Animal Production

69-76

Authors: Enny Tantini Setiatin, Sutiyono Sutiyono, Daud Samsudewa, Sutopo Sutopo, Yon Soepri Ondho

The present study examined the quantitative and qualitative physical parameters of prolific local ewes in Bawen and Jambu districts, Central Java. We used purposive sampling to select and categorized 132 local, three-lambing ewes into three groups based on their prolific capacity: 66 single, 49 twins and 17 triplets. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using Chi-Square. The result showed that many quantitative properties of prolific ewes resembled those of fat-tailed sheep: thin tail, highly significant (P<0.01) compared to fat tails; straight face, highly significant (P<0.01); and fewer convex face and short body, significant (P<0.05) with a tall body in the non-prolific ewes. Few prolific ewes had big ears and black-white wool and significantly different (P<0.05) from the non-prolific ewes. Conclusively, local prolific ewes had a qualitative appearance more closely related to that of thin-tailed ewes, but greater quantitative performances than the non-prolific ewes.

84-94

Authors: Dwi Gunadi, Rukmiasih Rukmiasih, Wasmen Manalu

The aim of this research was to study the effects of curcumin administration, injection of PMSG hormone, and the combination of curcumin supplementation and PMSG injection on the physiological parameters and performance of female Muscovy ducks. The objects of this research were 40 young female Muscovy ducks, aged 24 weeks, subjected to treatments: control (P1), curcumin supplementation at a dose of 24 mg/100 g feed (P2), intramuscular injection of PMSG hormone at a dose of 0.015 mL/hen (P3), and the combination of curcumin and PMSG (P4). The results showed that the treatment gave nonsignificant improvements in Muscovy duck performances, including feed consumption, egg production, and the day of laying period and molting period. Treatment gave a significant increase in serum estradiol concentration at molting period after treatment. This study concluded that the treatment provides no significant improvement in the performance of female Muscovy ducks because the genetic diversity of Indonesian ducks remains high.

111-119

Authors: Bambang Rijanto Japutra, Ismoyowati Ismoyowati, Novie Andri Setianto

The study investigated the productivity of smallholder broiler farming with and without AGP to identify the difference between the utilization and absence of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) incorporated into the broiler feed based on production (feed efficiency and cumulative performance index), economy (farming capacity and income), and socio-demography (farmers’ education background, age, farming experience, and farming motivation) in Central Java Province. The study was conducted through a survey of broiler farmers in one partnership company. The data analysis included analysis of variance based on a stratified GLM (general linear model) and correlation analysis. The result did not identify significant differences in the production aspects in either AGP or non-AGP farming, among different regencies, and farm size. In 2018, when farms stop using the AGP, the farm production is better than in 2017 when the AGP was used. Based on the economic aspect, the AGP and non-AGP administration did not affect farming capacity and income. The socio-demographic aspect showed that education significantly affected the success of broiler farming, while farmers’ age, farming experience, and farming motivation did not affect the production of broiler farming. The result of correlation analysis showed that education background contributed to feeding efficiency and cumulative performance index. The conclusions are (1) broilers fed with either AGP or non-AGP containing feed showed relatively similar performance, (2) the government policy on the prohibition of AGP does not contribute to the decrease of farmers’ income and (3) the demographic aspect affecting the success of the broiler farming business is the farmers’ education level.

127-137

Authors: Fitri Dian Perwitasari, Ahmad Romadhoni Surya Putra, Bambang Suwignyo, Rini Widiati

This study aimed to analyze the potential for cattle business development in Indramayu Regency. The research locations selected using purposive sampling method were based on the following criteria: (1) Indramayu Regency is the 2nd largest rice producers in the Province of West Java, (2) The area covers 2,099.42 km2 based on secondary data obtained from BPS Indramayu Regency in numbers and (3) The area of agricultural land is still larger than the area of resident housing. The data analysis method used the carrying capacity index (IDD) and Location Question (LQ) analysis formulas. The data were processed and explained descriptively. The results of this study resulted in carrying capacity values consisting of 3 patterns, namely the highest carrying capacity value > 20,000 AU (Gantar and Terisi). Medium carrying capacity value > 10,000 AU (Cikedung and Gabuswetan). Low value carrying capacity 5.000-10.000 AU (Haurgelis, Suyeg, Juntiyuat, Bongdua, Kertasemaya, Patrol, Kedokanbunder and Sindang). The results of the analysis of IDD > 2 there are 12 sub-districts, meaning that based on the availability of forage feed from agricultural land, it is included in the safe category to increase the population of beef cattle. The potential for beef cattle development in Indramayu Regency needs to be prioritized in 12 sub-districts with LQ > 1 and IDD > 2 accompanied by government policies to support investment in livestock marketing facilities and infrastructure for smallholders.

10-17

Authors: Yosua Sujud Apriyanto, Ning Iriyanti, Elly Tugiyanti

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of avocado seed flour (ASF) supplementation in feed on blood lipids and quail egg yolk cholesterol. The materials were 100 female quails aged 4 weeks old with ration ingredients consist of corn, bran, paddy, soybean meal, fish flour, avocado seed flour, palm oil, CaCO3, premix, lysine, and methionine. The research conducted an experiment with 4 treatments of ASF supplementation levels incorporated into basal feed, namely 0% ASF (R0), 3% ASF (R1), 6% ASF (R2), and 9% ASF (R3). The observed variables included blood cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and egg yolk cholesterol. The data were subjected to the one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design, followed by HSD test when differences between treatments were observed. The result showed that ASF supplementation significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels and the egg yolk cholesterol, did not significantly affect LDL and triglyceride levels. The HDL levels and egg yolk cholesterol tend to decrease as the level of ASF increased. It is concluded that avocado seed flour (ASF) supplementation up to 9% is safe for quail feed supplementation.

27-33

Authors: Hermawan Setyo Widodo, Triana Yuni Astuti, Pramono Soediarto, Afduha Nurus Syamsi

Protein is one of the nutrient components in milk that is related to product quality. The components of milk protein are divided into casein alpha-s1, beta, alpha-s2, kappa, and whey fractions such as alpha lactalbumin and beta lactoglobulin. There are no existing data of milk protein fraction in dairy cow and goats in Banyumas Regency. This study aimed to determine the profile in form of protein fractions of cow and goat milk in Banyumas. Milk sample from fifty cows and thirty dairy goats was taken by random sampling in some areas. The milk protein profile was identified by the technique of sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) and protein quantity prediction by software. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by Mann- Whitney between cows and goats. The results were significantly different (p<0.05) between cows and goats in molecular weight of protein alpha-S1 casein (29.66 vs 33.37 kDa), alpha-S2 (27.76 vs 29.49 kDa), beta (24 , 48 vs 25.59 kDa) and beta lactoglobulin (15.75 vs 15.97 kDa). The quantity of casein alpha-S1 (7.88 vs 4.16 g/l), alpha-S2 (1.31 vs. 4.02 g/l), beta (8.74 vs 14.24 g/l), kappa (2.41 vs. 4.28 g/l) and alpha lactalbumin (0.91 vs 0.7 g / l) was significantly different (p <0.05) between cow's and goat's milk, respectively. In conclusion, milk protein profile of cows and goats in Banyumas Regency is different.

44-53

Authors: Ratna Sholatia Harahap, Ronny Rachman Noor, Asep Gunawan

HSD17β13 (17beta 13-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) are important enzymes in steroid metabolism. This study investigated the polymorphisms and expression of the HSD17β13 gene in lamb quality traits in Indonesian sheep. A total of 200 of rams of seven breeds administered in the study were Javanese fat- tailed (JFT), Javanese thin-tailed (JTT), Garut sheep (GS), Jonggol sheep (JS), Garut composite sheep (GCS), Compass agrinac sheep (CAS), Barbados cross sheep (BCS) aged 10-12 months and weighed 20-30 kg. The Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and MspI enzyme restriction were performed to identify the polymorphism of the HSD17β13 gene. The lamb quality traits were measured for physical quality, flavor, odor, and fatty acid composition. The results showed that the HSD17β13 gene was polymorphic and had three genotypes i.e., CC, CT, and TT. The highest genotype frequency was the CC when compared to the other genotypes. The allele frequency of HSD17β13 gene was not in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. The polymorphism of HSD17β13 gene was significantly (P<0.05) associated with the fatty acid composition and Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA), i.e., tridecanoic acid (C13:0), arachidic acid (C20:0), henecosanoic acid (C21:0), and tricosanoic acid (C23:0). The polymorphism was also significantly associated with the Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFA) i.e. ginkgoleic acid (C17:1) and nervonoic acid (C24:1), and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) i.e. eicosedienoic acid (C20:2). The level of expression of the HSD17β13 gene based on quantitative real time-PCR analysis results was not significantly different (P>0.05) among genotypes for lamb quality traits. It can be concluded that the polymorphism of HSD17β13 gene was associated with the fatty acid composition of lamb in Indonesian sheep.

62-68

Authors: Nunung Noor Hidayat, Krismiwati Muatip, Rahayu Widiyanti

Optimum development of beef cattle is feasible in the potential area with effective strategies. This research was conducted in Banyumas regency. The purpose of this study was to describe the potential of Banyumas Regency in developing beef cattle farming as the basis for its development strategy. A survey method was conducted to obtain the secondary data supported by primary data subjected to simple descriptive statistical analysis consisting of mean values, distribution frequency, cross-tabulation and trend analysis. Ruminant potentials were investigated using LQ analysis, and developmental strategies were formulated using a SWOT analysis. The result showed a fluctuated but positive improvement trend of beef cattle population in Banyumas. Sub-districts potentially developed for beef cattle centres (LQ>1) included Kembaran, Sokaraja, Kalibagor, Kedungbanteng, Karanglewas, Sumbang and Baturraden. A quantitative SWOT matrix analysis showed that the internal factor was 0.0298 (X-axis), and the external factor was – 0.2941 (Y-axis). Conclusively, the key strategy to develop beef cattle in Banyumas was a differential strategy.

126-136

Authors: Cosmas Chikezie Ogbu, Nwabueze Ibeneme

The study evaluated the growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, intestinal microbial count, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with antibiotics (neomycin, and oxytetracycline), and probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). One hundred and twenty Abor acre broiler chicks randomly alloted to four treatment groups (30 birds/group; 10 birds/replicate) were used in the 49 days study. Group one (G 1, control) were fed basal diet while G 2, 3, and 4 received basal diet containing S. cerevisiae (0.80g/kg; 108cfu/g), neomycin (0.50g/kg) and oxytetracycline (0.30g/kg), respectively. Results showed significant treatment effects on body weight, feed intake, linear body values, some haematological indices, intestinal, caecal and combined caecal and intestinal bacteria counts, diameter of E. coli inhibition zone, and mortality. Body weight and feed intake were significantly higher in the supplemented groups. Intestinal bacterial count was highest in neomycin and control groups (5.29 ± 0.01 and 5.22 ± 0.02 Log10 cfu/ml, respectively) while S. cerevisiae and neomycin groups yielded the highest caecal, and combined caecal and intestinal bacterial counts. Eimeria Oocyst count did not differ significantly between groups. Escherichia coli from antibiotic fed groups had reduced sensitivity or were resistant to the antibiotics. It was concluded that subtherapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in broiler chickens caused the development of antibiotic resistance, and therefore, should be avoided.

148-153

Authors: Putri Dian Wulansari, Novia Rahayu, Nurul Frasiska

This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant activities and microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of cow milk kefir fortified with ginger extract ( Zingiber officinale ). The ginger extract was incorporated together with grain before the fermentation. The levels of ginger extract concentrate were 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 % (w/w). The ginger used in this study is a thick ginger extract that is added before the kefir fermentation process. The result showed that a higher level of ginger extract added to the fermentation could improve the antioxidant activities of the cow milk kefir. The kefir sample fortified with 2.0% ginger extract produced the highest antioxidant activities, particularly DPPH IC50 (0.32%) and a total polyphenol of 0.72%. This study found that the higher the ginger extract level, the lower the total coun t, total LAB, and total yeast. The average value of physicochemical characteristics for free fatty acid, lactic acids, alcohol, and pH in the present study was 0.5503 mg/KOH, 1.0005%, 1.628 g/dL, and 4.42, respectively. In conclusion, the ginger extract wa s effective for producing kefir with high antioxidant activities (DPPH IC50) and total polyphenol.

158-162

Authors: Nu'man Hidayat, Chomsiatun Nurul Hidayah, Aras Prasetiyo Nugroho

The research compared the changes motility and viability of sperm from various local chickens during storage at 5℃ for 72 hours. Semen was collected every three days using the dorsal-abdominal massage from twelve chickens consisting of Kedu, Sentul and Pelung chicken. semen was diluted in extender contains 90% lactate ringer and 10% egg yolk extender with 0.025% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 2% vitamin E (LREYSE). Sperm motility and viability was observed every 12 hours and the measurements were made up to 72 hours of storage. Complete random design repeated measurement with 4 replications was used in this study. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data and followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed sperm motility declined and sperm viability reduced during storage for all breeds. The significant declined of motility between breeds were only observed at 60 and 72 hours and the reduced viability between breeds was observed at 72 hours of storage. The declined sperm motility for Kedu chicken (31.59±3.26% and 75.36±1.25%) and Pelung chicken (36.11±4.05% and 75.83±5.34%) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than Sentul Chicken (50.39±2.60% and 95.00±5.00%) at 60 and 72 hours of storage respectively, while the decline sperm viability of Kedu chicken (57.59±3.64%) and Pelung chicken (54.39±5.73%) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than Sentul Chicken (90.30±9.70%) after 72 hours storage. It can be concluded that the reduction sperm motility and viability of Kedu and Pelung chicken is lower than Sentul chicken which are stored at 5℃ for 72 hours.

173-180

Authors: Aziz Nur Rahmat, Wardhana Suryapratama, FM Suhartati

The research aimed to examine the effect of red dragon fruit skin and guava leaves supplemented into beef cattle feed on the concentration of partial VFA and methane gas production. The in vitro study was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments, namely P0: 50 % concentrate + 50 % ammoniated straw (Control), P1: 50 % concentrate + 50 % ammoniated straw + 5 % red dragon fruit skin flour, and P2: 50 % concentrate + 50 % ammonia straw + 5 % red dragon fruit skin flour + 2.5 % guava leaf flour. The concentrate consisted of 2 parts of rice bran and 1 part of coconut meal. The ratio of concentrat and ammoniated rice straw was 50:50. Each treatment was repeated 6 times. The results showed that the concentration of acetic acid, butyrate and methane gas decreased while the concentration of propionate increased with the addition of red dragon fruit and guava leaves. The research concluded that the addition of 5 % red dragon fruit skin flour combined with 2.5 % guava leaves flour in beef cattle feed could further reduce the concentration of acetic acid, butyric acid and the production of methane gas, but increase the concentration of propionic acid. It is suggested that defaunated agents of red dragon fruit skin and guava leaves could reduce the production of methane gas in the rumen of beef cattle.

78-81

Authors: Bambang Suwignyo, Fransiskus Xaverius Dika Kurniawan, Nilo Suseno, Ristianto Utomo, Bambang Suhartanto

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan lamapencahayaan dan dolomit terhadap pertumbuhan vegetatif tanaman alfalfa pada fase regrowth kedua. Penelitian dilakukan di rumah kaca Laboratorium Ilmu Hijauan Makanan Ternak dan Pastura, Fakultas Peternakan, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap Pola Faktorial 3x3. Perlakuan pertama adalah lama pencahayaan (C) 3 taraf yakni C0= 12 jam, C1= 14 jam, C2 = 16 jam. Perlakuan kedua adalah penambahan dolomit (D) 3 taraf yakni D0= 0 ton/ha, D1= 6 ton/ha, D2= 12 ton/ha. Hasil yang berbeda nyata dilakukan uji lanjutan dengan Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) pada taraf 5% dan 1%. Variabel yang diamati adalah tinggi tanaman, jumlah cabang tanaman, jumlah daun tanaman, produksi hijauan segar dan kandungan kimia tanaman berupa bahan kering (BK) dan bahan organik (BO). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lama pencahayaan berpengaruh nyata terhadap tinggi tanaman jumlah cabang tanaman. Penambahan dolomit berpengaruh nyata terhadap jumlah cabang, jumlah daun tanaman dan bahan kering tanaman. Terdapat interaksi antara dua perlakuan terhadap jumlah daun yaitu pada perlakuan lama pencahayaan 16 jam dan penambahan dolomit 12 ton/ha (C2D2) dan interaksi perlakuan terhadap bahan kering pada perlakuan lama pencahayaan 14 jam dan penambahan dolomit 12 ton/ha(C1D2).

92-97

Authors: Afduha Nurus Syamsi, Hermawan Setyo Widodo

The present study inventoried the protein-energy synchronization (PES) index of various types of grass. The study was conducted using in vitro techniques with material 5 types of grass (elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria) and rumen fluid of the FriesianHolstein (FH). The PES index is calculated based on the average degradation of g protein and Kg organic matter (OM) per hour at the time of observation of 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours. The hourly degradation rates were analyzed by linear regression to obtain the average hourly degradation rate. The results were included in the PES index calculation formula and discussed descriptively. This study found that all five grass had almost uniform nutritional value. Regression analysis results show a different equation, but with a high coefficient of determination (> 90%) on all types of grass. The PES index obtained in elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass are 0.72, 0.66, 0.69, 0.58, and 0.68. The study concluded that elephant grass has a PES index at a high level, while king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass at medium level for compiling dairy rations

105-117

Authors: Asnath Maria Fuah, Ahmad Yani, Rudy Priyanto, Bagus Priyo Purwanto, Jefirstson Richset Riwukore, Fellyanus Habaora

Developing Bali cattle population in Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara province carries a potential issue regarding cattle population. The objective of this research was to conduct an analysis and projection of the development of Bali cattle population in the agricultural ecosystem in Timor Island using system dynamics. The research was conducted from January to September 2018. The research location was determined purposively based on the characteristics of the agricultural ecosystem located in Kupang Regency and Kupang City. The research used 60 Bali cattle and involved 102 rancher respondents. Interviews and field observations were conducted to obtain primary and secondary data. Data analysis was done by building a system dynamics using Powersim and interpreting the simulation results for the next 30 years. The analysis results of the system dynamics showed that a declining population of Bali cattle over the next 19 or 25 years due to the ranchers' current behavior. The contributing factors included calf mortality that reached 29.6% per year; Bali cow mortality was up to 14.1% per year; calving interval was 22 months; traditional farm management that it is not economical; and the rate of livestock export reached 29.5% per year of the total population. Rancher management interventions and farm policies to reduce the inhibiting factors of cattle productivity are needed to maintain the population of Bali cattle in Timor Island, especially in the agricultural ecosystem.

9-15

Authors: Emmy Susanti, Elly Tugiyanti

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of various liquid probiotics in drinking water on the quality of the reproductive tract and quail production. The study uses a Completely Randomized Design with directional pattern with four treatments, namely: quail gets drinking water without liquid probiotics (P0), quail gets drinking water with commercial probiotics A (P1), quail gets drinking water with commercial probiotics B (P2), and quail gets drinking drinking water with commercial probiotics C (P3), 5 replications and 5 quails in each study unit. Drinking water is given ad libitum with a liquid probiotic concentration of 2ml / liter. Quail feed contains 22.2% PK and 3032.5 kcal energy. The treatment affected the weight of the reproductive tract + eggs, egg weight and length of the reproductive tract, weight before slaughtered, weight after slaughtered, weight after hair removal, heart weight, gastrointestinal weight, (P <0.01) but had no effect on carcass weight, liver weight, follicular weight, gizard weight, digestive tract length and caeca length. The treatment of liquid probiotics in drinking water increases several indicators of quail reproduction and production.

24-30

Authors: Osfar Sjofjan, Danung Nur Adli, Irfan Djunaidi, Kuncoro

The research was aimed to evaluate the effect of biogas liquid waste as a fermentation starter of rice husk to the nutrient content, gross energy and bulk density. The method used laboratory experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) on factorial pattern (6 x 5) with the level of biogas waste liquid : P0-treatment (0% negative control), P0+ (Cellulomonas sp as positive control), P1 (5%), P2 (10%), P3 (15%), P4 (20%) ml/g, and the incubation time : T0 (0 day control ), T1(7 days), T2 (14 days), T3 (21 days) and T4 (28 days). The variables measured was the content of ash, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, gross energy and bulk density. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (anova) CRD Factorial pattern and if there is a significant difference was followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results of research was the level of biogas liquid waste and the incubation time provides a significant influence (P<0.01) on the nutrient content, gross energy and bulk density of rice husk. The interaction level liquid waste provision of biogas and incubation time was highly significant (P<0.01) on the nutrient content, gross energy and bulk density. It can be concluded that the addition of biogas liquid waste 15% (ml/g) with a time of incubation for 21 days have best rice husk quality content based on improvement of crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy with lowest crude fiber.

37-43

Authors: Zulfanita Zulfanita, Roisu Eny Mudawaroch, Jeki Mediantari Wahyu Wibawanti

This research aimed to compare the characteristics of free-range eggs consumers, to analyse their buying decision process and consumer satisfaction level, and to formulate the implication on free-range marketing mix across wholesalers and retailers in Purworejo districts. The research sample was 32 respondents, consisted of 16 wholesalers and 16 retailers selected with purposive sampling because of the limited number of respondents in each sub-district. The consumers were selected through snowball sampling from one respondent to another. The parameters included the general characteristics, the decision to buy free-range eggs, consumers’ satisfaction level, and marketing mix implications. The Data were analysed descriptively using Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), and Importance and Performance Analysis (IPA). The result found different characteristics across consumers of free-range eggs in both wholesalers and retailers regarding age group, marital status, education background, gender, occupation, and geographic locations. The different process of buying decision making was due to need identification. Regarding gathering information, the wholesaler consumers relied on electronic media and their neighbours, whereas the retailer consumers only from their neighbours. The main consideration to purchase free-range eggs among wholesaler consumers was the cleanliness of eggs, whereas the retailer consumers were the cleanliness and price of eggs. The consumer satisfaction index on consumers in wholesalers and retailers was 65.16 and 68.82, respectively, indicative of the satisfied category. The marketing mix implication on both sellers was improving the cleanliness of free-range eggs and the market area, matching selling price with the market price, controlling the quality of free-range eggs from the suppliers, and revisiting the supply system to ensure the real-time availability of free-range eggs.

55-60

Authors: Isabelle Beatrice Mukandungutse, James K Tuitoek, Anthony M King’ori, Meshack A Obonyo

Poultry is susceptible to mycotoxicoses caused by aflatoxins. Two experiments were carried out, where twenty-four, 28days old and 144 one-day-old broilers were assigned to six diets respectively. The diets were: diet1 (no aflatoxin and not fermented), diet2 (no aflatoxin and fermented without yeast), diet3 (no aflatoxin and fermented with yeast), diet4 (contained aflatoxin and not fermented), diet5 (contained aflatoxin and fermented without yeast) and diet6 (contained aflatoxin fermented with yeast). The aflatoxins were 20.034 and 30.08ppb for the first and second experiments respectively. In the first experiment, each diet was assigned to 4 chickens for 7days adaptation and 7days for feces and leftover collection. The feces were oven dried for the determination of dry matter digestibility (DMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and nitrogen (MN). In the second experiment, each diet was assigned to six chicks, replicated 4 times for 21days. Leftovers and mortalities were recorded daily and chicks were weighed on a weekly basis. The results showed that DMD and MN were significantly (p<0.05) affected by fermentation. Natural fermentation improved DMD of the clean and contaminated diets. No difference found in feed intake and body weight gain. However, gain: feed ratio was significantly (p=0.048) better in broilers fed diets fermented naturally. The mortality rate was 75.0% in chicks fed on aflatoxin diet which was not fermented. Therefore, natural fermentation is the best method of improving the quality of aflatoxin contaminated feed for broilers.