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Volume 16 (1); January 2026

Research Paper

Comparison of the serum minerals that promote bone healing in healthy and clinically sick goats in Bangladesh

Yadav SK, Yadav S, Ahaduzzaman Md, Pallab MS, Sutradhar BC, and Chandra Das B.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(1): 10-15, 2026; pii: S222877012600002-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.2 

Abstract

Serum minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium are essential for the skeletal system during bone formation and remodeling as well as fracture repair. Present study was intended to assess the serum biochemical parameters of three of the most important macro minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), which are key minerals for bone healing or development in healthy and clinical sick goats. Serum samples were collected from a total of 200 goats (healthy=102, clinically sick=98) from a veterinary hospital and three farms of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The overall mean serum calcium level of healthy goats was 8.47±0.11 mg/dl and in sick goats it was 7.63±0.12 mg/dl, and the value was much lower than the reference value in sick goats. The serum phosphorus and magnesium levels did not vary between the two groups and were within (phosphorus) or close to (magnesium) the range of reference values. In healthy goats, their serum calcium level varied significantly considering age, body weight, sex, feeding type, and owner's income. However, the serum phosphorus and magnesium levels did not vary significantly across the different parameters tested, except for sex and owner's income in the case of phosphorus. Three sick goats had hypocalcemia, which means that their calcium and magnesium levels were lower than the standard values of 5.9±0.5 and 1.9±0.2 mg/dl, respectively. However, their phosphorus levels were normal across all groups of sick goats. In conclusion, the value of an important mineral for bone healing is lower in both sick and healthy goats, which is a frightening sign for bone problems. Most goats have low levels of calcium and magnesium but average levels of phosphorous. Based on these findings, sufficient calcium and magnesium can be added to feed and given orally to further prevent bone fracture.
Keywords: Calcium, Clinically sick animals, Feeding type, Indigestion problems, Magnesium, South Asian region. 

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Research Paper

Analysis of demand for water and its impact on broiler production in Imo state of Nigeria

Anyiam KH, Igwe KC, Amusa TA, Obinna-Nwandikom CO, Enoch OC,  Isaiah IG, Obasi AC, Okoro FN, Iwezor-Magnus DN, Anene HU, Nnorom EI, Olumba UM, Igwenagu MO, Onu DO, Ozor MU.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(1): 16-23, 2026; pii: S222877012600003-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.3 

Abstract

This study analyzed the demand for water and its effect on the productivity of broiler production in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to A) estimating the determinants of water demand in broiler farms, B) examining the level of water consumption relative to recommended standards, C) evaluating the productivity of broiler farmers, and D) identifying constraints to water access. Primary data were collected from 120 broiler farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, the broiler water consumption ratio (BWCR), productivity index, and multiple regression models. Results showed that the exponential functional form was the best fit, with an R² of 0.684, indicating that 68.4% of the variation in water demand was explained by farm and bird characteristics. Age of birds (P < 0.05), stock size (P < 0.01), and bird weight (P < 0.10) significantly influenced water demand. Based on the BWCR, 43.3% of broilers consumed water below optimal levels, 25.0% consumed excessively, and only 31.7% were within the recommended range. Farmers demonstrated high productivity with a ratio of 3.30, suggesting efficient input use; however, sustainability is threatened by persistent water constraints. The most pressing challenges were limited access to water distributors (18.5%), scarcity (15.0%), contamination (13.0%), high fuel costs (13.0%), and climate change (13.0%). The findings underscore the need for policy interventions to strengthen rural water infrastructure, promote solar-powered pumping systems, and improve extension services on water-use efficiency. Addressing these issues will enhance both the productivity and resilience of broiler production in water-scarce environments.
Keywords: Broiler productivity, Poultry requirements, Water consumption ratio, Water demand, Nigeria 

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Research Paper

Optimization of the growth and nutritional quality of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) using the protein content of the medium

Nuraini N, Mirzah M, Nur YS, Azim A, Fathinah D, Wahyudi R.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(1): 24-32, 2026; pii: S222877012600004-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.4 

Abstract

This study aims to examine the performance and nutritional quality of lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus) reared with different protein levels in the culture medium. The research method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments involved providing different protein levels in the culture medium: A (13%), B (15%), C (17%), and D (19%). The variables observed were larval consumption (g/500 g medium), larval production (g/500 g medium), larval body weight gain (g/500 g medium), chitin content (%), crude protein (%DM), nitrogen retention (%), crude fat (%DM), crude fat digestibility (%), and metabolizable energy (kcal/kg) of lesser mealworms. The result of this study showed that differences in protein levels in the culture medium had a very significant effect (P < 0.01) on larval consumption, larval production, larval body weight gain, chitin content, crude protein, nitrogen retention, crude fat, crude fat digestibility, and metabolizable energy of lesser mealworms. This study concluded that 19% protein culture medium was the optimal treatment for lesser mealworm rearing, yielding larval consumption of 181.87 g/500 g medium, larval production of 122.52 g/ 500 g medium, larval body weight gain of 107.51 g/500 g medium, chitin content of 21.17%, crude protein of 46.77% (DM), crude fat of 25.69% (DM), nitrogen retention of 78.72%, crude fat digestibility of 79.55%, and metabolizable energy of 2994.25 kcal/kg.  The findings indicate that smaller mealworms hold considerable potential as an alternative source of animal protein for poultry feed. 
Keywords: Feedstuff, Lesser Mealworm, Nutritional Quality, Performance, Protein Medium.

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Research Paper

Beneficial effects of Canavalia gladiata seed meal fermentation on proximate composition, bioactive compounds, fatty acid profile and amino acid profile

Kone GA, Koko NASB, Koutouan FP, N’guessan KR, and Kouba M.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(1): 33-40, 2026; pii: S222877012600005-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.5 

Abstract

Soybean meal is the dominant protein source in animal feed, but rising costs have encouraged the search for alternatives. Canavalia gladiata, a tropical legume with good yield potential and resistance to pests, contains about 26% protein. However, its use in non-ruminant diets is constrained by anti-nutritional factors. Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to enhance protein content and reduce anti-nutrients in various feed ingredients, making it a promising strategy for improving C. gladiata seed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast fermentation on C. gladiata seed meal proximate composition, bioactive compounds, fatty acid profile and amino acid profile. In this study, raw seed meal (RCSM) was prepared from C. gladiata seed grown in Côte d’Ivoire, while fermented seed meal (FCSM) was obtained through a two-step aerobic and anaerobic fermentation with yeast. Proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and amino acid profiles were determined using standard analytical methods. Fermentation increased dry matter by 4% and crude protein by 23%, while reducing carbohydrates and ash. It also enhanced total polyphenols by 11.11% and antioxidant activity by 32.14%, though flavonoids decreased slightly and tannin levels increased. Fatty acid profiles showed stability of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-6/n-3 ratios within optimal ranges. Amino acids increased overall, with notable rises in several essential amino acids, though lysine, cystine, and glutamic acid declined. Overall, yeast fermentation significantly improved the nutritional and bioactive properties of C. gladiata seed meal, supporting its potential as an affordable alternative protein source for monogastric animal diets.
Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Canavalia gladiata, Fermentation, Nutritional value, Yeast.

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Research Paper

The performance and hematological indices of growing rabbit fed sessilis joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis) and tridax daisy (Tridax procumbens)

Adeyanju T, Alabi O, Adeleye B, Okunlola O, Oyewumi S, Oyelami B, Oguntunji A, Oladejo O, Afolabi C, and Adewumi A.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 16(1): 41-48, 2026; pii: S222877012600006-16

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.6 

Abstract

The performance and blood constituents of growing rabbits fed varying ratios of Alternanthera sessilis (Sessilis joyweed; AS) and Tridax procumbens (Tridax Daisy; TP) were evaluated. Thirty growing male rabbits with initial body weight ranging from 617.50g to 657.50g were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each comprising six animals housed individually in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were as follows: T1 (100%AS), T2 (75%AS+25%TP), T3 (50%AS+50%TP), T4 (25% AS+75%TP) and T5 (100%TP). The experiment lasted for seven weeks, during which data on feed intake, body weight gain, hematological indices and serum biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The results indicated that dietary treatments had no significant effect (P>0.05) on performance parameters, except for average daily feed intake (ADFI). Rabbits fed T1 and T4 recorded the highest ADFI (96.49 and 96.01 g/day respectively), whereas those on T3 and T5 showed the lowest values. The best (lowest) feed conversion ratio (5.79) was observed in rabbits fed T4. Rabbits on T4 exhibited the highest packed cell volume (32.00%), hemoglobin concentration (10.20 g/dL), red blood cell count (5.64×10⁶/µL), platelet count (140.00×10³/µL), and white blood cell count (32.50×10²/µL). In addition, significantly higher (P<0.05) serum total protein (7.00 g/dL), albumin (2.90 g/dL) and globulin (4.10 g/dL) levels were recorded in rabbits fed T4 compared with other treatments. It can be concluded that the dietary combination of 25%AS+75%TP produced the most favorable performance and blood profile in growing rabbits. This suggests that Alternanthera sessilis can serve as a viable alternative forage resource Tridax procumbens in rabbit nutrition.

Keywords: Blood, Forage, Rabbit, Performance, Sessilis joyweed, Tridax daisy. 

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