Mirni Lamid

Background: Bali cattle are the backbone of smallholder beef production in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, yet their reproductive efficiency is constrained by long dry seasons, poor-quality forage and postpartum uterine disease. Objective: This review synthesises published evidence on two linked interventions: probiotic-based feed processing and the management of endometritis in Bali cattle under Kupang conditions. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Indonesian and international journals, proceedings and theses indexed in Garuda, DOAJ, PubMed Central and university repositories. Sources were screened for relevance to Bali cattle, dryland NTT production systems and bovine endometritis, and findings were synthesised qualitatively. Results: Probiotic fermentation of local fibrous feeds (kume grass, rice straw, crop residues) consistently raised crude protein and lowered crude fibre. In a Kupang feeding trial, hydrolysed kume hay with probiotic additives raised daily gain from 0.38 to 0.70 kg/head. Field data from Kupang Regency show a pregnancy rate of only 45%; reproductive disorders affected 58% of Bali cows in a large field survey, and endometritis accounted for about 8% of disorder cases in another. Standard therapy relies on intrauterine antibiotics, povidone-iodine or Lugol's solution, and PGF2α, while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) given intravaginally or intrauterine are an emerging, antibiotic-sparing option. Conclusion: Combining probiotic-fermented dry-season feed with early postpartum examination and PGF2α-based endometritis therapy is the most practical path to shorter calving intervals in Kupang. Controlled trials of probiotics and uterine LAB in Bali cows are still lacking.

Zearalenone (ZEN), an estrogenic mycotoxin affecting cow reproduction, and deoxynivalenol (DON) are cytotoxic and immunotoxic, reducing protein synthesis. Contamination with ZEN and DON decreases the productivity of breeding cows. We evaluated the feasibility of commercial lateral flow immunochromatographic strip tests (LFISTs) as a rapid first-line screening approach for urinary ZEN and DON exposure in cattle. Using 81 samples from 13 Japanese Black (JB) and 14 Holstein Friesian (HF) herds, line intensity ratios were quantified by analyzing photographs of test and control lines within regions of interest (ROIs). LFIST correlated significantly with ELISA (ZEN/Cre: p < 0.001 and τ = 0.35; DON/Cre: p < 0.001 and τ = 0.31) and LC-MS/MS (ZEN/Cre: p = 0.002 and r = 0.35; α-ZOL/Cre: p = 0.013 and r = 0.27; β-ZOL/Cre: p = 0.007 and r = 0.30; ΣZEN/Cre: p = 0.005 and r = 0.31). The relationship between parameters was explored using the Weibull accelerated failure time model analysis. LFIST-ZEN and LFIST-DON were significantly associated with ELISA ZEN/Cre (p = 0.00057) and ELISA DON/Cre (p = 0.00061), respectively. To test whether LFISTs could predict mycotoxin contamination in feed, data from nine other herds (n = 38), with known feed mycotoxin levels, were analyzed. Estimation equations related feed ZEN and DON concentrations to urinary ZEN and DON levels in the herds. Our findings support the potential utility of LFIST as a rapid first-line herd-level screening tool for ZEN and DON exposure, providing screening information with LFIST results obtainable within approximately 15 min after initiation of the assay, while confirmatory laboratory analysis remains necessary when exposure is suspected.

Background and Aim: Improving growth performance and meat quality is a major objective in genetic improvement programs for indigenous poultry breeds. Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan (KUB) chickens are an improved Indonesian native breed with considerable potential for sustainable tropical poultry production. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) plays an important role in regulating skeletal muscle development, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling; however, its genetic variation and association with economically important traits in KUB chickens remain unknown. This study aimed to characterize TGFβ2 gene polymorphisms and evaluate their associations with growth performance and meat quality traits in KUB chickens receiving dietary multienzyme supplementation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five one-day-old male KUB chickens were assigned to five dietary treatments containing different combinations of phytase and protease and reared for 90 days. Growth performance was assessed using feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass weight (CW). Meat quality traits, including pH, texture, cooking loss (CL), water holding capacity, and color characteristics (L*, a*, and b*), were evaluated after slaughter. Genomic DNA extracted from muscle tissue was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing to identify TGFβ2 polymorphisms. Functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes was investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Results: Three TGFβ2 genotypes (CC, TC, and TT) were identified, with allele frequencies of 0.48 (C) and 0.52 (T). The TGFβ2 genotype was significantly associated with BW, CW, and FCR (p < 0.05), whereas FI was unaffected. Multienzyme supplementation significantly reduced CL, improved water holding capacity, and enhanced meat color characteristics without affecting pH or texture. Two exon single nucleotide polymorphisms, c.103C>T and c.99G>A, were identified, representing novel variants in KUB chickens. Functional enrichment analyses demonstrated significant involvement of extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, metabolic pathways, and biological processes related to muscle development and cell proliferation, supporting a nutrigenetic interaction between TGFβ2 polymorphism and enzyme supplementation. Conclusion: This study provides the first characterization of TGFβ2 polymorphisms in KUB chickens and demonstrates their association with growth performance and meat quality traits under multienzyme supplementation. The identified polymorphisms represent promising molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and precision nutrition strategies to improve productivity in indigenous tropical chicken populations. Keywords: body weight, feed conversion ratio, Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan chicken, marker-assisted selection, meat quality, multienzyme supplementation, TGFβ2 gene, tropical poultry genetics.

Background and Aim: The widespread restriction of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production has accelerated the search for sustainable nutritional strategies that enhance bird health while maintaining productivity. Among these alternatives, probiotics have emerged as promising functional feed additives because of their ability to modulate the gut–immune axis, improve intestinal homeostasis, and strengthen host defense mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory mechanisms of probiotics and their potential as sustainable alternatives to AGPs in poultry production. Relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 were critically evaluated to summarize the effects of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, innate and adaptive immune responses, disease resistance, and production performance. The review highlights the strain-specific actions of commonly used probiotic genera, including Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces, emphasizing their roles in competitive exclusion of pathogens, production of antimicrobial metabolites, regulation of cytokine expression, enhancement of mucosal and systemic antibody responses, and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Emerging evidence on postbiotics, paraprobiotics, synbiotics, and precision nutritional approaches is also discussed as part of next-generation strategies for improving poultry health. Although numerous studies demonstrate beneficial effects of probiotics on intestinal morphology, immune function, vaccine responsiveness, oxidative stress, and resistance to enteric pathogens, considerable variability remains due to differences in probiotic strains, dosage, supplementation period, bird genotype, management practices, and experimental conditions. These inconsistencies highlight the need for standardized strain characterization, optimized administration protocols, and long-term commercial validation to improve reproducibility and field application. Overall, probiotics represent an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for supporting poultry health while reducing dependence on antibiotics. Continued advances in molecular biology, microbiome research, precision livestock farming, and artificial intelligence are expected to facilitate the development of targeted probiotic interventions that enhance disease resistance, improve production efficiency, promote animal welfare, and contribute to sustainable poultry production systems. Keywords: antibiotic alternatives, disease resistance, gut health, immune modulation, microbiota, poultry, probiotics, sustainable production.

Background: Enhancing the nation’s beef supply and guaranteeing long-term food security require increasing the effectiveness of artificial insemination (AI) in Bali cattle ( Bos javanicus ). Cryotolerance, or post-thaw variability in semen quality, limits AI results and probably reflects systemic and cellular metabolic variations. To determine the metabolic determinants of cryotolerance under standardized nutrition and supervision, this study combined blood biochemistry with the sperm metabolome. Methods: Ten healthy breeding bulls at the regional artificial insemination center (RAIC) were maintained on a uniform forage–concentrate diet. Blood biochemical parameters were measured using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma. For metabolomics, washed sperm pellets were prepared from frozen–thawed semen straws and profiled using untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Multivariate analyses (hierarchical clustering, K-means, and partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with variable importance in projection (VIP) scores) summarized the global patterns. Spearman correlations were used to integrate blood indices, sperm metabolites, and post-thaw traits (motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity (%PMI), and morphological abnormalities). Results: Eighteen intracellular metabolites were identified, predominated by fatty acyls. Unsupervised clustering and PLS-DA revealed clear inter-individual separation, with palmitic and stearic acids being among the most discriminant features (VIP ≥ 1.0). Systemic markers of lipid carriage and ionic tone aligned with sperm lipid composition: albumin and potassium were associated with higher intracellular palmitate levels and related metabolites. Functionally, lipid and short-chain fatty acid features, 1-monopalmitin, nonadecanoic acid, caproic acid, and valeric acid, were positively associated with viability and/or PMI%, whereas dodecanoic acid and glycerol monostearate were inversely related to morphological abnormalities. However, no robust association was detected with motility. Discussion: Under a controlled dietary baseline, a lipid-centric blood-to-sperm metabolic axis emerges as a key determinant of cryotolerance in B. javanicus . The prioritized metabolites constitute practical biomarker candidates for sire screening and provide a mechanistic basis for refining extenders and cryopreservation protocols at AI centers. Targeted tandem mass spectrometry, membrane-focused lipidomics, and mitochondrial functional assays offer immediate paths to translation, with the potential to improve reproductive efficiency and, ultimately, bolster sustainable beef production and food security.

Background and Aim: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of colibacillosis in broiler chickens, leading to systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, disrupted lipid metabolism, and compromised meat quality. Growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance necessitate the development of sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Myrmecodia sp., a medicinal plant rich in bioactive flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, has demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, limited information is available on the comparative effects of different preparation forms on organ function and lipid metabolism under APEC challenge conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Myrmecodia sp. extract and infusion on liver and kidney biomarkers, serum lipid profile, and meat lipid composition in APEC-infected broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 male Lohmann MB 202 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven groups: negative control, positive APEC-infected control, antibiotic control (zinc bacitracin), two extract treatments (15% and 30%), and two infusion treatments (1% and 2%). Treatments were administered from day 8 to day 35, and APEC infection was induced orally on day 21. Measured parameters included serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and meat LDL and HDL. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Results: APEC infection significantly increased SGPT, SGOT, BUN, creatinine, and LDL levels while decreasing HDL levels (p < 0.05). Supplementation with Myrmecodia sp. extract and infusion significantly improved all evaluated parameters compared with the positive control (p < 0.05). Among treatments, the 1% infusion consistently produced the most favorable effects, including reduced liver enzyme activity, improved renal function, decreased LDL levels, and increased HDL levels in both serum and meat. Conclusion: Myrmecodia sp., particularly in infusion form, demonstrated protective effects on organ function and lipid metabolism in broilers infected with APEC. These findings support its potential as a phytogenic alternative to antibiotics in sustainable poultry production systems within a One Health framework. Keywords: APEC, broiler chickens, lipid metabolism, Myrmecodia sp., organ biomarkers, phytogenic additive, sustainable poultry production, One Health.

Background and Aim: Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are an important indigenous genetic resource in Indonesia, characterized by high adaptability and reproductive efficiency. However, conventional semen evaluation based on motility and morphology often fails to accurately predict bull fertility. Integrating functional sperm analysis with molecular quality indicators may provide a more reliable assessment of reproductive potential. This study aimed to perform an integrative evaluation of Bali bull semen by combining computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters with molecular sperm quality indicators, including acrosome integrity, DNA integrity, and protamine status, and to determine their multivariate relationships using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Materials and Methods: Frozen–thawed semen samples were collected from ten Bali bulls maintained at a Regional Artificial Insemination Center. Functional sperm parameters were evaluated using CASA, including total motility, progressive motility, velocity parameters (velocity average path, velocity curved line, and velocity straight line), linearity, straightness, wobble, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and beat cross frequency. Acrosome integrity was assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin staining, DNA integrity was evaluated using acridine orange staining, and protamine integrity was determined using chromomycin A3 staining. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test, and multivariate relationships between functional and molecular parameters were examined using CCA. Results: CASA evaluation demonstrated inter-individual variation in semen quality, with total motility ranging from 49.80% to 60.48%. Acrosome integrity remained high across all bulls (85.03–95.59%), while DNA integrity (96.41%–98.55%) and protamine status (90.35%–97.04%) indicated well-preserved chromatin structure. The first canonical function showed a strong correlation between functional and molecular variables (r = 0.906), although the association was not statistically significant (p = 0.134). The canonical plot revealed a consistent positive trend, suggesting coordinated variation between sperm kinematics and chromatin integrity markers. Conclusion: The integrative evaluation of CASA-derived kinematic parameters with molecular sperm quality indicators provides a more comprehensive assessment of Bali bull fertility than conventional semen analysis alone. The strong but non-significant canonical correlation suggests a biologically plausible relationship between sperm motility and chromatin stability. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of combined functional and molecular semen evaluation to improve bull selection, enhance artificial insemination efficiency, and support genetic conservation of Bali cattle. Further studies with larger sample sizes and fertility-validated outcomes are required to confirm these findings. Keywords: acrosome integrity, Bali cattle, canonical correlation analysis, chromatin integrity, computer-assisted sperm analysis, DNA integrity, protamine integrity, semen quality.

Background and Aim: Efficient livestock production depends on integrating genetic, nutritional, and management strategies to improve growth, feed efficiency, and product quality. Among genes linked to growth regulation, the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene has become a key molecular regulator affecting muscle development, nutrient metabolism, carcass composition, and overall production efficiency across various livestock species. This review summarizes current knowledge about the biological roles, genetic regulation, nutritional influences, and biotechnological uses of IGF2 in livestock systems. IGF2 plays a key role in prenatal and early postnatal growth by promoting myoblast proliferation, muscle fiber differentiation, and protein synthesis through major signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK. Genetic polymorphisms in regulatory regions of IGF2 have consistently been linked to economically important traits such as increased body weight, improved feed conversion ratio, higher lean meat yield, and less fat deposition in cattle, pigs, poultry, and small ruminants. These findings support using IGF2 as a molecular marker in marker-assisted and genomic selection programs aimed at boosting livestock productivity. Along with genetic factors, IGF2 expression is heavily affected by nutritional status, environmental conditions, and epigenetic regulation. Maintaining a balanced intake of dietary energy and protein, proper management, and reducing stress levels can boost IGF2 activity, leading to improved growth efficiency and metabolic performance. Recent advancements in biotechnology, such as genome editing, epigenetic modulation, and transcriptomic techniques, offer new ways to control IGF2 expression for developing high-performance livestock while preserving product quality and animal welfare. However, excessive or uncontrolled modulation of IGF2 may disrupt metabolic balance, immune function, and physiological homeostasis, highlighting the need for careful regulation and ethical consideration in genetic improvement programs. Overall, IGF2 represents a crucial molecular link between genetics, nutrition, and physiology, and its integrated application in breeding, feeding, and biotechnology strategies offers promising prospects for sustainable and efficient livestock production. Keywords: animal growth, feed efficiency, gene polymorphism, genomic selection, IGF2, livestock production, muscle development, nutrient metabolism.

The incorporation of agro-industrial by-products into poultry feed offers a sustainable strategy for reducing reliance on conventional grains while diversifying nutritional inputs. However, the high content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), particularly arabinoxylans and cellulose, limits nutrient utilization in monogastric animals due to increased digesta viscosity and structural barriers to nutrient release. Xylanase and cellulase are two widely studied exogenous enzymes that target these polysaccharides, enhancing nutrient accessibility in high-fiber poultry diets. This review aimed to synthesize evidence on the functional roles of xylanase and cellulase in degrading plant cell wall components and improving feed utilization. The present review synthesizes current evidence on the functional mechanisms of xylanase and cellulase in degrading plant cell-wall polysaccharides and enhancing feed utilization, with particular attention to the application of xylanase and cellulase in diets formulated with wheat pollard, rice bran, and other NSP-rich ingredients. Although numerous studies reported improved feed efficiency, digestibility, and growth performance following xylanase and cellulase enzyme supplementation, proximate analyses often indicated minimal or no changes in crude protein, fiber, or fat contents of enzyme-treated diets. The lack of compositional change, hereafter referred to as proximate compositional stability, has received limited attention as a potential indicator of enzymatic bio-efficacy. By integrating biochemical, nutritional, and physiological evidence, the present study highlights the interpretive gap between chemical composition and biological function in feed evaluation. The review further proposes that proximate compositional stability in an enzyme-supplemented diet does not indicate a lack of enzyme activity; rather, it represents a baseline condition confirming enhanced nutrient utilization. Recognizing this distinction is critical to developing function-oriented evaluation frameworks that support the effective use of fibrous by-products in poultry nutrition, aligned with broader goals of sustainable and resource-efficient animal production.

This study evaluated the effect of Phyllanthus niruri combined with B-complex vitamins and vitamin C administered through drinking water on the growth performance and meat lipid profile of broilers. A total of 200 male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4) with supplementation levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L of drinking water, respectively. Each group contained four replicates of 10 birds each, in a completely randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp., USA). The experiment lasted 20 days, from 15 to 35 days of age. The results showed significantly higher weight gain (p<0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05) in the T2, T3, and T4 groups compared with the T0 and T1 groups. Regarding the lipid profile, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups compared with the remaining groups. Conversely, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the T0 group compared with all other groups. In conclusion, supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri and vitamins improved growth performance and the lipid profile of broiler meat. The optimal response was achieved at 3 g/L of drinking water, suggesting that this phytogenic-vitamin combination is a promising nutritional strategy for producing healthier broiler meat.