenous microorganisms derived from coconut-waste fermentation as potential probiotic and synbiotic candidates for sustainable poultry production. Materials and Methods: Indigenous microorganism solutions (IMOS) were produced through anaerobic fermentation of coconut water and coconut pulp for 5, 10, 15, and 20 days using a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Physicochemical properties (pH, LAB counts), enzymatic activities (cellulase and mannanase), tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (acidic pH 2.5, bile salts at 0.3% and 0.5%, and thermal exposure at 42°C), cell surface hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were evaluated using standard microbiological and analytical methods. Results: Fermentation duration significantly influenced all evaluated parameters (p < 0.05). IMOS fermented for 15 days exhibited the lowest pH (3.19 ± 0.02), the highest LAB population (2.05 ± 0.13 × 10¹¹ CFU/mL), optimal cellulase (12.50 ± 0.15 U/mL) and mannanase activities (20.48 ± 0.13 U/mL), and the greatest cell surface hydrophobicity (95.09 ± 0.35%). LAB survival remained high under simulated gastrointestinal stress, reaching 80.23 ± 4.12% at pH 2.5 (6 h), 71.45 ± 0.56% in 0.5% bile salts, and 8.09 ± 0.35 × 10¹¹ CFU/mL at 42°C. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated complete inhibition of E. coli after 24 h at 15 days of fermentation. Acetate (3.34–3.43 g/L) and butyrate (0.66–0.71 g/L) were the dominant SCFAs detected. Conclusion: Coconut waste–derived IMOS demonstrates strong in vitro probiotic and synbiotic characteristics and represents a low-cost, environmentally sustainable functional feed additive for poultry. Fermentation for 15 days yielded optimal functional properties. Further in vivo validation is warranted to confirm efficacy under practical production conditions. Keywords: acid tolerance, antimicrobial activity, coconut-waste, Escherichia coli, lactic acid bacteria, poultry probiotics, short-chain fatty acids, synbiotic feed additive.
The role of dosage and regional origin of Gambir (Uncaria gambir) leaf extract in enhancing rumen fermentation and suppressing methane emissions R. Pazla, A. Natsir, R. Hidayat, N. Ginting, N. Jamarun, M. Zain, Antonius, Z. Ikhlas, U. Rosani, L.S. Sucitra, B.V. Utami, M.Z. Hidayat Energy Nexus, 2025 A study was conducted to determine the effects of extracts of Uncaria gambir leaves from 8 regions in Indonesia on characteristics of in vitro rumen fermentation, nutrient disappearance, and methane (CH₄) production. Results showed that the parts of the plant from the Traju and Talang Maur regions have higher contents of catechins and tannins, which are important bioactive compounds to alter rumen microbial ecology. Dry matter and crude protein disappearance and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were improved significantly by supplementation at 2% of dietary dry matter (DM). Most importantly, this treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in protozoa numbers and methane emissions without affecting rumen pH and fermentation consistency. The combination of catechins, tannins, and saponins in the gambir extracts had a synergistic effect on inhibiting microbial activity and methane production, likely due to combined effects on hydrogen sink efficiency and microbial inhibition. These results confirm the potential of regional Uncaria gambir extracts, especially from Traju and Talang Maur, as natural rumen modifiers. Their use at the appropriate dose can enhance the fermentation profile and assist in methane mitigation approaches, thereby achieving a more sustainable and climate-resilient ruminant production system. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of Uncaria gambir leaf extracts from eight distinct Indonesian regions, applied at three inclusion levels, on nutrient disappearance, rumen microbial fermentation profile, enteric methane (CH₄) emissions, protozoa populations, and microbial biomass. The in vitro experiment utilized a randomized block design in an 8 × 3 factorial arrangement, involving extracts originating from Sutera, Pangkalan, Langgai, Traju, Simpang Kapuk, Maek, Tolang, and Talang Maur at supplementation levels of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of dietary dry matter (DM). Extracts from Traju and Talang Maur at the 2% inclusion level, characterized by higher tannin and catechin contents (71.37% and 71.51%, respectively), showed the most promising results: they enhanced dry matter disappearance (69.90%, P<0.05), NH₃ concentration (16.02 mg/100 mL, P<0.05), and VFA concentration (158.00 mM, P<0.05) while reducing CH₄ production to 6.62 mL/g DM, representing a 47% decrease relative to the lowest-performing treatment (P < 0.05). Increasing the level of gambir supplementation was positively correlated with improved nutrient disappearance, higher NH₃ and VFA concentrations, and lower CH₄ production, without disrupting rumen pH (range: 6.82–7.06) or microbial biomass. These findings underscore the role of region-specific phytochemical profiles in modulating rumen microbial dynamics. Given Indonesia’s leading position as a gambir producer, this study provides strong evidence supporting the use of Uncaria gambir as a natural, locally available additive to improve rumen efficiency and mitigate methane emissions in sustainable livestock systems.
