Journal of Aquaculture & Livestock Production
Journal of Aquaculture & Livestock Production is an Open Access Peer review Journal from Scientific Research and Community Publishers publishes all Accepts articles from Research, Review, Case reports, Editorials, Opinions, Short communications, Mini review, Book review, Video Articles, and Power Point Presentations (PPTs), Analysis, case studies, Reports, Image Articles, Perspective, Commentary, Magazines etc.. Articles can be submitted through online from https://srcpublishers.com/aquaculture-livestock-production/user/register or E-mail: aquaculture@onlinescientificresearch.info 0.5 Impact Factor 84.5% Citations 90% Acceptance
Livestock Entrepreneurship: A Way to Enhance Socio - Economy of the Country
Livestock enterprises play a vital role in the Indian rural economy. It provides subsistence to millions of households involved in dairy farming and also ensures supply of quality milk and its products in rural and urban areas. The approach of dairying in India has been an aid for dairy farmers including small landholders, landless workers and women. The dairy sector endows 80 million rural households with the advantages of nutrition, more income and productive family labour employment especially for women. Higher profits further depend upon the breed of milch animals, good management practices, and market demand. India is the largest milk producer (24% of world’s milk production) as well as having world’s largest dairy herd. Dairy Industry contributes more than 4% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 20 % of agricultural production. In terms of dairy products, India is not counted as an active importer or an exporter. India with more consumers, export special dairy products like casein for food processing or pharmaceuticals. As India gives importance to both buffaloes and cattle milk, which makes Indian dairy industry different from other countries. It is also suggested to include milk and milk-based products in the diet being provided through the Midday Meal Schemes for primary school children and under Poshan Abhiyan Projects to enhance the dairy sector development and reduce inequalities in the consumption pattern of dairy products in India. To meet out the increasing demand for milk products, having their importance in food and nutritional security, the Government of India should continue to focus for its persistent growth. There is further need for significant infrastructure investment in processing, chilling, cattle feed, logistics etc. for higher growth in Dairy sector. Govt. is also providing financial support under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Aquaculture & Livestock Production
Poultry Production, Marketing System and Its Challenge and Opportunities in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Poultry sector holds significant potential to contribute to income generation, food security, and employment opportunities; particularly it is the most significant livestock sub-sector for Ethiopia’s rural populations. Objective: The objective is specifically to identify the determinants of poultry production and marketing systems; challenge and opportunity of poultry production and the contributions of poultry production on rural households. Design/Methodology/Approach: This systematic review has followed procedures to accomplish the review, including literature searches, screening studies, data extraction, synthesis and presentation of the data. Result: However, despite these potentials, the sector faces several challenges; diseases, shortage of feed, and predators are the majors. Despite the constraints, considerable opportunities are there in poultry production that enhances its investment and profitability in the country. The low investment costs, and small quantity of land needed, government initiative to create a conducive environment for foreign and local investors and improving legal frameworks and working procedures, export advantage to neighbor’s countries, good opportunity to invest in feed production, existence of different research institutions working on feeds and nutrition are the major opportunities in the sector. Recommendation: By leveraging the available opportunities and addressing the challenges, Ethiopia can unlock the full potential of its poultry industry and enhance its contribution to national economic development and food security.
A Single VAM Project can be Like Removing 2 Million Cars Off the Roads - at USD 7 per tCO2e
The atmospheric content of GHG (GreenHouse Gases) is only around 0.04%. Without them, the Earth would have been a frozen planet. Due to the tiny portion of GHG, the anthropogenic emissions since the second half of the 1800’s have been causing Global Warming and Climate Change. To the scientific community, this is since a long-time crystal clear. Yet, effective measures still remain to be implemented. According to the statistics of the IEA (International Energy Agency), global energy production increased from 1990 to 2021 by around 65%. Despite global concern and commitments (such as the Paris Agreement of 2016), the portion of fossil-based energy remained through the increase at 80% and the portion of coal-based energy remained around 30%. When a coal seam is excavated, methane gas is released. Methane in air is explosive in concentrations between 5% and 15%. For safety reasons, ventilation air is forced through the mine to dilute the methane to typically below or much below 1%. Safety is obtained, but at the cost of a massive methane emission to atmosphere. A single, large shaft can annually emit 50 thousand tons or more. Financial drivers in form of a value (gain a revenue or avoid a penalty) to reduce the emissions are required to trigger project implementation. This presentation ventures into the necessity to address major reductions of methane emissions to the atmosphere in parallel with emission reductions of CO2, in order to have a better chance to cope with climate change in time, and how VAM Mitigation can play an important role as a large impact at a comparatively low cost. It outlines why VAM Mitigation as a climate action is a particularly Low Hanging Fruit.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Aquaculture & Livestock Production
Integrating Human Rights into the Legal Developments on Oceans and Seas: A Promise to be Fulfilled
In theory, international human rights law recognises a framework of rights and freedoms for individuals that applies constantly, regardless of whether on land at sea. Therefore, at first glance, there appear to be no substantial controversies at the intersection between international human rights law and the international law of the sea that would give rise to complex scientific debate. However, difficulties in connecting human rights and the marine environment persist relating to at least two aspects. Firstly, there are the particular challenges of applying international human rights norms to marine related issues such as ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups at sea. Secondly, international human rights law is closely linked to developments impacting maritime ecosystems. Rising sea and ocean levels, increased plastic pollution and the challenges of managing climate change have direct and proportional impacts on marine and human environment. Additionally, the significant effects of technological developments in ICT, robotics and artificial intelligence on the balance between human activity in the marine environment and human rights must also be considered. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the importance of addressing these issues at the level of the three relevant international organizations: the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union. The scientific objective of this paper is to explore the role of the seas and oceans and to place it in the context of the study of the right to a healthy environment as a third generation right, referencing the recent initiatives of international organisations in the field of human rights.
Coastal Aquaculture in Bangladesh: A Challenge
Bangladesh has an inland water area of about 4.72 million ha and almost 118,813 sq. km in the Bay of Bengal. In 2023-24, the fisheries sector contributes 2.53% to the national GDP, 22.26% to the agricultural GDP, and more than 0.91% to the total export earnings. A study was conducted to get an accurate picture of the catch and catch composition of the fish population, using a semi-structured questionnaire, and primary data was collected by focus group discussion (FGD), local ecological knowledge (LEK), and direct interviews with the individuals, publications of the Department of Fisheries, the internet, and related gray literature. The marine production contributed only about 12.53% of total production in 2023–24. A decreasing trend was found from 2021-22 to 2023-24. The increasing total production of prawns and shrimp in the coastal area was recorded from 0.0082±0.03 to 0.3154±0.04 million metric tons between 1983–84 and 2023–24. The regression trend was logarithmic, and the equation was y = 0.1258 In(x) + 0.0005, where R² is 0.9395. Between 2015–16 and 2023–24, the total production of mud crab in the coastal area was noted between 0.0132±0.04 and 0.01078±0.05 million metric tons, respectively. The crab production decreased between 2022-23 and 2023-24. The regression trend was polynomial, and the equation was y = -0.0002x²+0.0041x-0.0069, where R² is 0.7667. The potential traditional cultures of sea bass (Lates calcarifer) areas are Satkhira-Khulna-Bagerhat and Patuakhali-Barisal-Barguna. The fish farmer collected sea bass fry from the river and prawns and shrimp gher. No other aquaculture of fish species is not developed still now. Fishery resources are facing challenges due to natural and anthropogenic causes, including overexploitation of prawns, crabs, sea bass, and dolphins. An eco-friendly catch should be practiced until hatchery was not established. Developing biological management technology for coastal aquaculture reduces resource declination and enhances production.
Eco-Friendly Hull Cleaning and Biofouling Management: Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable Blue Economy
In a world racing toward decarbonisation and sustainable ocean industries, eco-friendly hull cleaning and biofouling management have emerged as pivotal themes for blue economy advancement. Marine biofouling—the relentless buildup of algae, barnacles, and microorganisms on ship hulls—creates far-reaching challenges for maritime transport, from increased fuel consumption to greenhouse gas emissions and the global dispersal of invasive species. Recognizing these threats, marine engineering is pivoting from chemical-intensive antifouling solutions to holistic maintenance strategies that blend innovative materials, automation, and ecological responsibility. This presentation explores the transformative impact of sustainable hull cleaning—a practice at the crossroads of operational efficiency and marine conservation. Fuel efficiency in shipping can be boosted by up to 35% simply through regular, effective hull maintenance, cutting both costs and emissions in line with global sustainability targets such as the International Maritime Organization’s GHG strategy. Moreover, new antifouling coatings formulated without biocides and toxins, along with robotic hull cleaning systems, prevent harmful runoff and shield delicate marine ecosystems from the long-term impact of chemical pollution. A central concern is the role of hull cleaning in controlling marine biosecurity. Ship hulls serve as vectors for invasive species, with far-reaching ecosystem consequences in port cities and protected waters. By combining real-time sensor networks and digital monitoring tools, marine engineers are revolutionizing maintenance timing, minimizing invasive spread, and ensuring compliance with increasingly rigorous regulatory frameworks. These innovations also enable ports and shipowners to automate hull inspections, verify cleaning outcomes, and maintain industry-wide excellence in eco-friendly practices. From a marine engineering cadet’s viewpoint, eco-friendly hull cleaning is more than a technical challenge—it embodies the spirit of stewardship and innovation that defines the future of ocean enterprise. Collaboration among engineers, regulators, and scientists is driving a shift towards green hull maintenance as the new norm, positioning the maritime industry as a leader in sustainable transport. Eco-friendly hull cleaning stands as a practical, high-impact solution for the blue economy, blending technology and conservation to make ocean transport cleaner, safer, and smarter for the decades ahead.
Driving Sustainable Mineral Supply Chains in Asia: Practical Pathways for Decarbonisation, Ecosystem Resilience & Legal Compliance
The surge in demand for critical minerals—key to Asia’s clean energy transition—has intensified mining operations, creating challenges where commercial goals, legal compliance, and sustainability intersect. This session explores how mining companies and investors, especially private equity, adopt emission-cutting technologies like solar, wind, and biofuels within stringent ESG frameworks and evolving legal landscapes governing biodiversity, indigenous rights, and community engagement. The discussion highlights how legal frameworks shape investment decisions and operational strategies, emphasizing that evolving regulations require proactive risk management to prevent liabilities and strengthen accountability. It examines how stewardship principles and mandatory ESG disclosures influence capital flow, guiding private equity’s due diligence, governance, and long-term value creation. Participants will learn how legally informed investments create competitive advantage by aligning financial returns with sustainability, balancing regulatory compliance with commercial opportunity. This integrated legal and investment approach drives sustainable mining, enhancing environmental resilience, securing social license to operate, and meeting fiduciary duties in a fast-changing market.
Conservation and Community Engagement: Integrating Faith-based Approaches into Sustainability Goals
On 25th September 2015, the 193 countries of the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 development agenda titled Transforming the World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It Includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and justice and to tackle the climate change by 2030. Now, it is less than five years and a long way to go. To achieve the goals, apart from the support by governments, legal adjustments, leadership, funding etc., faith-based approaches by local communities also play a pivotal role in achieving the goals. India is a country with varied agro-climatic conditions, diverse culture, thousands of languages and dialects, all major religions or faiths of the world, have always respected the nature for its sustenance and development. As only two things viz., fear and faith work in this world. Hence, it is of prime importance to understand how faith-based approaches and community engagement can help in achieving sustainable goals specially where marine ecosystem conservation is concerned. The present paper deals with various religious faiths in India, available in literature, in achieving the SDGs.
Codon-Optimized LvCTL3 Expression to Enhance Disease Resistance in Litopenaeus Vannamei
C-type lectins (CTLs) are critical components of the shrimp innate immune system, contributing to pathogen recognition, immune activation and microbial homeostasis. Among these, LvCTL3, a key C-type lectin in the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), is highly expressed in immune-related tissues, including the hepatopancreas and hemocytes. LvCTL3 supports innate immunity by recognizing pathogens, agglutinating bacteria (e.g., Vibrio spp., Bacillus subtilis), and aiding in the clearance of bacteria and viruses, such as white spot syndrome virus. In this study, the codon-optimized sequence of LvCTL3 for Escherichia coli expression was synthesized, cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using the pCold DNA cold-shock expression system. High-level expression of the LvCTL3 protein was confirmed through SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis with Anti-His Tag antibodies. The purified recombinant LvCTL3 protein was incorporated into basal diets to evaluate its effects on immune parameters, growth performance, and disease resistance in L. vannamei against Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Successful functional expression of LvCTL3 demonstrates its potential as a dietary supplement to enhance disease resistance in industrial shrimp aquaculture.
Novel Technology of Free-Living Protozoans as Bioindicators and Bioremediation Tools in the Coastal Zone of South West Coast of India
The use of free-living protozoan communities has benefited in perfectly characterizing and monitoring the prevailing environmental conditions of aquatic habitats and a particular community of organism may be useful as an environmental indicator due to many reasons..In the present study, 19 species of free-living protozoans have been identified and characterised from this Coastal zone. A total of 15 testacid rhizopods belonging to 2 orders, 6 families and 9 genera were recorded. And the ciliates of 3 orders, 3 families were recorded. Among the testaceous rhizopods 1species from Arcellidae family, 5 from Centropyxidae, 1 species from Nebelidae, 6 from Difflugidae belonging to the Class Lobosea and 2 species from the Class Filosea belonging to Cyphoderiidae and Euglyphidae families were identified. Some of these free-living forms have given certain insights of the prevailing ecological conditions of this coastal area thus acting as perfect Bioindicators. Euglypha tuberculata reported in the present study is a species of wide tolerance and survives in diverse habitats. Similarly, Cryptodifflugia oviformis which was reported for the first time in India in this study prefers dryer environments. Due to its small size, this species mainly feeds on bacteria and yeasts, their high abundance explains active decomposition process in the area.The diversity of the free-living ciliates in the study area included species belonging to 3 genera namely Euplotes, Tachysoma and Coleps and they were pollution indicators possessing the property of heavy metal uptake. The water quality analysis and heavy metal analysis also proved the waters of this coastal area are highly polluted with heavy metal concentrations. These free-living protozoans serve as good bioindicators reflecting the natural ecological conditions prevailing in this coastal zone. They can also be effective bioremediation tools that can be applied to solve the heavy metal pollution crisis of the marine water.
Effectiveness of Wedelia Chinensis Extract Supplementation on the Histology of Hepatopancreas of White-Leg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Experimentally Infected with AHPND-Causing Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Wedelia chinensis extract (WCE) supplementation on the histological changes of the hepatopancreas of white-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) experimentally infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). White-leg shrimp with an average weight of 1.5 - 2.0 g/individual was randomly placed into 12 Fiber plastic tanks (50 shrimp/120 L tank) and fed with basal diet (Control) or with basal diet supplementation with WCE at three different concentrations: 31.25 mg.L-1; (312.5 mg.L-1 or 625 mg.L-1 for the first 7 days and then fed with basal diet for the next 7 days, and repeated with the same experimental diets for the following 7 days. An experimental challenge with V. parahaemolyticus was introduced on day 14. Sample for histological was conducted on day 0, day 7, and day 14 after challenge. In addition, in the challenge test against Vibrio parahaemolyticus at day 8, histological changes of hepatopancreas (HP) of shrimp fed on WCE treatment were not observed while shrimp fed basal diet clearly showed histopathological characteristics of AHPND such as pale or yellow HP, massive necrosis in tubules and star-shaped polygonal structures of the lumen disappeared. The results indicate that the WCE supplementation has positive affects on the shrimp’s health and reduces the damage of the shrimp’s hepatopancreas infected with AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
Facilitating Coastal Communities through Modular Artificial Reefs: A Scalable and Accessible Design Approach in Thailand
In regions where technical infrastructure and financial capacity are limited, conventional artificial reef (AR) solutions remain largely inaccessible to coastal communities. This study introduces a community-oriented design model for modular artificial reefs (MARs) that promotes decentralized marine restoration by enabling individual users and local groups to participate directly in reef deployment. Developed within a design thinking framework, the MARs system emphasizes lightweight construction, standardized interlocking modules, and environmentally sustainable materials. Prototypes were tailored for transport by small boats and manual installation without the need for cranes, scuba compressors, or other specialized equipment. A pilot project implemented in Chumphon Province, Thailand, demonstrated the feasibility of grassroots-led deployment with local divers and stakeholders. By prioritizing ease of use, adaptability to site-specific marine conditions, and replicability, the project proposes an inclusive reef restoration model capable of supporting marine biodiversity while fostering long-term stewardship among coastal populations. The study contributes a scalable and adaptable design strategy for empowering under-resourced communities in Southeast Asia to reclaim agency in marine conservation.
Analysis Of Lvctl3 Gene Transcription Encoding C-Type Lectin from White-Leg Shrimp (Litopenaeusvannamei) Infected Black Gill Disease
C-type lectin is crucial for the innate immune response in white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), particularly during pathogenic infections. The expression of C-type lectin genes is upregulated in response to bacterial and viral pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the LvCTL3 gene, which encodes C-type lectin, in white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) affected by black gill disease in Hue City, Vietnam. Using real-time PCR with specific primers for LvCTL3 and an actin reference gene, gene expression was analyzed across six shrimp tissues: intestine, stomach, hemocytes, gills, and muscle. The results revealed that LvCTL3 gene transcription was highest in the intestine of shrimp with black gill disease, underscoring the pivotal role of LvCTL3 in the shrimp’s immune defense mechanism.
Influence of Solvents on the Extraction Efficiency and Biological Activity of Marbled Eel Mucus
Marbled eels are migratory between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments. Eel mucus contains biological components that are essential in protecting against environmental pathogens. The biological activity of mucus depends on endogenous and exogenous factors. This study aimed to determine the influence of solvents in extracting bioactive compounds from marbled eel mucus for aquaculture and human healthcare applications. The results show that different solvents affect the composition and biological activity of the extract from marbled eel mucus. The extracts have 19-23 other peaks of compounds, with retention times ranging from 0.8 to 60.0 minutes on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The selective extraction rate of components (% area) has significant differences between extracts with different solvents. The eel mucus extracted with acetone solvent exhibited the highest biological activity in all tests: IC50 = 36.603 mg/mL and SC% = 98.424% at 100 mg/mL for antioxidant activity; Antibacterial activity was demonstrated against S. aureus (IC50 = 65.00 ± 3.01 μg/mL) and B. subtilis (IC50 = 112.00 ± 7.89 μg/mL); The ability to inhibit human skin cancer cells (IC50 = 465.96 ± 8.54 μg/mL) and normal cells (IC50 = 453.36 ± 17.88 μg/mL). Extracts extracted with n-Hexane solvent showed higher safety for cells than extracts from other solvents (IC50 = 632.43 ± 18.80 μg/ml, higher than the value IC50 = 545.25 ± 26.36 μg/ml for skin cancer cells). These results provide essential data for selecting and applying products derived from extracts of marbled eel mucus in the future, sparking excitement and optimism about this research’s potential impact on aquaculture and human health care.
Biophoton Generators EnhPreserve Produce, and Boost Fermentation: A New Frontier in Quantum Agriculture
Biophoton energy, coherent light emitted by biological systems, has emerged as a novel force in optimizing agricultural processes. This article presents compelling multi-domain findings on the biological benefits of strong biophoton fields applied across plants, animals, produce, beverages, and microbial systems. In plant studies, seeds exposed to six Tesla BioHealers showed significantly faster germination and more vigorous growth compared to controls. Animal models, including chickens, cats, dogs, and horses, demonstrated improved coat quality, alertness, and vitality after just two weeks of biophoton exposure. In food preservation experiments, fruits and vegetables maintained or increased their life force energy over five days, while untreated controls declined. Commercial beverages such as spring water, juice, and nutritional supplements exhibited dramatic gains in life force energy up to 100K units after 48 hours in a biophoton field, with the elevated energy maintained for months. Remarkably, fermentation activity surged after biophoton exposure, with revived bubbling in previously inactive tanks, higher alcohol yields, and stable batch quality reported by small-scale producers. Together, these results suggest that biophoton technology offers a sustainable, non-chemical, and non-invasive approach to enhancing vitality, efficiency, and quality across agricultural and biological systems. The cross species, cross-function evidence points toward a new paradigm quantum agriculture, in which light-based bioenergetics may be harnessed to optimize productivity, resilience, and energetic integrity in food and farming. These findings invite collaboration across agricultural sciences, biotechnology, and regenerative systems to translate this emerging technology into scalable real-world applications.
Optimizing Mixed Culture of Mystus vittatus (Tengra) for ClimateResilience and Food Security in Small-Scale Aquaculture in Bangladesh
Targeting a holistic approach for a threatened native species of economic and conservative high value of the Indian subcontinent, a study was conducted to evaluate the culture potentiality of M. vittatus in the semi-arid northern region of Bangladesh to emphasize the growth and yield of Mystus vittatus (Tengra) in polyculture systems. The experiment focused on determining optimal stocking densities and species combinations for Tengra alongside other short-cycle fish species. Two culture patterns were tested: Pattern-I (Tengra + Pabda + Magur + Rajpunti + GIFT) and Pattern-II (Tengra + Shing + Magur + Rajpunti + GIFT), with each pattern trialed at three stocking densities (500, 600, and 700 Tengra per decimal) across 18 upazillas. Each treatment was replicated three times. Results indicated that the T2 combination, with a stocking density of 600 Tengra, yielded the best growth performance, production, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) in both patterns. Specifically, the combinations of 600 Tengra + 100 Pabda + 50 Magur + 25 Rajpunti + 10 GIFT and 600 Tengra + 100 Shing + 50 Magur + 25 Rajpunti + 10 GIFT showed significantly higher yields (P<0.05) and were selected for further multi-location testing (MLT) in six upazillas across northern Bangladesh. The MLT trials confirmed improved performance over the first-year results, reinforcing the potential of these polyculture combinations. The findings suggest that Mystus vittatus is well-suited for polyculture with short-cycle species in seasonal ponds in the semi-arid regions of Bangladesh. These stocking combinations could be a valuable strategy for enhancing aquaculture productivity and profitability for fish farmers in the region.
Application of Nano Technology and Nano Materials for Remediation of Water Pollution, and Global Warming Using the Catalytic Oxidants, NISAR-Data and Magnetic Refrigeration Technology
This study deals with the Water depolluting technologies by making use of innovative technologies e.g. Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials by employing Physicochemical and Spectroscopic methods to characterize the in-situ chemical speciation of the inorganic contaminants. The Catalytic Oxidants of first row of transition metal oxides have been used in Water Treatment Processes to entrap toxins, by employing High Affinity Toxin Receptors (HART). The catalytic activity and Chemical Reaction Kinetics of Nanomaterials have been studied to assess water contaminant transformation. Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials were employed to Control Global Warming by converting GHG (Methane) to ethanol by catalytic processes to develop hybrid fuels like bioethanol and biodiesel and go for electricity from biomass. The NISAR-Data along with already developed innovative ‘Magnetic Refrigeration Technology’(VG-MRT) to replace Chlorofluorocarbons would be applied to Control Global Warming and remediation of water pollution
Magnetic Refrigeration Technology’(VGMRT
Use of Natural Carotenoid Sources for an Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to determine how natural carotenoid sources influence the growth performance, carcass composition, carotenoid deposition, flesh color, and palatability of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita. Four diets were formulated: a carotenoid-free control feed (CF) and three carotenoid-supplemented feeds containing 5% tomato (TEF), 5% carrot (CEF), and a combination of 2.5% tomato plus 2.5% carrot (TCEF). Fish were randomly distributed into four treatments with triplicate groups and fed to apparent satiation twice daily. Standard procedures and formulas were used to measure growth parameters, including mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival, along with proximate compositions, carotenoid content, coloration and palatability attributes (flavor, taste, and texture) of fish flesh. Fish fed the CEF diet exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher MWG, PWG, and SGR, and a lower FCR compared with other treatment groups. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in proximate composition among the treatments. Carotenoid accumulation was greatest in CEF, followed by TCEF and TEF. Color measurements showed that fish receiving carotenoid-enriched diets, particularly CEF and TCEF, had significantly elevated lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*) values (p<0.05). Palatability evaluation further confirmed a stronger preference for the fish fed with CEF, while the control fish scored the lowest. Overall, the results indicate that dietary inclusion of 5% carrot is highly effective in enhancing growth, pigmentation, and palatability in L. rohita.
Impact of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the ProteinComposition of Specific Tissues in Channa Gachua
An attempt has been made to ascertain the impact of the homeopathic medication Withania somnifera on the level of tissue protein and weight gain in Channa gachua. A 30-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the impact of Withania somnifera, an herbal supplement, on the diet. The quantity of protein in the muscles, liver, and ovaries of the fish under treatment and the control group was measured. The amount of protein in the fish’s liver and muscle that received ashwagandha treatment did not significantly increase. On the other hand, the ovary displayed a noticeably higher protein content per gram of tissue. The amount of tissue protein in the ovary after it is fed an experimental diet causes the ovary to mature prematurely
Influence of Organic Substrates on Performance of Black Solder FlyLarvae (Hermetia Illucens) BSFL)
The bioconversion process of food waste using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) has been considered an effective way in degrading and adding value to organic waste. This process produces larvae as feed resource and solid residue as compost (frass). A total of 10 000 individual larvae at 3days old were used to conduct the trial, and were randomly allocated to four treatments diets. The plastic trays were used, each tray contains 500 larvae of average weight of 100mg and were fed with 600g of substrates from different sources, each treatment replicated five times. The study was conducted to determine the effects of Black solder fly larvae reared on market waste, restaurant waste, pig dropping and poultry dropping on larval survival rate, final weight, waste reduction percentage, waste reduction index (WRI), efficiency of converting digestible feed (ECD), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and (frass) production. The 3 day old larvae were fed for 12 days and the results indicated that larvae reared in market waste has highest larval weight 296±41mg per larvae, waste reduction percentage 48.55±1.3%, Waste reduction index 10.2±0.68%, and ECD, 63.2±6%, (P<0.05). Highest frass production was observed, to larvae reared in restaurant waste 332gDM frass and FCR 44.5 was significantly high (P<0.05) than other treatments. The survival rate was not (P>0,05) significantly influenced by treatments. These results provide valuable insights for utilizing organic waste in BSFL rearing, contributing to the development of more sustainable waste management, animal feed and organic fertiliser production methods.
Effects of Commercial Growth Promoter-Enriched Feed on theGrowth, Carcass Composition, and Palatability of Catla catla(Hamilton, 1822)
Since the use of various commercial growth promoters in aquafeed is increasing in Bangladesh, a feeding trial was conducted for 90 days to evaluate the effects of farm-made feeds enriched with a commercial growth promoter, Charger Gel on the growth, carcass composition, and palatability of Catla catla, a candidate aquaculture species of this country. In this trial, four feeds were utilized and treated as four distinct treatments, with a commercial grower feed used as the control feed (CGF0), and three test feeds were made using locally sourced ingredients, incorporating Charger Gel at 4, 6, and 8 g/kg of feed, designated as CGF1, CGF2, and CGF3, respectively. At the trial’s end, mean weight gain (MWG), percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), survival rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were estimated using standard methods and formulas. Additionally, carcass proximate composition and palatability of cooked fish’s flesh were evaluated using AOAC methods and organoleptic sensory techniques. The better MWG, PWG, SGR, and FCR were found in CGF1, while the poorer results were found in CGF0. Higher carcass protein and lipid content, along with a total organoleptic score were recorded in CGF1, whereas the lower values were found in CGF0. The study concludes that utilizing locally available feed ingredients combined with Charger Gel had no adverse effects, and a rate of 4 g/kg feed leads to superior growth and flesh palatability of C. catla.
Analysis of Small-Scale Ruminant Farmers’ Use of InformationCommunication Technology in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
This study examined the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among small-scale ruminant farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 108 respondents across three area councils includes, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada, and Abaji. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentages, frequency counts) and inferential statistics (Chi-square analysis). Findings revealed that 50% of the farmers were aged 46-60 years, with a mean age of 46.2 years. The majority (82.4%) were male, and 89.8% were married. Education levels varied, with 38.9% having higher education (HND/BSc and above). Household size averaged 6.72 members with most households (42.6%) having between 6 and 10 members, and 42.6% had 6-10 years of farming experience. Income from ruminant farming was modest, averaging N76,111.11, with goat farmers earning N63,879.16. Radio was the most widely used ICT tool (83.3%), followed by mobile phones (mean score = 2.24). Chi-square results indicated that larger household sizes significantly influenced the use of radio (p = 0.003), television (p = 0.026), mobile phones (p = 0.059) and email (p = 0.015). The most significant challenge faced by farmers was poor network coverage, as reported by 66.7% of respondents. The study concludes that socio-economic factors like education, age, household size, income, and gender significantly influence ICT adoption among small ruminant farmers. With radios and mobile phones widely used, efforts should focus on enhancing access and content quality. The study recommends that the government and NGOs create more market opportunities for sheep and goat products, implement policies to enhance ICT accessibility and improve health-related content dissemination through ICT tools.
Indigenous Sandy Loaches in Focus: Pioneering Breeding Successof Acanthocobitis Botia in Bangladesh
Successful spawning induction occurs when males and females exhibit synchronized behavior. In a previous study, we successfully demonstrated the reproductive biology and induction of spawning in loaches by administering synthetic hormones through injections. Building upon this research, we have applied the same technique to sandy loaches, specifically Acanthocobitis Botia. We injected the GnRH analog synthetic hormone ovaprim into the fish’s body in this study. Within 6-8 hours of the injections, ovulation occurred, leading to the male and female engaging in spawning behavior. Our results showed that administering 1ml/kg of ovaprim in T3 yielded the most favorable outcomes in terms of the number of fish laying eggs (100%), total spawning eggs (290±42), fertilization rate (72±4.0), hatching rate (70±4.0), and survival of hatchlings (64±3.60) compared to the 0.75ml/kg in T2 and 0.5ml/kg in T1 treatments. No spawning activity was observed in the control group that did not receive injections. These findings have significant implications for the aquarium industry, as they can help promote the breeding of indigenous small fishes like loaches. Furthermore, this research contributes to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving the vibrant and diverse population of these colorful fishes in their natural habitats.
SATA: The Silicic Acid Technology for Aquaculture
Since 2017, research has been conducted into the effects of (mono-)silicic acid (product: AB SiliFish®) on fish and shrimp. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of stabilized silicic (sSA) on the growth, yield and survival of four fish species: Rohu, Catla, Tilapia and Pangasius in 0.5 ha freshwater ponds for 240 to 360 days. In addition, two forms of applications and two dosages were investigated: a. application of silicic acid to the pondwater and b. mixing the product with fish feed using two dosages. Water quality was monitored using physico-chemical analyses and the effects on other aquatic organisms, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, were analysed. The results showed that growth, survival, feed utilisation and yield of all four fish species increased significantly with both application types, while mixing the product with fish feed at a dosage of 2 ml/kg was higher compared to application in pond water. Physicochemical parameters were also improved, while plankton abundance increased significantly. It is concluded that SATA (Silicic Acid Technology for Aquaculture) significantly increased yields of many fish species compared to controls, as well as water quality. SATA has no negative effects on fish or water quality and is an environmentally friendly technology that reduces the carbon footprint.
The Role of Tunnels in Predator-Prey Interactions and TheirSignificance in Mugger Crocodile Survival and Behavior
This study has recorded observations on maintenance behaviour pertaining to basking and use of tunnels by Mugger crocodiles Crocodylus palustris and also the role of tunnels in predator-prey interaction of Bhor-Saidan Crocodile Sanctuary, located in the Kurukshetra district of state Haryana. The Mugger crocodile moves between land and water, driven by its circadian rhythm, primarily to regulate its body temperature. It was observed using a mix of heat-seeking and heat-avoiding behaviors, which include immersing itself in water, basking, and retreating to tunnels. When emerging from the water to bask on land, the Mugger adopts intermediate postures such as pre-basking, surface basking, and shallow water basking, with the amount of time spent in each posture varying with the seasons. Additionally, the Mugger was seen digging separate tunnels along riverbanks for resting and nesting. The study also documents interactions between the Mugger and both conspecifics and other species sharing its habitat. The research highlights the importance of understanding crocodile behavior to gain insights into their species-specific natural history and inform conservation management efforts.
Morphological Characterization, Pigments and BiochemicalComposition of Isolated Microalgae from South Eastern FreshwaterHabitat of Bangladesh
Identification and characterization of the microalgae is prerequisite before using them for any kind of commercial use. So, the study was designed to determine the growth, pigments and biochemical composition of four different freshwater microalgae (Nephrocytium sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Protococcus sp., and Pectinodesmus sp.). Growth performance was evaluated by collecting the data of cell density and optical density. Isolated microalgae were mass cultured in Bold Basal Media and harvested at their early stationary phase. Result showed that, Nephrocytium sp. showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b and Protococcus sp. resulted highest carotenoid. Protein and lipids were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) highest in Nannochloropsis sp. Moreover, Protococcus sp. resulted higher amount of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Current results will aid to choose microalgal strains that possess fast growth, suitable pigments and biochemical composition to utilize them in several industrial applications.
The Use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal H. illucens for the PreGrowth of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fingerlings Rearedin Floating Cages in Benin
To increase the value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in the diet of Tilapia reared on aquaculture farms in Benin, three diets RR, RT and R55 were tested in triplicate in floating cages for 35 days on Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings with a mean initial weight Pmi = 7±0.220 g. The stocking density was 70 fingerlings/m3. RR is an imported commercial feed while RT is a fishmeal diet. R55 is a diet based on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal with an incorporation rate of 55%. Control fishing was carried out every 7 days and hematological constants were determined. The results show that the feed tested significantly affect zootechnical parameters (p ˂ 0.05). The Final Mean weight (FMW) of fingerlings fed the experimental diets ranged from 16.37±1.18 (RT) to 21.53±1.42 (R55). The best specific growth and economic conversion rates were obtained with R55 (3.21±0.064 %day-1 and 0.95±0.18%), which also had better Hb levels. An incorporation rate of 55% of BSFL meal in the feed of O. niloticus fingerlings therefore induced good zootechnical performance and better economic profitability
Minerals and vitamins Composition of Unprocessed and heatProcessed Maggots from different substrates
This study investigates the mineral and vitamin composition of maggots derived from Musca domestica, focusing on the influence of substrate type and heat processing duration. Maggots were cultured using three organic substrate: cow manure with cow blood (CMM), swine manure with cow blood (SMM), and poultry manure with cow blood (PMM). Larvae were harvested at day 4 and subjected to varying drying times (35, 45, and 55 minutes) at a constant temperature of 90°C. The mineral and vitamin content of both unprocessed and processed maggot samples were quantified using standard methods, including Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for minerals and UV spectroscopy for vitamins. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software, employing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to assess differences among groups, with Tukey’s Significant Difference (HSD) for mean separation. Results revealed significant differences in mineral concentrations across manure sources, with cow maggot meal exhibiting the highest levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Processing duration positively influenced mineral content, particularly calcium and phosphorus, with p-values less than 2.0× 10-16 indicating highly significant differences. In terms of vitamins, substantial variations were observed, particularly in vitamin A and E levels, with poultry maggots displaying the highest vitamin A concentrations (445.32 ± 0.00 mg/100g), while overall vitamin E levels remained low. This research plays a critical role of substrate selection and processing methods in optimizing the nutritional profile of maggot. The findings highlight the potential of maggots as a sustainable protein source, providing valuable insights for enhancing animal feed formulations and promoting improved livestock health and productivity. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term effects of maggot meal incorporation into livestock diets and its implications for sustainable food systems.
Analysis of Bio-Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Cultured andWild Fish from Niger and Kaduna State in Nigeria
Accumulation of some heavy metals iron manganese copper lead and zinc in the muscle, gills, intestine were determine in some fishes (clarias garinepinus and oreochromis niloticus). They were bought from fishermen at the landing site of Shiroro dam and Tagwai dam. and also purchased from Danjeo farm and Federal University Of Technology farm minna (Water Resources and Aquaculture Department Farm).The Sample were collected once monthly for a period of six months Prior to digestion, samples were rinsed with flowing water and dissected with sterile dissection tools to get rid of the gills, muscle and intestine. Wet method of digestion was used to carry out the analysis. The weight of the two fish species was taken and 1 g of each sample was first weighted.1g of each sample was dissolved in 10ml nitric acid and was boiled to complete the dissolution using hotplate .After digestion samples were filtered using filter paper number 41 and obtained precipitate was make up to 20ml with distilled water and transferred into 25ml volumetric flask and then analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The accumulation of the heavy metals in different organs showed significance difference(p<0.05) except lead accumulation. Zinc concentrations in the cultured fish species were in the range of 0.6 to 2.6 mg/L whereas in the wild species values varied between 0.8 and 2.1 mg/L. The greatest zinc concentration was found in the intestine of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromisniloticus from Danejo farm. Zinc concentration in the gill of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus from Danejo farm was statistically similar to those in the intestine of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus from FUT minna farm and Shiroro dam, as well as gill and intestine of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus from Tagwai dam.
Evaluation of Alternative Break Crops in Rotation with Bread Wheat(triticum aestivum l.) in South-Eastern Ethiopia
Crop rotation could be a possible intervention to resolve multifaceted problems of monoculture. In recent years, there is a concern about soil depletion caused by intensive farming. In crop rotation legume crops, which capture atmospheric nitrogen and “fix” it into forms available to plants will increase soil fertility. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), oat (Avena sativum L.) and vicia (Vicia dasycarpa Ten.) forage mixture were considered as a break/precursor crops. The result showed that most profitable cropping sequence was faba bean grown in a 3 year cycle with 2 crops of wheat (Amanuelet al., 1994). Thus, searching for promising and alternative break crops for wheat based rotation could increase productivity and maximize profit. Adaptaion trial around Bekoji showed that sweet lupine seems an option in tolerating acidity where faba bean is found susceptible. Thus, the objectives of this study was to evaluate alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. Thus, this study was executed for three consecutive years from 2017- 2019 main cropping seasons at Kulumsa, Bekoji and Asasa Arsi zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia to evaluate advantage of alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and its effect on soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with five replications. The treatment include: wheat-sweet lupine-wheat-wheatwheat in year one (2017), sweet lupine-wheat-wheat faba bean-Ethiopian mustard in year two (2018) and wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat in the third year (2019). These leguminous crops have improved physico-chemical properties of soil. Plant nutrients of soil on which legumes were grown were increased. This improvement of soil properties by leguminous crops has resulted in higher yield of wheat than plots on which wheat was grown after wheat. Although non-significant, the third year Bekoji and Asasa combined analysis of variance revealed that the highest wheat grain yield (4197kg/ha) was obtained at sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat (4003kg/ha). However, plant height was significantly (P<0.05) affected by rotational crops effect. The tallest plant height of wheat (105.0cm) was recoded from wheat-Ethioian mustard-wheat treatment. From this study, sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat with proper agronomic packages could be forwarded as a temporary recommendation in Asasa, Bokoji and Kulumsa areas and in areas with similar agro ecologies.