Skip to main content
Introduction : When the urban population around the capitals or big cities increases, then need an intensive and modern dairy industrial farms or even mega dairy farm to support milk and dairy products demands. Therefore, many family... more
Introduction : When the urban population around the capitals or big cities increases, then need an intensive and modern dairy industrial farms or even mega dairy farm to support milk and dairy products demands. Therefore, many family farms shifted to big dairy farms which expecting more specializing and modern technology to be used towards reduction of the cost of milk production per cow. Management of these farms also completely different from housing, reproduction, nutrition and other technical points-of-view. In order to investigate true productive life and milk production during the last 15 years (2006-2020 years), in 20 industrial Holstein mega dairy farms this study was done. All the farms had a specialist in the fields of hygienic condition, calf rearing, balancing the diet, heat and Pregnancy detection and planed mating program for semen selection and breeding to control the production and type performance and preventing the inbreeding which help to use maximum inbreeding coefficient, if required.
Materials and Methods: The correlation between the lengths of true productive life (TPL), maximum lifetime milk production (MLMP305), and maximum lifetime peak of milk production (MLPMP) in 20 industrial Holstein mega dairy farms were investigated. The information recorded in the herd management software in the cattle breeding units, which included the information of the culled cows and all the existed cows in the herds from April 1385 to January 1400, were analyzed. The data includes 176,674 cattle records, of which 43,587 are related to existing cattle and 133,087 data are related to culled ones. The information of the existing cows was done in order to control the information of the herds and also monitor them. Finally, 133,087 data related to existing cows were edited and filled in the computerize program. To calculate the standard milk of 305 days, it is necessary to milk the animals three times a day and the animals have at least 4 monthly records of milk and also that the dryness of these animals has been recorded as the end of the milking period. The Data has been analyzed by univariate method of SAS software (Version 9.4). The Holstein-Friesian cow herds, on average, comprised 2069 cows, with a range from a minimum of 400 to a maximum of 5301 cows. These herds were distributed across 14 provinces throughout Iran. The average age at first calving was 750 days, and the standard 305-day milk yield averaged 12,342 kg during the third lactation. TPL records from 113584 cows and MLMP305 records from 78036 and MLPMP records of 111276 cows were used. The data were analyzed for the correlation between the characteristics of the true productive life, milk production of 305 days and the peak of milk production Also, the linear regression between the true productive life and milk production were analyzed.
Results and Discussion: The average TPL of the animals under investigation is 33.57 months and the standard deviation of the data is 20.77. The average MLMP305 by these animals is 12472 kg and their standard deviation is 2513 kg. The average MLPMP of the animals was 51.83 kg. The highest correlation was between MLMP305 and MLPMP, which is 74.66%. The correlation between TPL and LPMP was 47.88% (P<0.0001) and the correlation between TPL and LMP305 was 33.27 % (P<0.0001). Our results are in accordance with studies such as Van Vleck, 1964, Hudson Van Vleck, 1981, and Ducrocq et al. 1988, but were in contrast with the results of Hare et al. 2006, and Ajili et al. 2007, and Dallago et al. 2022. The highest level of correlation (as expected) is between305-day milk production and the peak of milk production.
Conclusion: The positive correlation between TPL, MLMP305, and MLPMP, shows that the animals with higher peaks also have higher milk production in one lactation period also have a higher true productive life. Considering the high significant positive correlation of this report, by selecting animals with a high production life span, not only can the productive life span be improved in the future generations, but contrary to the existing belief, milk production can also be increased in the future generations. It should be mentioned that the conclusion of this paper is extendable, when we can control all physiological and nutritional factors and have a proper pregnancy detection method which lead to perfect calving management and results that has been done exactly in the farms which we studied.
Introduction : Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian methods are used for genomic selection (GS) and genome wide association study (GWAS) in animal and plant breeding. The main objective of GWAS is detection of... more
Introduction : Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian methods are used for genomic selection (GS) and genome wide association study (GWAS) in animal and plant breeding. The main objective of GWAS is detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) that is affecting trait. The GBLUP assumes equal variance for all markers but the Bayesian methods assumes specific variance for each marker. When trait are affecting by major QTLs, Bayesian methods have the benefit of marker selection. In weighted GBLUP (WGBLUP), disparate variance of marker specific weights for weighting of all markers are used. If only a deduction of animals is genotyped, single-step WGBLUP (WssGBLUP) can be used. The weighting factors were calculated using marker effect derived Bayesian methods or iteratively based on single step marker effect. In multibreed genomic evaluation, there are several specific genetic structures into a genomic relationship matrix (G). The block wise genomic relationship matrix (BG) consist of several specific relationship blocks for each and pair breeds. BG can more accurately calculated relationships among animals than G matrix in multibreed genomic evaluations. The aim of this study is comparison G and BG and weighted BG (WBG) in weighted single step GWAS.
Materials and Methods:To conduct our study, we initially simulated two distinct populations, labeled as A and B, utilizing the QMsim software. The simulation involved the creation of two chromosomes, each spanning a length of two morgans. Within each chromosome, we simulated 2500 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Subsequently, four traits were simulated, each possessing heritabilities of 0.05 and 0.3, along with varying numbers of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) set at 50 and 500. Following the simulation, we calculated the genetic value (G), the breeding value given by markers (BG), and the weighted breeding value given by markers (WBG) using SNP genotypes for all animals in the study. This comprehensive approach allowed us to evaluate and analyze the genetic and breeding values associated with the simulated traits across the populations. Genomic relationship matrices were used for single step GWAS (SSGWAS) analysis for each trait. 10 iterations was considered for single step SNP effect analyses. Moreover, the SNP effects were obtained by BayesB approach. BayesB effects was used for calculated weighting factors in WBG. Accuracies of methods and number of identified SNPs with explained genetic variance higher than 1% were reported.       
Results and Discussion: using G and BG and WBG in SSGWAS led to identify 14, 16 and 21 SNP with higher than one percentage variance explained, respectively. Moreover, convergent accuracies of WssGBLUP using G and BG and WBG were 0.36, 0.39 and 0.43, respectively. WssGBLUP using WBG could be converged faster than using G and BG. Furthermore, accuracy of WssGBLUP using WBG was significantly more than using G and BG. Multibreed GWAS is led to increase power of model because phenotypic information is severely increase. In multibreed GWAS, relationships among breeds usually are rare or zero but there are several locations among breeds that shared among them and should use those for genomic relationship calculation. In WBG and BG could be accurately calculate pair breeds genomic relationships using sharing pair breeds genomic locations. Principal component analyses showed that WBG was let to strongly increase genomic relationship among animals that is led to improved power of WssGWAS.     
Conclusion: According to recent studies, multibreed genomic evaluation with the WssGBLUP can improve the accuracy of multibreed genomic evaluation, and the results of our study showed that for multibreed genomic evaluation and WssGWAS with the WssGBLUP , instead of the genomic relationship matrix (G), BG or WBG genomic relationship matrices are the better to use.
Introduction : Over the years, animals have been exposed to various factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and multiple mutations, so such factors have caused changes between and within species. The genetic mutations that occur... more
Introduction : Over the years, animals have been exposed to various factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and multiple mutations, so such factors have caused changes between and within species. The genetic mutations that occur in the populations of domestic animals, will be added to the merits of animals who contain these genetic mutations and they will have more breeds. These mutations are also repeated in their breeds. If a new SNP in a population increases the competence of its carriers compared to other members of society, this choice will make the more deserving individual more involved in shaping the next generation. The most important statistical tests based on demographic differentiation are the FST statistics, which identify distinct positions under positive selection, which are of particular importance for economic characteristics. One of the best ways to understand physiological processes is to analyze gene regulation networks. Identification of genes involved in economic traits as molecular markers in breeding is of special importance. Gene regulation networks enable the researcher to study all of the genes together. The aim of this study was to identify selection signature regions and candidate genes related to economic traits.
Materials and Methods: The necessary data for this research were acquired from two sources, namely NEXTGEN and HAPMAP. The dataset encompassed breeds such as Afshari (41 individuals), Ghezel (35 individuals), Moghani (35 individuals), and eight wild sheep. The initial objective was to assess data quality and perform filtration on raw data. For the remaining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), those not conforming to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were considered indicative of genotyping errors. A stringent probability level of 10⁻⁶, determined through Bonferroni correction, was applied. Various stages of quality control were meticulously executed using PLINK v1.9. Additionally, the study involved identifying animals positioned outside their respective groups, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the population structure within the two groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) were done in R software. The FST index was proposed to study the distinction between subpopulations and identification of selection signature. the population structure of wild and domestic sheep breeds was analyzed. PCA analysis was performed using genotype information of the samples to investigate how the animals were grouped Investigation of identified genes using SNPs in the upper 1% range of FST were identified by Plink v1.9 software. In addition, the DAVID database (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov) was used to determine biological routes. At this stage, it is assumed that genes that belong to a functional class can be considered as a group of genes that have some specific and common characteristics. GeneCards (http://www.genecards.org) and UniProtKB (http://www.uniprot.org) databases were also used to interpret the function of the obtained genes.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that adjacent SNPs are highly dispersed in several genomic regions. From 34556 SNPs after filtration above 1%, SNPs with higher FST stabilization index (340 SNP) with FST range from 0.304 to 0.472 were selected. Selected SNPs consisted of 95 genomic regions on 23 chromosomes between domestic and wild sheep. Most regions were located on chromosomes 13 and 7 had 14 and 9 gene regions, respectively. Examination of the relationship between QTLs and important genes in selected areas showed that 95 genes related to economic traits were identified. QTLs with important economic characteristics including quality and quantity of meat, milk, fat, bone, immune system and parasite resistance were reported. Most QTLs were located on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, indicating that the most positive mutations occurred on these chromosomes. Most of the identified biological pathways related to ion channels through cell membranes are neuromuscular processes, Brain and cerebellum growth, metencephalon growth, membrane ion membrane transport, and pathways involved in regulating ion transport in cell membranes. Genes identified in different genomic regions can be considered as selective candidates. A number of genes studied as selection signatures reported were consistent with previous studies. Important genes were included: GABRB1, GRM3, HERC1, HERC3 and KCND2.
Conclusion: The study of genomic regions showed that these regions are directly and indirectly related to the quality and quantity of meat, milk, fat, bone, immune system and parasite resistance. Identifying important economic traits and locating parts of the genome that have changed as a result of selection could be used in sheep breeding programs. However, in this research we had limitations such as the incompleteness of information related to functional annotation of genes in sheep species and also the small sample size of this study. Therefore, in subsequent studies with more samples and more breeds of domestic and wild sheep in Iran, a better understanding of candidate genes for important economic traits in domestic and wild species would be achieved.
Introduction : Among different sheep breeds in the world, the Texel breed is known as a meaty and muscular breed. Skeletal muscle growth is a step-by-step and exponential process from differentiation, development and maturation, which is... more
Introduction : Among different sheep breeds in the world, the Texel breed is known as a meaty and muscular breed. Skeletal muscle growth is a step-by-step and exponential process from differentiation, development and maturation, which is regulated by gene networks and cell signaling pathways, and several genes and factors are involved in the process of muscle fiber formation and their growth and hypertrophy (Badday Betti et al. 2022). The study of gene expression is done with several methods, and this gene expression information is used in breeding programs as a tool to improve phenotypic choices. Databases are a large source of expression data that can be used by bioinformatics methods to integrate heterogeneous data from different studies and platforms. In this study, by integrating the microarray and RNA-Seq data available in the database belonging to the muscle tissue of Texel breed sheep, the transcriptomic profile of the muscle was compared at two ages of embryonic and adult.
Materials and Methods: Microarray data related to longissimus dorsi muscle tissue with three replicates d-70 embryos from GEO database with accession number GSE23563 and RNA-Seq data related to muscle tissue from six samples with two replicates from adult individuals from ArrayExpress database were selected. Limma, Biobase and GEOquery software packages were used to calculate the expression values of the microarray data related to the embryonic age  in the R environment, and Tuxedo, HTSeq and DESeq2 packages were used in the Linux and R environment to calculate the expression values of the RNA-Seq data (Kamali et al. 2022; Sahraei et al. 2019). Then two types of expression values were integrated and to eliminate non-biological effects, the batch effects were also removed. Next, differential genes were identified with the limma software package. In order to identify the relationship between the identified differential genes, the gene network was drawn between them by software of Cytoscape version 3.7.1 and String 1.5.1 program. next, due to the vastness of the gene network, each network was clustered with MCODE 1.6.1 and CytoCluster 2.1.0 programs (ClusterOne algorithm) and significant clusters (P-value < 0.05) were identified (Saedi et al. 2022). In order to better understand the ontology and function of the identified differential genes, the Gene Ontology of the genes was investigated using software of Cytoscape version 3.7.1 and ClueGO 2.5.9 and CluePedia 1.5.9 programs. After receiving the Gene Ontology results, significant Gene Ontology terms (P-Value < 0.05) related to functional groups were identified. Finally, the selected genes (Adj P-Value < 0.05) were identified and introduced in these two age groups.
Results and Discussion: After quality control, correcting and normalizing the microarray data, the GPL10778 platform annotation file with 1042520 Probe ID was used to calculate their expression values. After relevant analyzes of 9289 Probe ID identified related to the data of this study, 7918 Gene Symbol was identified finally. After quality control, trimming and normalizing the RNA-Seq data in total, the number of Ensembl_Genes based on which the reading values were calculated by HTSeq was 27056. After removing IDs that had zero readings in all 6 samples, 10855 IDs remained. Then, these 10855 Ensembl ID were merged with the annotation file to obtain Gene Symbol, and finally 9417 common genes were identified between the six samples of adult age. The results of differential expression analysis showed that there were significant differences in the expression of 62 genes (37 increased and 25 decreased) in the muscle tissue between adult and embryonic age. By creating a gene network between differential genes, 15 selected genes were identified, including MYH1, ACTN3, CASQ1, TMOD4, FBP2, SLC2A4, MX1, COX4I1, SOD2, MFN2, UQCRB, UCP3, PRKAB2, PHKG2, PPP1R3C. The function of these genes has been proven in cell proliferation, protein synthesis, myofibril formation, and lipid metabolism. Differential gene enrichment analysis revealed some biological processes such as Vasculogenesis, positive regulation of ossification, positive regulation of muscle tissue development, regulation of muscle contraction, contractile fiber part, calcium signaling, calcineurin-NFAT signaling cascade and regulation of receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT, the molecular function of regulating cation channel activity and the cellular components of the contractile fiber.
Conclusion: This study in addition to confirming the accuracy of the integration method of two types of heterogeneous data, provided a general view of the transcriptomic differences of Texel sheep muscle tissue at two important age points to be a useful source for biological investigations of genes related to muscle growth and development in sheep.
Introduction : Compared to other poultry, geese are more resistant to adverse environmental factors, so they are less likely to get sick. Geese are fast-growing poultry, and they are easy to raise. Due to the importance of goose meat due... more
Introduction : Compared to other poultry, geese are more resistant to adverse environmental factors, so they are less likely to get sick. Geese are fast-growing poultry, and they are easy to raise. Due to the importance of goose meat due to its high calorie content compared to the meat of other poultry species and its high palatability, as well as its resistance to many diseases, it is necessary to raise this bird on an economic scale. In industrial goose breeding, there arises a need to develop strains tailored for specific purposes such as meat, egg, and dual-purpose. This allows breeders to align breeding objectives with associated costs and optimize productivity for the industry's requirements. Consequently, the economic coefficients of breeding, coupled with the relative selection of products, necessitate consideration in four primary aspects: achieving high weight gain, reducing the food conversion ratio, increasing the egg count, and enhancing egg fertility. It is crucial to acknowledge the negative correlation coefficient with the egg production trait within the realms of management and breeding sciences. This is because an improvement in one trait may inversely impact the values of another trait. Among the effective strategies in breeding, the selection is based on genetic markers that lead to the reduction of the generation gap and increase in production. Due to the ever-increasing growth of the population, a lot of effort is needed to overcome unfavorable environmental conditions, including biological and non-biological factors, and to increase the quantity and quality of the product. In recent years, many advances have been made in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, which has provided a powerful tool for the genetic study of animals. Considering that the growth hormone gene (GH indicator) is one of the candidate genes for various traits, especially weight gain, but it has not been used in goose breeding programs so far. Therefore, in order to determine the contribution of this gene in goose breeding, its relationship with the weight gain trait of chickens should be determined, which is actually the purpose of designing and implementing this study.
Materials and Methods: In order to implement this research, 300 gosling hatched from eggs of Malekan research station geese and reared for 5 months. The hatched goose chicks were kept and fed according to breeding standards Gosling weighted monthly and blood samples was collected from them in vacuum tubes containing EDTA at end of raising period. Genomic DNA was extracted by Pronase procedure. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the quality of the extracted DNA, and for this purpose, a wavelength of 260 nm was used to determine the amount and concentration of DNA, and a wavelength ratio of 260/280 was used to determine the purity and quality of the extracted DNA. Amplification of the desired region from exon 2 of the growth hormone gene was done by thermocycler using the designed primers GH-G F and GH-G R to amplify 162 base pairs. 2% agarose gel with ethidium bromide staining was used to identify PCR products. The SSCP technique was used to determine the genotypes of the growth hormone gene. Denatured SSCP products was electrophoresed on 10% polyacrylamide gel and stained by silver nitrate. Effects of GH gene on growth performance were analyzed by SPSS software version 23 in CRD design.
Results and Discussion: Genotypes pattern of 1, 2 and 3 were recognized. Frequencies of 1, 2 and 3 patterns resulted 48.15, 44.44 and 7.15 percent, respectively. Results indicated that GH genotypes affected live weight of gosling in 1 and 2 month of age, the 3th pattern had heavier live weight in these periods. Despite of heavier live weight in pattern 3, for months of 3, 4 and 5 no significant differences observed among them. Low frequency of pattern 3, that affected live weight in gosling, can be increased in study population in favor of this pattern. The results of this research showed that the growth hormone gene and especially exon 2 of this gene can be considered as a genetic marker in the selection of geese for the weight gain trait.
Conclusion: Given the considerable importance of the economic coefficient of egg production in geese, which outweighs the emphasis on increasing the weight of breeding geese, and considering that the economic activities of the station align more closely with augmenting the number of chicks produced per breeding goose, the observed negative correlation between egg production and weight gain in geese suggests a lower prevalence of the effective genotype influencing the weight gain of geese in this station. The selection focus at Malekan station has predominantly aimed at enhancing the egg laying rate, in stark contrast to the growth rate of geese. Consequently, this deliberate selection has led to an increase in the frequency of the effective genotype impacting egg laying and concurrently a reduction in the frequency of genotypes influencing the weight gain of goose chicks.
Introduction : During the winter months in most parts of Iran, the external temperature often drops below 0 °C. Typically, these temperatures fall below the optimal conditions for chick growth, resulting in cold stress and potential... more
Introduction : During the winter months in most parts of Iran, the external temperature often drops below 0 °C. Typically, these temperatures fall below the optimal conditions for chick growth, resulting in cold stress and potential diseases. This can subsequently impact meat quality negatively and reduce breeding efficiency. The environmental temperature beyond the upper and lower limit of the thermoneutral zone is supposed to produce heat or cold stress in animals (Meltzer, 1983). The adverse climatic condition produces physiological stress which has profound economic influence on the productive efficiency including health and disease resistant capacity (Phuong et al., 2016). Exposure of poultry birds to extreme temperature stressor modulates the immune responsiveness and hematic-biochemical parameters of birds (Hangalapura et al., 2004). Among all the environmental stressors, cold stress induces physiological responses which are of high priority and energy demanding for homeotherms. Cold temperature can increase ascites susceptibility by increasing both metabolic oxygen requirements and pulmonary hypertension (Stolz et al., 1992). The biggest obstacle in raising broilers at high altitudes and cold conditions is the ascites syndrome. This condition can be characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and elevated mortality that tends to peak between 4-6 weeks of age (James, 2005). The International Biochar Initiative (2017) defines biochar as, “Solid material obtained from thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygenlimited environment.” Biochar is an ash substance that is produced from the burning of biological material via pyrolysis. This process heats the biological material in an anaerobic environment causing it to decompose into an ash form. Growth promotion and therapeutic antibiotics have been used to compensate for the high levels of stress, including cold stress,that can be present in intensive animal production. Stress can lower resistance to many of the microorganisms present in the environment; however, stress in general has been reported to have variable effects on the immune system and can both enhance and suppress responses (Siegel, 1995); cold stress has been shown to both stimulate and suppress chickens’ immune response (Regnier and Kelley, 1981; Hangalapura et al., 2006). Probiotics contain live microorganisms and spores which when administered in adequate amount, confer health benefits to the host. Bacillus subtilis (B. Subtilis) and Bacillus licheniformis (B. Licheniformis) are the two most widely used strains of probiotic bacteria in animal diets. Oral administration of B. Subtilis and B. Licheniformis can have a myriad of beneficial effects, such as improved growth and meat characteristics, optimized composition of intestinal microbiota, prevention of some diarrheal diseases, and reduced stresses. For such benefits, B. Subtilis and B. Licheniformis have attracted considerable attention as a potentially beneficial dietary supplement for animal health.  For the many negative effects of antibiotic drugs used in chick production, we want to compare the positive effects of some additives on performance of cold-stressed broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: In this experiment, in order to examine the effect of solid waste biochar, probiotic and zeolite on improvement of performance, blood indices and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens reared under cold stress, in a completely randomized design, 315 Ross-308 broiler chickens (as hatched) were allocated to 7 treatments, 5 replicates and 9 birds in each in cold and warm houses. Treatments are including: 1) positive control (basal diet in recommended temperature), 2) negative control (basal diet + cold stress), 3-7) negative control + %0.5, %0.75 and 1% solid waste biochar, 0.02% probiotic Ecobacto-P and 1% zeolite, respectively. In cold stress groups, house temperature decreased to 17° C from 7d until end of the experiment (42d).
Results and Discussion: As compared to group reared in warm house, cold stress significantly decreased broiler chickens daily FI and BWG, serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations, thymus relative weight, lymphocyte percentage, breast and thigh meat pH, breast meat redness (b) and thigh meat yellowness (a) while increased total and ascitic mortality, red and white blood cell count, blood hemoglobin, heterophile percentage and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, antibody titter against SRBC, breast and thigh meat whiteness and breast meat MDA concentration (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In order to orthogonal contrast analysis between negative control group and additive groups, solid waste biochar, probiotic or zeolite couldn’t improve broiler chicken’s growth performance, breast and thigh meat quality parameters, blood metabolites concentration and cell count and did not ameliorate negative effects of cold stress.
Introduction: Fertility is one of the main factors influencing the economic result in poultry flocks and it is influenced by several variables including breed, nutrition quality, flock age and sperm quality. As a result, the decrease in... more
Introduction: Fertility is one of the main factors influencing the economic result in poultry flocks and it is influenced by several variables including breed, nutrition quality, flock age and sperm quality. As a result, the decrease in the fertility of beef mother herds after the peak of production is one of the most important factors in reducing the economic profit of breeding units. It has been shown that fertility decline at the end of the productive period can be partially prevented through artificial insemination. The requirement for optimal use of artificial insemination in any species is the possibility of storing sperm in liquid and frozen form. Fertility rate of poultry sperm in frozen conditions is facing a serious challenge compared to other species, this challenge may be related to some special physiological characteristics of rooster sperm that lead to increased sensitivity in frozen conditions. Ginger is a plant that has strong antioxidant substances, which increases the level of antioxidant enzymes and collects free radicals and protects the cell membrane against the risk of oxidation and peroxidation of fats. The main antioxidant compounds in ginger are gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols and some phenolic ketone derivatives, which have the ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This evidence shows that adding ginger powder to the diet of broilers can improve the quality of sperm after thawing and increase the fertility rate by improving the antioxidant properties of semen and protecting sperm from damage caused by freezing-thawing.
Materials and Methods: In this research, twenty-seven Ras 308 breeding broilers were tested in the southern desert research farm in collaboration with Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.  At the age of 47 weeks, the sows were habituated for two weeks in individual cages and fed with basic ration and abdominal rubbing method for sperm collection. From the age of 49 to 60 weeks for 12 weeks, the sows were fed with a basic diet (control group) or diets with different levels of ginger powder (treatment groups) and kept at a temperature of 19-23 degrees Celsius and a photoperiod of 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness.  Experimental treatments included: control diet (no feeding of ginger powder), daily feeding of 7.5 grams of ginger powder and daily feeding of 15 g of ginger powder per kg of diet. During the test period, sperm samples were collected weekly by abdominal rub method and after initial evaluation, from the age of 51 weeks, they were frozen, and the quality parameters of semen, including total and progressive aspect, plasma membrane function, sperm viability and morphology after thawing were evaluated. took Frozen semen samples from weeks 59 and 60 were inoculated into broiler hens to evaluate sperm fertility after thawing.
Results and Discussion: The effect of treatment and test weeks on most of the parameters measured including total and progressive motility, viability and function of sperm plasma membrane was significant. The interaction of treatment and test weeks significantly affected overall and progressive behavior, but its effect on survival tended to be significant. The effects of treatment, week and the interaction of treatment in week had no significant effect on the percentage of abnormal sperms. The study by Shafiq et al. (2015) improved the storage of rooster sperm using rosemary essential oil after the freezing and thawing process; The results of the research showed that the use of rosemary essential oil in the diluent improves the quality of rooster sperm, which is consistent with the present research.  Ginger comprises essential antioxidant compounds such as gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and certain phenolic ketone derivatives. These compounds possess the remarkable ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, contributing to their sustained antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase plays a crucial role in safeguarding sperm in the tissues of the testis and epididymis. A decline in the levels of this enzyme within the body has been associated with infertility. Recognizing the significance of these antioxidant components and enzymes underscores their continuous impact on maintaining reproductive health. By being placed in the sperm plasma membrane, this enzyme protects the sperm nucleus and epididymal fluid from the attack of free radicals and causes the final swelling and development of sperms. Fertility percentage and sperm yield in chicks of hens fed with 7.5 and 15 g/kg of ginger powder in the diet increased significantly compared to the control group. Among the sperm parameters, sperm motility and viability are considered to be the most important factors influencing sperm transfer to SSTs; In this research, the total and progressive motility and survival were increased in the groups of 7.5 and 15 grams per kg of diet, which can be the reasons for increasing the fertility and hatching of chicks in these groups. In a research by Masoudi et al. (2021), they investigated the effect of milk thistle, carob and ginger on the reproductive performance of Ras breed broilers and reported that supplementing the diet with plant additives significantly improved the quality of sperm and fertility of the sows compared to the control group.
Conclusion: In generally, the results of the present study showed that the addition of 7.5 and 15 g per kg of ginger powder in the diet significantly increased the total and progressive motility, the integrity and function of the plasma membrane, and finally, the fertility and egg retrieval of sperm after thawing.
Introduction: One of the most important problems in the sheep breeding industry is its low reproduction capacity. According to the advances made in the field of reproduction, new methods have led to the improvement of the reproduction... more
Introduction:  One of the most important problems in the sheep breeding industry is its low reproduction capacity. According to the advances made in the field of reproduction, new methods have led to the improvement of the reproduction process. One of the important and effective indicators in reproduction is the level of energy used in the diet during the reproductive season. The use of fat supplements in the diet increases the energy density, and by reducing the inhibitory effects of the negative energy balance, it improves reproductive and productive performance. The right amount of oil consumption guarantees health and food safety. It is recommended that 10% or less of the energy needed by the body per day comes from saturated fat sources and 20-35% of daily energy comes from unsaturated fat. Due to the importance of oil seeds, their cultivation is also very important and they have a wide cultivated area all over the world. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of levels and sources of oil and fat on reproductive performance and blood factors of Kurdish sheep.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Research Unit Farm of the Light Livestock Breeding Shightogan Delaware Company, located in the southern Khorasan province, Iran. Fifty-six ewes with Non-pregnant with an average age of one year and average body weight of 41.35±2.5 kg were divided into 7 treatments and 8 replications for 60 days (habituation period 14 days). Experimental treatments include: 1- base diet without oil, 2- Basic ration containing 2% sunflower oil, 3- Basic ration containing 2% canola oil, 4- Basic ration containing 2% tallow, 5- Basic ration containing 4% sunflower oil, 6- Basic ration containing 4% canola oil and 7- Basic ration It contained 4% tallow. Estral synchronization was performed in spring with CIDR. Ewes after CIDR (14 day) extraction and PMSG injection as soon as the signs of estrus were observed, the ewes were isolated from the others and artificially inseminated with fresh sperm using the transcortical method. Energy and chemical composition of rations were similar and were examined simultaneously with CIDR removal and estrus observation. Then, in each experiment parameters such as the time of estrus initiation (hour), rate of return to estrus, parturition rate, rate of multiple births, number of lambs and rate of lambing were evaluated Body weight (BW) and body growth measures were recorded First and period End. Data obtained were analyzed by statistical software SAS (version 1.9). Estral synchronization was performed in spring with CIDR. Ewes after CIDR (14 day) extraction and PMSG injection as soon as the signs of estrus were observed, the ewes were isolated from the others and artificially inseminated with fresh sperm using the transcortical method. The nutrition program with software (SRNS) version was adjusted based on the pregnancy diet.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest pregnancy rate (100%) and lambing rate (125%) were related to ewes receiving rations with 2% tallow oil and 4% sunflower oil. The highest increase in body weight was observed in ewes consuming ration with 2% sunflower oil, which was significantly different from the control group. But with other groups, this difference was insignificant. The highest body weight gain and the best (lowest) feed conversion ratio were observed in ewes consuming 2% sunflower oil diet, which was significantly different from the control group. But with other groups, this difference was insignificant. Triglyceride concentration, plasma total protein concentration and plasma albumin were not affected by oil and fat sources in the diets and no significant difference was observed between the diets. There was a significant difference in the average apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude fat and organic matter of nutrients between treatments.

Conclusion: In general, use of vegetable and animal oils in the diet can positive effect on the productive and reproductive performance of sheep results of this research showed that in order to reduce the rate of consumption costs, 2% in the ration is suggested.
Introduction: Environmental pollution, including pollution caused by urban and industrial sewage, factories and vehicles, causes pollution of natural resources in the environment, including water and fodder. The entry of these elements... more
Introduction:  Environmental pollution, including pollution caused by urban and industrial sewage, factories and vehicles, causes pollution of natural resources in the environment, including water and fodder. The entry of these elements into the body of animals and their accumulation increases their concentration in products and enters the human food chain. Contamination of milk, meat and other edible tissues of animals with heavy metals is also a worrying issue and threatens food hygiene and human health because these elements are not naturally present in edible tissues and even very small amounts of them can be cause severe side effects. Scientists have mentioned the main cause of contamination of meat and animal tissues is feeding them from contaminated fodder sources or rearing them near contaminated areas. In the studies conducted in different countries, the amounts of heavy elements were more than allowed.
Material and Methods: In order to investigate the amounts of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic and nickel in milk and body tissues of dairy cows in North Khorasan province, two experiments were conducted in three regions and the amounts of heavy metals in milk and body tissues of dairy cows using the device Inductively coupled plasma-atomic diffusion (ICP) was measured, and studied.
In the first experiment, three dairy cattle farms were selected from three regions, two farms were located in two regions at equal distances from large industries, and the third region was selected as a control region far from large industries. In each of the farms, 10 dairy cows (5 first lactation and 5 second lactation and above) was sampled and the amounts of elements were measured. In the second experiment, muscle, heart, liver, kidney and lung tissues were sampled from 5 dairy cows from each region that were removed and sent to the slaughterhouse for reasons such as mastitis and reproductive problems. Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic and nickel, were measured in the tissues by an inductively coupled atomic diffusion plasma (ICP) device.
Result and Discussion: The initial experiment's findings indicate that the levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in the milk of Holstein cows remained unaffected by varying regions. However, there were significant regional impacts on the levels of chromium and nickel in the milk of Holstein cows. Furthermore, the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and lead in the milk of Holstein cows were not influenced by the age of the cows or the interaction between region and age. In contrast, the concentration of chromium exhibited sensitivity to age and the interaction between region and age. These nuanced insights highlight the diverse influences on trace metal concentrations in Holstein cow milk, providing valuable information for understanding regional and age-related variations. The amount of arsenic, cadmium and lead metals in the thigh muscle tissue of Holstein cows in different regions was not significantly affected by regions. However, the amount of chromium and nickel in the thigh muscle tissue was significantly affected in different areas. The amount of arsenic, chromium, nickel and lead in the heart tissue was not significant in any of the regions (Shirvan, Esfrayen and Bojnoord). The amount of cadmium in the heart tissue of Holstein cows was significantly affected by different regions. Thus, the highest amount of cadmium in heart tissue was observed in Bojnord region and the lowest in Esfrayen region. The amount of chromium, nickel and lead in the tissue of all Holstein cows in different regions was not affected. However, the amount of arsenic and cadmium in the kidney tissue was significantly affected in different areas (Shirvan, Esfrayen and Bojnoord). Based on the obtained results, there was no significant difference in the amount of arsenic, cadmium and lead in lung tissue in different regions. However, the amount of chromium and nickel in the lung tissue of Holstein cows was significantly affected in different regions. Chromium enters various environmental sources (air, water and soil) from a wide range of natural and human sources, the most of which is emitted from industrial activities. When heavy metals are present in the air, feed and water of animals, they eventually accumulate in their tissues.
Conclusion: While the levels of heavy metals did not exhibit significant differences across many investigated areas, it is noteworthy that the concentrations surpassed the standard values established for these metals in products like milk. The elevated concentrations raise concerns about the potential health implications associated with consuming products containing such heightened metal levels. An interesting observation emerges from the examination of elemental concentrations in tissues, irrespective of regions and distances. The lead element, in particular, demonstrated the highest concentrations, with the liver exhibiting the most notable accumulation compared to other tissues. This underscores the need for strategic interventions, and the consideration of solutions such as the application of absorbents to mitigate metal concentrations in dairy cattle products emerges as a viable recommendation. Implementing such measures could play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of dairy products with established standards.
Introduction : One of the important by-products is the pomegranate pulps which is pulp left after pomegranate juice. The presence of significant amounts of biologically active compounds such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, and tannins in... more
Introduction : One of the important by-products is the pomegranate pulps which is pulp left after pomegranate juice. The presence of significant amounts of biologically active compounds such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, and tannins in pomegranate fruit ensures its high nutritional value. Pomegranate peel is a part of the fruit that has very high antioxidant properties and contains high amounts of polyphenols such as tannins. There have been numerous reports of the negative effects of tannins on consumer animals. One of the compounds that can bind to tannins and reduce their harmful effects is the tannase enzyme. So, this study aimed to investigate the effects of using different levels of pomegranate pulp without or in combination with tannase enzyme in the diet of fattening lambs on performance, nutrient digestibility, and some blood parameters.
Materials and Methods: After preparing pomegranate pulp, drying it, and preparing tannase enzyme, 25 male Moghani lambs with an average weight of 30±2 kg and the average age is about 7 months, were used in four treatments in a completely randomized design. experimental treatments include 1- control, 2- 2.5% pomegranate pulp powder, 3- 5% pomegranate pulp powder, 4- 2.5% pomegranate pulp powder + 0.05 % dry matter of tannase enzyme 5- 5% pomegranate pulp powder + 0.05 % dry matter of tannase enzyme. During the experimental period, the performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were measured. The concentration of blood parameters and the activity of liver enzymes containing ALP, ALT, and AST in the blood of lambs were determined. The Data obtained were analyzed using SAS (9/1) statistical software.
Results and Discussion: The experimental treatments demonstrated no significant impact on the weight gain and feed intake of the lambs. However, when examining the amount of feed consumption and daily feed consumption, higher values were observed during the second 30 days of the rearing period in comparison to the initial 30 days.While nutrient digestibility remained largely unaffected, a notable trend in the digestibility of dry matter was observed. Further comparisons between treatments revealed a higher digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash in the group receiving 2.5% pomegranate pomace. These findings provide insights into the potential influence of pomegranate pomace supplementation on specific aspects of nutrient utilization in lamb diets. Fat in the treatment of 2.5% pomace with enzyme and digestibility of crude protein was higher in the treatment of 5% pomace with the enzyme. The comparison of different pomace levels showed that the use of high levels of pomegranate pomace (5%) increased blood glucose and the lowest blood urea concentration was obtained by feeding 5% pomace. The lowest concentrations of HDL and LDL in the blood also belonged to the control treatment. The use of tannase enzymes in the diet also increased the concentration of glucose parameters and decreased blood urea. The highest amount of glucose of the studied lambs were observed in the first thirty days of sampling. In the present study, the use of pomegranate pomace increased glucose in both rearing periods and decreased blood triglyceride levels in the second rearing period. Alanine phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity was significant in the second period, the breeding period (P<0.05). The highest level of activity of this enzyme was observed in the blood of lambs fed with 2.5% of dung. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was not significant between sampling periods (P<0.05). Feeding different levels of pomegranate pomace powder with or without tannase enzyme had no significant effect on blood malondialdehyde concentration as an antioxidant index of the blood of fattening lambs. However, the comparison between the experimental treatments showed that the highest level of this index was found in the blood samples obtained from lambs fed with a diet containing 5% of pomegranate pomace powder + 0.05% of the dry matter of the tannase enzyme diet.
Conclusion: The inclusion of different levels of pomegranate pomace in the diet led to a significant difference in the activity of the alanine phosphatase enzyme among the experimental treatments (P<0.05) and increased blood glucose (P<0.05). None of the functional parameters, including weight gain, and feed consumption, were affected by the use of pomegranate pulp with or without tannase enzyme during the entire experimental period. However, the food conversion coefficient improved in the treatments containing pomegranate pomace with tannin enzyme. The highest amount of antioxidant index related to the diet containing 5% of pomegranate pomace powder + 0.05% of the diet's dry matter was tannase enzyme. Therefore, the level of 5% of pomegranate pomace along with the tannase enzyme increases animal health and improves animal growth performance.
Introduction : Paratuberculosis, or Johne’s disease, is a chronic, granulomatous, gastrointestinal tract disease of goat and other ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The clinical signs of... more
Introduction : Paratuberculosis, or Johne’s disease, is a chronic, granulomatous, gastrointestinal tract disease of goat and other ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The clinical signs of disease in goat are pipestream diarrhea, weight loss, and edema due to hypoproteinemia caused by protein-losing enteropathy. Knowledge concerning genetics of susceptibility to MAP infection can contribute to disease control programs by facilitating genetic selection for a less susceptible population to reduce incidence of infection in the future. The opportunity for genetic improvement in susceptibility to infection is evidenced by estimates of heritability of MAP infection ranging from 0.03 to 0.28 (Kirkpatrick and Lett, 2018). Domestication and selection has significantly changed the behavioral and phenotypic traits in modern domestic animals. The selection of animals by humans left detectable signatures on the genome of modern goat. The identification of these signals can help us to improve the genetic characteristics of economically important traits in goat. Over the last decade, interest in detection of genes or genomic regions that are targeted by selection has been growing. Identifying signatures of selection can provide valuable insights about the genes or genomic regions that are or have been under selection pressure, which in turn leads to a better understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships. The aim of this study was to identify the selection signatures using the unbiased Theta method associated with resistance to Johne’s disease in two Italian goat breeds.
Materials and Methods: The work described here is a case–control association study using the Illumina Caprine SNP50 BeadChip to unravel the genes involved in susceptibility of goats to Johne’s disease. Goats in herds with a high occurrence of Johne's disease were classified as healthy or infected based on the level of serum antibodies against MAP, and 331 animals were selected for the study. For the Siriana breed 174 samples (87 cases and 87 controls) were selected from 14 herds and for the Jonica breed 157 samples (77 cases and 80 controls) were selected from 10 herds. Cases were defined as animals serologically positive for MAP by ELISA with a sample to positive ratio (S/P) higher than 0.7 and MAP negative animals had a S/P lower than 0.6. Positive animals were tested twice with the ID Screen Paratuberculosis confirmation test. The 331 samples were genotyped using the Illumina GoatSNP50 BeadChip. SNP missing 5% of data, with MAF of <1% and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium p-values <10−6 were removed. The genotyping efficiency for samples was also verified, and samples with more than 5% missing data were removed. Grouping was done to infer selection signatures based on FST statistic. Bioinformatics inquiries were conducted employing the Ensembl database (Cunningham et al., 2022), specifically for caprine genes (assembly ARS1). The aim was to pinpoint potential candidate genes that have either been previously reported in, or are situated within the genomic regions encompassing the peak of absolute extreme FST values. In this context, regions corresponding to the top and bottom 0.01% of acquired positive and negative FST scores were earmarked as areas undergoing selection. The identification of genes was executed through the application of a 250 Kb window both upstream and downstream of each core SNP.
Results and Discussion: By applying a threshold at the 99.90 percentile of the obtained Theta (θ) values, a total of 13 distinct genomic regions were identified in the Jonica breed. These regions were situated across chromosomes 1, 5, 7 (in 2 regions), 8, 9 (in 2 regions), 11, 16, 17, 18, and 20 (in 2 regions). Similarly, in the Siriana breed, genomic regions were pinpointed on chromosomes 3, 5 (in 2 regions), 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 29. Further exploration through bioinformatics tools brought to light the overlap of these genomic regions with genes associated with the immune system, disease resistance, bacterial infection resilience, response to oxidative stress, and tumor suppression. The study population size is relatively modest, predominantly due to the intricacy of procuring a substantial volume of blood samples from goats within commercial herds that have been diagnosed with JD and are poised for culling. It's worth noting that JD diagnosis and culling procedures are not infallible preventive measures. The gradual progression of the disease often leads to late-stage diagnosis, allowing subclinical goats to intermittently excrete MAP in the environment. As the infection and disease progress, the fecal shedding of MAP increases and contributes to its horizontal transmission. In combination with genetic improvement (innate protection), vaccination (acquired protection) will support eradicating this incurable disease.
Conclusions: To conclude, the findings of this study hold potential significance as they offer valuable insights for identifying genomic regions and subsequently, the genes that influence Johne's disease in goats. Nonetheless, additional research endeavors are essential to enhance and validate these outcomes. Utilizing a more extensive sample size, incorporating whole-genome sequencing, and implementing high-density genotyping are imperative steps to further refine and strengthen these findings.
Introduction : The quality and quantity of dietary protein are primary factor influencing growth and feed costs. Seeds of faba bean (Vicia faba L), similarly as soybean meal, belong to high-protein feeds. The use of faba beans in poultry... more
Introduction : The quality and quantity of dietary protein are primary factor influencing growth and feed costs. Seeds of faba bean (Vicia faba L), similarly as soybean meal, belong to high-protein feeds. The use of faba beans in poultry feed is limited despite having a suitable chemical composition, the main reason of which is the presence of anti-nutritional factors in this seed. Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center has produced a zero-tannin faba bean seeds variety (Mahta cultivar) that does not have the nutritional limiting factors of normal beans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of zero-tannin faba bean seeds (Mahta cultivar) on growth performance, some immune and biochemical parameters of blood, morphology and microbial population of small intestine and meat quality of broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: 320 of one-day-old Ross 308 broilers with 4 treatments were used in a completely randomized design with 4 replications and 20 equal mixed birds of each sex in each replication for 42 days. Experimental treatments included 1- control diet (without faba beans and based on corn-soybean meal) 2- diets containing 10% zero-tannin faba bean 3- diets containing 20% zero-tannin faba bean and 4- diets containing 30% zero-tannin faba bean. Then, the growth performance of chickens, blood biochemical (triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and HDL concentrations) and immune (heterophil and lymphocyte percentage) indicators, intestinal jejunum morphological (villi length, villi width, crypt depth and thichness of muscle layer) and ileum contents microbial population (lactobacillus and escherichia coli) parameters and meat quality (pH, malondialdehyde, peroxide number and free fatty acids) of broiler chickens were measured and recorded. Finally, the analysis of data was performed using GLM method by SAS software. The means were compared using Tukey's multiple range tests.
Results and Discussion: The results showed growth performance (feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio) of the whole period (1 to 42 days) of birds fed with different levels of diets containing zero-tannin faba bean (0, 10, 20 and 30%) was not significant. There was also no difference between the growth performance of birds fed diets containing zero-tannin faba bean compared to birds receiving the control diet (without beans). A decreasing linear change in the weight gain of the whole period was observed with the increase in the percentage of zero-tannin faba bean (P<0.05). So, the birds that were fed with the control diet (without beans) and 10% zero-tannin faba bean had a better weight gain compared to other treatments, equal to 1738 and 1748 grams respectively, followed by the birds receiving the diet containing 20% zero-tannin faba bean had weight equal to 1623 grams and finally, the birds fed with a diet containing 30% zero-tannin faba bean had weight equal to 1574 grams (P<0.05). Some blood biochemical and immune parameters of broilers were not affected by different levels of zero-tannin faba bean in the diet. However, the amount of changes in HDL, the ratio of HDL to cholesterol, serum LDL and the percentage of heterophil, lymphocyte and the ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte in the blood of broiler chickens fed with a diet containing 20% of zero-tannin faba bean is worthy of consideration and requires further investigation and study (P>0.10). Also, morphological parameters of intestinal jejunum were not affected by different levels of zero-tannin faba bean in the diet. However, citizenship analysis showed linear changes in villi length, villi width and crypt depth of broiler intestines. The tendency to increase villi length was observed in birds fed diets containing 10% zero-tannin faba bean compared to other diets (P= 0.08). Villi width (P<0.05) and crypt depth (P=0.05) were lower in birds fed diets containing zero-tannin faba bean compared to the control treatment (without faba beans). Microbial population of escherichia coli and lactobacillus ileum contents were not affected by different levels of zero-tannin faba bean in the diet. The use of different levels of zero-tannin faba bean improved meat quality by decreasing pH, malondialdehyde concentration, peroxide and free fatty acids in broiler thighs (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Finally, according to the present results, it seems that among the different levels of zero-tannin faba bean (10, 20 and 30%) in the diet of broiler chickens, the level of 10% zero-tannin faba bean in terms of broiler performance should be more appropriate and competitive with the control diet (without faba beans and based on corn-soybean meal).
Introduction : The Ferula badrakema from the Apiaceae family is a resinous plant with a strong smell that is native to Iran (Rechinger et al., 1994). The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of Ferula badrakema are believed to be... more
Introduction :  The Ferula badrakema from the Apiaceae family is a resinous plant with a strong smell that is native to Iran (Rechinger et al., 1994). The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of Ferula badrakema are believed to be due to its high content of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Similar to other Ferula species, this plant is a rich source of sesquiterpene coumarins (Bukreeva and Pimenov, 1991). To the best of our knowledge, no study has been done on the volatile compounds of this species. However, studies on other species of this plant that grow in other parts of the world have been reported (Başer et al., 2000; Takeoka, 2001, Iranshahi et al., 2006). Saccharin is a sulfonamide produced from compounds found in coal tar (Abdelaziz et al., 2011). Its taste is 300 to 500 times sweeter than sucrose. Due to its high sweetness, it is widely used to improve feed palatability and can increase feed intake (Feighner et al., 1987). Studies by Han et al. (2019) have shown that Japanese quails prefer sucrose solution instead of ordinary water due to its palatability. However, few studies have been conducted on the physiological relationship between sweeteners and the gastrointestinal tract of broilers (Kimmich et al., 1989). Considering that most medicinal plants have a bitter taste and reduce the feed consumption and growth of chickens, this experiment aimed to investigate the effects of adding sweeteners and preventing the activation of bitter taste receptors of the Ferula plant on the growth performance, immune system and blood metabolites of chickens.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted using 468 one-day-old commercial broilers from the Ross 308 strain with 6 treatments, 6 replicates and 13 birds each in a completely randomized design as a 3×2 factorial arrangement (3 levels of Ferula badrakema root powder at the levels of 0, 0.75 and 1.5% and two levels of 0 and 0.15% sodium saccharin in diet). Standard diets during the periods of starter (1-10 d), grower (11-24 d) and finisher (25-42 d) were used. The diets were formulated using the UFFDA software to provide all the requirements of the broilers based on the recommendations of the Ross 308 strain (2019). Throughout the experiment, the birds had ad libitum access to water and feed and an hour darkness and 23 hours of light was provided. The initial temperature of the room was 32°C, which was reduced by 0.5°C per day according to the Ross company guidelines, until it reached 21°C at the age of 21 days and remained constant after that. Average feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio for each group were measured at the end of each period. To measure blood parameters, one male bird at the end of the experiment (42 d), was selected from each replicate and blood samples were taken from the wing vein in syringes without anticoagulant, and after centrifugation, the sera were collected in 0.5 ml microtubes and kept at -20°C until the further analysis. To evaluate the humoral immune response, 0.1 ml sheep red blood cells (SRBC) suspension was injected to breast muscle of one bird from each replicate on 28 and 35 d and total antibody, IgG and IgM were measured.
Results and Discussion:  Adding saccharin to the diet caused a significant increase in feed intake during the periods of 1-10 and 1-42 days (P < 0.05). The interaction effect of saccharin and Ferula on feed intake was significant (P < 0.05) during the periods of 25-42 and 1-42 days; so the addition of Ferula to diets containing saccharin increased feed intake while in diets without saccharin, it reduced feed intake. The body weight gain of chicks at the age of 1-10, 42-25 and 1-42 days in the treatment with 0.15% saccharin was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the treatment without saccharin; but adding Ferula had no significant effect on the weight gain. Addition of Ferula and saccharin to the diet and their interaction had no significant effect on the carcass traits of broilers. Adding saccharin to the diet caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in blood uric acid, but it did not have a significant effect on the concentration of other blood metabolites. An independent comparison of Ferula supplemented diets with treatment without it, showed that Ferula caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood uric acid, albumin and phosphorus and a significant decrease in blood cholesterol and triglyceride. The titer of total antibody and IgG at the age of 35 days, as well as IgG and IgM at the age of 42 days, increased compared to its 0 level under the influence of Ferula consumption.
Conclusion: In general, the results showed that the use of sodium saccharin in the diet prevents the reduction of feed intake caused by the bitter taste of Ferula, and the consumption of Ferula improves the immune system and reduces the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood broiler chicks.
Introduction : In the past, vitamins were considered as unknown growth factors, but during the twentieth century, their structure and nature were gradually discovered. These compounds are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tissues... more
Introduction : In the past, vitamins were considered as unknown growth factors, but during the twentieth century, their structure and nature were gradually discovered. These compounds are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tissues and general health of the body. Broiler chickens are unable to synthesize vitamins (except vitamin C) or have the ability to make limited amounts of them (group B and K2). For this reason, vitamins should be added to broiler feed as a supplement. Vitamins interact with other nutrients in various ways. The main reference for vitamin requirements in broilers is the National Research Council (NRC, 1994). The recommended amounts ensure conditions where there are no severe deficiencies. Applying the NRC recommendations cannot guarantee the genetic potential of today's birds. Because these values were taken from old studies and using pure feeds in laboratory conditions. Due to the dependence of Iran's poultry industry on the import of vitamins, unfortunately, in recent years, few studies have been conducted in the country on the appropriate pattern of adding vitamins to the diet of broiler chickens. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the lower levels than the recommendation of the Ross 308 strain catalog (Aviagen, 2019) as the dominant strain of the country and to propose an optimal model for different regions that does not have a negative effect on the performance and safety traits and to reduce the need to import this strain. It will also follow the products.
Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal pattern of vitamin supplementation in diets based on corn, wheat waste and soybean meal on production traits, carcass characteristics and immune responses of broilers from 1 to 42 days of age in Fars province. A total of 500 Ross 308 broilers with similar mean weight (mixed sex) were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications and 20 chickens per replication. Experimental treatments included five levels of vitamin supplementation: 1) control (100% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog), 2) 90% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog, 3) 80% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog, 4) 70% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog and 5) 60% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog. At the end of each period, the feed consumption and body weight of the birds were recorded with a digital scale with an accuracy of ±0.01. At the age of 39 days, blood was drawn from the vein under the wing of two birds from each experimental unit, with a syringe containing EDTA anticoagulant, and the blood sample was quickly transferred to the laboratory in a flask containing ice for differential counting of white blood cells. At the end of the 42nd day of rearing, two birds from each experimental unit were slaughtered to measure the relative weight percentage of carcass components. To measure the humoral immune response, the injection of 0.5 ml sheep antigen (SRBC) at the age of 21 days was used. CBH skin hypersensitivity test was also used to measure cellular immune response.
Results and Discussion: The highest and lowest mean body weight gain and feed intake belonged to the vitamin pattern of 100 and 60% of the recommendation of Ross 308 strain, respectively (P<0.01). The best feed conversion ratio and production index belonged to the vitamin pattern up to 90% of the Ross strain recommendation (P<0.01). The highest and lowest percentages of pectoralis muscle (22.2% and 19.2%) were related to the pattern of 100 and 60% of vitamin supplementation recommended by the Ross strain (P<0.01). The effect of reducing vitamin supplementation on cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH), serum antibody level against SRBC and percentage of heterophils, lymphocytes and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was not significant.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the functional indices and most importantly the production index of treatment 1 (100% vitamin pattern) and treatment 2 (90% vitamin pattern). Carcass traits and indicators related to humoral and cellular immune systems did not show significant differences too. As a result, a 10% reduction in the level of vitamin supplementation compared to the recommended level of the Ross 308 catalog is possible and suggested for raising broiler chickens. The final result is that in the breeding conditions of Fars province poultry farms, it is possible to reduce the level of vitamin supplements in diets containing wheat waste up to 90% of the recommendation of Ross 308 strain compared to the control diet.
Introduction : The egg production curve is defined graphically as the relationship between the number of eggs and laying time, which indicates the biological efficiency of a hen and can be effective in the selection and nutritional... more
Introduction : The egg production curve is defined graphically as the relationship between the number of eggs and laying time, which indicates the biological efficiency of a hen and can be effective in the selection and nutritional management of laying hens. Egg production is an essential section of the poultry industry. Appropriate mathematical models accurately represent the production phases of the hen and provide a valuable tool for biological comparisons and interpretations. Also, egg production curves help predict egg production, determine the appropriate age for poultry culling, and economic decisions. Sigmoid growth models are often used to describe size over time in plants, animals, and humans. In laying hens, the shape of the cumulative egg production curve is similar to the growth curve. Therefore, different growth models may be used to model the cumulative egg production curve. Khazak hen is one of the native birds of the Sistan region (Iran), and natural selection has adapted this bird to the conditions of Sistan over the years. The body of this chicken is small, and has low growth and is mainly kept for egg production. Since laying patterns is different in populations. Thus, the use of an appropriate model to describe the specific laying pattern of each population is necessary. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate growth models to describe the cumulative egg production and weight of eggs and select the best model for the Khazak hen.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Research Center of Domestic Animals (RCDA), the Research institute of Zabol, Zabol (Iran). Khazak pullets are identified using foot-banded numbers before they start laying. During the experiment, all birds had access to water and feed ad libitum. The egg production was recorded daily for each hen separately. Based on daily records, the weekly egg production of each bird was calculated and then used the calculation of the cumulative egg production. A total of 365 pellet egg production records were used to analyze the production curve from the first to the fortieth week of laying. Five growth models (Gompertz, Logistics, Richards, Lopez, and Weibull) were fitted on cumulative egg production and weight records. The goodness of fit criteria, including Akaike information criterion (AIC), mean square error (MSE), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and adjusted coefficient of determination ( ), were used to compare the growth models and to select the best model. All models were fitted on egg production records using the nlme package in R software, and the parameters of each model were estimated. After fitting the models, the cumulative production values for different ages were predicted by the models and were compared with the actual values over 40 weeks.
Results and Discussion: Based on the goodness of fit criteria, the Lopez mod had the highest  value and lowest values of AIC, BIC, and MSE for cumulative egg production. While the Weibull model was the best model than other models to describe cumulative egg weight in terms of the goodness of fit criteria. The Gompertz and Logistic models overestimated initial production and underestimated the final production compared with other models. Estimates of time and production at the inflection points using Lopez and Weibull models were close to actual values of cumulative egg production and weight, respectively. Also, prediction of cumulative egg production and egg weight in different weeks using Lopez and Weibull models was accurately, respectively. In literature, various models were reported as the best model to describe the egg production curve, which indicates that the appropriate model specific to each breed should be used to evaluate its curve. The overestimation and underestimation of initial and final production using Logistic models were reported in other research that was similar to our findings. The important application of egg production models in poultry is to estimate the economic and genetic value by predicting total egg production from some records, which can be a suitable tool for biological comparisons and interpretations.
Conclusion: The results of the present study, showed that the Lopez and Weibull models were the best models to describe the cumulative egg production and egg weight based on four good fit criteria, respectively. Therefore, these models can be used to describe the cumulative egg production and egg weight in Khazak hens. The application of these growth models can be useful to nutritional management and breeding programs to improve and change cumulative egg production and egg weight.
Introduction : In the poultry industry, feed efficiency is of great importance in order to reduce the cost of feed by maximizing production efficiency. To achieve this result, the use of synthetic amino acids, such as the amino acids... more
Introduction : In the poultry industry, feed efficiency is of great importance in order to reduce the cost of feed by maximizing production efficiency. To achieve this result, the use of synthetic amino acids, such as the amino acids methionine, lysine, arginine, etc. in poultry nutrition can play an effective role in animal performance. Application of monosodium glutamate in animals cause to increased levels of triglycerides, total protein, cholesterol and blood glucose in rats. Addition of 1% monosodium glutamate in broiler diets increased feed intake compared to the control group and also in relation to weight gain at the level of 0.25 and 0.5% monosodium glutamate had a significant decrease compared to the control group. Therefore, considering the role and importance of laying hen performance during the production process and due to the very important role of monosodium glutamate in the occurrence of these changes, the effects of consumption of different levels of monosodium glutamate on performance, egg quality characteristics and blood parameters were investigated.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 laying hens of "Hy-Line W36" strain at the age of 68 to 74 weeks in 4 treatments and 5 replications and 3 hens per replication were used. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design in four periods 14-day for 8 weeks. Experimental treatments included 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% levels of monosodium glutamate per kg of feed. To better benefit from the data, all measurement factors except body weight gain were sampled and evaluated at the end of every two weeks. Egg mass was also obtained by multiplying the percentage of daily egg production by the average weight of eggs produced on the same day. Egg quality traits including height and diameter of albumin and yolk, relative weight of yolk and shell and albumin, shell thickness, shape and specific gravity were measured. Blood parameters were selected from two cages in each cage every two weeks and blood samples were taken from their wing veins and the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and VLDL were measured using a Pars azmon kit and a spectrophotometer. Experimental data were statistically analyzed using statistical software (2002) SAS 9.1. Significant differences between treatments were compared with Duncan's multiple range test at a significance level (P<0.05).
Results and Discussion: The effect of adding treatments on the traits related to egg mass production and feed conversion ratio at the age of 72-74 weeks and feed consumption in all weeks of the experiment was significant. Today, several neurotransmitters have been identified to regulate feed intake, one of which is glutamate, which is most abundant in the central nervous system, which reduces feed intake in broilers. Feed intake is reduced by adding monosodium glutamate throughout the production period. Moreover of experimental treatments on Haugh unit, albumin and yolk height in the whole period was significant so that adding 0.4% of monosodium glutamate to the diet was able to increase the height of albumin and Haugh units and decrease yolk height compared to other treatments. Adding 0.8% monosodium glutamate increased the white diameter in the whole period compared to the control treatment and the treatment containing 0.4% monosodium glutamate. The data showed that adding 0.8% of monosodium glutamate to the diet could increase cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL concentrations at 70-72 weeks of age compared to other treatments. Also, adding 1.2% of monosodium glutamate to the diet has been able to increase the concentration of HDL and VLDL at the age of 76-74 weeks.
Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that the addition of monosodium glutamate to the diet has no significant effect on the percentage of production, the relative weight of yolk, albumin and egg weight despite the significant effect on blood parameters that was observed also it did not have qualitative parameters of the shell. On the other hand, the addition of 0.4% monosodium glutamate to the diet reduced feed consumption in the entire production period. Also, this treatment was able to increase the height of the albumin and Haugh unit and decrease the height of the yolk compared to other treatments in the entire production period.
Introduction : Early post-hatch feed and water deprivation, as happens practically, may negatively influence the growth performance and health of broiler chickens due to severe dehydration, suppressed mitotic activity of satellite cells,... more
Introduction : Early post-hatch feed and water deprivation, as happens practically, may negatively influence the growth performance and health of broiler chickens due to severe dehydration, suppressed mitotic activity of satellite cells, poorer gut health, and development as well as retarded yolk sac (YS) absorption. Decelerated YS absorption may be associated with a higher incidence of YS infection and lower transfer of maternal antibodies from the YS to the chick body. Royal Chick is a nutritious gel providing adequate quantities of water and essential nutrients for newly-hatched chicks. The product also contains probiotic organisms, prebiotic, yeast nucleotides, and natural anti-stress substances. Royal Chick is an innovative nutrient-enriched powder product that forms a jelly mass when mixed with water. As claimed by the manufacturer, the product prevents initial weight loss, alleviates oxidative stress, improves skeletal muscle growth, and stimulates the development of the digestive and immune systems of the newly hatched chicks. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early feeding with Royal Chick on productive performance, carcass traits, immune system function, and jejunum morphometry of broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: A total of 420 d-old straight-run Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 5 treatment groups and 6 replicates per each. A group of chicks were deprived of both feed and water for the first 24 h post-hatch and served as control (CON). In the second group, each bird was treated with HRCH gel in two separate 2 g dosages from which the first was given in the chick box and the second was administered immediately after placement in combination with the first meal of the starter diet (T1). In the third group, each bird was treated with a mixture of 2 g HRCH and 2 g starter feed in the chick box (T2). In the fourth group, each bird was treated with a single 2 g dose of HRCH in the chick box (T3). In the fifth group, each bird received a mixture of 2 g HRCH gel and 2 g starter feed immediately after placement (T4). All chicks were held in chick box up to 24 h post-hatch and then were transferred to the associated floor pens and reared for 42 days on standard starter (2 to 10 d of age), grower (11 to 24 d of age), and finisher (25 to 35 d of age) diets. On days 10, 24, and 35 birds of each pen were weighed together. Offered feed and refused feed were also weighed and mortality records were kept for each phase. Then weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. On days 2 and 25, blood samples were taken from 2 birds per replicate to evaluate maternal immunity and humoral immune responses to vaccination against Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and avian influenza virus (AI). The birds from which blood samples were taken on day 2 were killed at the same time to measure residual yolk sac weight. At the end of the experiment, 2 female birds per pen were weighed and decapitated to investigate carcass traits and to sample the mid jejunum for morphometric analysis.
Results and Discussion: Birds in T1 and T2 groups tended to have lighter residual yolk sac than their control counterparts (P=0.076). During the starter phase, T2, T3, and T4 groups had significantly (P<0.05) higher WG and FI compared to those in the control group with no improvement in FCR. During the grower phase, the T4 group consumed more feed than the control one (P<0.05). No treatment effect was detected on performance traits at the finisher phase and throughout the experimental period (P>0.05). Birds in T2 and T3 groups produced the most pronounced antibody responses against IBV. The highest carcass yield was obtained in birds treated with a combination of HRCH and starter feed in the chick box (T2). The same birds also tended to have the highest breast yield (P=0.077).
Conclusion: Administration of hydrated Royal Chick gel in chick box (with or without a starter diet) or immediately after placement (in combination with a starter diet) can bring beneficial effects on the health and productivity of broiler chickens. Further investigations are necessary to identify possible interactions of different EF regimens involving HNG with breeder age, deprivation duration, and pre-placement environmental conditions on subsequent performance and health status in broiler chickens.
Introduction : In the broiler breeding industry, chickens are often reared in confinement at high stocking densities, which can make them susceptible to infectious diseases. Antibiotics, growth promoters, and anti-coccidial drugs are... more
Introduction : In the broiler breeding industry, chickens are often reared in confinement at high stocking densities, which can make them susceptible to infectious diseases. Antibiotics, growth promoters, and anti-coccidial drugs are frequently used as feed additives to elevate growth rates, combat diseases, and lower losses. However frequent use of antibiotics in broiler diets may result in a rise in the antimicrobial resistance of both human and animal bacteria. Alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters for broilers could decrease bacterial resistance to antibiotics, while at the same time maintaining growth and improving carcass composition. In addition, the bioactive components of herbal plants have a high free radical inhibitory activity that may help the endogenous oxidative status of animals and thus may prevent oxidation in meat and lead to improved meat quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on growth performance, blood metabolites, and meat quality of broilers at high stocking density‏.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangements. A total of 216 1-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were allotted to one of four treatments with four replicates. Two different stocking densities (low stocking density (LSD): 9 birds/m2 and high stocking density (HSD): 18 birds/m2) were tested with two different thyme levels: zero and 0.1%. Chickens had given ad-libitum access to water drinking and diet. At the end of the experiment (42 days old), two birds with the closest weights to the mean weight of the pen were selected, and after blood sampling slaughtered for determining meat quality. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) of birds were measured per pen at the end of each period. Mortality and the weight of birds that died or were culled during the experiment were recorded. Corrected feed conversion ratio was calculated based on mortality for these periods. Blood biochemical indices (glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride) were determined using a clinical biochemistry autoanalyzer using a kit from Pars Azmoun, Tehran, Iran. To determine the Water-holding capacity, 5 gr of breast sample were placed in filter paper and centrifuged at 1500×g for 4 min. Then the samples were placed in an oven at 70 °C for 24 h. Finally, the Water-holding capacity was calculated from the difference in the weight after centrifugation and the weight after drying, divided by the initial weight multiplied by 100. Collected data were subjected to ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS, 2005). Analysis of variance was performed using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of treatments. Tukey’s multiple range test was used to determine differences among the treatment means. Statistical significance was considered at P<0.05.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that in the starter period, birds in the HSD group had the highest feed intake and weight gain compared to the LSD group (P<0.05). HSD caused a significant decrease in feed intake and body weight and a significant increase in feed conversion ratio in grower, finisher, and the total periods compared to LSD (P<0.05). A significant increase in glucose, heterophil concentration, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase and lymphocyte concentrations were observed in birds raised in HSD than LSD (P<0.05). Also, HSD decreased water holding capacity and increased cooking loss and dripping loss of breast meat (P<0.05). The addition of thyme powder increased feed intake and body weight and decreased feed conversion ratio in grower, finisher, and the total periods (P<0.05). The treatment containing thyme decreased the concentration of glucose, heterophil, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and increased the concentration of glutathione peroxidase, white blood cells, and lymphocytes (P<0.05). A significant increase in water holding capacity and a significant decrease in cooking loss, dripping loss, and thiobarbituric acid of breast meat were observed in the treatment containing thyme (P<0.05). The positive effects of thyme on reducing the negative effects of high stocking density and improving growth performance, antioxidant status, blood immunity, and meat quality of broilers could be due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The improvement in the growth performance of broiler chickens caused by thyme could be partly attributed to its positive effect on nutrient digestibility. Furthermore, this positive result could be, at least in part, due to the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of herbal products in the gut.
Conclusion: Therefore, adding 1% thyme powder can reduce the negative effects of high stocking density on growth performance, and blood metabolites, and improve the meat quality of broilers raised under high stocking density.
Introduction : Lack of animal feed, especially with development of industrial methods of animal husbandry waste in many parts of the world, has led farmers and researchers to try identifying and using agricultural and livestock waste and... more
Introduction : Lack of animal feed, especially with development of industrial methods of animal husbandry waste in many parts of the world, has led farmers and researchers to try identifying and using agricultural and livestock waste and new food sources for animal nutrition, including poultry manure and urea is mentioned in the diet of ruminants. Due to the fact that no research has been done on the effect of barley grain processing methods and non-protein nitrogen sources in the diet on rumen degradability, gas production and microbial protein synthesis in sheep, the present study was conducted.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with seven treatments including a control treatment containing whole barley grain (without milling) and without urea and chicken manure, treatments 2, 3 and 4 containing processing method of milling, filling and pelleting with a certain level of urea, respectively. (1%) And treatments 5, 6 and 7 containing processing methods of milling, filling and pelleting with a certain level of poultry manure (12%) were performed on sheep. Each treatment consisted of 5 fattening lambs at the age of 3 months 24±1 which were kept individually in separate cages for 14 days of acclimatization period and 84 days of fattening period. In the second experiment, rumen degradability of dry matter, crude protein and NDF of experimental diets were measured using a nylon bag method with 3 fistulated male sheep that were fed in the maintenance level. Extent and rate of gas production were done based on Menk and Stingas. The NH3-N concentration was determined following the Broderick and Kang (1980) technique. Purine derivatives and was measured by the method of Chen and Gomes (1995). Rumen fluid was collected for 5 consecutive days in the end of each period and ruminal fermentation parameters containing pH and NH3-N and were determined. Urine of sheep was collected end of each period for 5 days and microbial protein synthesis was estimated by measuring purine base. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.9 (54) using GLM procedure.
Results and Discussion: The apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were significantly different, and the control treatment (whole barley grain without urea and poultry manure) had the highest apparent digestibility. Digestibility in non-fibrous carbohydrates was significantly different, so that treatment 5 (processing method of milling with poultry manure) had the highest apparent digestibility. Different parameters of degradability of dry matter, crude protein and insoluble fibers in neutral detergent of experimental treatments indicated significant differences between treatments (P<0.05). Barley grain processing with non-protein nitrogen sources caused a significant difference in the fast decomposing part, slow decomposing part and degradable part of dry matter, crude protein and insoluble fibers in the crude protein neutral detergent of experimental treatments. Effective degradability of dry matter, crude protein and insoluble fibers in neutral detergent at 2, 4 and 6% per hour passage rates had a significant difference between experimental treatments. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental treatments in terms of gas production parameters and the amount of gas produced in 96 hours (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between experimental treatments in terms of digestibility of organic matter, amount of metabolizable energy and concentration of short-chain volatile fatty acids. The highest pH was assigned to treatment 7 (6.30) and the lowest pH was assigned to treatment 1 (6.10). Ammonia nitrogen had a significant difference in experimental treatments. The highest ammonia nitrogen was related to treatment 5 (11.45 mg/dL) and the lowest ammonia nitrogen was related to treatment 3 (10.38 mg/dL). The excretion rate of each of the purine derivatives (allantoin, uric acid, xanthine + hypoxanthine) and the total urinary excretion of purine derivatives and the amount of microbial protein synthesized in the rumen were affected by the test diets and the observed difference was significant (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in rumen pH in experimental treatments. The results showed that barley grain processing methods with non-protein nitrogen sources had a significant effect on rumen degradability, gas production, rumen parameters and microbial protein synthesis compared to the control group.
Conclusion: In general, the use of urea (1%) and poultry manure (12%) with different methods of barley grain processing without negative effects on rumen degradability, rumen liquid parameters and gas production in terms of microbial protein synthesis can be useful.
Introduction : Raising healthy calves is indeed a critical concern in the dairy industry. Close up diets have important effects on the quantity and quality of produced colostrum, on the other hand, colostrum and milk are considered the... more
Introduction : Raising healthy calves is indeed a critical concern in the dairy industry. Close up diets have important effects on the quantity and quality of produced colostrum, on the other hand, colostrum and milk are considered the most important sources of food that contain energy, protein, and other nutrients for the newborn calf’s growth. Including fatty acids in the late pregnancy supplements are controversial because of the potential reduction of cows DMI. Also, the growth and health of calves can be influenced by feeding linoleic acid to pregnant cows. Safflower as a rich source of linoleic acid (55-70%) is a significant oil alternative product, and has a high nutritional value. This study aimed to examine the effects of safflower seeds and palmitic fatty acids on the transition diet in cow feed consumption, colostrum quality, blood parameters, body measurements and Holstein calf performance.
  Materials and Methods: Thirty pregnant Holstein cows, 15 primiparous and 15 multiparous, were used 21 days prior to the expected calving date. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and ten replicates in every treatment. Cows were randomly assigned to experimental treatments so that each treatment have an average body weight 659.34 ± 84.2 kg, parity 2.04 ± 1.31 and body condition score (BCS) 3.23 ± 0.15 The experimental rations have similar energy and protein content. Diets were thoroughly mixed and fed to cows based on the recommendations of the US National Research Council (NRC, 2001). The experimental rations included: 1) Control diet without fat source (Ctrl), 2) Diet with palmitic fatty acid (SFA), and 3) Diet with safflower seed (UFA). Daily feed intake was calculated by subtracting distributed feed to every cow from the leftover amount on following day. Newborn calves were weighed immediately after birth. An individual colostrum yield for every cow was recorded at each milking. The quality of colostrum was determined using an optical refractometer (ATC., China). The body weight and skeletal parameters of calves were evaluated at birth day, 21 d, and 49 d. Blood samples were taken immediately after birth, two hours after colostrum feeding and on days 3, 7, 21, and 49 via the jugular vein. Samples were centrifuged at 3000× g and the plasma was stored at −20°C until analysis. Plasma metabolites were analyzed using an autoanalyzer (Alcyon 300., USA). Colostrum composition (fat, protein, lactose, solids, solids not fat) was determined using a Milkoscan (Foss Electric, Hillerød, Denmark). Fatty acids profile were measured according to O'Fallon (2007) et al., using gas chromatography (GC) equipped FID detector and 100 meter column. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS using a completely randomized design with ten replications.
    Results and Discussion: Using sources of SFA (palm oil powder) and UFA (safflower seeds) in the transition diets were not affected on dry matter intake in Holstein dairy cows (P>0.05). Dry matter intake in Ctrl, SFA, and UFA were 10.29, 10.98, and 10.80 kg per day, respectively. We found that  using SFA and UFA did not have any significant effect on colostrum parameters such as colostrum volume, the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, fat not solids, and also, immunoglobulin concentration, and Brix number of colostrum (P>0.05). The colostrum volume in UFA and SFA treatments was higher than in the Ctrl treatment, but this difference was not significant (5.82, 5.23, and 4.19 kg, respectively). According to the results, the researchers stated that adding raw and processed safflower seeds to the diet did not have any significant effect on milk production, milk fat, protein, and lactose in Holstein dairy cows (Paya and Taghizadeh, 2020). Feeding omega-6 sources in the transition period (35 days before calving) caused higher colostrum protein and Brix values (Salehi et al., 2016) but was not consistent with our results. Feeding palm fat powder as a source of SFA and safflower seeds as UFA did not have any significant differences in concentration of short chain, medium chain, and long chain fatty acids in colostrum. It was reported that various fat sources in the rations of dairy and transition cows did not affect colostrum fatty acid and milk fatty acid. However some studies showed that different fat sources in the diet of dairy cows changed the fatty acid profile in milk. In general, it can be stated that because of the high-producing dairy cows experience a negative energy around calving, the diet energy meets the requirements, which probably causes the fatty acid composition of the colostrum not to be affected. Our results showed that blood factors such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, ALT, AST, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, total protein, albumin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and HDL did not differ between treatments. It was observed that the addition of SFA and UFA had no significant effect on the birth weight of calves, weight at d 21 and 49, and dry matter intake during the experimental period. Skeletal parameters such as hip height and width, withers height, chest circumference, and body length at 3, 21, and 49 days had no significant differences in the treatments.
    Conclusion: It seems that using saturated and unsaturated fatty acids sources in the transition diets did not reduce feed intake. Moreover, it had no significant influence on the calves' performance, bone condition, the colostrum's quality and the colostrum fatty acids profile.
Introduction: Pomegranate has many secondary metabolites such as tannins and phenolic compounds, which have various properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system stimulating effects. The amount of... more
Introduction: Pomegranate has many secondary metabolites such as tannins and phenolic compounds, which have various properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system stimulating effects. The amount of tannin in pomegranate skin has been reported up to 20.6%. The limiting effects of tannins can be related to reducing the use of nutrients, especially protein, reducing growth and performance, reducing palatability and feed consumption, and reducing the activity of digestive enzymes. In addition to the anti-nutritional effects in high concentration, the positive impact of dense tannins in optimal concentration includes improving live weight gain, preventing flatulence, increasing milk production, reducing intestinal nematodes, and reducing the production of NH3-N and methane in the rumen. Therefore, the present experiment was carried out to improve the nutritional value of pomegranate peel as a tannin-containing edible material by treating it with some tannase-producing bacteria for ruminants.
Materials and Methods: Pomegranate peel was treated with tannin-degrading bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter (isolated from deer rumen), Lactobacillus fermentum (isolated from Najdi goat rumen), and commercial Lactobacillus fermentum, and its nutritional value including chemical composition, digestibility, and fermentation ability alone (first experiment) or as a combination in a standard fattening lamb diet (second experiment), with two-stage digestion method and gas production test were studied. In the first experiment, five experimental treatments included 1- Pomegranate peel without treatment (control treatment), treatment 2 to 5- Pomegranate peel treated with each of the four tannin-degrading bacteria. The five treatments of the second experiment included 1- Diets containing pomegranate peel without treatment (control treatment), 2-5- Diets containing pomegranate peel treated with each of the four tannin-degrading bacteria.
Results and Discussion: Applying tannin-degrading bacteria reduced the tannin in pomegranate peel (P<0.05), which is caused by the tannin-degrading bacteria. In an experiment of ensiling and adding polyethylene glycol and urea to pistachio hull for tannin removal, total tannin decreased. The concentration of total tannin with the potential and rate of gas production, truly decomposed organic matter, microbial biomass production, and microbial biomass production efficiency improved in pomegranate peel treated with tannin-degrading bacteria compared to the control (P<0.05). Perhaps the reason for the decrease in gas production potential in the control treatments compared to the treatments treated with bacteria is their higher amount of tannins, because tannins and phenolic substances by forming bonds and complexes with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, reduce the availability of microorganisms. Ruminants to them and as a result reduce their decomposition. Similar to the results of the present experiment, other studies have also shown the positive effect of tannin removal on the improvement of gas production parameters. NH3 concentration and population of protozoa of pomegranate peel treated alone and in the diet increased compared to the control (P<0.05). The reason for the increase in NH3 concentration and protozoa population after degrading the tannins with bacteria can be the presence of tannins and polyphenolic compounds in this edible material. By binding to protein and reducing the rate of protein decomposition, tannins reduce the concentration of NH3, on the other hand, these structures lead to the rupture of the protozoa cell membrane, the inactivation of enzymes, and the reduction of the substrate needed for cell metabolism. The percentage of digestibility of dry matter, NDF, and ADF of pomegranate peel processed alone and in the diet with tannin-degrading bacteria increased compared to the control (P<0.05). Due to the reduction of the tannin level by the isolates, the activity of proteolytic enzymes has probably increased, and releasing nutrients from the binding of tannin, has improved the digestibility of the materials. An increase in cell wall digestibility has been reported as a result of treatment with tannin-degrading bacteria in laboratory conditions. Gas production potential and rate, separation coefficient, microbial viable mass production, and microbial viable mass production efficiency were improved in diets containing processed pomegranate peel compared to the control (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of tannin-degrading bacteria in the processing of pomegranate peel by reducing the tannins concentration led to an increase in the digestion and fermentation potential of pomegranate peel and diets containing pomegranate peel processed with tannins-degrading bacteria compared to the control. Therefore, considering the positive effects of processing pomegranate peel with tannins-degrading bacteria, it can be said that processing it by reducing tannins is a suitable solution to improve its nutritional value.
Introduction : Lactoferrin is secreted in the apo-form from epithelial cells in most exocrine fluids, such as saliva, bile, pancreatic and gastric fluids, tears and, particularly, in milk. Lactoferrin is the most dominant protein in milk... more
Introduction : Lactoferrin is secreted in the apo-form from epithelial cells in most exocrine fluids, such as saliva, bile, pancreatic and gastric fluids, tears and, particularly, in milk. Lactoferrin is the most dominant protein in milk after casein. This protein plays a crucial role in many biological processes including the regulation of iron metabolism, induction and modulation of the immune system, the primary defense against microorganisms, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and presenting antimicrobial activity against various pathogens such as parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The major antimicrobial effect of lactoferrin is related to its N-terminal tail where different peptides for instance lactoferricin and lactoferrampin which are important for their antimicrobial abilities are present. cLF chimera (CLF36 peptide ) was derived from camel lactoferrin (cLF) consisting of 42 amino acids and has primary sequence of DLIWKLLVKAQEKFGRGKPSKRVKKMRRQWQACKSSHHHHHH. In addition, the results of previous study showed that cLFchimera had anti-inflammatory and regulatory activity of the immune system. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) transcription factors regulate several important physiological processes, including inflammation and immune responses, cell growth, apoptosis, and the expression of certain viral genes. NF-kB dimers are located in the cytoplasm in an inactive form through association with any of several IkB inhibitor proteins. The phosphorylation and degradation of IkB have received great attention as key steps for the regulation of
Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) complexes. Phosphorylation of the IkB by IKK signals it for ubiquitination at specific lysine residues. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of the recombinant camel Lactoferrampin-Lactoferricin on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) pathway.
Materials and Methods: CLF36 peptide was prepared through a previous study in Biotechnology Laboratory of Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (GenBank accession number: MH327768.1). Protein data for inhibitory combinations of the Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathway was collected from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) And UniProt.Physico-chemical properties analysis (atomic state, isoelectric point, half-life, hydrophobicity hydrophilicity , barometric and pH) was done using Expasy Prot Param online server. The inhibitory effects of this peptide was assessed by Molecular Docking Simulation (In silico). the simulation of the interaction (Docking) of CLF36 peptide with Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway in upstream, pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) and in downstream, cytoplasmic IKKB and NF-κBp65 was done using ClusPro 2.0 software online.interaction diagram created by LigPlot+ showing the hydrogen bond network and the hydrophobic interactions of CLF36 peptid with the upstream and downstream Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways.
Results and Discussion: Bioinformatics analysis on The molecular interaction of this peptide with the active site of NF-κB proteins suggested that in may have role of the modulators and Anti-Inflammatory of immune processes by inhibitory effect on the TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines in upstream and IKK-β and NF-κB-p65 in downstream of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This results are similar to the inhibitory effects of Infliximab, Camelid Fab , NEMO and  GILZ on the Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway. Infliximab (Remicade) is a chimeric mAband its use is not very well tolerated in the majority of patients, infliximab therapy leads to the production of antibodies to infliximab in a small subset of patients. the  Camelid Fab antibody with the highest (femtomolar) potency, displays a very large surface of interaction with IL-6. the regulatory role of NEMO in the IKK complex, since a number of genetic and biochemical studies clearly demonstrate that proinflammatory IKK activation is absolutely dependent upon the presence of functional NEMO. Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is a glucocorticoid responsive protein that links the nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and the glucocorticoid signaling pathways. Func¬tional and binding studies suggest that the proline-rich region at the carboxy terminus of Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) binds the p65 subunit of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and suppresses the immunoinflammatory response.
Conclusion:  The results of the interaction (Docking) of CLF36 peptide with Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway indicates that, in upstream, will be inhibitory effect of CLF36 peptide in active site of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) and in downstream, cFL36 peptide will bind to protein receptors of cytoplasmic IKKB and NF-κB p65. Therefore, these findings may provide a theoretical basis for therapeutic mechanisms of CLF36 peptide.
Introduction : Vitamin D3 is one of the important vitamins in calcium metabolism, which increases the active transport of calcium and phosphorus in the intestinal epithelium. However, the mechanism by which vitamin D3 increases the... more
Introduction : Vitamin D3 is one of the important vitamins in calcium metabolism, which increases the active transport of calcium and phosphorus in the intestinal epithelium. However, the mechanism by which vitamin D3 increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus is not fully understood. The active form of vitamin D3 or 1,25-hydroxycalciferol is transported to the nucleus of the intestinal cells. In the presence of 1, 25-hydroxycalciferol, a specific RNA is secreted from the cell nucleus, which is translated into a specific protein by the ribosomes, thereby increasing the uptake of calcium and phosphorus. The primary role of 1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in vertebrates in regulating calcium homeostasis is the direct action of 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on the gut, kidneys and bones by inhibiting the production of parathyroid hormone in the parathyroid glades. Vitamin C prevents stress by preventing the release of corticosteroid hormones, which can be effective for bird function, egg production and reducing mortality. In the liver, vitamin D3 is converted into 25-hydroxycalciferol, which is later converted into calciferol hydroxylase (activated by vitamin C) in the kidneys by the enzyme 25-hydroxy molecule. This metabolite increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal wall and renal tubules. The aim of this experiment is therefore the effect of vitamin D3 and vitamin C on performance, egg quality and hatchability in broilers breeder hen at the end of the production period.
Materials and Methods: A total of 240 broiler breeder hens and 24 cockers (Ross 308) were distributed in a 2×2 factorial arrangement including two levels of vitamin D (3500 & 5500 IU) and two levels of vitamin C (0 & 150 mg/kg) with 6 replicate pens of 10 hens and one cock each. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks (from the age of 49 to 61 weeks), and during the trial, the performance traits production and hatchability were recorded. Every 28 days 4 eggs were evaluated for internal and external quality.
Results and Discussion: The results of the study showed that the main effect of vitamin D3 had a significant impact on egg weight, with higher concentrations resulting in a reduction in egg weight. However, there was no significant effect on other performance parameters. The main effect of higher concentrations of vitamin D3 was an increase in the number of hatching eggs, shell percentage, shell thickness, specific gravity of the eggs, a decrease in the percentage of egg breakage. However, this effect was not significant for other parameters. Increasing the level of 1,25 hydroxycalciferol significantly increased plasma calcium levels, which led to increased renal 1-alpha-hydroxylase activity, envelope secretion, reduced oocyte rupture, resulting in increased hatch fertility. The main effect of vitamin C significantly increased production percentage and reduced feed conversion and feed consumption per egg. However, there was no significant effect on other parameters. Addition of vitamin C significantly increased external characteristics of the eggs, including shell proportion, shell thickness, shell ash and phosphorus, number of hatching eggs, but reduced the number of broken eggs. However, there was no significant effect on internal parameters, except for yolk color. The use of vitamin C activates the enzyme 25-hydroxycholecalciferol hydroxylase to produce 1,25 hydroxycalciferol, which increases calcium absorption from the intestinal wall and reduces the number of ruptured eggs. Regarding the interaction of different levels of vitamin D3 and vitamin C, the results showed that higher levels of vitamin D3 and vitamin C increased production percentage, egg mass, number of hatching eggs, shell thickness, phosphorus and FCR. Intake in the egg removed significantly increased, but the number of broken eggs decreased.
Conclusion: In general, according to the results of the present experiment, it can be concluded that the use of vitamin C in an amount of 150 mg / kg with 5500 IU of vitamin D3 can increase the production percentage, increase the mass of eggs and improve the feed conversion ratio. It can also increase shell thickness and the number of chickens produced weekly and over the period, decrease the number of broken eggs, increase the number of hatching eggs, reduce feed intake per egg and feed intake per chicken at the end of the broiler breeder production period.
Introduction : Sunflower meal is considered as an attractive alternative to soybean meal due to its adaptation to dry and temperate climates as well as its lower anti-nutrient content than other oilseeds. Sunflower meal has a limiter that... more
Introduction : Sunflower meal is considered as an attractive alternative to soybean meal due to its adaptation to dry and temperate climates as well as its lower anti-nutrient content than other oilseeds. Sunflower meal has a limiter that restricts its use in broiler diets. The fiber in sunflower meal has limited its use in the diet of broilers due to reduced metabolic energy as well as production. Fermentation, which uses beneficial microorganisms, can reduce the chemical composition of the feed and increase the yield of broilers by producing enzymes and using fiber as a feed source. In this study, in order to investigate the effect of fermentation on sunflower meal, growth yield, microbial population composition, blood parameters in broiler chickens were performed.
Materials and methods: The research was conducted at the research farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2020. In this study, 200 commercial male Ross 308 broilers were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications, and eight chickens per replication. The treatments included: 1) Control diet, 2) Diet containing sunflower meal (negative control), 3) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Aspergillus Oryzae, 4) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Penicillium Funiculosum, and 5) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Aspergillus Oryzae and Penicillium Funiculosum. Sunflower meal was obtained from Behpak Behshahr (Mazandaran) company, ground in the animal nutrition laboratory of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and sieved to a size of 2 mm. Aspergillus Oryzae (PTCC5010) and Penicillium Funiculosum (PTCC5301) were purchased as lyophilized vials from the Fungus and Bacteria Collection Center of the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). During the fermentation process, 1.1 liters of the mixture of distilled water and primer culture (containing at least 105 colony forming units per ml) was added to each kilogram of sunflower meal, and the resulting mixture was thoroughly mixed by hand for 15 minutes. The mixture was fermented in special tanks (with a one-way valve to remove the produced gases and prevent air from entering) for 7 days at 30 °C, and finally, the fermented sunflower meal was dried for three days at room temperature. All chickens were kept under the same breeding conditions during the 39-day period and had free access to feed. Experimental diets were adjusted to three periods: initial (1-10 days), growth (11-24), and final (25-39) using Table 1 of the Ross 308 Catalog of Nutritional Requirements for Broilers. The pH of fermented sunflower meal was determined using the Chiang et al. method. Sunflower meal was sampled before and after fermentation to measure dry matter, ash, crude protein by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat by Soxhlet device, and insoluble fibers in acidic detergent and neutral detergent using a fibrotec device. Total amino acid was measured by the ninhydrin method. Soluble sugar was measured by the intron method. Total phenol content was measured using the Folin-Siocalcu reagent and spectrophotometry. Soluble proteins were measured by the Bradford method.
Results and discussion: During the fermentation of sunflower meal, pH, crude fat, soluble protein and soluble sugar decreased. The amount of crude protein, total amino acid, insoluble fiber in acidic detergent, and insoluble fiber in neutral detergent increased. In the whole breeding period, body weight gain was improved in treatments fed with fermented feed. In the treatment of Aspergillus¬ Oryza + Penicillium funiculosum, feed consumption decreased compared to control, negative control and Penicillium funiculosum treatments. The feed conversion ratio increased in the negative control treatment at the age of 1-39 days compared to other treatments. In the ileum, coliform bacteria decreased in negative control treatments, Aspergillus Oryzae, Aspergillus Oryzae + Penicillium funiculosum compared to the control treatment, but Penicillium funiculosum treatment increased compared to other treatments. At 39 days of age, the use of fermented and raw feed increased the level of HDL-c in the negative control and Aspergillus Oryzae + Penicillium funiculosum treatments. The amount of LDL-c increased in the treatments of Aspergillus Oryzae and Penicillium funiculosum
Conclusion: Based on the results, the use of fermented feed in the feeding of broiler chickens during the entire breeding period has improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio.
Introduction : Feed additives are commonly used in poultry feed to enhance performance, promote health, and increase nutrient efficiency. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry feed has been prevalent for years. However,... more
Introduction : Feed additives are commonly used in poultry feed to enhance performance, promote health, and increase nutrient efficiency. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry feed has been prevalent for years. However, due to concerns regarding the accumulation of antibiotic residues in poultry products and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, antibiotics are no longer considered desirable additives in poultry feed. As a non-therapeutic alternative to antibiotics, probiotics have been introduced as suitable candidates to promote growth. Probiotics have beneficial effects on poultry digestive enzymes, improve intestinal absorption, and neutralize toxins produced by harmful microorganisms, ultimately improving the immune system and economic performance. Among the most popular probiotic bacteria are Lactobacilli, as they are generally classified as safe bacteria.
Materials and methods Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri ABRIG25 (MF686485)) and salivarius (L. salivarius NABRII59 (MH595987) isolated from the digestive tract of Guilan’s native chicks and Mazandaran’s duck  respectively, were prepared up to 1.36×109 CFU using MRS medium at 37 ° C, under anaerobic conditions. 300 one-day-old male Arbor-Acres chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 treatments, 4 replications (15 chicks per replicate). Experimental treatments were: 1- Basic diet as control group (Cont), 2- Basic diet + 100 g / ton Avilamycin as antibiotic group (Anti), 3- Basic diet + 200 g / ton commercial probiotic (Lacto-feed®) (Plac), 4- Basic diet + 1 g / Kg of L. salivarius NABRII59 (MH595987) bacterial powder (Pls1), and 5- basic diet + 1 g / kg of L. reuteri ABRIG25 (MF686485) bacterial powder (Plr1). Daily feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of broilers were determined and recorded in starter, grower, and finisher  periods. On day 42, two chicks were slaughtered from each replicate and the weight of internal organs and carcass cuts were recorded as a percentage of carcass weight. Chicken antibody reaction were determined using SRBS suspension. On days 22 and 35 of the rearing period, two chicks were randomly selected from each cage and 0.1 cc of  SRBC solution was injected into to the wing’s vein, intravenously. Humoral immunity test was applied on days 29 and 42, using 1 cc of blood taken from the wing vein of chickens. The hemagglutination reaction was recorded based on the last two dilutions as SRBC’s antibody using the logarithm and the antibody titer against Newcastle was determined by hem agglutination inhibition (HI) test. On day 42, blood samples were taken randomly from 2 birds per replication to evaluate blood-serum parameters including glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL. All data were analyzed using SAS software v.9.1 (2012) in GLM procedure using a completely randomized design, and comparison of statistical means was performed, using Duncan's method at the level of 0.05.

Results and Discussion: The present study investigated the effect of native probiotic isolates (Plr1, Pls1) compared to commercial probiotics (Plac) and antibiotics (Anti) on the growth performance of chickens. The results showed no significant differences in daily feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio between experimental treatments. However, two native probiotic isolates (Plr1, Pls1), the commercial probiotic (Plac), and the antibiotic (Anti) resulted in a significant reduction (P <0.05) in proventriculus weight, while there were no significant differences in the relative weight of other organs. Both the commercial probiotic (Plac) and the native Lactobacillus isolates (Plr1 and Pls1) significantly improved total immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after both the first and second injections (P <0.05). Lactobacillus salivarius (Pls1) isolate also significantly improved immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels after the second injection. However, there were no significant differences between treatments and the control group in terms of antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine, blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, and LDL levels. Probiotics can affect gut microbiota by competing for nutrients and attachment sites on the intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, they may improve blood parameters and stimulate immune system cells to produce cytokines, which play an important role in inducing and regulating immune responses in poultry. Probiotics support lactic acid-producing bacteria and stabilize the gut microflora, which has beneficial effects on feed conversion ratio by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Furthermore, probiotics may reduce cholesterol synthesis by fermenting indigestible carbohydrates, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids and ultimately lowering cholesterol levels in the host bird. Discrepancies in results reported by different researchers may partly be due to differences in chick’s age and breed, level of stress, diet composition, consumption period and duration, type of commercial probiotics, dose or amount of probiotic intake, management skills, and environmental conditions in different experiments.
Conclusion: The general conclusion is that the probiotic isolates used in this study are competitive with the commercial type of probiotics as well as the antibiotic used and are promising as probiotic candidate with beneficial effects on broiler’s performance, blood biochemical parameters and immune system
Introduction : In order to maximize poultry production, it is important to have knowledge of the bird's requirements. This can help to increase their production capacity. Since feed is a major expense in poultry production, it is crucial... more
Introduction : In order to maximize poultry production, it is important to have knowledge of the bird's requirements. This can help to increase their production capacity. Since feed is a major expense in poultry production, it is crucial to consider the main components of the feed. Energy and protein are vital nutrients for poultry. Energy is necessary for body function, while protein is an essential constituent of all tissues in the bird's body. Proteins have a significant impact on the growth performance of birds, and they are also the most expensive nutrient in broiler diets. A lot of research has been done to better utilize feed by the animal and reduce feeding costs. This is important because diets that contain excessive amounts of certain nutrients can lead to nutrient loss and increased breeding costs. The Khazak hen is a native hen of the Sistan region and is known for its small body size. Achieving better growth performance in this bird requires determining the optimal levels of energy and dietary protein in different phases of production. Since there is no information about the optimal level of energy and protein in the growth period for Khazak chickens, so this study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of energy and protein on growth performance of Khazak native chickens and select the best combination of energy and protein levels at 7 to 91 days of age.
Materials and Methods: The research was performed on Khazak chickens in the Research Center of Domestic Animals (RCDA) in the University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran. A total of 360 seven- day- old chicks were randomly allocated to 9 dietary treatments including three levels of energy (2600, 2800 and 3000 kcal / kg) and protein (17, 19 and 21%) as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with four replications, and 10 birds in each replication. The chicks entered the experimental pen in seven days of old and they were examined with experimental diets for 12 weeks. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experiment. Eenvironmental conditions in terms of light, temperature and humidity were considered similar for experimental treatments. Weighing chickens and feed intake were measured weekly. Other parameters including average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, daily energy and protein intake, energy and protein efficiency ratio were calculated based on the body weight and feed intake data, in three age ranges (7 to 35, 35 to 63 and 63 to 91 days of age) and the whole period. The collected data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS software version 9.1 and the means were compared with Tukey test at 5% level.
Results and Discussion: The study results indicate that varying energy and protein levels had a significant impact on weight gain, feed intake (except during the 63-91 day age range), feed conversion ratio, and energy and protein intake (excluding the 63-91 day age range) during all three periods studied as well as over the entire period (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the interaction between energy and protein showed a significant effect on all variables studied across all periods (P < 0.05). However, the impact of energy and protein levels on protein efficiency ratio (PER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) was not significant. During the starter period, physical limitations may cause birds to consume less energy with low-density diets. Thus, when birds consume diets that are low in energy and protein during this period, their energy consumption declines due to these physical limitations. The study results indicate that determining optimal energy and protein levels in the diet is crucial for maximizing the performance of native chickens. To balance poultry performance and economic production, an applied feeding program that compromises between the animal's nutritional requirements and management needs is necessary. Consequently, one approach to achieving this balance is by developing a diet formulation that can regulate a specific ratio of protein to renewable energy.
Conclusion: Although, the many performance variables were not significant between energy levels of 3000 with 2800 kcal/kg and protein levels of 21 with 19%, but the negative effect on performance was observed by reducing energy level to 2600 kcal/kg and protein level to 17 %. So level of 2800 kcal/kg and 19% for energy and protein suggested for these ages of chickens.
Introduction : Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants at the cellular level which leads to the condition of infertility in male. Oxidation of cell macromolecules, cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and damage... more
Introduction :  Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants at the cellular level which leads to the condition of infertility in male. Oxidation of cell macromolecules, cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and damage of tissue structure are the results of another oxidative stress damage. This process eventually leads to a variety of diseases, reduced growth performance and even death (Min et al. 2018). Poultry face a variety of environmental, technological, nutritional, and biological stresses that reduce their productivity and reproductive performance. Most of these stresses at the molecular level are associated with oxidative stress and damage to biologically important molecules (Surai et al. 2019). Qualitative characteristics of sperm, blood testosterone level, and plasma lipid peroxidation are affected by severe oxidative stress (Khan, 2011). Vitamin E is an important known antioxidant and protect cell membrane of sperm cell from damage of reactive oxygen species in male reproductive system of animal. Feeding of this vitamin has beneficial effect on testes weight, semen quality indexes, testosterone and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in birds and mammals. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of diet vitamin E supplementation on fresh sperm quality in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative-stress.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen Ross 308 male broiler breeder at 28 weeks of age were randomly assigned into 3 experimental groups including control group, dexamethasone group (subcutaneous injection of 4 mg dexamethasone per kg body weight) and dexamethasone group receiving supplemented diet with of vitamin E (200 mg per kg of feed). Each experimental group consisted of 6 birds. Sperm samples were taken from roosters using abdominal massage method and analyzed for quality characteristics and antioxidant status. Sperm concentration was determined by counting spermatpzoa using hemocytometer. The pooled sperm sample was diluted by using poultry semen extender and then 10 µl of diluted sperm mixed with 10 ml of 3% NaCl. The chambers of hemacytometer filled with 10 µl sperm suspension and allowed to settle for 3 mines.  Numbers of sperm cell in 5 of the large squares of chamber were assessed. Computer assisted semen analyses (CASA) were performed to determine sperm motility, with settings adjusted to detecting domestic fowl according to a previously described method (Froman and Feltmann, 2000). Total, progressive and non-progressive motility (%), as well as immotile sperms were measured. Also, sperm kinematic values including straight line velocity (VSL (µm/s)), curvilinear velocity (VCL (µm/s), average path velocity (VAP (µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH (µm), and beat-cross frequency (BCF (Hz) were measured. Progression ratios were also calculated using the mentioned velocity measurements: straightness (STR = VSL/VAP) and linearity (LIN = VSL/VCL).
Results and discussions: The results indicate that dexamethasone-induced oxidant stress caused an increase in MDA levels (5.4) and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (52.51) and superoxide dismutase (108.62), as well as sperm motility parameters and sperm cell membrane integrity in comparison to the control group. However, when vitamin E was added to the roosters' diet, it improved the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm motility parameters, antioxidant status (Total antioxidant capacity (1.65), superoxide dismutase (155.10) and glutathione peroxidase (87.77) enzymes), sperm viability (88.05), and sperm cell membrane integrity (89.72) (P<0.05). These findings suggest that dexamethasone injection caused a sharp decline in sperm quality by reducing sperm motility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and plasma membrane integrity, while vitamin E supplementation improved sperm quality by enhancing the antioxidant status and protecting the sperm cell membrane from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species in broiler breeders.
Avian sperm are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation due to their high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation produces reactive species that damage sperm membrane function and motility, ultimately reducing the fertility potential of aged roosters. Therefore, the antioxidant defense plays a critical role in maintaining semen quality (Surai et al., 2006).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the inclusion of vitamin E in diet remarkably improved the sperm motility characteristics and antioxidant status of sperm in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative stress. On bases of this finding it’s recommended to use of vitamin E in the rooster diet to elucidate negative effect of oxidative stress.
Introduction : During the past decades, rapeseed production, including canola varieties, has surpassed peanut, sunflower, and even cottonseed in production, and ranks second among oilseed crops worldwide. Due to its drought endurance,... more
Introduction : During the past decades, rapeseed production, including canola varieties, has surpassed peanut, sunflower, and even cottonseed in production, and ranks second among oilseed crops worldwide. Due to its drought endurance, canola may be the preferable grain for cultivation in several locations of Iran. Canola seed (CS) is an economic feed ingredient containing well-balanced protein (19 to 22%) and a high oil content, up to 45% in some cases. Apart from the oil content of CS, its concentration of dietary fiber, glucosinolates, and tannins are of concern. Canola has less glucosinolates and erucic acid than rapeseed. It, resulting in a higher level of vital nutrients and higher nutrient density. The nutrient composition and presence of anti-nutritional factors in CS may also affect its quality and feeding value for poultry. However, the presence of some glucosinolates, erucic acid, and other undesirable compounds such as phytates, polyphenols, and soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) may reduce nutrient digestibility and performance of the chickens. Heat process affects the rate of protein denaturation, starch gelatinization, digestive enzymes accessibility, bacterial counts and toxin degradation of feed. On the other hand, starch gelatinization by heat processing may increase amylase effects to break the chains of amylose and amylopectin, which in turn increases the digestibility of less digestible carbohydrates, improves metabolizable energy and digestibility of amino acids in beans, soybeans, peas and canola. Some concerns have been raised about the inclusion levels of CS in broiler diets. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of processing method on apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn), apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD), and apparent nutrients digestibility (and) of CS (Nafis variety) in broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed to determine the nutrient digestibility and, AMEn value of crud and heat processed CS. The CS used in this research was of the Nafis variety, which was sourced from the Astan Quds Razavi farm, Mashhad, Iran. The obtained CS sample was divided to three equal subsamples. One part was unprocessed, second part was micronized; one hour before processing CS was moistened by 20% of the weight, and then placed in a single layer on a vibrating conveyor belt under the infrared emission source at a speed of 6.25 cm/s until the surface temperature of the grain should reach 130○C, and third part super-conditioned under humidity of 16% and temperature of 75-85○C for 3-4 minutes. A total of 48, day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks was obtained from a commercial hatchery. Chicks were reared and housed in battery brooders in a room. From day one to 10 and 11 to 15, chicks had ad libitum access to conventional corn-soybean meal starter and grower diets, respectively, to meet the nutrient specification of the strain as recommended by Ross 308 manual. A common corn-soybean meal diet was formulated to serve as the reference diet to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks as described for the Ross 308. The CS samples (row, micronized, and super-conditioning) were incorporated into the reference diet at a 40% inclusion rate (60% reference diet and 40% CS). The digestion trial included a 4-day preliminary period in 16–19d of age, followed by 4 days of recorded total feed consumption and excreta collection. The feed was provided ad libitum during the preliminary and the collection period. During the collection period (20-23d of age) total feed intake was measured, and excreta from each cage were collected twice a day, pooled, and kept frozen at -20oC until subsequent analyses. The excreta samples were oven-dried at 60○C for 72 hours to determine dry matter content. The dried excreta and diet samples were ground through 20 mesh screens, and nutrient content was determined according to (AOAC, 2000). The gross energy of the dried excreta and diet samples was measured with Bomb-calorimeter (Model 1266, PARR). The apparent nutrients digestibility, AME and AMEn of the reference and test diets were determined. Accordingly, apparent nutrients digestibility, AME and AMEn of the CS was calculated as:"AND,AMEandAMEn  CS=[AND,AME and AMEn of test diet-0.6 ×AND,AME and AMEn of reference diet]/0.4”.
Results and Discussion: The average of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, fiber, ash, and gross energy for CS were 96.20, 17.70, 46.60, 6.00, 4.11%, and 7137 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and AMEn for raw CS in broiler chickens were 54.28±1.19%, 69.42±1.13%, 77.1±1.32%, and 4673±268 kcal/kg of dry matter. Processing of canola by micronization and super-conditioning method numerically increased the dry matter content of CS by 2.46% and 0.88%, respectively. Crude fat and crude protein content also changed with a similar trend to dry matter content. The effect of canola processing on AME and AMEn in broilers was not significantly (P> 0.05). Micronizing process of CS increased ADMD and AMEn values of 7.47% and 117 kcal/kg than non-processed seed, respectively. Super-conditioning process was less effective than micronization on improving CS nutrient digestibility and AMEn values.
Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study showed that spit non-significant effect of heat processing on energy value and nutrients digestibility of CS (Nafis variety) that might be due to better tolerance of chickens fed recent varieties of CS. However, the change in nutrients digestibility and AMEn values of CS with processing by super- conditioning method was poor, a trend of improving nutrient digestibility and AMEn values were seen in micronize process. More research is needed to clarify the response of the chickens when CS in the raw, micronized or conditioned forms.
Introduction: Selenium is an essential mineral for many metabolic functions of the body, including the activation of enzymes and the optimal biochemical and physiological function of birds (Antongiovanni et al., 2007). Selenium protects... more
Introduction: Selenium is an essential mineral for many metabolic functions of the body, including the activation of enzymes and the optimal biochemical and physiological function of birds (Antongiovanni et al., 2007). Selenium protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and can therefore improve nutrient efficiency (Arner et al., 2012). The small intestine is the most important part in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, while the large intestine and intestinal tract are very important areas for the accumulation of microbes (Chitra et al., 2013). Gastrointestinal health is one of the most important and effective factors in bird function. Gastrointestinal microbial population affects the nutrition and health of various animal species, including poultry. These microorganisms need trace elements such as selenium to perform their normal metabolic functions. Selenium may affect bacterial cells by disrupting the respiratory chain (Pappas et al., 2005). In addition to improving the quality and composition of intestinal microflora, selenium can have a positive effect on the morphology of the intestine as an antioxidant (Haghighi-khoshkhoo et al., 2010). Despite these benefits, the effect of selenium on intestinal microbial population is largely unknown, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of organic and inorganic selenium in the diet on microbial population, intestinal morphology and intestinal acidity in laying hens.
Materials and Methods:The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 300 laying hens of high-line strains from 23 to 35 weeks of age with 5 treatments, 6 replications and 10 hens per replication. Experimental treatments include 1- Base diet (without selenium), 2- Base diet + 0.5 mg/kg sodium-selenite, 3- Base diet + mg/kg 1 selenite-sodium, 4- Base diet + mg/kg 0.5 selenium-methionine, 5-base diet + 1 mg/kg selenium-methionine. At the end of the experiment, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate; To evaluate the microbial population, a sample of the contents of the cecum on the culture medium was used (1). Tissue samples were prepared and then measured using a microscope, villi length, villi width, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells (9). To measure acidity, samples were taken from the contents of the cecum, and acidity was measured by a pH meter.
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that consuming 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine increased the villi area compared to the control treatment. The experimental treatments did not affect villi length, villi width, crypt depth, number of goblet cells, and the ratio of villus length to crypt depth. The consumption of 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine significantly decreased the population of Salmonella and increased the population of Lactobacillus in the cecal compared to other experimental treatments. The consumption of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine caused a significant decrease in the population of aerobic bacteria compared to the control treatment. The acidity of cecal contents in the treatment containing 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine was significantly reduced compared to the control treatment. Several studies (Langhout et al., 1999, Lukaszewicz et al., 2011, Pappas et al., 2005) have reported that using organic sources of selenium reduces the coliform population. In mice, dogs, and laying hens, selenium intake has been shown to increase the number of Lactobacillus and decrease Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the cecum (Langhout et al., 1999, Lukaszewicz et al., 2011, Pappas et al., 2005). Increasing the population of beneficial bacteria due to the provision of sufficient selenium for their synthesis is also an antioxidant property of selenium in preserving the life of these bacteria. It appears that beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, can competitively eliminate harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli in the gut (Lukaszewicz et al., 2011). An increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine causes the villi to shorten and the lining to shrink (Attia et al., 2010).Numerous studies demonstrate that the consumption of diets containing selenium compounds has destructive effects on harmful intestinal bacteria (Chantiratikul et al., 2008, Hashemi et al., 2012, Heindl et al., 2010, Horn et al., 2009, Langhout et al., 1999). Adding organic selenium to the diet of broilers increases the weight of the intestines due to the growth of villi and intestinal lamina propria (Haghighi-khoshkhoo et al., 2010, Heindl et al., 2010). The lack of selenium consumption on morphology can be attributed to the levels of selenium used, as well as the bird's lack of stress. Selenium can exert its effect more effectively under stress conditions. Most harmful bacteria grow in an environment with acidity close to 7 or slightly higher, while beneficial bacteria multiply in an acidic environment and compete with pathogenic bacteria (Cooke et al. 1973). An increase in acidity leads to a decrease in Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the consumption of organic sources of selenium reduces the population of pathogenic microorganisms (aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella) and increases the population of Lactobacillus competitively, followed by an increase in gastrointestinal acidity. This improvement may lead to an increase in digestion, absorption, and performance (Kasaikina et al., 2011).
Conclusion:  According to the results of this study, it can be said that consuming organic sources of selenium (levels of one and 0.5 mg of selenium-methionine per kg of feed) significantly reduces the population of harmful aerobic bacteria, bacteria. Salmonella and Escherichia coli and cause a competitive increase in the beneficial population of Lactobacillus; The consequence of this operation is to increase the acidity of the cecum and reduce the damage and microbial destruction to the intestinal tissue, and therefore with positive changes in the morphology of the small intestine will lead to improved bird function.
Introduction : The fodder used in animal feed is in the form of silage, crushed and pellets. If used a a pelleted form, the animal will spend less time for eating so the activity and the maintenance requirements will be decrease. Part of... more
Introduction : The fodder used in animal feed is in the form of silage, crushed and pellets. If used a a pelleted form, the animal will spend less time for eating so the activity and the maintenance requirements will be decrease. Part of the improvement in pellet diet is due to less energy consumption during feeding. In other words, the use of pellet rations reduces the energy consumed by the animal for eating and also increases the availability of vital nutrients and energy (Fluharty et al., 2017). Alfalfa is one of the forage plants that can produce more than two tons of protein per hectare per year. Pelleted alfalfa is a perfect feed for dairy cows, sheep and goats, horses, camels, rabbits and other livestock animals as it improves their performance and production (Fluharty et al., 2017).The activities of ruminal protozoa contribute significantly to the digestion of plant cell wall polymers and their absence from the rumen may have a negative effect on the extent of fiber digestion. Fiber-degrading enzymes include total cellulase activity, carboxymethylcellulase, and microcrystalline cellulase. The activity of these enzymes is in three separate parts of the rumen contents, including tiny particles (microbes attached to the rumen particle), intracellular part (cells that are freely suspended in the liquid part of the ruminal fluid) and extracellular part (enzymes in the liquid part) are measured (Agarwal et al., 2000). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alfalfa physical shape and barley grain processing on nitrogen retention, activity of enzyme cellulolytic, blood parameters and rumen microbial population in Dalagh breed fattening lambs.
Materials and Methods: Thirty male lambs with an approximate age of 3.5±1.2 months with an average weight of 17 ± 1.1 kg were used. The experiment was statistically analyzed in the form of a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two factors. The experimental variables include: physical form of forage (chopped vs. pelleted form) and barley grain processing (whole vs. grounded vs. steam flaked). The experiment was performed in the 98 days (14 days of habituation and 84 days of the main course) with 6 treatments and 5 replications. Experimental diets were equal in protein and energy content and includes: 1- Pelleted alfalfa with whole barley grain 2- Pelleted alfalfa with ground barley grain 3- Pelleted alfalfa with flaked barley grain 4- Alfalfa with whole barley grain 5-Alfalfa with ground barley grain 6 -Alfalfa with flaked barley grain. Rumen fluid was sampled on day 84 at 3 hours after feeding and blood samples were taken from the lambs in the penultimate week of the fattening period 3 hours after morning feeding from the cervical vein.
Results and Discussion: Nitrogen consumption and fecal extracted nitrogen in lambs feces were significantly affected by the physical shape of the forage, which nitrogen consumption and fecal nitrogen excretion in lambs fed with pelleted alfalfa compared to chopped alfalfa were increased (P<0.05).  The processing of barley grain didn’t significant effect on apparent nitrogen balance parameters (P>0.05). The total number of rumen bacteria, lactic acid, coliform and rumen protozoa were not affected by the physical form of the forage (P >0.05). However, the number of total bacteria and rumen protozoa in lambs fed with flaked barley grain were higher than milled barley grain and also in milled barley grain were greater than whole barley grain (P<0.05). Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and microcrystalline cellulase enzymes in intra cellular, extra cellular, solid and total rumen fluids of lambs fed pelleted alfalfa forage and flaked barley was higher than chopped alfalfa, however, there was no significant difference between treatments (P >0.05). The blood glucose of lambs was significantly higher in lambs fed by flaked barley than milled barley and in milled barley was higher than whole barley grain (P<0.05) The blood urea nitrogen of lambs was significantly lower in lambs fed by flaked barley than milled barley and in milled barley was lower than whole barley grain (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of our experiment showed that the use of pelleted alfalfa and flaked barley grain in the diet of fattening of lambs due to numerical increasing trend in digested nitrogen, statistical reducing of urea nitrogen and numerical increasing trend in total rumen bacteria and cellulase enzymes activity had the best performance of rumen, which ultimately ensures the health of livestock. For recommendation using pelleted form of forage and flaked barley grain for farmers is required more study to investigate rumen and post rumen digestion rate of nitrogen and also, the cost of processing. While the lamb performance increase compared to the cost of processing, it can be recommended to the farmer to instead of consuming alfalfa and barley grain as a traditional way, use the processed form of them to improve the efficiency of the use of nutrients and increase the performance of the animals.
Introduction : One of the valuable unconventional foods is whey powder, which is a by-product of cheese production. Whey powder is used as an important source of energy and protein in animal nutrition. By reviewing the composition of whey... more
Introduction : One of the valuable unconventional foods is whey powder, which is a by-product of cheese production. Whey powder is used as an important source of energy and protein in animal nutrition. By reviewing the composition of whey powder based on dry matter and comparing it with the needs of livestock, its nutritional value can be understood. Whey powder as a feedstuff also has properties of a prebiotic; it contains a significant amount of lactose that is not absorbed to a large extent, but is fermented and converted to lactic acid and volatile fatty acids, which may stimulate the establishment of lactobacilli in the small intestine. Whey powder in animal feed, in addition to preventing environmental problems, reduces feed costs and improves yield. Adding whey powder to this juice probably improves and increases the weight of animals fed with whey powder by stimulating the microorganisms of the digestive system and as a result, by better synthesizing the required nutrients and improving the absorption of nutrients from the digestive system. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of whey powder on growth performance, fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology, degradability and microbial protein biosynthesis in fattening Zell lambs.
Material and methods: In the first experiment, ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were measured with nylon bag technique using three fistulated Zell sheep with mean weight of about 40 kg and mean age of about 10 months. In this experiment, nylon bags made of polyester (Dacron) with a pore diameter of 45 ± 5 micrometers and dimensions of 9 ×7 cm were used. Incubation time in rumen consisted of 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96. In the second experiment, the effect of different levels of whey powder on fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology and microbial protein biosynthesis, an experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) with four diets containing zero, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 % whey powder on 24 male lambs with initial mean weight of 24± 2 kg and mean age of 4.5±0.52 months for 90 days was performed. Every day, a certain amount of feed in the form of TMR was weighed for each experimental treatment and was provided to the experimental lambs at 8 am and 5 pm. To determine the daily weight gain of the experimental lambs, weighing was done with a digital metal scale every 14 days until the end of the 90th day of the experiment. Data obtained were analyzed by statistical software SAS (version 1.9). Comparison of experimental treatment means was done using Duncan's multi-range test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results and discussion: A significant difference was observed for final weight, dry matter consumption and daily weight gain among the experimental treatments, and the highest values were found in the 4.5% whey powder treatment. Significant differences were observed in pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid among the experimental treatments. Specifically, the treatment with 4.5% whey powder exhibited the highest levels of fermentation parameters. Additionally, the 4.5% whey powder treatment showed the highest population of total bacteria at 2 and 4 hours after feeding, as well as the highest protozoa population at 4 hours after feeding. Moreover, the 4.5% whey powder treatment demonstrated the highest thickness, height, and density of villi compared to the other experimental treatments. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the degradability parameters of dry matter and crude protein among the experimental treatments. In particular, the soluble, degradable, and effective rumen degradability in passage rate constant parts exhibited significant differences. The amount of gas produced from the fermentable part also showed a significant difference between the experimental treatments. The control treatment showed the lowest amount of gas produced from the fermentable part, which was significantly lower than the other treatments. However, no significant difference was observed between the experimental treatments in other parameters of gas production.
The highest amount of microbial protein production was observed in the treatment of 3% whey powder.

Conclusion: The consumption of higher levels of whey powder at a maximum of 4.5% in the diet of fattening lambs improved the growth performance and some ruminal indices and decomposability of dry matter and crude protein.
Introduction : One of the most important factors in the profitability of dairy farms is effective management methods in keeping and feeding infant calves. Several factors such as underdeveloped immune system and environmental stress can... more
Introduction : One of the most important factors in the profitability of dairy farms is effective management methods in keeping and feeding infant calves. Several factors such as underdeveloped immune system and environmental stress can increase the survival power of the animal. Researchers suggest different factors can to improve the immune system of neonatal calves, including the use of fat-soluble vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. While these vitamins play a major role in the immune system of animals, the supply of fat-soluble vitamins in the calf's diet is essential for promotion the normal growth of muscles and the skeleton of the body. Common symptoms of a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins in neonatal calves include retardation of growth, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was performed in the farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Twenty-eight Holstein female calves with an average bodyweight of 37.74 kg (± 4.76) were used from birth to 56 days of age. On the fourth day, the calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatments.  All calves received colostrum for the first 3 d and then whole milk at 8% of bodyweight in the two-equal part in the morning (4.00 A.M) and evening (16 P.M) until weaning. The experimental treatments included: 1) whole milk with starter (Control), 2) control diet supplemented with flax seed oil (0.3 ml per kilogram of body weight), 3) control diet and weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E), 4) control diet which supplemented with flaxseed oil (0.3 ml per kilogram of body weight) plus weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Flax seed oil was mixed into milk (morning feeding) until weaning. During the experiment period, calves had ad libitum access to starter diet and water. Blood sample were harvested from jugular vein for collection of full blood for Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and blood serum metabolites. Serum was stored in -20 centigrade until further analysis. Complete blood count (CBC) test was performed to determine the number of blood cells white blood cells, red blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, granulocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Serum blood metabolites, total protein, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, albumin, liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant capacity (malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity) were analyzed using Alpha Classic autoanalyzer. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 as a completely randomized design experiment. For all results, significant differences between treatments were declared at P≤ 0.05 and tendencies were declared at 0.05 < P≤ 0.10. Least square means for each treatment are reported in the tables and were separated using Tukey-kramer test.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the use of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins during preweaning had no significant effect on the Serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and had no significant effect on the starter feed intake, daily weight gain, rectal temperature of calves. Calves received flax seed oil and fat-soluble vitamins injection had the highest Red blood cells, White blood cells, Hematocrit, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils and hemoglobin concentration. Claves received flaxseed oil and fat-soluble vitamins injection have the highest serum cholesterol concentration (P<0.00).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that inclusion of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) had no significant effect on blood serum parameters such as total protein, creatinine, albumin, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity, but partially improved the immune system (white blood cells, monocytes, eosinophils) and reduces liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, which indicates an increase in animal health.
Introduction : Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants at the cellular level which leads to the condition of infertility in male. Oxidation of cell macromolecules, cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and damage... more
Introduction :  Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants at the cellular level which leads to the condition of infertility in male. Oxidation of cell macromolecules, cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and damage of tissue structure are the results of another oxidative stress damage. This process eventually leads to a variety of diseases, reduced growth performance and even death (Min et al. 2018). Poultry face a variety of environmental, technological, nutritional, and biological stresses that reduce their productivity and reproductive performance. Most of these stresses at the molecular level are associated with oxidative stress and damage to biologically important molecules (Surai et al. 2019). Qualitative characteristics of sperm, blood testosterone level, and plasma lipid peroxidation are affected by severe oxidative stress (Khan, 2011). Vitamin E is an important known antioxidant and protect cell membrane of sperm cell from damage of reactive oxygen species in male reproductive system of animal. Feeding of this vitamin has beneficial effect on testes weight, semen quality indexes, testosterone and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in birds and mammals. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of diet vitamin E supplementation on fresh sperm quality in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative-stress.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen Ross 308 male broiler breeder at 28 weeks of age were randomly assigned into 3 experimental groups including control group, dexamethasone group (subcutaneous injection of 4 mg dexamethasone per kg body weight) and dexamethasone group receiving supplemented diet with of vitamin E (200 mg per kg of feed). Each experimental group consisted of 6 birds. Sperm samples were taken from roosters using abdominal massage method and analyzed for quality characteristics and antioxidant status. Sperm concentration was determined by counting spermatpzoa using hemocytometer. The pooled sperm sample was diluted by using poultry semen extender and then 10 µl of diluted sperm mixed with 10 ml of 3% NaCl. The chambers of hemacytometer filled with 10 µl sperm suspension and allowed to settle for 3 mines.  Numbers of sperm cell in 5 of the large squares of chamber were assessed. Computer assisted semen analyses (CASA) were performed to determine sperm motility, with settings adjusted to detecting domestic fowl according to a previously described method (Froman and Feltmann, 2000). Total, progressive and non-progressive motility (%), as well as immotile sperms were measured. Also, sperm kinematic values including straight line velocity (VSL (µm/s)), curvilinear velocity (VCL (µm/s), average path velocity (VAP (µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH (µm), and beat-cross frequency (BCF (Hz) were measured. Progression ratios were also calculated using the mentioned velocity measurements: straightness (STR = VSL/VAP) and linearity (LIN = VSL/VCL).
Results and discussions: The results indicate that dexamethasone-induced oxidant stress caused an increase in MDA levels (5.4) and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (52.51) and superoxide dismutase (108.62), as well as sperm motility parameters and sperm cell membrane integrity in comparison to the control group. However, when vitamin E was added to the roosters' diet, it improved the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm motility parameters, antioxidant status (Total antioxidant capacity (1.65), superoxide dismutase (155.10) and glutathione peroxidase (87.77) enzymes), sperm viability (88.05), and sperm cell membrane integrity (89.72) (P<0.05). These findings suggest that dexamethasone injection caused a sharp decline in sperm quality by reducing sperm motility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and plasma membrane integrity, while vitamin E supplementation improved sperm quality by enhancing the antioxidant status and protecting the sperm cell membrane from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species in broiler breeders.
Avian sperm are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation due to their high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation produces reactive species that damage sperm membrane function and motility, ultimately reducing the fertility potential of aged roosters. Therefore, the antioxidant defense plays a critical role in maintaining semen quality (Surai et al., 2006).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the inclusion of vitamin E in diet remarkably improved the sperm motility characteristics and antioxidant status of sperm in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative stress. On bases of this finding it’s recommended to use of vitamin E in the rooster diet to elucidate negative effect of oxidative stress.
Introduction : During the past decades, rapeseed production, including canola varieties, has surpassed peanut, sunflower, and even cottonseed in production, and ranks second among oilseed crops worldwide. Due to its drought endurance,... more
Introduction : During the past decades, rapeseed production, including canola varieties, has surpassed peanut, sunflower, and even cottonseed in production, and ranks second among oilseed crops worldwide. Due to its drought endurance, canola may be the preferable grain for cultivation in several locations of Iran. Canola seed (CS) is an economic feed ingredient containing well-balanced protein (19 to 22%) and a high oil content, up to 45% in some cases. Apart from the oil content of CS, its concentration of dietary fiber, glucosinolates, and tannins are of concern. Canola has less glucosinolates and erucic acid than rapeseed. It, resulting in a higher level of vital nutrients and higher nutrient density. The nutrient composition and presence of anti-nutritional factors in CS may also affect its quality and feeding value for poultry. However, the presence of some glucosinolates, erucic acid, and other undesirable compounds such as phytates, polyphenols, and soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) may reduce nutrient digestibility and performance of the chickens. Heat process affects the rate of protein denaturation, starch gelatinization, digestive enzymes accessibility, bacterial counts and toxin degradation of feed. On the other hand, starch gelatinization by heat processing may increase amylase effects to break the chains of amylose and amylopectin, which in turn increases the digestibility of less digestible carbohydrates, improves metabolizable energy and digestibility of amino acids in beans, soybeans, peas and canola. Some concerns have been raised about the inclusion levels of CS in broiler diets. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of processing method on apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn), apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD), and apparent nutrients digestibility (and) of CS (Nafis variety) in broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed to determine the nutrient digestibility and, AMEn value of crud and heat processed CS. The CS used in this research was of the Nafis variety, which was sourced from the Astan Quds Razavi farm, Mashhad, Iran. The obtained CS sample was divided to three equal subsamples. One part was unprocessed, second part was micronized; one hour before processing CS was moistened by 20% of the weight, and then placed in a single layer on a vibrating conveyor belt under the infrared emission source at a speed of 6.25 cm/s until the surface temperature of the grain should reach 130○C, and third part super-conditioned under humidity of 16% and temperature of 75-85○C for 3-4 minutes. A total of 48, day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks was obtained from a commercial hatchery. Chicks were reared and housed in battery brooders in a room. From day one to 10 and 11 to 15, chicks had ad libitum access to conventional corn-soybean meal starter and grower diets, respectively, to meet the nutrient specification of the strain as recommended by Ross 308 manual. A common corn-soybean meal diet was formulated to serve as the reference diet to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks as described for the Ross 308. The CS samples (row, micronized, and super-conditioning) were incorporated into the reference diet at a 40% inclusion rate (60% reference diet and 40% CS). The digestion trial included a 4-day preliminary period in 16–19d of age, followed by 4 days of recorded total feed consumption and excreta collection. The feed was provided ad libitum during the preliminary and the collection period. During the collection period (20-23d of age) total feed intake was measured, and excreta from each cage were collected twice a day, pooled, and kept frozen at -20oC until subsequent analyses. The excreta samples were oven-dried at 60○C for 72 hours to determine dry matter content. The dried excreta and diet samples were ground through 20 mesh screens, and nutrient content was determined according to (AOAC, 2000). The gross energy of the dried excreta and diet samples was measured with Bomb-calorimeter (Model 1266, PARR). The apparent nutrients digestibility, AME and AMEn of the reference and test diets were determined. Accordingly, apparent nutrients digestibility, AME and AMEn of the CS was calculated as:"AND,AMEandAMEn  CS=[AND,AME and AMEn of test diet-0.6 ×AND,AME and AMEn of reference diet]/0.4”.
Results and Discussion: The average of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, fiber, ash, and gross energy for CS were 96.20, 17.70, 46.60, 6.00, 4.11%, and 7137 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and AMEn for raw CS in broiler chickens were 54.28±1.19%, 69.42±1.13%, 77.1±1.32%, and 4673±268 kcal/kg of dry matter. Processing of canola by micronization and super-conditioning method numerically increased the dry matter content of CS by 2.46% and 0.88%, respectively. Crude fat and crude protein content also changed with a similar trend to dry matter content. The effect of canola processing on AME and AMEn in broilers was not significantly (P> 0.05). Micronizing process of CS increased ADMD and AMEn values of 7.47% and 117 kcal/kg than non-processed seed, respectively. Super-conditioning process was less effective than micronization on improving CS nutrient digestibility and AMEn values.
Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study showed that spit non-significant effect of heat processing on energy value and nutrients digestibility of CS (Nafis variety) that might be due to better tolerance of chickens fed recent varieties of CS. However, the change in nutrients digestibility and AMEn values of CS with processing by super- conditioning method was poor, a trend of improving nutrient digestibility and AMEn values were seen in micronize process. More research is needed to clarify the response of the chickens when CS in the raw, micronized or conditioned forms.
Introduction: Selenium is an essential mineral for many metabolic functions of the body, including the activation of enzymes and the optimal biochemical and physiological function of birds (Antongiovanni et al., 2007). Selenium protects... more
Introduction: Selenium is an essential mineral for many metabolic functions of the body, including the activation of enzymes and the optimal biochemical and physiological function of birds (Antongiovanni et al., 2007). Selenium protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and can therefore improve nutrient efficiency (Arner et al., 2012). The small intestine is the most important part in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, while the large intestine and intestinal tract are very important areas for the accumulation of microbes (Chitra et al., 2013). Gastrointestinal health is one of the most important and effective factors in bird function. Gastrointestinal microbial population affects the nutrition and health of various animal species, including poultry. These microorganisms need trace elements such as selenium to perform their normal metabolic functions. Selenium may affect bacterial cells by disrupting the respiratory chain (Pappas et al., 2005). In addition to improving the quality and composition of intestinal microflora, selenium can have a positive effect on the morphology of the intestine as an antioxidant (Haghighi-khoshkhoo et al., 2010). Despite these benefits, the effect of selenium on intestinal microbial population is largely unknown, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of organic and inorganic selenium in the diet on microbial population, intestinal morphology and intestinal acidity in laying hens.
Materials and Methods:The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 300 laying hens of high-line strains from 23 to 35 weeks of age with 5 treatments, 6 replications and 10 hens per replication. Experimental treatments include 1- Base diet (without selenium), 2- Base diet + 0.5 mg/kg sodium-selenite, 3- Base diet + mg/kg 1 selenite-sodium, 4- Base diet + mg/kg 0.5 selenium-methionine, 5-base diet + 1 mg/kg selenium-methionine. At the end of the experiment, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate; To evaluate the microbial population, a sample of the contents of the cecum on the culture medium was used (1). Tissue samples were prepared and then measured using a microscope, villi length, villi width, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells (9). To measure acidity, samples were taken from the contents of the cecum, and acidity was measured by a pH meter.
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that consuming 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine increased the villi area compared to the control treatment. The experimental treatments did not affect villi length, villi width, crypt depth, number of goblet cells, and the ratio of villus length to crypt depth. The consumption of 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine significantly decreased the population of Salmonella and increased the population of Lactobacillus in the cecal compared to other experimental treatments. The consumption of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine caused a significant decrease in the population of aerobic bacteria compared to the control treatment. The acidity of cecal contents in the treatment containing 1 mg/kg of selenium-methionine was significantly reduced compared to the control treatment. Several studies (Langhout et al., 1999, Lukaszewicz et al., 2011, Pappas et al., 2005) have reported that using organic sources of selenium reduces the coliform population. In mice, dogs, and laying hens, selenium intake has been shown to increase the number of Lactobacillus and decrease Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the cecum (Langhout et al., 1999, Lukaszewicz et al., 2011, Pappas et al., 2005). Increasing the population of beneficial bacteria due to the provision of sufficient selenium for their synthesis is also an antioxidant property of selenium in preserving the life of these bacteria. It appears that beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, can competitively eliminate harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli in the gut (Lukaszewicz et al., 2011). An increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine causes the villi to shorten and the lining to shrink (Attia et al., 2010).Numerous studies demonstrate that the consumption of diets containing selenium compounds has destructive effects on harmful intestinal bacteria (Chantiratikul et al., 2008, Hashemi et al., 2012, Heindl et al., 2010, Horn et al., 2009, Langhout et al., 1999). Adding organic selenium to the diet of broilers increases the weight of the intestines due to the growth of villi and intestinal lamina propria (Haghighi-khoshkhoo et al., 2010, Heindl et al., 2010). The lack of selenium consumption on morphology can be attributed to the levels of selenium used, as well as the bird's lack of stress. Selenium can exert its effect more effectively under stress conditions. Most harmful bacteria grow in an environment with acidity close to 7 or slightly higher, while beneficial bacteria multiply in an acidic environment and compete with pathogenic bacteria (Cooke et al. 1973). An increase in acidity leads to a decrease in Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the consumption of organic sources of selenium reduces the population of pathogenic microorganisms (aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella) and increases the population of Lactobacillus competitively, followed by an increase in gastrointestinal acidity. This improvement may lead to an increase in digestion, absorption, and performance (Kasaikina et al., 2011).
Conclusion:  According to the results of this study, it can be said that consuming organic sources of selenium (levels of one and 0.5 mg of selenium-methionine per kg of feed) significantly reduces the population of harmful aerobic bacteria, bacteria. Salmonella and Escherichia coli and cause a competitive increase in the beneficial population of Lactobacillus; The consequence of this operation is to increase the acidity of the cecum and reduce the damage and microbial destruction to the intestinal tissue, and therefore with positive changes in the morphology of the small intestine will lead to improved bird function.
Introduction : The fodder used in animal feed is in the form of silage, crushed and pellets. If used a a pelleted form, the animal will spend less time for eating so the activity and the maintenance requirements will be decrease. Part of... more
Introduction : The fodder used in animal feed is in the form of silage, crushed and pellets. If used a a pelleted form, the animal will spend less time for eating so the activity and the maintenance requirements will be decrease. Part of the improvement in pellet diet is due to less energy consumption during feeding. In other words, the use of pellet rations reduces the energy consumed by the animal for eating and also increases the availability of vital nutrients and energy (Fluharty et al., 2017). Alfalfa is one of the forage plants that can produce more than two tons of protein per hectare per year. Pelleted alfalfa is a perfect feed for dairy cows, sheep and goats, horses, camels, rabbits and other livestock animals as it improves their performance and production (Fluharty et al., 2017).The activities of ruminal protozoa contribute significantly to the digestion of plant cell wall polymers and their absence from the rumen may have a negative effect on the extent of fiber digestion. Fiber-degrading enzymes include total cellulase activity, carboxymethylcellulase, and microcrystalline cellulase. The activity of these enzymes is in three separate parts of the rumen contents, including tiny particles (microbes attached to the rumen particle), intracellular part (cells that are freely suspended in the liquid part of the ruminal fluid) and extracellular part (enzymes in the liquid part) are measured (Agarwal et al., 2000). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alfalfa physical shape and barley grain processing on nitrogen retention, activity of enzyme cellulolytic, blood parameters and rumen microbial population in Dalagh breed fattening lambs.
Materials and Methods: Thirty male lambs with an approximate age of 3.5±1.2 months with an average weight of 17 ± 1.1 kg were used. The experiment was statistically analyzed in the form of a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two factors. The experimental variables include: physical form of forage (chopped vs. pelleted form) and barley grain processing (whole vs. grounded vs. steam flaked). The experiment was performed in the 98 days (14 days of habituation and 84 days of the main course) with 6 treatments and 5 replications. Experimental diets were equal in protein and energy content and includes: 1- Pelleted alfalfa with whole barley grain 2- Pelleted alfalfa with ground barley grain 3- Pelleted alfalfa with flaked barley grain 4- Alfalfa with whole barley grain 5-Alfalfa with ground barley grain 6 -Alfalfa with flaked barley grain. Rumen fluid was sampled on day 84 at 3 hours after feeding and blood samples were taken from the lambs in the penultimate week of the fattening period 3 hours after morning feeding from the cervical vein.
Results and Discussion: Nitrogen consumption and fecal extracted nitrogen in lambs feces were significantly affected by the physical shape of the forage, which nitrogen consumption and fecal nitrogen excretion in lambs fed with pelleted alfalfa compared to chopped alfalfa were increased (P<0.05).  The processing of barley grain didn’t significant effect on apparent nitrogen balance parameters (P>0.05). The total number of rumen bacteria, lactic acid, coliform and rumen protozoa were not affected by the physical form of the forage (P >0.05). However, the number of total bacteria and rumen protozoa in lambs fed with flaked barley grain were higher than milled barley grain and also in milled barley grain were greater than whole barley grain (P<0.05). Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and microcrystalline cellulase enzymes in intra cellular, extra cellular, solid and total rumen fluids of lambs fed pelleted alfalfa forage and flaked barley was higher than chopped alfalfa, however, there was no significant difference between treatments (P >0.05). The blood glucose of lambs was significantly higher in lambs fed by flaked barley than milled barley and in milled barley was higher than whole barley grain (P<0.05) The blood urea nitrogen of lambs was significantly lower in lambs fed by flaked barley than milled barley and in milled barley was lower than whole barley grain (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of our experiment showed that the use of pelleted alfalfa and flaked barley grain in the diet of fattening of lambs due to numerical increasing trend in digested nitrogen, statistical reducing of urea nitrogen and numerical increasing trend in total rumen bacteria and cellulase enzymes activity had the best performance of rumen, which ultimately ensures the health of livestock. For recommendation using pelleted form of forage and flaked barley grain for farmers is required more study to investigate rumen and post rumen digestion rate of nitrogen and also, the cost of processing. While the lamb performance increase compared to the cost of processing, it can be recommended to the farmer to instead of consuming alfalfa and barley grain as a traditional way, use the processed form of them to improve the efficiency of the use of nutrients and increase the performance of the animals.
Introduction : One of the valuable unconventional foods is whey powder, which is a by-product of cheese production. Whey powder is used as an important source of energy and protein in animal nutrition. By reviewing the composition of whey... more
Introduction : One of the valuable unconventional foods is whey powder, which is a by-product of cheese production. Whey powder is used as an important source of energy and protein in animal nutrition. By reviewing the composition of whey powder based on dry matter and comparing it with the needs of livestock, its nutritional value can be understood. Whey powder as a feedstuff also has properties of a prebiotic; it contains a significant amount of lactose that is not absorbed to a large extent, but is fermented and converted to lactic acid and volatile fatty acids, which may stimulate the establishment of lactobacilli in the small intestine. Whey powder in animal feed, in addition to preventing environmental problems, reduces feed costs and improves yield. Adding whey powder to this juice probably improves and increases the weight of animals fed with whey powder by stimulating the microorganisms of the digestive system and as a result, by better synthesizing the required nutrients and improving the absorption of nutrients from the digestive system. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of whey powder on growth performance, fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology, degradability and microbial protein biosynthesis in fattening Zell lambs.
Material and methods: In the first experiment, ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were measured with nylon bag technique using three fistulated Zell sheep with mean weight of about 40 kg and mean age of about 10 months. In this experiment, nylon bags made of polyester (Dacron) with a pore diameter of 45 ± 5 micrometers and dimensions of 9 ×7 cm were used. Incubation time in rumen consisted of 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96. In the second experiment, the effect of different levels of whey powder on fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology and microbial protein biosynthesis, an experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) with four diets containing zero, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 % whey powder on 24 male lambs with initial mean weight of 24± 2 kg and mean age of 4.5±0.52 months for 90 days was performed. Every day, a certain amount of feed in the form of TMR was weighed for each experimental treatment and was provided to the experimental lambs at 8 am and 5 pm. To determine the daily weight gain of the experimental lambs, weighing was done with a digital metal scale every 14 days until the end of the 90th day of the experiment. Data obtained were analyzed by statistical software SAS (version 1.9). Comparison of experimental treatment means was done using Duncan's multi-range test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results and discussion: A significant difference was observed for final weight, dry matter consumption and daily weight gain among the experimental treatments, and the highest values were found in the 4.5% whey powder treatment. Significant differences were observed in pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid among the experimental treatments. Specifically, the treatment with 4.5% whey powder exhibited the highest levels of fermentation parameters. Additionally, the 4.5% whey powder treatment showed the highest population of total bacteria at 2 and 4 hours after feeding, as well as the highest protozoa population at 4 hours after feeding. Moreover, the 4.5% whey powder treatment demonstrated the highest thickness, height, and density of villi compared to the other experimental treatments. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the degradability parameters of dry matter and crude protein among the experimental treatments. In particular, the soluble, degradable, and effective rumen degradability in passage rate constant parts exhibited significant differences. The amount of gas produced from the fermentable part also showed a significant difference between the experimental treatments. The control treatment showed the lowest amount of gas produced from the fermentable part, which was significantly lower than the other treatments. However, no significant difference was observed between the experimental treatments in other parameters of gas production.
The highest amount of microbial protein production was observed in the treatment of 3% whey powder.

Conclusion: The consumption of higher levels of whey powder at a maximum of 4.5% in the diet of fattening lambs improved the growth performance and some ruminal indices and decomposability of dry matter and crude protein.
Introduction : One of the most important factors in the profitability of dairy farms is effective management methods in keeping and feeding infant calves. Several factors such as underdeveloped immune system and environmental stress can... more
Introduction : One of the most important factors in the profitability of dairy farms is effective management methods in keeping and feeding infant calves. Several factors such as underdeveloped immune system and environmental stress can increase the survival power of the animal. Researchers suggest different factors can to improve the immune system of neonatal calves, including the use of fat-soluble vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. While these vitamins play a major role in the immune system of animals, the supply of fat-soluble vitamins in the calf's diet is essential for promotion the normal growth of muscles and the skeleton of the body. Common symptoms of a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins in neonatal calves include retardation of growth, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was performed in the farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Twenty-eight Holstein female calves with an average bodyweight of 37.74 kg (± 4.76) were used from birth to 56 days of age. On the fourth day, the calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatments.  All calves received colostrum for the first 3 d and then whole milk at 8% of bodyweight in the two-equal part in the morning (4.00 A.M) and evening (16 P.M) until weaning. The experimental treatments included: 1) whole milk with starter (Control), 2) control diet supplemented with flax seed oil (0.3 ml per kilogram of body weight), 3) control diet and weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E), 4) control diet which supplemented with flaxseed oil (0.3 ml per kilogram of body weight) plus weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Flax seed oil was mixed into milk (morning feeding) until weaning. During the experiment period, calves had ad libitum access to starter diet and water. Blood sample were harvested from jugular vein for collection of full blood for Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and blood serum metabolites. Serum was stored in -20 centigrade until further analysis. Complete blood count (CBC) test was performed to determine the number of blood cells white blood cells, red blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, granulocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Serum blood metabolites, total protein, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, albumin, liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant capacity (malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity) were analyzed using Alpha Classic autoanalyzer. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 as a completely randomized design experiment. For all results, significant differences between treatments were declared at P≤ 0.05 and tendencies were declared at 0.05 < P≤ 0.10. Least square means for each treatment are reported in the tables and were separated using Tukey-kramer test.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the use of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins during preweaning had no significant effect on the Serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and had no significant effect on the starter feed intake, daily weight gain, rectal temperature of calves. Calves received flax seed oil and fat-soluble vitamins injection had the highest Red blood cells, White blood cells, Hematocrit, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils and hemoglobin concentration. Claves received flaxseed oil and fat-soluble vitamins injection have the highest serum cholesterol concentration (P<0.00).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that inclusion of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) had no significant effect on blood serum parameters such as total protein, creatinine, albumin, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity, but partially improved the immune system (white blood cells, monocytes, eosinophils) and reduces liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, which indicates an increase in animal health.
Introduction : Camels play a major role in the life of people in parts of Africa and Asia, especially in the desert areas. Today, camels are important for sustainable livestock production species in many arid regions of the world. Camels... more
Introduction : Camels play a major role in the life of people in parts of Africa and Asia, especially in the desert areas. Today, camels are important for sustainable livestock production species in many arid regions of the world. Camels are economically important in terms of meat, milk and wool production in the desert. Due to climate change, camel as a desirable animal for arid areas, requires more extensive scientific view. According to FAO statistics, about 95% of 35 million humped camels worldwide are single-humped camels. The cytochrome b sequence is part of the mitochondrial DNA, passing from mother to offspring’s, can be used to elucidate genetic diversity and evolutionary history within and between different species. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic diversity using cytochrome b sequence in Turkmen camel and its genetic relationship with one and two-humped camels. In addition, the genetic relationship of within and between different species of camels has been objected.
Materials and Methods: After preparing a blood sample from the abdominal vein of Turkmen camel, DNA extraction was performed using salting out method. Turkmen camel sequencing was performed using Illumina HighSeq 2000. Sequencing creates 150 bp reads of the genome sequence. The reads were assembled by Denovo method using CLC software and the contig of containing the cytochrome b gene was isolated based on the reference gene, NC_009849. Relevant data were obtained to compare the CYTB reference gene in new (Lamini) and old (Camelini) world species of camels. To study the genetic diversity of the camel species, a total of 42 one-humped camels, 31 wild tow-humped camels, 121 domestic tow-humped camels, and wild lamas including 31 guanicoe (Lama guanico) And 6 vicogna-vicogna (vicogna vicogna) and domestic llamas including 6 lama glama and 5 alpaca (Lama pacos) were compared. The alignment of CYTB gene sequence samples of different species was performed using CLC Genomics Workbench 12 software. Then the number of gaps, the number of differences and identities were obtained. A phylogenetic tree was drawn to investigate the genetic relationships between and within species. Sequences of Turkmen camels and other Iranian and Arabian one-humped camels along with other species were analyzed for alignment using CLC software. Phylogenetic tree of DNA and proteins sequences of the gene was performed using Neighbor Joining method with Jukes-Cantor protein distance size with 1000 bootstrap replications.
Results and Discussion: DNA extraction based on spectrophotometry was 304 ng/μl and was suitable for sequencing. After sequencing, 589,326,158 readings of 150 base-pairs containing more than 88 billion bases were obtained. Assembling of the obtained reads produced 235978 contigs from which the contig of containing cytochrome b gene was selected based on the reference gene. The sequence of other camel species was extracted from the database and used based on the fact that the data contained the entire cytochrome b gene, which corresponds to 1140 bp of the reference gene. There is the biggest difference between new world of wild and domestic camels. There was a minimal difference between Arabian and Turkmen camels with 100% similarity, followed by Lama Glama and Lama Guanico, as well as between wild and domestic two-humped camels. The Turkmen camel was completely similar to the Arabian camel and had the greatest difference with wild two-humped camels. In the study of Di Rocco et al. (2010) it was shown that the difference of cytochrome b sequence between wild camels (VV and L Cuanicoe) was 6.4%, which in this study was 6.3% which could be due to the larger number of samples in this study. The phylogenetic tree of cytochrome b protein sequence showed that the llamas and one and two-humped camels are located in different branches of the tree. According to the results of DNA phylogenetic tree, llamas were on one side and two-humped camels were on the other side of the tree and one-humped camels were located between them. There was a great diversity within the population of llamas. Some domestic one and two-humped camels are associated with wild two-humped camels. The results indicate that wild two-humped female camels were mated with domestic one and two-humped males that resulted one and two-humped domestic camels phenotype. The same is true of llamas, with domesticated Lama Glama and Lama Pacos locating among the wild species of Lama Guanicoe and Vicogna vicogna phylogenetic branch. Ming et al. (2016) demonstrated that domestic and wild two-humped camel species are genetically distinct from each other. In this study, it was shown that the domestic and wild two-humped camels is phylogenetically close to each other and distanced from one-humped camels. Based on the cytochrome b sequence, Cui et al. (2007) were concluded that one and two-humped camels separated before migrating to Eurasia. Similarly, in this study, it has been shown that one-humped camels are separated from two-humped camels, then wild and domestic two-humped camels are separated from each other. As a result, there is a greater phylogenetic distance between llamas and humped camels.
Conclusion: Iranian one-humped camels can be classified into four genetic groups, two of which are originated from wild and domestic two-humped camels and the other two groups are among the one-humped camels. Iranian domestic two-humped camels were also phylogenetically divided into four genetic groups.
Introduction : Having a fat tail is a characteristic of some Iranian native sheep breeds, whose main role is usually to store energy for using in limited food conditions. However, the amount of energy required to store fat in this tissue... more
Introduction : Having a fat tail is a characteristic of some Iranian native sheep breeds, whose main role is usually to store energy for using in limited food conditions. However, the amount of energy required to store fat in this tissue directly affects the efficiency of meat production and carcass quality. In Iran, the average weight of each carcass is about 15.3 kg, of which 15% is the fat tail. It requires 1.7 kg more feed per kilogram of fat tail than meat (protein), and customers pay a lower price per unit of weight for sheep with heavier fat tail. Today, researchers in the field of animal breeding have a special focus on reducing the weight of the fat tail and increasing the marketability of sheep carcasses. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) belongs to the β-metamorphic growth factor of the β family and plays an important role in bone and cartilage development and, therefore, seems to be the best candidate for the fat-tailed phenotype. Comparison of the results of genotype obtained from Ovine SNP50K Bead Chip in tow fat-tailed breeds with the results obtained in 13 thin tail breeds showed a missense mutation in BMP2 gene, with the frequency of different alleles in these two different groups.
Materials and Methods: In this study, in order to detect the polymorphism in BMP2 gene exon 1 and investigation of its relationship with tail fat trait, blood samples from 150 same age ewes of Lori Bakhtiari breed were randomly taken which are maintained in Gahar Dorud sheep breeding center (Dorud, Lorestan). DNA extraction was performed using a special DNA extraction kit (Pars Toos, Iran) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Determination of quality and quantity of extracted DNA was performed using agarose gel electrophoresis and nanodrop spectrophotometer, respectively. BMP2 gene exon 1 was amplified successfully by a pair of specific primer. The accuracy of this process was confirmed by 1.5% agarose gel. Then, using PCR-SSCP technique, 12% polyacrylamide gel and silver nitrate staining, probable polymorphisms were tracked in this position and finally calculation of Chi-square test (χ2) for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) has been assessed by Popgen (Ver. 1.32) software. The relationship between genotypes and average fat tail weight (Corrected by body weight (BW)) has been analyzed with the PROC GLM procedures in Statistical Analysis System (SAS) v. 9.1 version.
Results and Discussion: Based on the results, amplification of BMP2 gene exon 1 was successfully done and three different patterns of polymorphism have been detected through SSCP analysis.  Exon 1 of BMP2 gene in Lori Bakhtiari ewes containing A and B alleles with distributions of 197 and 103 and frequency of 65.7% and 34.33%, respectively, that have generated AA, AB and BB genotypes with distribution of 75, 47 and 28 and frequencies of 50%, 31.33% and 18.67%, respectively. Mean comparison of fat tail weight in each genotype using Duncan procedure showed that the effect of genotype on fat tail weight in Lori Bakhtiari breed was significant (P <0.05). AA genotype with average fat tail weight of 5.16 showed higher performance than AB genotype with average fat tail weight of 4.29 and BB genotype with average fat tail weight of 3.76. The results of statistical analysis also showed that the presence of allele A causes heavier fat tail weight and the presence of B allele causes lower fat tail weight (P <0.05). Heterozygosity and Homozygosity observed in this study are 0.3154 and 0.6846, respectively. The significance of the calculated chi-square genotypic frequency in each population at the level of 0.05 in comparison with the chi-square table shows that the studied populations are not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Which can be attributed to the pressure of selecting on reference population for genetic breeding for fat tail weight at Gahar Dorud sheep breeding center. Today, advances in genomic technologies have multiplied, and if information on loci associated with meat quality traits can be obtained and the genes that control these traits are located on chromosomal sites, they can be incorporated into breeding programs. Breeds should be used with MAS and cause genetic growth and development of these traits.
Conclusion: Using molecular detection methods and identifying sheep carrying B alleles and selecting them as the parents of the next generation, we can move towards producing herds with lower fat tail weight and more marketability.
Introduction : Feed is the main cost part of poultry production. High feed efficiency poultry produce less feed and less excrement per unit weight gain. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms that control... more
Introduction : Feed is the main cost part of poultry production. High feed efficiency poultry produce less feed and less excrement per unit weight gain. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms that control feed efficiency is crucial for the development of optimal breeding and selection strategies. The serine biosynthesis pathway is one of the most important pathways in animals with high feed efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PHGDH, PSAT1 and PSPH genes by real-time PCR in Iranian native turkeys with high and low feed efficiencies.
Materials and Methods: Iranian native male turkeys (n=500) were reared up to 20 weeks of age under standard production guidelines. Then 75 turkeys were randomly selected and placed in separate cages with free access to water and feed from 20 to 24 weeks. Turkeys were ranked based on feed conversion ratio (FCR) and three turkeys with the highest and three turkeys with lowest feed efficiency were selected as high feed efficiency (HFE) and low feed efficiency (LFE) birds, respectively. After slaughter of turkeys, RNA was extracted from breast tissue. Quantity and purity of the extracted RNAs were determined using a nanodrop device and its quality was evaluated using 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Sequences of PSPH, PHGDH, PSAT1 and RPS7 genes were collected from the NCBI database. The primer was designed using Primer Premier version 5 software. All primers were synthesized by Sinaclon (Iran). In this study, RPS7 gene was used as a reference gene. Then, cDNA synthesis was performed. The best amplification temperature for simultaneous amplification of target and reference genes was determined. Samples were amplified for each gene with 3 replications using real-time PCR reaction. Significance level between treatments for each gene was determined separately using t-test in SAS software version 9.2 (P<0.05).
Results and Discussion: Results of ultraviolet light absorption measurements at 260 and 280 nm by the nanodrop device showed that the quantity and quality of RNA extracted from the breast muscle samples were of high purity and not contaminated. The range of RNA concentration of the extracted samples was between 480 to 962 ng/μl and the ratio of absorption at 260 and 280 wavelength was about 2.1, which indicates the good quality of the extracted RNAs. The most suitable temperature was selected for specific binding of primers and simultaneous amplification of target genes and temperature control of 58 °C. To investigate and confirm the specificity of replication, melting curves were created to ensure the specificity of the amplified products, the absence of non-specific bands and secondary structures such as hairpin and primer-dimer structures. The results showed that there was only one narrow peak for each gene. The results of studying the expression of serine biosynthesis pathway genes (PSPH, PHGDH and PSAT1) showed that the expression level of these genes in HFE male turkeys was significantly higher than LFE male. Higher expression of PSPH, PHGDH and PSAT1 genes in HFE animals than in LFE animals indicates activation of the serine amino acid biosynthesis pathway, which itself can provide precursors for the Krebs cycle and purine biosynthesis. Glucose is the main source of metabolic energy in the body. When glucose enters the cell, glycolysis begins in the cytoplasm. The pathway of glycolysis and Glutamine catabolism produces an intermediate metabolite called 3-phosphoglycerate, which is gradually catalyzed to serine by PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH. Eventually serine is converted to glycine. Activation of this pathway indicates the higher ability of HFE animals to make better use of energy sources such as glucose, which increases protein production in breast muscle tissue and enhances volume and weight of muscle tissue in HFE turkeys.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the expression of serine biosynthesis pathway genes (PSPH, PHGDH and PSAT1) was significantly higher in high feed efficiency turkeys than in low feed efficiency turkeys. In fact, these results at the level of molecular biology show that turkeys with higher feed efficiency cultivate better use of energy received from feed. Activation of this pathway increases the biosynthesis of various amino acids and thus increases protein and muscle mass in birds. The results of this study can be a promising window to introduce genes that affect feed efficiency in order to further investigate the population and larger flocks of birds.
Introduction1 : Application of growth-promoting antibiotics in poultry nutrition improves growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and reduces mortality. But, due to their persistent effects and increased drug resistance to pathogenic... more
Introduction1 : Application of growth-promoting antibiotics in poultry nutrition improves growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and reduces mortality. But, due to their persistent effects and increased drug resistance to pathogenic bacteria and the transmission of bacteria to humans through the food chain, the European Union banned their use. One of the natural alternatives is medicinal plants. Because plant products for reasons such as availability, ease of use, reduction of side effects, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, were used to treat some diseases in humans and animals. Among these medicinal plants we can mention yarrow with the scientific name of Achillea millefolium. This plant in addition to high antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; has antifungal properties, stimulates appetite, improves digestion and feed intake, improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, etc. This plant also accelerates digestion and shortens the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract by increasing bile production and enzymatic activity. On the other hand, probiotics are living microorganisms of a nonpathogenic and nontoxic in nature that improve gastrointestinal health and improve performance in birds by improving intestinal microbial balance. According to these cases, this study was performed to evaluate the effect of yarrow essential oil in comparison with a growth-promoting antibiotic and probiotic on performance of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were studied in a completely randomized design with five treatments, and four replicates. Experimental diets were: 1) basal diet (control), 2 and 3) basal diets supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg of yarrow essential oil, respectively, 4) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg probiotic, and 5) basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg antibiotic (flavophospholipol). Body weight and feed intake were measured at the end of each growing period and were used to calculate Performance parameters such as body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment, one bird per each replicate was slaughtered for meat quality tests, including measurements of TBARS, pH, water holding capacity, dripping loss and antibody titer. For TBARS, the amount of fat oxidation of the sample was measured by measuring the amount of malondialdehyde and the microtiter hemagglutination method was used
Introduction : Humate material was used as feed additives in poultry nutrition. The biochar as a useful fertilizer in agriculture industry is a humate material that increases growth of plants. This fertilizer can as an additive be use in... more
Introduction : Humate material was used as feed additives in poultry nutrition. The biochar as a useful fertilizer in agriculture industry is a humate material that increases growth of plants. This fertilizer can as an additive be use in the poultry and animals feed, due to has many minerals material and two organic acid (humic and fulvic) in its compound. The reduce cost of diet in poultry industry for egg production, is an important goal. The biochar as a dietary additive is easily derived from burn organic material and agriculture byproduct. In recent years, several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of humic acid as an additive on performance poultry. In a study, dietary supplementation of laying hens with humic acid improves the performance and egg shape index. Investigating the effect of biochar as replacement of dietary mineral supplements on performance and egg shell quality of laying hens is rare. One of the properties of vitamin C (VC) is chelating properties, and with this property, it increases the intestinal absorption of minerals in birds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar (as a humate material) in five levels and vitamin C in two levels as replacement of dietary mineral supplements on performance and egg shell quality of laying hens.                     
Materials and Methods: The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar with vitamin C as replacement of mineral supplement in diet of laying hen. A total of 400 laying hens of Bovans strain, were randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups in a 5×2 factorial treatment arrangement with five replications and eight laying hens in each replicate during three 30-day periods. Factors tested included biochar levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement with mineral supplements of diet) and vitamin C levels (0 and 100 mg/kg of diet). The feed intake, feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain were determined. Records of the feed intake were taken on by daily basis. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as grams of feed consumed to grams of egg mass. To determine egg shell quality characteristics, the shape index was calculated by using egg height and egg width. The egg specific gravity was evaluated by floating eggs in soluble of water and salt with different density. The egg breaking strength was measured by resistance meter.
Results and Discussion: Replacing biochar levels from 25 to 100% mineral supplement of diet, with and without vitamin C, had no effect on performance characteristics (feed intake, feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain) and egg shell quality traits (egg shape index, egg specific gravity and egg breaking strength) in total of period of the experiment (50 to 61 weeks of age). The levels of 25 and 50% biochar, plus vitamin C in diet decreased feed intake in the first period. Whereas, the level of 75% biochar, plus vitamin C in diet increased feed intake in this period. The egg shape index with the addition of vitamin C in diet decreased in the third period. The reason of no significant effect of biochar on performance and egg shell quality can be due to the different sources and amounts of biochar in poultry diet. The reason of no significant effect of vitamin C on performance and egg shell quality in laying hens can be due to the bird environmental temperature. The use of vitamin C in diet of laying hens under heat stress improves their performance. Whereas, this study was performed in normal environmental temperature. The second reason is the chelating properties of vitamin C,  that can be increased absorption minerals in birds intestinal. But due to advanced digestive tract of laying hens, maybe decrease its properties.   
Conclusion: The results of present study showed that biochar across all levels had similar cost with control group, and it had no effect on egg shell quality and performance of laying hens. There was no significant interaction between biochar and vitamin C regrding to performance, egg shell quality traits and cost of diet during 50 to 61 weeks of age, too. Therefore, biochar can be completely replaced with dietary mineral supplements of laying hens due to its low cost, high availability, easy production without adverse effects on performance and egg quality traits.
Introduction : The use of agricultural and food industry by-products in animal feed leads to a reduction in breeding costs. In addition application of agricultural waste in poultry feed also reduces the environmentally harmful effects.... more
Introduction : The use of agricultural and food industry by-products in animal feed leads to a reduction in breeding costs. In addition application of agricultural waste in poultry feed also reduces the environmentally harmful effects. One of these by-products is pistachio green peel, which is produced in food industries. Common pistachio (common pistachio in the market) with the scientific name Pistacia vera is a plant of the genus Anacardiaceae. Iran is the world's largest pistachio producer with 58% of the world's pistachio production. Research has shown that about four hundred thousand tons of pistachio by-products are produced annually in Iran and large volumes in the harvest season and high humidity of these products cause environmental pollution and pistachio orchards. Pistachio green peel has a parenchymal and fibrous structure and contains water, sugars, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, color compounds and terpenes. Green pistachio skin contains 4425.45 Kcal/kg of gross energy, 32.64% of dry matter, 11.24% of crude protein, 15.38% of crude fiber, 13.13% of ash, 5.79% of ether extract, 1.08 of calcium, 0.11% of phosphorus, 0.31% of magnesium, 4.44% of potassium. The concentrations of iron, manganese, copper and zinc in pistachio green peel are 660.68, 23.6, 16.23 and 5.27 mg/kg, respectively. There are significant amounts of alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinolene, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Food sources rich in phenolic compounds have a set of physiological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenicity, lipoprotein oxidation inhibitor and have platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory activity  and strengthen the immune response. The use of pistachio green peel extract improved the growth performance of broiler chickens, blood lipids and abdominal fat. The use of pistachio green skin extract in the diet of broiler infected with Staphylococcus aureus improved growth performance, increased antibody titer against sheep erythrocytes, decreased blood lipids and microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the effect of Green Pistacia of kallequchi and it’s processed with urea on growth performance, blood indices, immune response and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: A total of 280 male broilers were randomly distributed in 28 experimental units including 7 treatments, 4 replicates and 10 chicks each. The experimental diets consisted of the levels of 0, 1.5, 3, and 5% of the raw and processed green hull of kallequchi pistachio. The broilers were fed with three dietary programs including starter (1-10 days), grower (11-24 days), and finisher (25-42 days). At the end of each period, the body weight gain and feed consumption were recorded and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. Two birds of each replicate were slaughtered and their blood was gathered to analyze the biochemical blood indices at 42 days of age. The data were analyzed with SAS software and the mean was compared with the Tukey test at 0.05.
Results and Discussion: The addition of green hull of pistachio and its processed to diets cause a decrease in the feed conversion ratio during the starter and the whole period of the experiment (P≤0.05). In the starter period, adding 3% of the green hull of the pistachio increased the body weight gain compared to the control (P <0.05). The pistachio green hull increased total antibody and immunoglobulin G antibody titer against sheep red blood cells compared to control (P≤0.05). Experimental diets decreased serum cholesterol and LDL concentrations compare to control (P≤0.05). The green hull of kallequchi pistachio and its processed increased the villus height and decreased villus width and the ratio of height to crypt depth compared to the control (P≤0.05). Different levels of kallequchi pistachio green hull and its processed increased relative weight of the breast, heart, burs fabricius and decreased abdominal fat compared to control (P≤0.05). The same findings were reported by researchers that pistachio green hull extract decreased blood lipids and increased the immune response of broiler chickens (Yousefi et al., 2018; Hosseini Vashan et al., 2020).
Conclusion: It is concluded that adding green hull of kallequchi pistachio up to 5% into broiler diets may improve growth performance, however, the addition of 3% could reduce cholesterol, FCR and improve the immune response of broiler chickens.
Introduction : Corn silage is a major source of forage for ruminants, which provides a higher energy level compared to other forages. But it is susceptible to aerobic deterioration, because yeasts utilize the lactic acid, produced by... more
Introduction : Corn silage is a major source of forage for ruminants, which provides a higher energy level compared to other forages. But it is susceptible to aerobic deterioration, because yeasts utilize the lactic acid, produced by lactic acid bacteria, as a source of energy. Thus, silages become a favor environment for the growth of mold and bacteria. The susceptibility of a silage to the aerobic deterioration is an important factor since it is directly related to its quality and nutritive value. When silage is exposed to air, increase of temperature and pH may occur, resulting in soluble carbohydrates loss and fermentation of the products of microbial metabolism, reducing its quality. Aerobic stability is an important feature in the evaluation of corn silage quality. Researchers reports that the use of lactic acid bacteria can improve fermentation and aerobic stability of silage. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the chemical compositions and concentration of fermentation end products that occur in corn silages with or without microbial inoculants during aerobic exposure and to select bacterial strains that can improve the aerobic stability after silo opening.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from corn silage, the intestinal contents of broilers, laying hens, Turkey, Ostrich and assess their effects on the quality and aerobic stability of maize silage. The LAB strains were inoculated into aqueous extract obtained from maize to evaluate their production of metabolites, pH reduction and antimicrobial activity. One hundred and twenty-one strains were isolated from various sources in the Laboratory, which all isolates were considered to be LAB as determined by Gram-stain appearance, catalase test and lactic acid productivity. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence of representative strains was used to confirm the presence of the predominant groups. The sequences from the various LAB isolates showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank type strains between 99% and 100%. Five LAB strains that showed the best results were assessed in experimental silos. All treatments were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 105 days, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 8 days. Silage samples were collected at 0, 4 and 8 days after aerobic exposure to determinate the changes in the chemical compositions, products of fermentation, and to evaluate the silages microbial changes to determine the aerobic deterioration. Data in the experimental design, after opening the silos, were analyzed in a completely randomized design with nine replicates by GLM procedure of SAS software. In aerobic conditions, the data were analyzed as repeated measures in time. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design by GLM procedure of SAS software. Variance analysis and multiple comparisons of data were performed using the GLM procedure of and the means were separated by Tukey’s test.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that after 105 days of conservation, all silages had good fermentation characteristics with low pH (<3.80) and ethanol concentration and high lactic acid contents (P<0.01). A linear decrease in pH values and water-soluble carbohydrates contents were observed. Addition of lactic acid bacteria, increased acetic acid, but decreased ethanol contents of inoculated silages compared to the control (P<0.01).  Across treatments, there were significant differences in the yeast populations (P<0.01). The population of yeasts which was initially high in the fresh forage (5.57 log cfu g−1 forage) before ensiling and a drastic reduction in the numbers of yeasts was observed in all silages throughout the experiment. The addition Lactobacillus Fermentum resulted in a higher concentration of acetic acid and reduced populations of yeasts in silage compared to the other silage treatments, and a lower ethanol concentration in the silage (P<0.01). The strains tested were able to modify the fermentative and chemical parameters and the populations of yeasts of silage after aerobic exposure.  Aerobic stability of corn silages was associated with high acetic acid and reduction the populations of yeasts. all Lactobacillus strains promoted an increase in aerobic stability of silage. Addition of lactic acid bacteria, further improved silage aerobic stability with more acetic acid production and reduction the populations of yeasts (P<0.01). After 8 days of aerobic exposure, inoculated silage with Lactobacillus Fermentum remained stable, but the control silage deteriorated as indicated by a reduction in lactic acid and an increase in pH, and numbers of yeast (P<0.01). These results proved the advantage of microbial inoculation. The best Lactobacillus strains is Lactobacillus Fermentum because it provides more stable pH, production higher acetic acid, higher reduction of yeasts and filamentous fungi in maize silage, thereby decreasing the aerobic deterioration by these microorganisms.
Conclusion: The results showed that application of inoculants is recommended because it promoted higher production of acetic acid, reducing the populations of yeast and filamentous fungi, a more stable pH and, therefore, improving the aerobic stability of silages. The best inoculation is Lactobacillus Fermentum because it provides higher reduction of yeast and filamentous fungi in maize silage, thereby decreasing the aerobic deterioration by these microorganisms. The Lactobacillus Fermentum strain show the best results in relation to silage aerobic stability.
Introduction : Halophytes are plants with ability to survive in saline and alkaline soils and are drought resistant. In many areas of the world, native and introduced halophytes are forage resources, especially for sustaining grazing... more
Introduction : Halophytes are plants with ability to survive in saline and alkaline soils and are drought resistant. In many areas of the world, native and introduced halophytes are forage resources, especially for sustaining grazing livestock when other feeds are scarce. Iran is a typical country of wide deserts and saline ecosystems and halophytes plays a major role in the halophytic and xerophytic vegetation of Iran. kochia is a drought-resistant annual plant that its cultivation is increasing in Iran. Due to the possibility of irrigating this plant with saline water, it can play an important role in providing the required feed to livestock in areas with saline soil and water by producing significant grains with high protein content. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of different levels of kochia seed in high concentrate diets on rumen fermentation.
Materials and Methods: Dietary treatments included control diet (no kochia seed) and three diets levels containing 10, 20 and 30 % of ration DM kochia seed. In all treatments, soybean meal and wheat bran in the diet were substituted with kochia seed. Gas production and dual-flow continuous culture system were used in this study. In the gas production test, treatments arranged as complete randomized design. The amount of gas produced in the samples was recorded at different hours after incubation and the parameters of gas production, organic matter digestibility and metabolic energy were calculated. In the second experiment, eight dual-flow continuous culture fermenters (1320 ml) were used in two periods (7 days adaptation, 3 days sampling). In each period, fermenters were randomly assigned to treatments. Temperature (38.5°C) and liquid and (10%/h) solid (5%/h) dilution rates were kept constant in the fermenters. Anaerobic conditions were maintained by the infusion of N2 at a rate of 40ml/min. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermenters. Fermenters were fed daily with 97 g dry matter. During sampling days, collection vessels were maintained at 4ºC to impede microbial action. Solid and liquid effluents were mixed and homogenized for 1 min, and a 500ml sample was removed via aspiration. Upon completion of each period, effluent from the 3 days of sampling was composited and mixed within fermenter and homogenized for 1 min. Subsamples were taken for total N, ammonia-N, and VFA analyses. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS. Fermenter and period were considered random effects. Comparisons between treatments were completed with Tukey’s test. Effects were considered significant at P<0.05.
Results and Discussion: Inclusion of kochia seed in the diet increased gas production potential and amount of produced gas compared to the control diet. Increasing levels of kochia seed in the diet linearly increased metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility and short chain fatty acid production. Low lignin content and high hemicellulose digestibility could be the main reasons behind higher metabolizable energy and organic matter digestibility observed in kochia containing diets. The observed increase in gas production potential as well as the volume of produced gas in kochia seed containing diets also supports that this feedstuff does not contain antinutritional factors with antimicrobial properties or the amount of these compounds in the grain is not significant. In the dual flow continuous culture study, dry matter digestibility linearly increased with increasing levels of kochia seed in the diet. Organic matter digestibility tended to increase using kochia seed in the diet (P =0.08). An increase in protein digestibility observed in treatments containing 20 and 30 % kochia seed compared to other treatments. Total VFA concentration increased linearly in diets containing kochia seed (P = 0.01). This finding could be the result of higher organic matter digestibility in kochia seed containing diets. Also, it has been suggested that higher rumen fiber digestibility or partial replacement of starch with a digestible cell wall can increase the total VFA concentration by increasing the population of fiber-degrading bacteria, a mechanism that is especially important in high-concentrate diets. Average ammonia nitrogen concentration, the concentration before feeding and 2 hours after feeding decreased in kochia containing diets compared to control diet. Despite the increase in crude protein digestibility in diets containing 20 and 30% kochia seed, the average ammonia nitrogen concentration in these treatments was lower compared to the control treatment. This finding can be the result of higher use of ammonia nitrogen in these treatments. The higher digestibility of dry matter and the tendency to increase the digestibility of organic matter by increasing level of kochia seed in the diet could support this idea.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using kochia seed in the diet up to 30% of ration dry matter could support optimal rumen fermentation. Due to the low water requirement and the ability of kochia plant to grow in saline soils on the one hand and the desirable energy and protein content of kochia seeds on the other hand, this grain can be used as a suitable option to meet part of the feed needed for ruminants in saline areas. Limited information is available and more in vivo research is needed in this area.
‫ higher for medical herb group. Percentage of cows with normal uterus in the decoction received group was higher than control cows, 70 % versus 50.14 %, respectively. Incidence of metritis decreased in cows received S. rosmarinus... more
‫ higher for medical herb group. Percentage of cows with normal uterus in the decoction received group was higher than control cows, 70 % versus 50.14 %, respectively. Incidence of metritis decreased in cows received S. rosmarinus decoction (20 % versus 31.42 %, respectively). The observed effects from the S. rosmarinus decoction may be attributed to the antimicrobial effects of S. rosmarinus that prevented from new uterine infections or treated some sub-clinical metritis and therefore resulted in healthier uterine and better reproductive performance. Concentrations of blood glucose and non-esterified fatty acids were affected by drinking S. rosmarinus decoction so, the decoction received cows had higher glucose and lower non-esterified fatty acids levels. These blood parameters are the indicators of overall energy status of the cow and the observed results shoes that cows received S. rosmarinus had better energy status. Concentrations of blood cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, urea, and beta hydroxy butyrate and blood enzyme activities including aspartate amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase were not influenced by drinking the herbal decoction. Conclusion: The results proposed that S. rosmarinus decoction may have positive effects on reproductive performance of fresh Holstein dairy cows.
‫ matter intake, and ADG during pre-weaning, post-weaning, and the total period of the study. Also, BW (birth, 28, 63, and 90 d) and skeletal growth (initial and final of the study) were not affected by housing. We observed no housing... more
‫  matter intake, and ADG during pre-weaning, post-weaning, and the total period of the study. Also, BW (birth, 28, 63, and 90 d) and skeletal growth (initial and final of the study) were not affected by housing. We observed no housing effect on glucose and BUN plasma, however, cholesterol concentration was greater in individual calves than group calves at pre-and post-weaning, which is probably related to the greater stress of individual calves than group calves during weaning. Ruminal pH, total VFA concentration, the concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, iso-butyrate, isovalerate, valerate, and acetate to propionate ratio in ruminal fluid were similar between treatments. There was no difference between treatments for the frequency and number of days with general appearance (score ≥2), diarrhea (score ≥3), and pneumonia, as well as medicated days for both diarrhea and pneumonia during the pre-weaning, post-weaning, and total period of the experiment, indicating that calves, in general, were healthy. These results are probably attributed to good management of colostrum feeding, bedding, hygiene, regular health monitoring and disease diagnosis, and small group size. In the current study, non-nutritive oral behaviors were greater in individual calves than group calves during pre-weaning. However, cross-sucking, grooming, and playing activities were greater in group calves than individual calves during pre-weaning. During post-weaning, behaviors were not affected by housing. Behavioral results show that group housing improves the welfare of calves at weaning. Conclusion: In general, the results showed that type of housing (group or individual) did not affect performance, rumen fermentation, and health of calves. While group housing can lead to improving the welfare of calves (increase the play and grooming, and decrease the non-nutritive oral behaviors).We suggested that calves can be grouped in good health if housing is properly managed.
Introduction : Proper nutrition management during calf rearing is one of the most important factors which influence herd profitability. Environmental stressors and immature immune system of calves, reduce the viability of the animal.... more
Introduction : Proper nutrition management during calf rearing is one of the most important factors which influence herd profitability. Environmental stressors and immature immune system of calves, reduce the viability of the animal. Today, attempts are being made to increase immune system postnatal calf life in various ways. Supplying unsaturated fats, which have double bonds on their structure, in starter diet, is one of the suggested solutions to improve the calf’s immune system. Neonata ruminants do not have the ability to biosynthesize fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E), while these vitamins play a major role in the animal's immune system and their performance. Supplying fat-soluble vitamins in the calves’ diets is critical for the normal growth of muscles and the body skeleton, as they have an improvement role to improve the immune system in animals. The common symptoms of a fat soluble vitamin deficiency in suckling calves are growth retardation, coarse hair, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Materials and Methods: In this experiment, twenty eight Holstein female calves with an average weight of 37.74 kg (± 4/76) were used from birth to 56 days. After birth claves were separated from their dam and after weighing they transferred to individual pen. On the fourth day, the calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatments.  All calves received colostrum for the first 3 d and then whole milk at 8% of bodyweight in the two equal part in the morning (4.00 A.M) and evening (16 P.M) until weaning. The experimental treatments included: 1) control: whole milk with starter 2) control diet supplemented with flaxseed oil (0.3ml per kilogram of body weight) 3) control diet and weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E) 4) The control diet which supplemented with flaxseed oil (0.3ml per kilogram of body weight) plus weekly injection of 7 cc of fat-soluble vitamins.  Flaxseed oil was mixed into milk (morning feeding) until weaning. During the experiment period, calves had ad libitum access to chopped alfalfa hay and starter diet. Water from a plastic bucket (7 liters), filled twice a day, and was provided throughout the study. Composition of starter did not change throughout the experiment. Starter intake was recorded daily. Body weight gain determined weekly until the end of experiment. Fecal consistencies were scored twice a day. Blood sample were harvested from jugular vein for collection of blood serum. Blood metabolites, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides were analyzed using commercially available colorimetric and enzymatic assay kits. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 as a randomized completely randomized design experiment. For all results, significant differences between treatments were reported at P≤ 0.05 and tendencies were reported at 0.05 < P≤ 0.10. Least square means for each treatment are reported in the tables and were separated using Tukey’s test.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the use of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins during pre-weaning period had no significant effect on the starter feed intake, daily weight gain, rectal temperature and skeletal growth parameters of calves.
Serum concentrations of total protein, triglyceride, creatinine and urea were not affected by experimental treatments. Claves received flaxseed oil and fat soluble vitamins injection tended to have the lowest serum glucose concentration (P<0.10). Calves received flax seed oil and fat soluble vitamins injection had the highest cholesterol concentration.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that inclusion of flaxseed oil and injection of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) had no any marked effects on weight gain, daily feed intake and skeletal bone growth.
Introduction Like to broiler chickens most of the ostrich breeding cost is related to the price of nutrition. Given the higher ability of ostriches to using the dietary fiber, it is expected that the using of cheaper feeds may be provide... more
Introduction  Like to broiler chickens most of the ostrich breeding cost is related to the price of nutrition. Given the higher ability of ostriches to using the dietary fiber, it is expected that the using of cheaper feeds may be provide diet with lower prices. Agricultural by-products such as sugar beet pulp and various types of brans are rich sources of fibers, each with different percentages of soluble and insoluble fibers. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) has a long rectum (about 8 meters) that occupies about 57 % of the length of its gastrointestinal tract, but in the broiler chicken the rectum is only about 3 % of gut tract. The microorganisms in the ostrich's large intestine can digest 38% of cellulose and 68% of hemicellulose. The dietary fiber is divided into two types of water-soluble and water-insoluble. The water-insoluble fibers are including cellulose, lignin and a part of hemicellulose. Due to the higher passage rate of the digestive tract, they are less fermentable than soluble fibers. Water-soluble fibers are mainly including pectin, gum, and mucilage. Soluble fibers reduce the contact of enzymes with digesta, due to increase viscosity, thereby reducing digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the fact that the effect of soluble and insoluble fibers in the digestive tract is different from each other and so far no research has been done on the effect of fiber source in ostriches. This study was aimed to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients of diets containing two fiber sources soluble and insoluble in ostrich chicks.   
Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the feasibility of using the higher levels of soluble and insoluble fibers in ostrich’s diet, this experiment was undertaken using 30 ostrich chicks in a completely randomize design with 5 treatments and 6 replicates in each treatments (one bird in each replicate) in three periods; prestarter (1- 2 months), starter (2- 4 months) and grower (4-6 months). The experimental treatments were as follows: 1-Control diet with standard fiber level, 2- Treatment contains 2% more soluble fiber than control (sugar beet pulp as the source of soluble fiber), 3- Treatment contains 4% more soluble fiber than control (Sugar beet pulp as a source of soluble fiber), 4- Treatment contains 2% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber) and 5- Treatment contains 4% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber). A total 30 ostrich chicks were reared at an average weight of 3082± 202.37 grams in cages. In order to determine the digestibility of nutrients, AME and AMEn, the total excreta were collected. Nutrients contents of feed and excreta were measured according to AOAC (1997) methods. The raw energy of feed and excreta was measured by the calorimeter bomb apparatus. Megazim kit was used to measure the total dietary fiber (AOAC Official Method 991.43). The amount of soluble fiber was calculated by subtracting the insoluble fiber from total dietary fiber. Data were analyzed using SAS software (2002) using mixed procedure for repeated measurements with a significance level of 0.05 by Tukey Cramer method.
Results and Discussion Data showed that fiber source had no effect on nutrient digestibility. Ostrich rectum is longer than its small intestine (the rectum occupies 57% of the digestive tract and small intestine occupies 29% of the digestive tract) and a good place to ferment the plant fibers. Fiber digestive bacteria such as fibrobacter succinogenes and ruminococcus flavafaciens in ostrich's ceca and other fermenter bacteria in the ostrich's rectum enable it to have the proper ability to utilize fiber sources. Since the beginning of the experiment was from the age of one month, ostrich chicks had sufficient ability to use different fiber sources. The difference in the rate of digestive contents through the consumption of soluble or insoluble fiber sources had no significant effect on digestibility of nutrients. Soluble and insoluble fibers digestibility and ash digestibility increased with ageing (P<0.0001). As birds age increase the bacterial activity increase in the rectum and ceca. There was no significant difference in AME in treatments that had more soluble fiber compared with the control group, but AME and AMEn increased significantly with increasing insoluble fiber compared to treatments that had more soluble fiber (P<0.0001). Which is probably related to the effect of insoluble fiber in the small intestine. Insoluble fiber diets improve the efficiency of nutrients utilization due to increasing the villi height to crypt depth ratio, therefore increased AME and AMEn. The differences in AME and AMEn with consumption of insoluble fiber source in comparison with other treatments are related to the greater effect of different fiber sources on the small intestine. Insoluble fiber decreases the viscosity of digestive contents and increases the effect of digestive enzymes secreted from intestinal cells (such as alpha amylase) and improve the digestion of starch and other nutrients and increase the energy obtaining from the diet by the ostriches. AMEn significantly increased with aging that may due to the increase of the activity of older birds, increase the energy required for maintenance and activity and hence more consumption of energy by the bird. The microbial population of the cecum and colon of the ostrich (from 3 weeks onwards) is similar to the rumen, which has the ability to ferment the fiber and produce volatile fatty acids, which these volatile fatty acids provide part of the metabolizable energy.
Conclusion According to the results of this study, a suitable range for soluble and insoluble fibers in ostriches diets from one to two months old were suggested to be 7.5 to 11.5 percent and 16 to 20 percent, at the age of 2 to 4 months 7.6 to 11.6 percent and 20 to 24 percent and at the age of 4 to 6 months 8.25 to 12.25 percent and 25.5 to 29.5 percent, respectively.
Introduction In vitro gas production technique is one of the methods used for evaluating ruminal fermentation kinetic of feedstuffs. In this method, the volume of gas produced during the incubation is presented as a curve. The... more
Introduction  In vitro gas production technique is one of the methods used for evaluating ruminal fermentation kinetic of feedstuffs. In this method, the volume of gas produced during the incubation is presented as a curve. The mathematical description of gas production profile is performed by fitting data set to a nonlinear model. Recently, several non-linear models have been developed to estimate gas production profile however, some of these models are not accurate enough. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of some nonlinear models for predicting ruminal fermentation kinetic of a forage feed.
Materials and methods In this experiment, corn silages (samples on 0, 30 and 60 days after ensiling) were used as fermentation substrates.  Dry matter and chemical composition (organic matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF) of the samples were determined using standard methods. The rumen fluid was obtained from three fistulated rams before the morning feeding. The collected ruminal fluids were pooled and transferred into a flask to the laboratory. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers cheesecloth, flushed continuously with CO2 and maintained at 39oC before incubation. The rumen fluid was then mixed with buffered mineral solution at the ratio of 1:2 (V/V). Gas production technique was completed in three separate runs on three different days (each run lasted 6 days). In each run, the samples were incubated in triplicate and two vials (without the substrate) were considered as the blanks. The volume of gas produced was measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96,120 and 144 hours of incubation. The prediction of the gas volume at different times of incubation was compared by four nonlinear models and results were expressed in ml per 200 mg of DM incubated. The selected models (experimental treatments) included Exponential (EXP), Fitzhugh (FZH), logistic (LOG) and Gompertz (GOM). The goodness of fit of the models were evaluated using mean square error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), residual mean absolute deviation (RMAD) and mean percentage error (MPE). In addition, Durbin-Watson test (DW), run test and linear regression analysis (between observed and predicted values of the gas volume at different incubation times) were used to assess the accuracy of the models in fitting the data. The estimated ruminal fermentation parameters (the asymptotic gas volume and gas production rate) and goodness of fit parameters obtained from each model (MSE, R2, RMAD and MPE statistics) were analyzed using completely randomized design.
Results The studied models had no difference in terms of predicting asymptotic gas volume (A) on 0, 30 and 60 days after ensiling and the value of parameter A predicted by the models were in the range of 98.37 (for GOM model on day 0) to 76.09 (for LOG model on day 60) ml per 200 mg DM. The EXP and LOG models had the highest and lowest MSE and R2 values, respectively, indicating their lower accuracy compared with GOM and FZH models. The RMAD value was lowest in GOM and FZH models (2.591 and 2.879, respectively) and was highest in EXP model (3.807). The RMAD value is used as an indicator for evaluating the goodness of fit of models. the lower values of RMAD (closer to zero), represents a better ability of the model in fitting data. Based on these results, GOM and FZH models had a higher accuracy than EXP model in fitting data. The MPE value in the EXP model (5.527) was significantly higher than the other models (p<0.05). In other words, the predicted values (the volume of gas produced at different times of incubation) by the EXP model were lower than the observed values (it was underestimated). Based on Durbin Watson (DW) test results, the DW statistics in the EXP, FZH, GOM and LOG models were 0.392, 0.691, 0.705 and 0.675, respectively, indicating that EXP and GOM models had the lowest and highest accuracy, respectively, in predicting the rumen fermentation kinetic of corn silage. According to the run test, all the curves in EXP model had the lowest run (3 ≥) implying a poor performance of EXP model in predicting the results. The linear regression between the observed versus predicted values (regression parameters) showed a significant difference between intercept with 0; and slope with 1 in all the studied models (p<0.05). However, based on the goodness of fit parameters obtained from the linear regression, FZH and GOM models had a better prediction of the gas production profile.
Conclusion The EXP model had lower accuracy in predicting the rumen fermentation kinetic of corn silage compared with the other studied models. It is recommended that other nonlinear models be used in addition to the EXP model for investigating the ruminal fermentation kinetics of corn silage.
Introduction Ingestion of solid feed is necessary to stimulate rumen development in the young calf and facilitate the transition from a pre-ruminant to a functioning ruminant. Lipogenic nutrients in ruminants originate from fermentation... more
Introduction  Ingestion of solid feed is necessary to stimulate rumen development in the young calf and facilitate the transition from a pre-ruminant to a functioning ruminant. Lipogenic nutrients in ruminants originate from fermentation of fiber to acetate and butyrate, dietary fat or are derived from body reserves. Glucogenic nutrients originate from starch that has escaped rumen degradation or gluconeogenesis. The use of low-starch starters is prevalent in dairy calf industry worldwide. These starters differ greatly in their composition of both fiber and fat. The NRC (2001) suggested that adequate digestible fiber should be included in starter diets but limited data exist to substantiate this statement. Digestible fiber sources such as sugar beet pulp, soybean hulls, and wheat bran have a lower ME value than corn and barley grains which are starch rich. A meta-analysis of 6 studies showed positive linear relationships between starch concentration of starter feed with ADG. However meta-regression analysis indicated that growth responses to starch concentration were influenced by ME concentration in dry feed fed to the calves. One possible way to enhance energy intake is to increase the energy density of the diet with fat. Convenient starter diets are typically low in fat. Most previous studies have either compared high-starch to high-fiber starter diets or investigated effects of fat supplementation on rumen environment and growth performance whereas our interest is in growth responses to diets differing in starch, NDF, and fat in calves. We hypothesize that a low-starch starter feed in which starch is substituted by fiber and fat will support growth performance similar to a traditional high-starch starter concentrate and high-fiber, high-fat diet might also improve ruminal environment in calves. We also hypothesized that preference for certain type of starter would become apparent, providing an indication of which type of energy sources may be considered more palatable for calves and therefore recommended to formulate starter feed mixture. The objectives of our study was to investigate the effects of lipogenic starter (low-starch with high-fiber and high-fat content) in comparison with a glucogenic (high-starch) or mixture of glucogenic and lipogenic starters on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, as well as blood metabolites of dairy calves during the first 70 d of life.
Materials and Methods In first experiment, thirty Holstein female calves (4 d of age; 41.0 ± 4.0 kg of BW), randomly assigned by BW to one of the three dietary treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) a high starch starter feed containing corn and barley grain (glucogenic); (2) a high fiber and fat starter feed containing soybean hulls, corn germ meal, sugar beet pulp, wheat bran, full fat soybean, and vegetable oil (lipogenic); and (3) a starter feed containing mixture of diets 1 and 2 (MIX). Starter intakes were measured daily and all the calves were weighed at birth and subsequently every 7 d until the end of the experiment. Feed efficiency was calculated as the weight gain to feed intake ratio (kg/kg). In addition, the structural growth indices were measured on d 4, at weaning and at the end of the study. Blood samples from each calf were collected at 35 and 70 d to determine glucose, BUN, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Ruminal fluid was obtained 2 h after offering the morning feed at 35 and 70 d to determine the rumen pH and concentration of volatile fatty acids. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using a repeated-measures mixed model (PROC MIXED) of SAS software. In second experiment, 20 Holstein female calves fed a standard ration until 70 days of age. Three days after weaning, each calf was involved in a pairwise preference test between glucogenic and lipogenic diets. For each calf in each pairwise preference test, preference ratio was calculated as the consumption of one feed as a percentage of the consumption of both feeds in the test. Preference ratios were compared for a difference from 0.5 (lack of preference) using t-tests. The feed type was assigned +1 if it was preferred, −1 if it was not preferred, and 0 if the preference ratio in a pairwise preference test did not differ from 0.5. Total preference scores were used as an indicator of overall preference rank of individual feed type.
Results and Discussion Results of the first experiment showed that dry matter intake was higher in the MIX diet group in the post weaning period than the other groups and a tendency to increase dry matter intake was observed throughout the study period. Average daily gain, feed efficiency, body weight, and skeletal growth were not different between treatments. Blood glucose (day 35 and 70) and plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid concentration (day 70) were higher in calves fed the glucogenic and lipogenic diet, respectively, compared to the other treatments. Rumen fluid pH and acetate concentration in calves fed the lipogenic diet were higher than those fed the glucogenic and MIX diets. The second experiment showed that calves preferred the lipogenic diet over the glucogenic diet.
Conclusion The results from this study showed that providing MIX diet rather than glucogenic and lipogenic diets increased post weaning intakes of starter without improving ADG and final BW. The results of the preference test clearly indicate that lipogenic diet is a highly palatable feed for recently weaned dairy calves, whereas glucogenic diet is less preferred. Given the positive trend observed in MIX feed diet, this diet seems to be recommendable for farm application. Whether the effects of energy source in early life could have long-term consequences on growth and milk yield are not known and warrant further research.
Introduction The world average yield of essential oil is around 50000 ton/year which means that large amounts of apparently useless plant residues are produced. These residues do not have a specific commercial use, so it would be a very... more
Introduction  The world average yield of essential oil is around 50000 ton/year which means that large amounts of apparently useless plant residues are produced. These residues do not have a specific commercial use, so it would be a very interesting alternative to provide feed for livestock. Agro-industrial co-products, can be effectively consumed by ruminant species. Since, many parts of Iran have arid and semi-arid climate, and there is feed shortage during the year, hence agro-industrial co-products can be used as animal feed. This experiment was aimed to study the chemical compositions and in vitro rumen fermentation of mint pulp and chicory pulp and experimental diets containing different levels of mint pulp and chicory pulp.
Materials and Methods Fresh mint pulp and chicory pulp were collected from an agro industry processing factory. Chemical compositions (dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein and ash), in vitro gas production parameters, total protozoa population and N-ammonia concentration of mint pulp and chicory pulp were measured. Each pulp separately included at three levels (10, 20 and 30 % of DM) in a basal diet. Experimental diets were: 1- Basal diet, 2- basal diet containing 10% chicory pulp, 3- basal diet containing 20% chicory pulp, 4- basal diet containing 30% chicory pulp, 5- basal diet containing 10% mint pulp, 6- basal diet containing 20% mint pulp and 7- basal diet containing 30% mint pulp. Basal diet formulated for ewes and contained 12.5 % CP and 2.20 Mcal metabolisable energy (ME) /Kg of diet. In vitro gas production parameters, total protozoa population and N-ammonia concentration of diets were measured and ME, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were estimated. For in vitro gas production tests, the rumen fluid was taken from two rumen fistulated Kurdish rams. For measuring kinetic parameters of gas production, 200 mg of samples were incubated with 40 ml of buffered-rumen fluid for 120 hours. The cumulative produced gas was recorded at different times of incubation and gas production parameters were fitted to an exponential equation. For estimating ME, OMD and total VFA, 40 ml buffered rumen fluid was added to 200 mg of diets and incubated at 39 °C for 24 hours. After 24 hours of incubation, gas production recorded and ME, OMD and SCFA were estimated. Rumen protozoa population were identified after 24 hours incubation. Five ml of buffered rumen fluid was pipetted into a screw-capped test tube containing 5 ml of formalin. Thereafter, two drops of brilliant green dye (2 g brilliant green and 2 ml glacial acetic diluted to 100 ml with distilled water) were added to the test tube, mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. Total and differential counts of protozoa were made with five replications.  All in vitro gas production trials were carried out in three runs. Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design using Proc GLM of SAS software. The differences among treatments were evaluated using Tukey adjustment when the overall F-test was P ≤ 0.05. Trends were declared when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. In addition, independent comparisons were done for diets containing mint pulp vs. diets containing chicory pulp.
Results and Discussion The results showed that mint pulp contains 105, 500 and 345 g/kg of CP, NDF and ADF respectively and chicory pulp contains 69.7, 610 and 465 g/kg of CP, NDF and ADF respectively. Mint pulp had greater lag phase than chicory pulp (P<0.05) and potential of gas production did not differ between two pulps. Mint pulp had greater estimated ME, SCFA and OMD in compare to chicory pulp (P<0.01). Potential and rate of gas production, N- ammonia concentration, total protozoa population, estimated ME, SCFA and OMD were not different among all experimental diets (P>0.05). The constant rate of gas production when half the potential of gas is produced was different among experimental diets (P=0.05), so that basal diet and diet containing 30 % of mint pulp had the highest and lowest value, respectively.
Conclusion Considering the obtained data regarding the chemical compositions and gas production parameters, it is concluded that mint pulp and chicory pulp could be used as a part of forage portion in ruminant nutrition. More experiments are needed to study the inclusion of mint pulp and chicory pulp in diets of productive ruminants.
Introduction Sesame with the scientific name ‘Sesamum Indicum’ belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. Sesame seeds have high oil content (42-56%) and crude protein (20-25%), as well as a source of minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus,... more
Introduction Sesame with the scientific name ‘Sesamum Indicum’ belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. Sesame seeds have high oil content (42-56%) and crude protein (20-25%), as well as a source of minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. The main fatty acids in sesame include: linoleic acid (40.4 to 47.9%), oleic acid (35.9 to 42.3%), palmitic acid (7.9% to 12%) and stearic acid (6.1 to 4.8 %). Historically, the purpose of agricultural research has been focused on increasing production efficiency so that less emphasis has been on improving the profile of food products. Therefore, scientists and producers are interested in research and agricultural activities that can improve the nutritional profile of food products. Changes in animal nutrition can significantly increase the concentration of bioactive components (such as conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids) in animal products. The most effective strategy is to supplement ruminants with different oils or oils rich in linoleic acid or linolenic acid.
Materials and Methods In this study, 21 lambs with average initial weight of 30 ±3 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments including 0, 6 and 12% replacement of sesame meal with soybean meal with 7 replicates for 75 days (14 days adaptation). Experimental diets were adjusted using the SRNS transcription software (NRC 2007). Feed was given daily at 8 am and 4 pm. After slaughter of animals, samples of Longissimus dorsi muscle (ribs 12 and 13) were removed from the left carcass and after packaging to measure fatty acids in Freezer-20 ◦C was maintained. The fatty acid composition of sesame meal and muscle were measured. The internal marker was used to determine apparent digestibility of nutrients.
Results and Discussion Replacing sesame meal (SM) with soybean meal had no effect on nutrient digestibility and performance (p> 0.05). The effects of added dietary fat on performance of ruminants are reported to be varied. Such variability could be associated with differences between experiments in terms of composition of the basal diet (i.e., energy density and level of grain), level of fat inclusion, fat type and composition (i.e. contents of free and saturated fatty acids), and whether diets were formulated to be isoenergetic. The fact that the rations with fat supplements were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous may explain the absence of significant differences in animal performance. SM supplementation affected the composition of FA in meat of lamb. The SM addition decreased SFA (p<0.01), SFA: PUFA (p<0.01) and AI (p<0.01) while increased MUFA (p<0.001), PUFA (p<0.001), CLA and DFA (p<0.001). Palmitic acid (C16:0) reduced in SM treatment. Since C16 fatty acid has been introduced as a hypercholesterolemic FA, its reduction in meat and adipose tissue is beneficial to human health. Also, stearic acid (C18:0) (p<0.05) decreased. Endogenous synthesis of MUFA in adipose tissues involves a reduction of C16:0 and C18:0 FA catalyzed by the ∆9 –desaturase activity. It is reported that ∆9 –desaturase expression is influenced by polyphenolic compounds (46). Also, the increase in cis-9 C18:1 proportion in meat of lambs fed SM diets can be explained by the high dietary cis-9 C18:1 level in SM groups, probably combined with slow ruminal biohydrogenation. Oleic acid (cis-9 C18:1) with stearic acids (C18:0) and palmitic (C16:0) to be the most abundant. Palmitic acid increases while oleic acid decreases blood cholesterol, and stearic acid has no effect. The cis-9 C18:1 reduce human LDL-cholesterol and increase HDL-cholesterol concentrations in blood, which result in lower risk of coronary problems. CLA nutrition has been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic effects, as well as positive effects on serum lipids.
Conclusion The results of this study indicated that meat FA composition of lambs can be improved from a human health perspective by inclusion of SM, as a rich source of PUFA. Addition of SM up to 12 % in lambs diet, increased the proportion of CLA, MUFA, PUFA, MUFA: SFA and PUFA:SFA ratio and decreased SFA and AI in meat. However, further investigation is needed to optimize the level of SM incorporation in animal diet.
Introduction In recent years, the main policy in animal husbandry has been the use of livestock supplements with high production efficiency. To achieve this, in addition to using new and optimal nutrition methods, management can improve... more
Introduction  In recent years, the main policy in animal husbandry has been the use of livestock supplements with high production efficiency. To achieve this, in addition to using new and optimal nutrition methods, management can improve and accelerate efficiency-enhancing programs in livestock units by implementing various and appropriate methods and strategies. Due to the advances that have been made in the sheep and goat breeding industry, the need to use effective food additives to advance this goal and provide the nutrients needed for livestock has increased. On the other hand, rumen microbial population imbalances can play a major role in nutrient depletion. Several additives have been used to improve fermentation conditions in the rumen and increase the production of ruminant animals. These compounds include methane inhibitors, antibiotics, probiotics, growth factors and enzymes. The use of antibiotics in livestock has serious consequences such as bacterial resistance and intestinal disturbances. Therefore, the use of antibiotics is now limited in many countries and much effort is being made to find an alternative to antibiotics. Probiotics are live microbial feed supplements which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its microbial balance. A stable rumen environment is a key factor in achieving optimal milk production and animal health. Therefore, the use of additives that both reduce metabolic diseases in livestock and are useful in improving the microbial function of the rumen, is very necessary. Most of probiotic studies that were reported in the literatures used single or two strains probiotics rather that multi strains bacteria. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates which are not metabolized in the small intestine and fermented in large intestine. In this study, the effect of adding supplements on performance, blood metabolites and ruminal volatile fatty acids were investigated.
  Materials and methods Forty Baluchi male lambs were used in four completely randomized treatments for 90 days. Treatments included: control group (initial diet), probiotic group (initial diet + 0.5 gr probiotic), prebiotic group (initial diet + 2 gr prebiotic) and symbiotic group (initial diet + 0.5 gr Probiotic and 2 gr of prebiotic). The amount of feed consumed per sheep daily and weight gain was calculated and recorded during the whole period. In order to determine the concentration of some blood parameters, blood samples were taken from the cervical vertebrae at the end of the week. Blood samples were taken at nine o'clock in the morning (two hours after the morning meal) on weekdays. To measure the concentration of metabolites, plasma samples were melting at room temperature to determine the serum levels of serum cholesterol, glucose, albumin, triglyceride and total protein plasma from a biosorbent kit and an autoanalyzer (model A15, France). Sampling from ruminal fluid was done after four hours feeding in the morning and using an oral catheter on day 90 of the experiment. Measurement of skeletal parameters including chest circumference by placing a tape measure around the chest just behind the front legs and shoulder blade, body length (shoulder-to-shoulder position), height at the withers, height at the hip or height at the hips, and the distance between the two hip bones was determined using biometric calipers in the first and last weeks.
Results and discussion The results of this study showed that probiotic consumption had no significant effect on functional parameters of Baluch sheep including final weight, daily gain, feed intake and dietary intake. Plasma glucose concentration increased with increasing of probiotic content in the diets and there was a significant difference (P <0.05) with the control group, but this difference was not significant between supplemented probiotic diets and diets with significant prebiotic supplement. With the use of probiotic supplements in all groups of consumption, the pH of ruminal fluid of Baluchi sheep increased and there was a significant difference (P <0.05) with the control group. The concentration of acetate and ruminal propionate of sheep fed the probiotic supplement was higher than that of those who did not (P <0.05). Glucose and triglycerides, total plasma protein concentrations and plasma albumin were not affected by probiotic and prebiotic supplements in the diets and no significant differences were observed between diets.
  Conclusion In general, results of this experiment indicated that using probiotic and prebiotic supplements due to volatile fatty acids produced in this study improved ruminal fermentation, but supplementation could not have a significant effect on performance and skeletal growth indices in Baluchi sheep.
Introduction : Cereals are the main sources of calorie in poultry diets and corn is the most common cereal in poultry feed formulations; however, in some countries such as Iran, corn is mainly imported from other countries. In addition... more
Introduction : Cereals are the main  sources of calorie in poultry diets and corn is the most common cereal in poultry feed formulations; however, in some countries such as Iran, corn is mainly imported from other countries. In addition to import-associated problems, high volatility of corn price has recently resulted in a marked tendency between Iranian poultry producers to use other alternative grains in their formulations. Among the other cereals, wheat, rye, and barley are the most frequently used grains in poultry diets from which, barley is believed to be a great alternative for corn due to its high productivity and good compatibility to the climatic conditions of the country. Barley is one of the most abundant grains raised in various areas of Iran and could be included in the formulations instead of corn. However, the extreme variability in nutrient contents observed within and between different barley varieties makes it difficult to achieve a good nutrient balance in barley-containing diets. The energy content of feedstuffs is a topic of high importance for poultry nutritionists since birds regulate their feed intake based on dietary energy concentration. There are different methods to determine metabolizable energy (AME) content of feedstuffs including energy balance bioassay (excreta or ileal digesta-based methods), referring to the standard tables describing feedstuff compositions (NRC and FEEDSTUFF tables), indirect AME determination using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique and the use of multivariate prediction equations. Energy balance bioassay is the most reliable but time-consuming and expensive method while nutritionists need relatively simpler and faster methods for accurate feed AME estimation. On the other hand, contents of standard feed-describing tables are mean values obtained in a variety of previous studies performed under climatic conditions differing fairly from those of Iran. Most researchers agree that the values presented in the tables are not reliable and generalizable due to the extensive variability of feed types and varieties. During the last decades, various AME-predicting regression equations have been suggested for different feedstuffs but the data used for exploiting the equations have been obtained from animals and feeds genetically different from the modern commercial strains and varieties. Therefore, updating the equations using animals and feeds of today seems to be necessary. This study aimed at developing prediction equations for AME of the most producing Iranian barley varieties.
Materials and Methods: Three trials were conducted to develop regression predictive equations for apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of some of the most producing Iranian barley varieties in broiler chicken diets and to compare the outputs of the equations with the AMEn values estimated by infra-red spectrophotometry (NIRS) method as well as with the values published by the national research council (NRC, 1994). In the first experiment, 10 different barley varieties were analyzed for proximate composition. Then, in the second experiment, total tract AMEn values were determined for all of the barley varieties using 10 or 24-d-old broiler chickens and chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. Results of the two first trials were used to develop AMEn-predicting equations using SPSS software and "enter" procedure. To verify the accuracies of the predictive equations, the third trial was conducted using 400 broiler chicks in a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments with four replicates of 20 birds each. The AMEn content of the barley variety used in the third experiment was estimated according to the following five procedures: 1) The AMEn recommended by NRC (1994); 2) The AMEn predicted using the equation suggested by NRC (1994); 3) The AMEn values directly estimated in the balance trial (trial 2); 4) The AMEn values predicted by the equations developed in the 2nd trial; and 5) The AMEn estimated using NIRS method.
Results and Discussion: The equations obtained for 10 and 24-d-old broilers were: AMEn= 407.87*EE+27.27*NFE and AMEn= 271*EE + 33*NFE, respectively. The results showed that the AMEn values exploited from the equations developed in the energy balance assay produced the closest performance to that of the AMEn values estimated directly during the same trial.
Conclusion: According to our findings, predictive equations can be used for accurate estimating of barley AMEn value for broiler diets formulation. In addition, our results showed that the old AMEn values and AMEn-predicting equations published by NRC (1994) and FEEDSTUFF (2014) are not accurate at least for Iranian barley varieties evaluated in the present study.
Introduction : Cereal gains are important source of energy in livestock diet due to high amount of starch they store in their endosperm, but there is a paradox in grains nutrition in ruminants. Without processing, most of grains,... more
Introduction : Cereal gains are important source of energy in livestock diet due to high amount of starch they store in their endosperm, but there is a paradox in grains nutrition in ruminants. Without processing, most of grains, specially corn and sorghum, starch will not be effectively digested, but most of processing methods can increase starch degradability in rumen and therefore increase acidosis risk.  The dynamic of starch fermentation in rumen is an important indicator of nutritional value of cereal grain in ruminants nutrition. Due to reduced loss of methane and heat, available energy supply for the animal is greater when starch digested in the small intestine compared to starch fermented in either the rumen or large intestine. Several chemical and physical methods are commonly used for feed processing; however, chemical processing methods have been criticized recently because of toxic chemical remnants. Physical methods such as grinding, rolling, steam flacking and newly microwave irradiation are commonly used for grain processing. Among these, steam flacking and microwave irradiation have been considered as the most favorite methods for horse and ruminants. Steam flacking can increase starch availability and therefore the rate of degradation in rumen, but microwave irradiation has the reverse effect, so that overall degradability and digestibility of starch will be decreased. Yeasts have been used in human food processing for a long time, but recently it has been received considerable attention as a potential method of animal feed processing method. Every processing method will affect the extent and location of starch digestion in a different way, but for ruminant nutrition, the aim of all methods should be to optimize the place and amount of starch digestion in the different parts of digestive tract, so that both the rumen fermentation and intestinal digestion have optimum rate and host animal can achieve the most effective rumen microbial growth and also high glucose absorption in small intestine. None of processing methods can show such a combined effect itself. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of different combinations of physical and biological methods of processing on chemical composition and rumen degradability parameters of corn grain.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with six treatments, each with three replicates. Experimental treatments includes: 1) un-processing corn grain (control),  2) Steam-flaked corn grain, 3) yeast treated and then steam-flaked corn grain, 4) microwaved (850 W for 3 minutes) corn grain, 5) yeast treated and then microwaved corn grain 6) yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved corn grain. In order to treat with yeast, corn grains were mixed with solution of 4 percent yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in a 2:1 ratio and then incubated in 35°C for 24 h. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude fat were determined using AOAC standard methods, and NDF and ADF was determined. Dry matter degradability of samples was determined using nylon bag technique. Samples were placed in the polyester bags and incubated for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h in the rumen of three mature Dalagh rams. Degradability parameters were estimated using non-linear model and all data were finally analysed using SAS (9.1) statistical software.
Results and Discussion: Results of this experiment showed that type of processing method had significantly effects on chemical composition. Processing methods including microwave irradiation increased dry matter, organic matter, crud protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total digestible nutrients, and decreased the amounts of ether extract, non-fiber carbohydrates and neutral detergent soluble fraction of corn grain. treatment have no significant effect on dry matter degradability of corn grain, however, methods including yeast treatment especially the combination of yeast, flaking and microwave methods caused a non-significant reduction in the effective degradability and rapidly degradable fraction and also an increase in slowly degradable fraction of corn grain. Both of non-combined methods (steam flacking or microwave irradiation) caused a reduction in slowly degradable fraction of corn grain. The highest amounts of rapidly degradable fraction were also observed in these two treatments.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated a significant effect of different processing methods on chemical composition of corn grain and had considerable effects on rumen dry matter degradability. Based on these results, it can be concluded that wet or dry heat processing methods are not appropriate processing methods of corn grain for ruminants nutrition, whereas combination of yeast treatment with steam flacking and microwave irradiation can be considered as the most appropriate methods.
Introduction : Estrus synchronization is a valuable management tool that has been employed in enhancing reproductive efficiency in ewes. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation for fixed-time artificial insemination in sheep is mostly... more
Introduction : Estrus synchronization is a valuable management tool that has been employed in enhancing reproductive efficiency in ewes. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation for fixed-time artificial insemination in sheep is mostly based on the insertion of intravaginal devices containing either progesterone CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) inserts or progestagens (sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate (FGA) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP)). Intravaginal sponges are usually inserted over periods of 12 to 14 day and used together with eCG, particularly out of season, administered at the time of sponge withdrawal or 48 hours prior to sponge removal. It has now been indicated that shortening the duration of progesterone treatment with intravaginal instruments, while being effective in inducing estrus and ovulation, reduces the incidence of vaginal infections and consequently improves fertility. On the other hands, it has been reported that pregnancy rates of progestagen-synchronized ewes were lower during anestrus than during the breeding season. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performance of indigenous ewes in Khanmirza city with short-term and long-term estrous synchronization programs accompanied by eCG during breeding and anestrous season. Moreover, efficacy of estradiol injection instead of gonadotropin during short-term progesterone treatment was evaluated in both seasons.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed at two periods, during the breeding and the anestrus seasons on 2 different groups of 400 ewes. During each season, ewes (2 to 5 years of age and average body weight of 45±2.5 kg) were allocated to 4 groups of 100, in the way that each experimental group contained an equal number of ewes of a particular age. Experimental groups were: Control (without any synchronization program), Short term-estradiol group (ewes received 12 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 1mg estradiol benzoate at the time of sponge removal), Short term-eCG group (ewes received 12 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 400 IU eCG at the time of sponge removal) and Long term-eCG group (ewes received 14 days progesterone treatment and intramuscular injection of 400 IU eCG at the time of sponge removal). The progesterone treatment consisted on a vaginal sponge which contained 60 mg Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. Then, the ewes were placed in pens and one healthy ram was introduced for every 5 ewes, in order to detect heat and mating. Estrus signs were detected and recorded every hour for 5 days. The percentages of ewes that showed overt signs of estrus during a period of five days (estrus rate), estrus onset (the time elapsed between sponge removal and the first accepted mating) and pregnancy rate (The number of ewes without showing signs of estrous after 42 days of mating/total number of ewes×100) were recorded. Fecundity and prolificacy rate was calculated based on the number of lambs born. Lambs were monitored for 30 days after birth and deaths among them during this period were recorded against the ewes which were their mothers, and the survival rate was determined. The multiple birth rate was calculated by combining the twin and triplet birth rates.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that reducing the duration of treatment with progesterone sponge in both trial period (autumn and spring) led to a significant reduction in estrus rate (P ≤ 0.05), but had no significant effect on other reproductive parameters (P > 0.05). Regardless of the season, injection of estradiol instead of eCG on sponge removal day, while increasing the estrus rate of ewes, led to a sharp increase in the rate of return to estrus (P ≤ 0.05) and caused decreases in the percentage of pregnant ewes, percentage of parturition ewes and lambing rate (P ≥ 0.05). In the breeding season, the mortality rate of lambs born from progesterone-synchronized ewes decreased and fecundity increased numerically compared to the corresponding group in breeding season group. Lack of possible effect of the anestrus season during synchronization programs on estrous rate and fertility of ewes can be attributed to optimal nutritional conditions of ewes in this season.
Conclusion: Short term progesterone treatment (12 day) as well as injection of estradiol benzoate instead of eCG is not recommended to synchronize the estrous of ewes during both reproductive and anestrus seasons. In other words, short-term progesterone treatment (12 days) was not effective to synchronize estrus in breeding and anestrous sheep which can be attributed to follicular dynamics.
Introduction : Due to the high importance of egg shell quality in terms of hardness, extensive transportation with high volume of this product between different countries, the importance of shell quality in terms of protecting the... more
Introduction : Due to the high importance of egg shell quality in terms of hardness, extensive transportation with high volume of this product between different countries, the importance of shell quality in terms of protecting the internal content from extra-shell contamination and also one of the ways to improve traits, relying on The genetic structure of a trait is the application of genetic selection. Therefore, the aim this study is to use transcriptome data obtained from uterine tissue of two groups of laying hens with hard and weak eggshell, in each of the three stages of the calcification period (initiation, growth and termination). Gene expression profile was determined and differential expression of genes is analyzed so that different index genes can be expressed and their ontology can be studied to help the results. As a result, the genetic structure of the trait and the list of index genes have been regularly completed, and with the information obtained from the present study, the correct and practical genetic selection can be made in laying hen breeds.
Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression profile between two groups of chickens with hard and weak eggshells in three stages of calcification period (initiation, growth and termination), to identify significant index genes with different expression and analysis. Ontology and the paths involved are related to them. Therefore, in this study, transcripts (total mRNA sequences) of 18 samples of uterine tissue including three replicates in each stage of each group were prepared. The process of converting the initial format of readings was done using SRAtoolkit software, measuring the quality of readings with fastQC software, editing readings with Trimmomatic software and re-measuring the quality of readings after editing with fastQC software; Also, the alignment and mapping of the readings were done using Hisat2 software and format conversion and sorting of results was performed using Samtools software. Finally, the differential expression analysis of genes was performed using Cufflinks software package (Cufflink, Cuffmerge and Cuffdiff software) and Then, considering p-value <0.00025 and the criterion for comparing the value of differential gene expression, log2 (fold_change) less than -4 and greater than +4 were identified as the most significant genes with different and significant expression. Histogram of the results was performed using CummeRbund package in R software environment and ontological analysis was performed using DAVID and Ensembl databases.
Results and Discussion: According to the results of gene expression profile, 28833 genes were identified on the transcript of the samples. Finally, by analyzing the differential expression of genes, 1338 genes at the initiation stage, 81 genes at the growth stage and 190 genes at the termination stage were identified with significantly different expressions, that Considering log2(fold_change) > +4 and log2(fold_change) < -4, 51 genes at the initiation stage, two genes at the growth stage and four genes at the termination stage had different and significant expression. The largest difference in gene expression between the two groups at the initiation stage, ENSGALG0000000044418 gene with log2 (fold_change) equal to 8/63 and at the growth stage, ENSGALG0000000049618 gene with log2 (fold_change) equal to 6/82 and at the termination stage, ENSGALG0000000049618 gene with log2 (fold_change) equal to 5/14 was observed. Ontological analysis of index genes showed that they are mainly involved in protein binding activities (ENSGAL000000444418, NMRAL1, SLITRK4, CHL1, ENSGAL00000009041, PHACTR3 and CORIN genes), DNA transcription regulation (LHX1, TFAP2A, RUNX3, ETV1, NR4A3 and RUNX1 genes), immune response (ENSGAL0000000043996, TMEM117, AvBD9, GCNT3, ENSGAL00000046947 and ENSGAL00000051617 genes), fat metabolism (PNPLA3, NR4A3, CD36, FFAR4 and DGKB genes) and calcium ion binding (ANXA10, CAPN8, CDH18 and DGKB genes), respectively.
Conclusion: In the differential expression analysis of genes, considering log2 (fold_change) more than +4 and less than -4, in the initial stage, 51 genes, in the growth stage, two genes and in the termination stage, four genes were identified. The highest differences in gene expression between the two groups were observed in the initial stage, ENSGALG00000044418 and PDZK1IP1 genes, in the growth stage, ENSGALG00000049618, ENSGALG00000048945 and TMEM63C genes and in the termination stage, ENSGALG000000004400 and ENSG26 genes; The results of ontological analysis of index genes showed that they are mainly involved in protein binding, DNA transcription regulation, immune response, lipid metabolism and calcium ion binding, respectively
Introduction : Antibiotics have been routinely supplemented in diets of poultry to maintain their health, reduce stress, and enhance productivity. However, due to the development of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and the... more
Introduction : Antibiotics have been routinely supplemented in diets of poultry to maintain their health, reduce stress, and enhance productivity. However, due to the development of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and the possibility of these pathogens to be zoonotic, the use of various antibiotic products in livestock and poultry production is gradually being banned around the world. With the possibility of further ban in more regions of the world, research interest into alternatives to in-feed antibiotics has increased. One alternative to in-feed antibiotics that has gained research interest for use in poultry is yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Yeast in both probiotic (live) and prebiotic (dead) forms has been reported to provide several benefits to both healthy of animals, including poultry. The ability of yeast and its components to act as growth promoter could be associated with different mechanisms that it exhibits individually or synergistically. For instance, yeasts have been reported to favor the proliferation of beneficial microbes by serving as substrates for these microbes in the gut. These beneficial microbes, such as Lactobacillus, have been reported to improve gut health as well as exhibit growth-promoting effects in broiler chickens. Specifically, yeast cell wall that is extracted from whole yeast consists mainly of α-mannans and β-1–3-glucans, which are reported to prevent or eliminate bacterial infections.
Materials and Methods: In order to study various levels of autolyzed yeast (Privita) on performance, quality characteristics of egg, cecal microbiology and intestinal histomorphology of laying hens (Hy-line W-36) (64 weeks), an experiment was done with 192 birds for 10 weeks. Treatments were various levels of autolyzed yeast (control, 250 ml/1000l, 500 ml/1000l, and 750 ml/1000l) that conducted in completely randomized design with 8 replications. Egg production (EP) and egg weight (EW) were recorded daily and feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated weekly. Quality characteristics of eggs were evaluated 2 times per period. Iintestinal histomorphology was determined at the end of experiment. At the end of the study, one birds per replicate were killed by cervical dislocation and blood was drawn from the jugular vein. Serum was separated after centrifugation at 4500 g and 4°C for 10 min, and frozen at −20°C until further analysis was conducted for blood biochemical parameters. Serum samples were analysed for concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides using standard kits (Zist Shimi, Tehran, Iran) with an autoanalyser (Autolab PM 4000; Medical System, Rome, Italy). Then, caecal digesta (1 g) from each bird were aseptically transferred into 9 ml of sterile saline solution and serially diluted. Lactobacilli, Coliforms, and E.Coli were grown on Rogosa–Sharpe agar, MacConkey Agar, and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, respectively. Plates for Lactobacillus were incubated anaerobically for 48 h at 37 °C. Microbial populations for E. coli and Coliforms were counted after aerobic incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. All samples were plated in duplicate.
Results and Discussion: This study results showed that addition of autolyzed yeast could not change performance parameters. Yolk color was highest at 250 ml/1000l which had a significant difference with 750 ml/1000l (P <0.05). Addition of autolyzes yeast at levels of 500 and 750 ml/1000l significantly increased cecal Lactobacillus and decreased Coliforms of cecum (P < 0.05). Addition of autolyzed yeast at level of 750 ml/1000l significantly decreased cecal Ecoli compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). The possible reason for the observed response could be the ability of the yeast to maintenance of normal gut microflora as well as preventing the proliferation of pathogenic microbes. This action may partly contribute to increased nutrient digestibility, reduced competition for nutrients, increased nutrient utilization as well as absorption. Villus height of the e duodenum increased in layers fed on 750 ml/1000l compared to the birds fed 250 ml/1000l (P < 0.05). While crypt depth and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios of the duodenum in birds fed 750 ml/1000l compared to the birds 250 ml/1000l decreased and increased, respectively. Crypt depth of jejunum significantly decreased in birds fed highest level of autolyzed yeast compared to the other treatments.
Conclusion: Results of this experiment showed that supplementation of autholyzed yeast could not significant change in qualitative and quantitative parameters. But, levels of 500 and 750 ml/1000l autholyzed yeast increased cecal microbial of Lactobacillus and decreased Coliform and the level of 750 ml/1000l decreased Ecoli of cecum and increased villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios of the duodenum.
Introduction : Today, livestock and poultry health in an advanced production system is a major challenge affecting human health and the global economy. Antibiotics have been used in poultry nutrition for many years. Chickens are raised... more
Introduction : Today, livestock and poultry health in an advanced production system is a major challenge affecting human health and the global economy. Antibiotics have been used in poultry nutrition for many years. Chickens are raised with the assistance of the regular use of antibiotics, not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases but, also, for body growth. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals are contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. In recent years, as a result of increasing concerns about the possibility of developing antibiotic-resistant strains, as well as the fact that they remain in animal tissues and eventually ban their use, the use of compounds such as organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, etc. as safe alternatives have been widely considered in poultry nutrition. Organic acids are a good alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets. These are improving the immune system of broilers by acidifying the gastrointestinal tract and improving the intestinal microflora. Organic acids cross the bacterial membrane; inside the bacterial cell, it produces hydrogen ions and bicarbonate, which eventually increases the acidity. Therefore, they force the bacteria to consume energy in order to keep the acidity constant, which leads to their death. Coating of organic acids prevents its dissociation and digestion in the stomach so that the biological effect of organic acids reaches the distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract and is effective in intestinal microflora and mucosal morphology. This study was performed to investigate the effect of encapsulated organic acids on microbial population, intestinal acidity, blood indices, nutrient digestibility, and viscosity of digestive contents, carcass characteristics and performance of broilers.
Material and Methods: 150 male broiler chickens of Ross 308 commercial strain as one-day-old were allocated in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 3 replications and 10 chickens per replicate. Experimental treatments included: 1. Basal diet 2. Basal diet + commercial Organic acid 3. Basal diet + Non-encapsulated organic acid 4. Basal diet + Encapsulated organic acid 5. Basal diet + encapsulated organic acid + Non-encapsulated organic acid. On day 42 of the experiment, one chickens from each experimental unit, which were close to the weight average of that unit, were selected and blood samples were taken from their wing veins. AT 42d, from each replication, a chick with the same weight as the average weight of the experimental unit was taken and their live weight was recorded and slaughtered. Also, from each replication, a chick with a weight similar to the average weight of the experimental unit was selected and their live weight was recorded and slaughtered. Then, different parts of the carcass were weighed by peeling and emptying the viscera. In order to evaluate the microbial population of the intestines of the tested broilers, at the age of 42 days, one chick from each experimental unit was selected with conditions close to the weight average of the relevant unit and after weighing, it was slaughtered. The microbial population of Lactobacillus and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were studied.The data were statistically analyzed by statistical software using GLM procedure. The means were compared by Duncan method at the significance level of 0.05%.
Results and Discussion: The result showed that in growth cycle, weight gain during the growth period and the whole period in the treatments containing encapsulated organic acid showed improvement and a significant difference with the control treatment. The addition of organic acids to the diet during the growth period reduced the conversion coefficient compared to the control group. Feed intake in the treatments containing capsular organic acid showed a significant decrease compare to the control group. The acidity of the duodenum and jejunum showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. The addition of encapsulated organic acids significantly reduced the total number of coliforms in the ileum and duodenum and increased the number of lactobacilli in the ileum. Also, experimental treatments increased the apparent digestibility of crude fat compared to the control group. The weight of the lymph nodes (bursa and spleen) also showed a significant increase under the influence of organic acids.
Conclusion: The results of current experimental study showed that the usage of encapsulated organic acids in broiler chicken diets, reduces the acidity of the digestive tract, reduces the intestinal microbial contamination, creates favorable conditions in the digestive system, improves digestibility of the nutrients, and performance of the bird's growing birds.
Introduction : Maternal stimuli, such as nutrition, result in developmental adaptations by the fetus which changes physiology and metabolism of offspring. In ewe energy level and source during gestation have been shown to impact lamb... more
Introduction : Maternal stimuli, such as nutrition, result in developmental adaptations by the fetus which changes physiology and metabolism of offspring. In ewe energy level and source during gestation have been shown to impact lamb performance. Supplementation of fatty acids during gestation has been shown to affect offspring in dairy cattle and sheep. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are particularly bioactive and can alter physiology and metabolism by increasing the transcription of lipolytic genes and decreasing the transcription of lipogenic genes, potentially increasing the utilization of fatty acids for energy, which yields more energy than other metabolizable nutrients. The bioactive properties of EPA and DHA allow them to affect offspring development through changes in metabolism in non-ruminant species. Therefore, we hypothesized that supplementation of EPA and DHA will alter metabolism of pregnant ewes, which in turn will modulate growth and metabolism of the offspring.
Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals that are responsible for causing more than 100 diseases. Among the most important natural antioxidants are retinol (vitamin A), carotenoids, tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid, butyric acid, EPA and DHA. Long-chain unsaturated fatty acids have high antioxidant power, as it is reported that EPA and DHA have the same antioxidant capacity as vitamins. It has also been reported that supplementation of EPA, DHA in the diet of dairy cows has increased the concentration of antioxidants in milk.
Materials and Methods: 45 ewes were selected while were in the last two months of pregnancy and randomly assigned to three treatments, including control (first treatment) second treatment which received EPA and DHA supplement and third treatment received a basal diet with one percent calcium fat supplement. Plasma samples were collected to measure glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and antioxidants. The amount of milk production and milk composition were also determined.
Results and Discussion: There was a significant difference in birth weight between different treatments. In a study conducted on dairy cows in the last weeks of gestation with long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, the birth weight of calves born on long-chain unsaturated fatty acid supplementation was significantly different compared to other treatments. In another study, the birth weight of lambs whose mothers received fat supplement was not significantly different from the control group. Plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate were significantly different between treatments. Supplementation of ewes in the last two months of pregnancy with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid fatty acids increased glucose and decreased non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate compared to other treatments, which releases fatty acids from the tissue to reduce energy balance to provide the energy needed for breastfeeding. In a study it was found that addition of trans fats to the diets of pregnant cows reduced glucose levels and increased NEFA, possibly due to increased circulating fat. There was no significant difference in the amount of blood metabolites such as triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein and urea between treatments.
Milk production in 3 hours showed a significant difference between treatments, as EPA and DHA supplemented group produced more milk than other groups, which can be attributed to the higher amount of blood glucose in this treatment. Experimental diets had no effect on the amount of protein, fat and total SNF of milk. It was also observed that consumption of 18 mg per kg metabolic body weight during pregnancy did not show any change in milk parameter.
The use of EPA and DHA supplements in the diet of pregnant ewes increased the total antioxidant capacity of milk and colostrum. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the effect of free radicals. In this way, omega-3 fatty acids may increase the level of catalase in the peroxisomes and cytoplasm and, thus, improve the defense against free radicals.
Conclusion: The use of EPA and DHA supplementation in pregnant ewes caused significant changes in the birth weight of lambs, milk production and the amount of antioxidant production in milk and colostrum. It also altered glucose, non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate in the plasma metabolite on lambing in ewes.
Introduction : Intestinal function in nutrient uptake depends on its morphology, and any change in villi structure, as well as changes in the differentiation and development of absorbent cells, can alter digestion and absorption capacity... more
Introduction : Intestinal function in nutrient uptake depends on its morphology, and any change in villi structure, as well as changes in the differentiation and development of absorbent cells, can alter digestion and absorption capacity and thus function. Increasing the height and surface of Villus in the gastrointestinal tract of animals consuming high concentrates increases the absorption capacity and in turn, protects the animal from the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and a noticeable decrease in pH. In fact, it helps the lining of the gastrointestinal tract absorb volatile fatty acids faster and stabilize the pH. High starch in diets, followed by a decrease in pH, affects the morphology of the rumen and intestine. Any change in this morphology may predispose the intestines to dysfunction. Megasphaera elsdenii prevents a sharp decrease in ruminal pH due to lactic acid accumulation by consuming lactic acid, and in cases of subacute acidosis by converting lactic acid to propionic acid may provide an opportunity to reduce inflammation and improve energy balance in livestock. Saccharomyces cerevisiae also contributes to the growth and activity of cellulose-degrading bacteria, lactate consuming bacteria, and rumen protozoa and the concomitant use of lactate consuming bacteria with Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been confirmed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical and microbial buffer additives on histomorphometry and histopathology of the small intestine and large intestine during high concentrate feeding.
Materials and Methods: Twelve Arabi male sheep at 9 ± 1 months old and initial body weight of 35.95±3.55 kg were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates, and the duration of the experiment was 35 days. The experimental treatments consisted of a 1- control diet, 2- control diet + sodium bicarbonate buffer, 3- control diet + Megasphaera elsdenii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bacterial-yeast), which fed ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, the lambs were slaughtered and the small and large intestines were sampled for histomorphometry and histopathology studies. Each sample was placed separately in closed-sealed containers containing 10% formalin, and tissue changes were examined microscopically.
Results and Discussion: No significant difference was observed between the experimental treatments for the tissue indices studied in the duodenum and jejunum. However, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the bacterium-yeast recipient treatment was numerically higher than other treatments. In ileum section, villi height, crypt depth and villi area in control treatment 653.33; 506.67; 258.42 compared to buffer treatment 430.00; 328.33; 161.40 and treatment containing bacterial-yeast 445.00; 365.00; 178.04 respectively were significantly higher (P <0.05). In the present experiment, due to the consumption of a diet with high concentrate and possibly increased production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and their transfer to later parts of the gastrointestinal tract, increased villi height, crypt depth, and villi area in different parts Intestine was observed especially in control treatment; In fact, one of the reasons for increasing the villi height and Villus surface in acidosis, is increased the absorption capacity of volatile fatty acids and help maintain pH of the rumen, Therefore, reducing these indices in chemical buffer and bacterial-yeast treatments can be the result of the positive effects of buffer and microbial additives such as improving the pH of ruminal fluid transferred to different parts of the intestine, as a result of increased activity of cellulolytic bacteria and more acetate production, which has caused relative control of acidosis in the control treatment. Improving the Villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum in treatments receiving chemical or microbial additives can be considered as positive results of using pH-adjusting additives in the present experiment. In different parts of the small intestine, in all three treatments, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa was observed in the form of infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, plasma cells with different degrees of eosinophils. In the large intestine in the control treatment, hyperemia, the infiltration of inflammatory cells of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils in small numbers in Lamina propria and labyrinth of Lieberkohen glands as well as necrosis of the villi was observed. In general, changes in intestinal tissues are to counteract the inflammation caused by acidosis.
Conclusion: In general, although the use of chemical buffering or microbial additives had a positive effect on the histomorphometry of the ileum, but did not have a positive effect on the histopathology of the small and large intestine. It is suggested that the present experiment be examined in the early stages of livestock growth when the microbial flora is not fully established.
Introduction : Over the last half century, the shortage of animal feed in many parts of the world, including Iran, has increased the feed costs of animal husbandry and it also has affected revenues from the production of livestock... more
Introduction : Over the last half century, the shortage of animal feed in many parts of the world, including Iran, has increased the feed costs of animal husbandry and it also has affected revenues from the production of livestock products. Therefore, any improvement in nutritional management and increasing the feed use efficiency in this sector will increase productivity and production. Adding water to ruminant diets is inexpensive physical processing method that has had a positive effect on efficiency of ruminant production. Traditionally, adding water to total mixed diets has been a useful management practice to reduce feed selection behavior by livestock. It has been shown that adding water to the feed of adult cows (decreasing dietary dry matter (DM) from 81% to 64%) reduced the choice of fine components over long particles and also to reduce the preferential consumption of concentrate components (Leonardi et al., 2005). Recent studies have shown that adding water to the starter diet of suckling calves up to 25% during the winter has improved their growth performance (Beiranvand et al., 2018). These positive responses are probably due to the increased adhesion of feed particles, which has led to a reduction of diet dust, condensation of fine particles and increased palatability and consumption.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in animal house and laboratories of Lorestan University. Twenty-eight Lori male-fattening lambs with120 ± 6 days old and 33.4 ± 3.4 kg of live weight were used in completely randomized design experiment with 4 treatments and 7 lambs per treatment. Dietary treatments in which water was used at levels 10 (control), 20, 30 and 40 % were fed to the lambs for 56 days. Blood and ruminal samples were taken from all of lambs at day 45 and 50 respectively 3 h after morning feeding. A completely randomised design was used to determine the effect of different levels of water on the measured traits. All data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS. Linear (L) and quadratic (Q) contrast statements were included in the model to test the effect of increasing amounts of water. Differences among means were tested using Duncan method.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that increasing the level of dietary moisture up to 30% linearly increased (P<0.05) ruminal ammonia-N, propionate and total VFA concentration, while pH and concentration of other individual VFAs were unchanged among dietary treatments (P>0.05). Increasing the level of dietary moisture up to 30% linearly increased (P<0.05) activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and ɑ-amylase, while activity of microcrystalline cellulase and filter paper degrading activity and blood metabolites (including glucose, total protein and blood urea nitrogen) were similar among treatments (P>0.05). Intake of dry matter (DM) and average daily gain increased linealrly (P<0.05) with elevating dietary water level up to 30%, while NDF and ADF intake and final body weight and feed conversion ratio was unchanged by the level of dietary moisture (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Results of present study showed that adding water to the total mixed ration of fattening lambs up to 30% improved ruminal parameters, feed intake and growth performance.
Introduction : The use of radiation has become a way of life in most countries around the globe. The utilization of nuclear techniques in the area of agriculture, defense, and power generation has increased over the last few decades.... more
Introduction : The use of radiation has become a way of life in most countries around the globe. The utilization of nuclear techniques in the area of agriculture, defense, and power generation has increased over the last few decades. Radiation technology is widely used to produce changes in product characteristics leading to the development of new products. Radiation-mediated morphological, structural and/or functional changes in a plant are governed by the intensity and duration of the gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation was found to increase plant productivity. Gamma rays represent one of the important physical agents used to improve the characters and productivity of many plants (e.g. rice, maize, bean, cowpea, and potato). Gamma irradiation also has been found to be very useful for both sterilization and for the preservation of food and cereal grain in nutrition and agriculture. Gamma rays were also found to cause modulation in protein patterns by inducing the appearance and/or disappearance of some protein bands. It has been shown that large DNA strands were broken into small strands at low irradiation doses but small and large DNA strands were broken at higher irradiation doses. Also it has reported that germination of seeds can be influenced in both positive and negative directions by gamma radiation exposure as a result of mutation inductions depending on cellular abnormalities or stimulatory modifications triggered by radiation doses. In several studies, lethal and stimulatory effects of gamma irradiation on germination percentage, emergence, and survival of seedlings of different plant species have been reported. The present work has been intended to investigate the response of corn seeds exposed to gamma irradiation (25 Gys) in terms of the nutritional performance of its forage and silage compared with control non-exposed seeds.
Materials and Methods: Corn seeds were obtained from the Vegetable Crop Seed Production and Technology section, Ghezlagh Farm, College of Abouraihan, university of Tehran, Iran. Four kg corn seeds (single cross 704) were divided into 2 groups. The first group did not have any treatment to serve as a control, while the second group was irradiated with Gamma rays (25 Gray) using Gamma cell – cobalt- 60 instruction and with the rate of 0.55 Gr/ min at the Nuclear Agricultural Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Karaj, Iran. Field experiments were conducted during the summer seasons at Ghezlal farm Research Station located at the southwest of Tehran province, Varamin, to study the effect of gamma irradiation (25 Gray) on the performance of corn forage and silage. After irradiation, control and irradiated seeds were cultivated in 2000 m2. Agricultural practices such as: irrigation, weeding, fertilization, and pest control were carried out as recommended. Samples of corn plants were obtained at the late stage of growth and amounts of proline, soluble carbohydrate, and protein were determined. Performance chrematistics of experimental groups were also recorded. After harvesting, the corn forage was chopped and transferred to an experimental silo made of polyethylene pipe. DM, ash, CP, NDF, and ADF of experimental silages were determined according to standards procedures. The pH of silage also was determined using pH meters. For the determination of gas production parameters, 200 mg of dry samples were incubated at gas production environment and the amount and rate of gas production were recorded at a different time of incubation (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h). Using gas production parameters, the amount of OM digestibility, ME, NEL, and SCFA were also determined. Data were analyzed using the t-student test of SAS software (ver. 9.1). Duncan’s multiple range test was used to detect statistical significance between treatments using a significance level of 0.05.
Results and discussion: Irradiation of corn seeds increased corn performance (wet and dry weight of seed and forage), amount of soluble carbohydrates and protein, and concentration of proline (P<0.05). The exposed treatment showed the highest increase in seed weight, seed number, and weight of 1000 seeds as compared to the control (P < 0.05). Amount of gas, and b and c fractions of gas production, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolizable (ME) and net energy for lactation (NEL), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were higher for treated corn forage and silage compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, exposed corn silage had a lower level of pH and higher amount of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) than control (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that exposing irradiation of corn seeds to 25 gray gamma-ray improves fermentation parameters and nutrition values of corn forage and silage.
Introduction : Stall-fed lambs, which account for the bulk of mutton production, are one of the main sources of red meat supply in the country. In order to achieve optimal and economical production, sheep breeders must take into account... more
Introduction : Stall-fed lambs, which account for the bulk of mutton production, are one of the main sources of red meat supply in the country. In order to achieve optimal and economical production, sheep breeders must take into account the nutritional needs, food quality and dietary intake time in the diet plan of livestock. However, due to the shortage of forage and pastures in Iran, stockbreeders are forced to include more concentrate in the animals’ diet, while trying to carefully observe the concentrate proportions as well as the necessary points associated with concentrate feeding. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to evaluate the effects of alfalfa removal and reducing forage on the profitability of Afshari fattening lambs.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effects of reducing the amount of forage and also removing alfalfa on performance of Afshari breeding lambs, based on a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design, was done on 36 Afshari male lambs, with a mean live weight of 32.53 ± 1.9 kg and a mean age of 93 ± 6.63 days for 90 days. Experimental diets included: 1) 80 Percentage concentrate and 20 Percentage forage (10 Percentage wheat straw and 10 Percentage dry alfalfa), 2) 80 Percentage concentrate and 20 Percentage forage (20 Percentage wheat straw, 0 Percentage dry alfalfa), 3) 90 Percentage concentrate and 10 Percentage forage (5 Percentage wheat straw and 5 Percentage dry alfalfa), and 4) 90 Percentage concentrate and 10 Percentage forage (10 Percentage wheat straw and 0 Percentage dry alfalfa). Experimental diets were adjusted according to NRC (2007) standard diet tables and the constituents of the diets and their nutritional value were similar. The data were analyzed using SPSS21.
Results and Discussion: The chemical composition of diets was changed with altering of the forage to concentrate ratio, and with increasing the concentrate in the diet, the amount of NFC increased and the percentage of NDF decreased. Increasing the concentrate and removing of alfalfa increased feed intake and daily weight gain throughout the period (P <0.05). Increasing of feed consumption seeks higher concentrate intake is due to faster consumption by animal compared to forage intake. On the other hand, the retention time of the concentrate in the abdominal area is less than the fodder. Therefore, the effect of filling after using of forage, limits the consumption of feed. Result indicated no significant differences in digestibility and feed conversion ratio between experimental treatments. The results of this study showed that the dry matter consumption and daily weight gain for treatment four was significantly higher than other treatments. The fourth treatment had a numerically lower food conversion coefficient (6.1) compared to the other three treatments. Accordingly, increasing the concentrate and removing of alfalfa has caused a significant increase in weight throughout the period. Regarding the interaction effects of concentrate and forage on daily weight gain, it also was shown that the most of the daily weight gain obtained followed by increasing of the concentrate level and then the removal of alfalfa. The most important factor affecting daily weight gain is feed consumption. Regarding to the effect of alfalfa reduction on feed intake, it can be stated that by reducing alfalfa, despite not reducing dietary fiber (treatments two and four), other dietary nutrients supplied through alfalfa were supplied through concentrate, which itself increased the digestibility of the ration. The feed conversion ratio of the four treatments was in the same range. The results of economic comparison showed that lambs fed with 90% concentrate, 10% wheat straw and 0% alfalfa had higher yields compared to other groups.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that with increasing the percentage of concentrate and removal of alfalfa from the feed, feed intake increases accordingly. Concentrate is palatable and contains more energy and nutrients than forage. Therefore, lambs fed with diets containing higher concentrate levels and no alfalfa experienced faster growth and higher growth efficiency and produced heavier carcasses. Thanks to this diet, stock breeders can save feeding and breeding costs during seasons when feed is more expensive or insufficient. According to the results, diets containing 90% concentrate, 10% wheat straw and no alfalfa can be suggested for optimal yield in stall-fed lambs.
Introduction : The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of adding Oregano L.onites and Althaea offieinalis essential oil into milk on performance, some blood parameters, skeletal growth, and metabolic responses of... more
Introduction : The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of adding Oregano L.onites and Althaea offieinalis essential oil into milk on performance, some blood parameters, skeletal growth, and metabolic responses of Holstein dairy calves. Higher milk consumption improves growth performance due to the increase in nutrients available to calves. In this experiment, it is assumed that high consumption of milk with better availability of nutrients and plant essential oils by eliminating pathogens and stabilizing the natural flora of the gastrointestinal tract improves calf function, reduces diarrhea and adequate growth during weaning.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Holstein dairy calves (30 females and 30 males; 7 days) with 42 ± 8 kg of average birth weight were used in a Factorial design (2 × 3) in which calves were randomly assigned to one of six different dietary treatments including 1) 6 L/d milk control without inclusion of any essential oil supplementation, 2) 6 L/d milk with Oregano L.onites essential oil, 3) 6 L/d milk with Althaea offieinalis essential oil, 4) 9 L/d milk control without inclusion of any essential oil supplementation, 5) 9 L/d milk with Oregano L.onites essential oil and 6) 9 L/d milk with Althaea offieinalis essential oil. Calves were individually housed and bedded with straw that was replaced every day. Feed and water were available ad libitum throughout the experiment. Calves were fed colostrum for 3 days and then fed high levels milk with 10% and 20% of their birth weight until 70 days of age. The rations were iso-energetic. Ruminal fluid samples were collected by esophagus tube after morning feeding at the end of study. Starter intake was recorded individually and daily. The amount of feed consumed daily was calculated throughout the experiment from the difference between the feed poured and the remaining feed. The experimental data were analyzed under the SAS 9.1 statistical program with general linear models (GLM). Comparisons of mean was done using Duncan test at a significance level of 5%.
Results and Discussion: In this study results showed that starter intake was affected by the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). Diet containing Oregano L.onites essential oil reduced feed intake in the period 56 to 70 and in the whole period with using 6 liters of milk (p < 0.05). Dry matter intake (feed dry matter with milk dry matter) in the period of 7 to 56, 56 to 70 days and in the whole period between the group receiving 6 liters and 9 liters of milk was not shown significant difference. Calves consuming 9 L/d milk in control group without inclusion of any essential oil supplementation had higher daily weight gain than other treatments (p < 0.05). The results indicated that calves fed milk without any additives had a higher feed efficiency (p < 0.05). Consuming 9 L/d milk in control group without inclusion of any essential oil supplementation had higher skeletal growth than other treatments (p < 0.05). Hip width, heart girth, body barrel and wither height were affected by the addition of essential oils supplementation (p> 0.05). Rumen parameters were not affected by essential oils (p > 0.05). Ruminal pH value was affected by the experimental treatments and in group of 6 L/d milk with Oregano L.onites essential oil had higher than other treatments (p < 0.05). Addition of Oregano L.onites essential oils to milk of Holstein calves had no detectable effect on the mean concentration of glucose, albumin, urea, aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase (p > 0.05). The results showed that Feed behavior was affected by the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). Calves consuming Oregano L.onites essential oil supplementation had lowest ruminant and feed consume than other treatments (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the addition of plant essential oils, especially oregano essential oil in high amounts of milk of Holstein calves did not lead to increased feed intake, weight gain and increased skeletal growth compared to the control group. However, the effect of oregano essential oil on feed efficiency was significant. Therefore, increasing the quantitative and qualitative growth of calves per unit time and expressing their genetic predisposition by using plant essential oils as done in this study did not lead to better performance of Holstein calves. In contrast, increasing the amount of milk consumed in infant Holstein calves improved growth performance, although the feed efficiency of the 9-liter milk group was lower than the 6-liter milk group.
Introduction To characterize the affection of tempo and temperature with chill and without chill, as storeroom status for fecund eggs formerly to their incubation, you have to resort to a series of processes. What starts as a fertile egg... more
Introduction  To characterize the affection of tempo and temperature with chill and without chill, as storeroom status for fecund eggs formerly to their incubation, you have to resort to a series of processes. What starts as a fertile egg on the breeder farm must end up being a healthy chick on the broiler farm. After the hen lays the egg, its quality can only worsen, it will never be the same, so we must pay attention to the transit between the laying of the hatching egg and the start of the incubation. Most of the causes that can influence the variability of hatchability or quality losses of the chick are caused by inadequate management of the egg handling processes before being hatched.  Inadequate temperature and humidity control generally produce poor results. Inadequate control means that the temperature or humidity is too high or too low for long enough to interfere with the normal growth and development of the embryo. Poor results are also given due to inadequate ventilation, the inappropriate egg turns, and poor sanitation of machines or eggs. Obtain the best hatching by maintaining the temperature at 37.7 ◦C throughout the incubation period when using a forced-air incubator. Minor temperature fluctuations (less than ½ degree) above or below 37.7 ◦C are tolerated but do not allow temperatures to vary more than one degree. Prolonged periods of high or low temperatures will alter hatching success. High temperatures are especially dangerous. A forced-air incubator that is too hot tends to hatch early. One that is kept constantly cold tends to produce late hatching. In both cases the number of chicks that hatch will be reduced. Keep the air incubator still at 38.8 ◦C to compensate for temperature stratification within the incubator. Obtain the proper temperature reading by raising the thermometer bulb to the same height as the top of the eggs, when the eggs are placed horizontally.  If the eggs are placed upright, raise the thermometer bulb to a point that is 0.6 to 1.2 cm and below the top of the eggs. Temperature is measured at the level where the embryos develop (at the top of the egg). Do not allow the thermometer bulb to touch the eggs or the incubator.
Materials and Methods A total of 720 eggs were taken at accidental from one-day operation. . There were also questions about the health and management of laying hens, including nutrition, disease and vaccination. In Ilam province, there is no hatchery and laying hen factory for hatching purposes. Behind having been chosen by their exterior characteristic and weight, the eggs were divided into 2 cures, previously the storeroom: In each cure, there were organized three groups of 120 eggs each, with 4, 7 and 10 days of storeroom respectively.
Results and Discussion The biological control took away: 1st inspection, at 6 days and 2nd inspection at 11 days (embryonic fatality, embryos with patulous, allantoides and embryos with shut allantoides) incubation ultimate, consequences. The consequences exhibit, that as for the embryonic fatality, the best conduct was made at the 4 days of the storeroom with the chill. The higher values communicated, to 10 days of storeroom without the chill. The best consequences for the prime category, chicks and whole born were in group one. Improper management in the use of incubators was another factor that contributed to the decline in the birth of first-class chicks. These defects in the work management of the incubator reflected high mortality between the ages of five and 18 days. In this case, as shown in table (3), fetal mortality rates on the 11th day were significantly lower and no significant differences were observed between them.
Conclusion It was concluded that storeroom without chill during 4 days touch to 5.5% the prime category, chicks taking. The eggs storeroom during 7 and 10 days without chill borne victims for the significance of embryonic fatality, of 20.5% and 75.8% respectively. Keeping fertilized eggs at normal room temperature during the first four days that caused fetal mortality in the first stage of incubation was up to five and a half percent effective in obtaining first-class chicks. We can use various techniques to make a “clean” egg look like, but what we do is risk making things worse. Sandpaper, sponges, damp cloths are used on farms to make them look clean but quickly contaminated. So we just make them look clean In addition to contaminating them, we cover pores, making the incubation process more difficult for the embryo. Laying or dirty eggs that are washed present hatch rates of up to 20% less than those that are clean and up to 7 times more chick mortality at the end of the first week.
Introduction The main aim of dairy farms is to increase the economic milk production of each cow in each lactation period. Therefore, the effective genetic and environmental factors should be identified and evaluated. Today, the main... more
Introduction  The main aim of dairy farms is to increase the economic milk production of each cow in each lactation period. Therefore, the effective genetic and environmental factors should be identified and evaluated. Today, the main cause of economic losses to dairy herds is low reproductive efficiency. Any factor that causes delay or non-pregnancy of dairy cows leads to reduced milk production and calf birth. Stress is known as a major factor in reducing of fertility of dairy farms. Therefore, it is necessary to find management solutions that can reduce the side effects of this factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of insemination in pre- and post-milking time on pregnancy rate of Holstein Cows in Isfahan province.

Materials and Methods This research was conducted in the winter season between 2015 and 2020 in two large industrial herds in Isfahan. 2340 Holstein cows with 1 to 5 lactations were studied. The cows were randomly divided into two equal groups. According to the time of estrus observation and calculation of insemination time, half of the cows (1170 heads) were inseminated during 2 hours after milking and the other half during 2 hours before milking. Statistical analyzes were done using SAS software version 9.4. Descriptive statistics were estimated for enumerated data with frequency procedure (Proc FREQ) and for continuous data with mean procedure (Proc MEANS). Logistic regression method (Proc GLIMMIX) was used to analyze the results of insemination (1 = lead to pregnancy and 0 = no lead to pregnancy). The final model was including the fix effects of herd-year-season, insemination time compared to milking (pre- and post-milking), age at insemination time (2 levels including less equal and more than 40 months), MIM (nine levels), interaction effect of insemination time and age, interaction effect of insemination time and milk yield level (low and high producing) and the random effect of semen as bulls.

Results and Discussion Odds of pregnancy of inseminated cows in the post-milking time was more than inseminated cows in the pre-milking time (1.5 times). Also, in the group of high producing cows (with a milk average yield of more than 51 kg) and low aging cows group (less equal 40 months), the odds ratio of pregnancy of post-milking insemination was estimated higher than pre-milking insemination (1.6 and 1.85, respectively). Comparison of least squares mean (LS Means) of pregnancy rate in cows based on the time of insemination showed that in generally there is a 0.09 pregnancy difference between insemination time in pre- and post-milking. The mean of pregnancy rate in pre- and post-milking insemination was 0.31 and 0.40, respectively. Due to be significant of the odds ratio in the group of high producing cows (with a milk average yield of more than 51 kg), comparison of least squares mean of pregnancy rate in insemination times showed a difference of 0.1 in this group. The mean of pregnancy rate of high producing cows in pre- and post-milking insemination was 0.30 and 0.40, respectively. Also, due to be significant of the odds ratio in the group of low aging cows (less than equal to 40 months), the difference of least squares mean of pregnancy rate at insemination times was estimated 0.15. In other words, the mean of pregnancy rate of low aging cows in pre- and post-milking insemination was 0.34 and 0.49, respectively. For low producing (less than 51 kg) and high aging cows (more than 40 months), although the mean of pregnancy rate at insemination time of post-milking was numerically higher than pre-milking, no significant difference was observed. Although there is a little information for the physiological factors of higher pregnancy in cows that have been inseminated in post-milking, it seems that reducing stress and consequently lower cortisol concentrations due to discharging milk of udder can be an effective factor.

Conclusion The results of this study showed that the time of insemination based on milking time makes a significant difference in the pregnancy rate of Holstein cows. It was also found that high producing cows with a milk average yield of more than 51 kg and low aging cows with age of less than equal to 40 months had the maximum chance of pregnancy at the time of insemination of post-milking due to reduced effect of milking stress at insemination time. Although the physiological reasons need to be carefully investigated, the findings of this study can be recommended as a suitable solution for insemination of low aging and high producing cows to increase herd fertility.
Introduction Rooster’s reproductive performance is an indispensable component of breeder production because it plays a vital role in the maximum production of fertilized eggs. Existence feed supplement in the poultry industry,... more
Introduction  Rooster’s reproductive performance is an indispensable component of breeder production because it plays a vital role in the maximum production of fertilized eggs. Existence feed supplement in the poultry industry, intermediary metabolites have been including in the diet to improve fertility and reproductive outcomes. Carnitine (β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyrate), vitamin-like-amino acid, is a quaternary ammonium compound, that has multifunctional roles in reproduction. High concentrations of L-carnitine (LC) are present in epididymal lumen, where it participates in sperm energy balance and the maturation of spermatozoa. In light of previously reported breeder birds supplemented with dietary LC have shown improvements in semen traits and fertility parameters. The present study is an attempt to investigate the effects of several levels of dietary LC supplementation on semen quality parameters and gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes at maturity and production peak.
Materials and Methods For the present experiment, thirty-six Ross (12-week-old) breeder broilers were used for 22 weeks in a completely randomized design with three treatments (0, 250 and 500 mg L-carnitine in kg of diet) and twelve replications. All roosters were fed standard isocaloric (2754 kcal/kg) and isonitrogenous diet (12 % protein). The birds for 22 weeks in a completely randomized design with three treatments (0, 250 and 500 mg / kg of LC in the diet) and six replications were used. During the adaptation period (21-24 weeks of age), the roosters were trained by abdominal massage for semen collection. After the experimental period was commenced (24 weeks of age), semen samples were collected and evaluated for seminal attributes every two weeks (from week 24 to week 34). The following parameters were determined immediately after the semen collection; to measure the semen samples were collected weekly to evaluate semen volume, total motility, membrane functionality, mitochondria activity parameters. Also, to determine gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes at 24 and 34 weeks of age, six birds in each treatment weighing then were slaughtered and immediately the testes and liver were removed and weighed.
Results and Discussion The highest sperm motility (96.60%) was observed in birds fed 250 mg LC (P <0.04). By increasing the level of LC in the diet, sperm membrane functionality improved linearly (6.8% increase compared to control) (P <0.04). A linear trend (P = 0.06) was observed in mitochondrial activity with increasing levels of LC in the diet (69.31, 72.00 and 76.25). LC plays an essential role in energy metabolism by carrying over fatty acids in the mitochondria matrix for β-oxidation producing energy. Therefore, it provides a better supply of energy for spermatogenesis and normal physiology of sperm, are presumably improved by an optimum level of LC, as a result, sperm concentration and live. These data provide evidence that LC can be effectively used in diets up to 500 mg/kg of diet or 30 mg/kg of body weight /day for semen improvements of rooster’s breeder. At 24 weeks of age, the changes in gonadosomatic index (0.55, 0.68 and 0.64) were affected by different levels of LC (P <0.01). During testis development in the chicken (from 2 to 15 weeks of age), there is no significant increase in testicular weight, however, the early stage is the most important period for testicular development. The mature testis has seminiferous tubules with a multilayered epithelium representing the different stages of spermatogenesis. Sexual maturity is associated with the highest testes weight and consequently with the highest plasma concentration of reproductive hormones. Gonads of the mature male broiler breeder are organized into separate, comfortably discernible cellular correlations and functional compartments. It has been accepted that steroid hormones biosynthesis and generation of spermatozoa are two major actions that the testicles fundamentally carry out. The improvements in gonadosomatic Index of roosters observed in this study in response to dietary LC may be attributed, at least partly, due to improved utilization of dietary nitrogen, achieved through more efficient fat oxidation by LC. Testicles contain the seminiferous tubules and the interstitial space. Seminiferous tubules are the functional elements of the testis and sertoli cells are the principal structural basis of the seminiferous epithelium, inhabiting on the substratum membrane.
Conclusion The addition of 250 and 500 mg of L-carnitine to the diet due to the increase in gonad index led to an improvement in sperm quality parameters at the beginning of the production period (puberty).
Introduction Feed cost has gradually increased in poultry production worldwide. One approach to minimizing production cost is dietary manipulation of nutrient supplies through improved feed efficiency. The inclusion of lipids in broiler... more
Introduction  Feed cost has gradually increased in poultry production worldwide. One approach to minimizing production cost is dietary manipulation of nutrient supplies through improved feed efficiency. The inclusion of lipids in broiler diets is essential to meet metabolisable energy requirement. Great amounts of animal fats and vegetable oils are usually added to broiler diets to increase their energy content. However, several factors can affect lipids digestion, both related to the animal characteristics such as bird age, genetic strain, secretion and activity of digestive enzymes, and to the diet composition such as type of fat used as lipid supplement, ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the diet, presence of pentosans and dietary fiber. Within this reality, researches have been conducted to study the increased digestibility of oils and fats by emulsifying substances, such as bile salts and phospholipids. Lysophospholipid (LPL) is a more effective biosurfactant in emulsifying properties than bile salts and soy lecithin because one molecule in the hydrophobic tail is removed, indicating more stability in the aqueous environment of the gastrointestinal tract. Another action of lysophospholipids is related to the antibacterial effect. They may modify the biological structure of bacteria causing changes in membrane permeability, raising the speculation of a combined effect with organic acids on poultry gut health. The changes in membrane permeability by lysophospholipids may facilitate the ion dissociation of the organic acids inside the bacteria. In turn, the control of the intestinal microbiota through these additives could preserve the integrity of endogenous, consequently, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary LPL supplementation in diets differing in fat on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, ceca microbiome and performance in broiler chicks.
Materials and Methods This experiment was performed in a completely randomized design based on factorial arrangement to evaluate the effect of lysophospholipid supplementation (0 and 0.25g/kg) in corn-soybean meal diets containing three fat sources (soybean oil, tallow and their blend 50: 50%) and each at two levels (1.5 and 3%) with 12 isocaleric and isonitrogenous starter diets. Each diet was fed to six replicates of 10 chicks each during 1 to 14 days of age. Performance traits, jejunal morphology, serum lipid composition, cecal microbial population of one chick from each replicate were measured at day 14.
Results and Discussion the interaction effects of lysophospholipid supplementation, fat source and fat level were not significant on broiler performance during 1 to 14 days of age, except for the lysophospholipid supplementation and fat level that was significant on feed intake in the starter period. Among the main effects only fat levels had a significant effect on body weight, body weight gain in the starter period, and 3% fat level compared to 1.5% improved body weight and body weight gain. These results are in agreement with zampiga et al, (2016) that demonstrated the addition of the lysophospholipid did not statistically improve final body weight and daily weight gain of broilers in the whole period of trial (0–42 d). These observations are partially in contrast with Melegy et al. (2010) who reported that the use of an emulsifier based on lysolecithin at the dosage of 0.25 or 0.5 kg/ton of feed significantly improved these productive parameters. Other factors may be affect on broiler performance such as inappropriate dose of lysophospholipid in diet, low energy levels of the experimental diets, use of 3 factors in the experimental design, and low bird population in each treatment that combined the effects. The Interaction effects of lysophospholipid supplementation, fat source and fat level were not significant on jejunal villus height, villus width, diameter of epithelium layer, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio. The interaction effects of lysophospholipid supplementation and fat levels in diet showed a significant effect on villus width. The effect of fat levels was significant for villus height and it increased by the use of 3% levels. The Interaction effect of lysophospholipid supplementation, fat source and fat level was not significant on the concentration of triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL in serum of broiler chicks. The interaction effect of lysophospholipid supplementation and fat level in diet was significant on the concentration of triglyceride level, and the interaction effect of lysophospholipid supplementation and fat source in diet was significant on LDL in serum lipid level of broiler chicks. The main effect of lysophospholipid supplementation was significant on the concentration of triglyceride, and also the effect of fat source was significant on cholesterol and HDL in serum of broiler chicks. The Interaction effects of lysophospholipid supplementation, fat source and fat level was not significant for lactobacillus and E-coli population in ceca. The main effect of lysophospholipid supplementation was significant increase on the lactobacillus population in ceca, and the effect of fat level in diet was significant decrease on the E-coli population in ceca.
Conclusion It can be concluded in this study that of lysophospholipids supplementation did not have a significant effect on performance in broiler chickens during the starter period.
Introduction The increase in the cost of the diet, especially the protein part, has caused the desire of producer and researchers to use by-products. The use of animal waste not only reduces the cost of feed but also reduces the entry of... more
Introduction  The increase in the cost of the diet, especially the protein part, has caused the desire of producer and researchers to use by-products. The use of animal waste not only reduces the cost of feed but also reduces the entry of contaminants into the environment. Hydrolyzed feathers, meat meal, bone meal, poultry by-product meal (PBM) and fish oil are some of the by-products used in poultry, dairy cattle and other livestock diet. Also, the use of pelleted feed in broiler chicken is increasing, because it produces less dust, improves digestibility, reduces transportation costs, and improves performance indicators such as feed consumption and decrease feed conversion ratio. Sodium bentonite (SB) is one of the substances that has been used as pellet binder in feed. Several studies have evaluated the effects of the addition of SB and had beneficial results on pelleting physical properties such as pellet durability index (PDI) and pellet hardness. Addition of active SB as a pellet binder in wheat-soybean meal-based diets has increased the relative electrical energy usage (REEU) and decreased the feed conversion ratio. However, studies on the use of different levels of PBM and SB as a pellet binder in broiler chicken diets are very limited, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of pellet binder levels of SB in diets containing different amounts of PBM on performance, carcass traits and blood metabolites of Ross 308 broiler chickens in finisher period.
Materials and Methods Treatments were assigned in a completely randomized design based on a factorial arrangement of 3 levels of SB conditioning time (0, 1.5 and 3%) × 3 levels of PBM (0, 5 and 10%). Experimental diets were balanced based on Ross 308 recommendations for finisher period (24-42 d) by using UFFDA software. In the present experiment PBM and pellet binder of SB samples were prepared from MegaFaravar Co., Iran. Ingredients of diets were ground through a 2-mm screen size in a hammer mill. All diets mixed in a double-shaft mixer and transferred to super conditioner with 82◦C for 10s, and then pelleted through a 3-mm die. After pelleting of feed produced, 3 replications of each treatment with 3-minute intervals were sampled from the cooler part of the pellet machine. The PDI, hardness test and REEU related to experimental diets was measured. Also, a total of 360 24-day-old male chicks were individually weighted and allocated to 9 treatments of 4 replicates (10 birds in each replication). Feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. On 42 day, 2 birds per pen were randomly euthanized by cervical dislocation. Carcass characteristics and relative weight of small intestinal segments were measured. Total protein, glucose, albumin, lipoproteins (HDL, LDL) were determined by using autoanalyzer device and commercial kits.
Results and Discussion Addition of 1.5% SB improved and the use of PBM due to its high fat content reduced the quality characteristics of the pellet that due to their strong colloidal properties and giving rise to a thixotropic gelatinous substance. Likewise, different levels of SB as a pellet binder and PBM did not change the ADG and FCR (P <0.05). However, the use of different levels of PBM with and without SB reduced FI (P<0.05). Also, the relative weight of carcass, breast and thigh was not affected by experimental treatments (P <0.05). Abdominal fat increased significantly in the groups receiving PBM (P <0.05). Amino acid imbalances in PBM probably increase deamination and conversion of amino acids to fat. Significant reduction in duodenum and ileum length was observed in the group containing 3% SB and 10% PBM (P <0.05). Also, the level of 10% PBM with and without SB increased the concentration of blood lipids. Blood lipids concentration have a positive correlation with weight and feed as an environmental factor affects its amount.
Conclusion In general, the results of this experiment showed that application of PBM as a source of protein with adequate nutritional value up to 5% without negative effects on performance for use in pelleted diet of broilers at high levels when soybean meal is expensive and or not available, it is possible and useable. Also, commercial sodium bentonite can be used as a pellet binder to increase the quality of pellets up to 1.5%. The need for further studies on the simultaneous use of sodium bentonite as a pellet binder and PBM are recommended to ensure the results obtained in other broiler chicken breeding periods.
Introduction The most important effect of using emulsifiers and l-carnitine in the diet is to help the process of digestion and absorption of fats. Improving the efficiency of metabolizable energy consumption and crude protein when... more
Introduction    The most important effect of using emulsifiers and l-carnitine in the diet is to help the process of digestion and absorption of fats. Improving the efficiency of metabolizable energy consumption and crude protein when emulsifier and l-carnitine supplements used in the diet indicates the positive effect of emulsifiers on the digestion and absorption of fats and other nutrients. Considering the different metabolic activities l-carnitine and emulsifier (lipidol) in broiler chickens, it seems that the use of these compounds together in low-energy diets can significantly improve the performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, the present research investigated the role of lipidol and l-carnitine supplements in reducing the negative effects of low-energy diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters and meat oxidative stability of broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments in four replicates and 12 chickens in each replicate. Broiler chickens were fed with diets including: 1. control diet 2. Low energy diet (150 kcal/kg less than the control diet) 3. Low energy diet + 100 ppm l-carnitine 4. Low energy diet + 1 g / kg lipidol 5. Low energy diet + 100 ppm l-carnitine + 1 g / kg lipidol for 42 days. Then, the growth performance of chickens, carcass characteristics, blood biochemical indicators (total antioxidant capacity, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL concentrations), nutrient digestibility (dry matter, protein, fat and organic matter) in starter and grower periods and meat oxidative stability of broiler chickens were measured and recorded. Finally, the analysis of data was performed using GLM method by SAS software. The means were compared using Tukey's multiple range tests.
Results and Discussion The results showed that there was no difference in feed intake between the birds receiving the control diet and the other diets. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds were significantly improved by control diet than other treatments (P<0.05). However, birds receiving low-energy diets containing lipidol + l-carnitine had the same feed conversion ratio (1.79) as birds receiving the control diet (1.75). Birds fed with low-energy diets containing lipidol and lipidol + l-carnitine had better weight gain and feed conversion ratio than birds fed with low-energy diets containing l-carnitine and without additives (P<0.05). Compared to the control treatment, the birds that were fed with low-energy diets containing lipidol and l-carnitine separately and together had a lower abdominal fat percentage (0.4%) (P<0.05). Also, birds fed with the control diet showed a tendency to increase the heart percentage compared to other experimental treatments (P=0.06). Birds fed with low energy diets containing lipidol and lipidol + l-carnitine had higher dry matter (3.6%), protein (7.8%) and fat (6.6%) digestibility in the starter period and higher digestibility of dry matter (6.9%) in the grower period compared to other treatments (P<0.05). In general, in the starter period, the birds fed with control diet showed lower digestibility of protein (P=0.06) and fat (P<0.05), and in the growth period, the digestibility of dry matter was lower than the birds fed with other diets. Birds that were fed with low energy diets containing lipidol and l-carnitine separately or together had higher total antioxidant capacity compared to birds fed with control diet and low energy diet without additives (P<0.05). Also, birds that were fed with low-energy diets containing l-carnitine and lipidol + l-carnitine had lower blood triglyceride (P=0.05) cholesterol and LDL concentrations compared to birds fed with control diet and low-energy diet without additives (P<0.05). Birds fed with low energy diet containing lipidol + l-carnitine increased blood HDL level compared to birds receiving low energy diet without additives (P<0.05). Birds that were fed with low-energy diets containing lipidol and l-carnitine separately and together had lower concentrations of malondialdehyde in thigh and breast meats on days 3, 6 and 9 after slaughter and kept in a refrigerator (4ﹾC) compared to birds fed with low energy diets without additives and control diet (P<0.01).
Conclusion Finally, the simultaneous utilization of 100 ppm l-carnitine and 1 g / kg lipidol in low-energy diet showed similar growth performance when compared with control diet and led to improved carcass quality, fat, protein and dry matter digestibility, blood lipid parameters and meat shelf life of broiler chickens.
Introduction The in vitro gas production test is used as a laboratory method for studying the ruminal fermentation of feed-stuffs. This method is an ideal technique, because it allows to record gas production at different hours an... more
Introduction  The in vitro gas production test is used as a laboratory method for studying the ruminal fermentation of feed-stuffs. This method is an ideal technique, because it allows to record gas production at different hours an incubation time. In this technique, the parameters of fermentation kinetic are predicted using nonlinear models. The Exponential Model (EXP) is the easiest nonlinear model which is applied for this regard. However, it has been reported that some nonlinear models predict the parameters of gas production kinetic more accurately than the EXP model. In this study, different forages were used as feed samples and the accuracy of some nonlinear models for predicting the parameters of gas production kinetic has been studied and compared.
Materials and Methods For this experiment, alfalfa forage (first, second and third cutting), sainfoin hay, wheat straw, barley straw and corn silage were used as feed samples. Feed samples were analyzed for Dry matter, ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber according using standard methods. Rumen fluid was collected from three ruminally fistulated mature Mehraban rams before the morning feeding. Obtained rumen fluids were pooled and strained into a pre-warmed (38 to 39 ˚C) insulated flask and immediately transported to the laboratory. In laboratory, ruminal fluid was filtered through four layers of cheese cloth and then mixed continuously with CO2 and maintained near 39o C before usage. To evaluate the ruminal fermentation kinetic of feeds, the in vitro gas production test was carried out during 144 h incubation time for 3 run. For this purpose, 200 mg of dried and milled feeds with 30 ml of buffered rumen fluid were poured into glass vials (in 3 replicates). Two glass vials containing 30 ml of buffered rumen fluid without substrate were considered as blanks. After capping (plus tow glass vials as blanks), all glass vials were incubated at 39 ° C. The volume of gas produced was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 h after incubation.
The obtained results (volume of gas produced at each incubation time) were fitted to four nonlinear models included the exponential (EXP), Gompertz (GOM), Richard (RCH) and France (FRC) models. The mean square error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), residual mean absolute deviation (RMAD) and mean percentage error (MPE) statistics were used as goodness of fit parameters. The run test, accuracy factor (AF), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to compare the accuracy of the models for predicting the gas production kinetic.
Results and Discussion The results showed that the asymptotic gas volume (A) predicted by the FRC model (104.68 ml per 200 mg dry matter) was significantly different from the EXP (100.18 ml per 200 mg dry matter) model (p <0.05). But the value of A predicted by the EXP, GOM and RCH models did not show a significantly difference. The rate of gas production (c) predicted by the studied models were significantly different and the lowest value was observed in the FRC model (p<0.05). The highest and lowest values for MSE (15.11) and R2 (0.984) were observed in the EXP model, respectively. Which indicated the EXP model goodness of fit was weak compared to the other models. The RMAD statistic in the studied models had significantly difference (p<0.05) and the highest (2.88) and lowest (0.85) values were observed in the EXP and FRC models, respectively. So, the FRC and EXP models had the highest and lowest goodness of fit, respectively. The MPE statistic in the FRC and RCH models were closer to zero (0.32 and 0.48, respectively) compared to the other models (EXP and GOM models), which indicated better goodness of fit in these models. The run test was significant in the EXP and GOM models (p<0.05). So, these models were less accurate for predicting the gas production kinetic. The value of AF, AIC and BIC statistics (2.85, 15.87 and 10.04, respectively) showed that the FRC model had the highest accuracy for predicting the gas production kinetic among the studied models.
Conclusion The results showed that the EXP model had the lowest accuracy for predicting ruminal fermentation kinetic of feeds, among the studied models. However, the FRC model had the highest accuracy.
Introduction Ruminants require roughage in their diets to maximize production and to maintain health by sustaining a stable environment in the rumen. There is a need to identify local plants that can offer high quality forage to local... more
Introduction Ruminants require roughage in their diets to maximize production and to maintain health by sustaining a stable environment in the rumen. There is a need to identify local plants that can offer high quality forage to local ruminants. P. ferulacea (family: Umbelliferae) is a valuable forage grass found in high mountain areas of South-east Iran. Local farmers cut and wilt the plant, prior to feeding it to sheep.
Sheep are selective and spend a lot of time selecting and sorting feed materials. Domestic livestock are herbivores that evolved to eat a wide array of vegetal species and typically select a diverse diet even when their nutritional requirements can be met by ingesting a single feed. A free-choice feeding method partially mimics nature and facilitates selection based on nutrient requirements that fluctuate along with feed quality and availability. Also, this method requires less use of manpower and equipment.
The information available regarding the effects of ad libitum supply of concentrate and the possibility of free-choice provision of forage in lambs is very limited. Also, limited data is available concerning nutritional behaviors of lambs fed high-concentrate diets, and this information is even more limited in terms of providing feed-choice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of free-choice provision of two forage sources including alfalfa and P. ferulacea in addition to concentrate on digestibility and behavior of Arabian lambs.
Materials and Methods A total of 18 male lambs of Arabic breed with an average of 90 ± 8 (SD) days of age and body weight of 19 ± 3 (SD) kg were used in the study in a completely randomized design for 45 days. Lambs were housed individually in pens (1.3 m×1.5 m) in an open shed building. Cages were separated by a metal fence with a bar design that allowed contact between animals. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental diets including free choice between; 1- alfalfa hay and concentrate, 2- P. ferulacea and concentrate, and 3- alfalfa, P. ferulacea and concentrate. The lambs were fed the total mixed rations ad libitum once daily at 0800 h and had free access to fresh water at all times.
Essential oils of P. ferulacea were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Samples taken for DM and chemical analysis were oven-dried at 55 °C for 48 h and then ground to pass through a 1- mm screen. Chemical analyses were performed in duplicate. Feed offered and refusal of each lamb were recorded daily. Digestibility was measured by total collection of feces during a 5-d period. The behavior of lambs was recorded with nine video cameras that were connected to a digital video recorder. Video recordings continuously observed visually for each lamb over a 48-h period. Recorded activities were registered together with their beginning and ending times. Data for each activity are reported as the total time, expressed in minutes, in which the lamb maintained this specific activity. Chewing behavior was divided into eating and ruminating.
Intake and digestibility data were analyzed using a GLM procedure of SAS 9.2. Multiple mean comparison were carried out using Tukey's test. Animal behavior from video recordings was analyzed using a GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Comparison. For the different statistical tests, significance was declared at P<0.05.
Results and Discussion The compounds of α-bisabolol, β-Pinene, α-Pinene and δ-3-carene had the highest amounts among P. ferulacea essential oils. Free-choice provision of two forages increased dry matter intake and the proportion of consumed forage compared to other treatments. Forbes and Provenza (22) reported that in free-choice provision between forage and concentrate, ruminants allocate about 20% of the dry matter intake to forage. This finding is in an agreement with observed ratio of forage consumption in treatments with one forage source but is less than the observed value in the treatment with free access to two forages (36.2%). Among the mechanisms that may be involved in this increase is the greater diversity of forages that act as a stimulus for its consumption. Lambs consumed P. ferulacea as the only forage source showed higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF compared to other treatments. Low lignin content of P. ferulacea compared to alfalfa is one of the main reasons for its higher digestibility. Lambs receiving P. ferulacea as the only source of forage had the lowest time spent eating per day compared to the other treatments. When animals were given a choice between alfalfa and P. ferulacea, the time spent eating increased significantly compared to P. ferulacea alone. Lambs that had access to two sources of forage had the lowest feeding time per gram of NDF and ADF compared to other treatments. This decrease could be due to the higher consumption of dry matter as well as NDF and ADF in this treatment compared to other treatments. Lambs that had access to two forage sources spent more time ruminating compared to the alfalfa recipient treatment. The highest duration of rumination per gram of NDF and ADF was observed in P. ferulacea treatment as the only source of forage. It has been shown that the chewing per gram of forage NDF is higher in animals with lower NDF intake (4). In this regard, Grant (24) suggested that there is an adaptive mechanism when consuming low-forage diets by increasing chewing per gram of forage NDF. Non-nutritional behaviors including self grooming, licking and biting fixed objects and laying time were not affected by treatments.
Conclusion Providing two forage sources instead of one source, led to an increase in dry matter intake. The higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF in the treatment of P. ferulacea compared to alfalfa indicates the high nutritional value of this forage. Due to the limited information available on free concentrate supply and the lack of examination of rumen and liver health indicators in the present study, any practical conclusion regarding ad libitum concentrate intake requires further research.
Introduction Fodder sorghum is one of the most important forage plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Maize production is low in arid and high salinity regions around the world, and sorghum due to its adaptation to arid and... more
Introduction Fodder sorghum is one of the most important forage plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Maize production is low in arid and high salinity regions around the world, and sorghum due to its adaptation to arid and low water conditions, high water use efficiency, C4 photosynthetic system, high clawing power, high production capacity as wet forage, dry and Silos are a good option in these areas. In the past, sorghum was generally grown in areas that were unfavorable for growing corn, but today, with the advent of hybrid fodder sorghums, it produces under ideal conditions corn-like crops, and where moisture is a limiting factor and may have a higher yield than corn. Recently, frequent droughts in Iran have attracted the attention of farmers and livestock breeders to other forages such as sorghum, and due to the limited growing season of this forage, its use as a silo is common. Stage of growth is one of the most important factors influencing nutritional quality of fodder silages. As the fodder matures, the cytoplasmic portion of the cell reduces and the quantity of protein, lipids, soluble carbohydrates and soluble minerals decrease. Due to the drought occurrence on large parts of Iran and the adaptation of sorghum to drought conditions, a very few studies have been done on its chemical composition and nutritional value. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of plant growth stage and mixing of corn and sorghum on chemical composition and degradability of corn and sorghum silage.
Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the effects of harvesting steps and the ratio of forage sorghum blending on nutritional value and its degradability compared to corn silage, this experiment were performed using 45 experimental silos in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomize design with 15 treatments and 3 replications. Experimental groups consist of: sorghum harvest time (first factor) including: 1) before flowering (emergence of flag leaf), 2) about 10-15 percent flowering, and 3) soft seed soils. Sorghum harvested at each of the above time with forage corn with ratios of corn fodder to sorghum (second factor): 100%: 0%, 75%: 25%, 50: 50%, 25%: 75% and % 0: 100% was mixed. Silage samples were analyzed for Dry matter, crude protein, Ash and crude fat according to AOAC (2005) methods. In situ ruminal degradation kinetics parameters of DM, CP and NDF of experiment treatments were estimated using the nylon bag technique. Degradation of dry matter at times zero, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 9 hours was determined.
Results and Discussion The results of this experiment indicated dry matter, crude protein had an upward trend with growth progression. While, the amount of crude fat, soluble sugar decreased significantly with plant growth. Ash content fluctuated during the growth stages, so that its amount was the lowest in flowering stage and was the highest during the vegetative stage (before flowering). The highest pH was observed in the soft dough stages and the mixing ratio of 25% corn and 75% sorghum, which indicates more proteolysis of silage. The lowest amount of ammonia nitrogen was observed in the soft dough phase treatment with 50% corn and 50% sorghum ratio and the highest amount of lactic acid was observed in the soft dough stage treatment with 100% sorghum, which may be due to increased soluble carbohydrate intake and convert it to lactic acid. Rapidly soluble fraction, degradation rate constant and effective degradability of dry matter, crude protein and cell wall at all passage rates increased significantly with increasing plant growth.
Conclusion In general, it can be concluded that harvesting corn and sorghum forage in the soft dough stage with a mixing ratio of 25% corn and 75% sorghum improves the pH of silage. Rumen degradability of silage dry matter in the soft dough stage with different levels of corn and sorghum composition can increase feed intake in livestock. Rumen degradability of silage dry matter was also higher in the soft dough stage with different levels of corn and sorghum composition than other stages, and this can reduced feed retention in the rumen and increased feed consumption in livestock. However, more research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding a mixture of corn silage and sorghum in ruminants on voluntary feed intake and production performance.
Introduction To date, there is not any accurate estimation of calf mortality in the world; however, annual pre-weaning calves’ mortality was estimated to be around 7.8, 6.5, 5.5, and 2.6% in the United States, Iran, China, and Sweden,... more
Introduction  To date, there is not any accurate estimation of calf mortality in the world; however, annual pre-weaning calves’ mortality was estimated to be around 7.8, 6.5, 5.5, and 2.6% in the United States, Iran, China, and Sweden, respectively. Raboisson et al. (2013) represented that most neonatal calf mortality happens at age under one month. Hill et al. (2011) reported that nutritional factors could modulate the calf immune system's functions. Studies on non-ruminants confirm that the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) relating to the n-3 FA can affect the immune response. In calves’ nutrition, using PUFA in milk or milk replacer (MR) had a pleasant effect on immune responses and antioxidant status. Supplementation n-3 FA, especially EPA and DHA, would increase the proportion of PUFA in the membrane phospholipids, which might change the performance of the immune system. The n-3 PUFA plays a critical role in influencing the immune system through various mechanisms described in detail by Calder (2012). Previous studies showed that adding n-3 PUFA to milk or MR decreases the symptoms of diarrhea and inflammatory diseases caused by viral or bacterial infections. So far, there are not enough reports regarding dietary n-3 PUFA on the APR in neonatal calves. Nevertheless, most research regarding FO supplementation and its anti-inflammatory effects on neonatal calves' health has been done on long-term consumption. As earlier mentioned, most calf mortality occurs at the first 30 days of age; consequently, long-term (more than one month) consumption of FO might not provide clear evidence to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of FO on the status of neonatal calves’ health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the first evaluation of short-term supplementation of n-3 PUFA on the APR of neonatal calves.
Materials and Methods Twenty-four bull calves, with a mean age of 34.5  3.7 days, were housed outdoors in individual pens bedded with wheat straw at the dairy farm facilities of Astan Quds Razavi Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Co. (Mashhad, Iran) in February 2019. The criteria for calf selection were, namely, the type of calf delivery (without any difficulty) and no history of disease or diarrhea. To achieve a quantitative similarity between calves, we used age and body weight as further criteria. The experiment's duration was 11 days (a week before LPS challenge and three days after LPS challenge) with an adaptation period (seven days). After the adaptation period, calves were weighed (57.5 ± 4.4 kg) and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (six calves/group). Randomized calves received treatments during the study period according to the group they were already allocated: 1. negative control group (NC), 2. Positive control group (LPS challenge, PC), 3. Tallow 350 mg/kg BW group + LPS (TA), 4. Fish oil 350 mg/kg BW group + LPS (FO). All calves were fed the same diet, 5 L/d of whole milk, and had free access to freshwater during the experiment. The PC, FO, and TA groups were intravenously challenged with 0.5 μg/kg BW ultrapure LPS from E. coli serotype O111:B4 (Sigma–Aldrich: registered; product NO. L2630) on day eight. Treatments FO and TA were mixed with whole milk and were offered two times a day (at 0800 and 1700). FO and TA groups were isocaloric to compare the effect of manipulating fatty acid intake in the same level of energy intake on the APR of neonatal calves. The blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h, post LPS challenge (p.c.) to evaluate inflammatory condition. The clinical signs (RT, RR, and HR) were recorded at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24 h p.c. According to Plessers et al.'s (2015) model, the appearance of behavioral phases (respiratory, depression, and recovery phase) was assessed. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design by using JMP (13.2) software.
Results and Discussion The results of this study confirm previous experiments that showed a significant increase of cytokines level by the LPS administration (26, 29). As expected, the IL-6 increased when the TNF-α decreased (Maximal level at 3 and 1 h p.c., respectively). There was no significant difference in cytokines and APPs between PC, FO, and TA, while the FO had the minimum level. The typical sickness behavior of LPS-challenged calves was distinguished as respiratory, depression, and recovery phases according to Plessers et al.'s (2015) model. In this study, there was no significant effect of decreasing n-6/n-3 FA ratio on sickness behavior. Besides, the level of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins were not affected by experimental groups. These results were in line with McDonnell et al., (2019) reported no FO effect on immune function during the pre-weaning period. Although the level of DHA + EPA requirement for calves has not been well known, studies represented that their highest level in humans is 5 g/d. Stanley et al. (2007) concluded that the n-6/n-3 FA ratio might not be a helpful concept and distracts attention from increasing absolute intakes of long-chain n-3 FA. In this regard, Flaga et al. (2019) represented that DHA-rich algae supplementation in milk replacer could decrease cytokines' mRNA expression. They suggested that 3 g/d DHA might be the maximum level in neonatal calves’ diet with an appropriate effect on the immune system. In the current study, NC, PC, and TA received 2 mg/d, and FO received 3 g/d DHA. It might be worthwhile considering the amount of DHA + EPA when FO is used as an n-3 PUFA source in calves’ diet.
Conclusion The results showed that decreasing the n6/n3 FA ratio in diets by supplementing FO could not affect acute phase response in calves. Besides, short-term supplementation of FO could not improve calves' immune systems as no differences in cytokines and APP between PC and FO were observed. Although sickness behavior in FO finished sooner than PC, there was no significant difference between them. In this study, increasing MUFA intake could not affect APR in calve. It seems that more studies are needed to evaluate the effect of EPA and DHA on the performance and health status of calves.
Introduction Before weaning, dairy calves are susceptible to many pathogens and nutritional problems. For several years antibiotics have been used to overcome these problems also to obtain economic benefits in terms of improved calves... more
Introduction  Before weaning, dairy calves are susceptible to many pathogens and nutritional problems. For several years antibiotics have been used to overcome these problems also to obtain economic benefits in terms of improved calves performance and reduced medication costs. However, the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is in question because of antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. In an effort to replace antibiotics from animal feeds, many additives have been proposed. Probiotic, prebiotics and Organic and inorganic mineral salts are examples of these additives. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates which are not metabolized in the small intestine and fermented in large intestine. Mannan oligosaccharides and β-glucan are prebiotics which derived from saccharomyeces cereviciae cell wall and are able to block fimbriae of patho genic bacteria, and thus prevent their adhesion to the mucous epithelium. The administration of prebiotic to calves can decrease coliform population of large intestine and colon of calves. More recently, prebiotics have been shown to have immune-enhancing characteristics Also, Copper is a microelement that is present in many important processes in the body and plays a vital role. Copper deficiency in some parts of the world is a major problem in ruminants. For this reason, dietary supplements are commonly used to regulate the diet of calf to compensate for copper deficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of copper nanoxide and prebiotics on blood cell count and growth performance in Holstein suckling calves.
Materials and Methods Twenty-eight Holstein calves with an average age of 1 to 8 days and an average weight of 39±1 kg were used in a factorial experiment as a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 7 replications. Experimental treatments include: 1) Basal diet without additives, 2) Basic diet with 4 gr of prebiotic per day, 3) Basic diet with 15 ppm nanoparticles of copper per day, 4) Basic diet + 4 gr of prebiotic + 15 ppm nanoparticles of copper per day. The diet containing feed and milk was given two times a day i.e. in the morning (8:00 am) and evening (18:00 pm). Water was offered adlibitum. Whole blood samples were collected from jugular veins on d 60, approximately 3 h after the morning feeding. Samples were sent to the laboratory under refrigeration (4°C) till analyzed for WBC count, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte concentration.
Results and Discussion The results showed that the copper nanoxide, prebiotics and the interaction of copper nanoxide and prebiotics could not affect the final weight of suckling calves. The results showed that feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of suckling calves were not significantly affected by supplementation of prebiotic and copper nanoxide in the diet during the first, second month and experimental period. Also, Body length, Wither height and Heart girth of Holstein suckling calves were not affected by copper nanoparticles and prebiotics supplementation. Prebiotic, copper nanoxide and their interaction had no significant effect on white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit. In contrast, copper nanoxide and prebiotics significantly increased the neutrophil percentage (P <0.05).
Research has shown that probiotic consumption had no significant effect on functional parameters of Baluch sheep including final weight, daily gain, feed intake and dietary intake. However the result of the other study suggests that prebiotic can be supplemented to the calves for better performance. In contrary to the results of the present study, other researchers have indicated that copper nanoparticles could improve growth performance and modulate intestinal microflora and intestinalmucosal morphology in weaned piglets. In the study addition of pro- prebiotic and symbiotic to the whole milk of dairy female calves increased average daily gain but dry matter intake and blood parameters related to immune system and cell-mediated immune response were not affected. However, when a combination of probiotic and prebiotic added to the milk a better improvement in average daily gain was observed. A study reported that haematological traits (WBC count, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte and hemoglobin) were unaffected by prebiotic and synbiotic in weaned pigs. However, the other study showed that immune parameters such as lymphocytes, leukocyte and neutrophils tended to increase in supplementation of symbiotic.

Conclusion In general, results of this experiment indicated that using prebiotics and copper nanoxide did not improve growth performance and blood cell count except neutrophil percentage.
Introduction : European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the most important pollinator insects that play vital role in maintenance of all most all life forms on earth. However, over the last decade major concerns have raised due to decline... more
Introduction : European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the most important pollinator insects that play vital role in maintenance of all most all life forms on earth. However, over the last decade major concerns have raised due to decline in the population of these insect species. A variety of factors have been responsible for these concerns of which the most important is honey bee bacterial diseases like Nosemosis (Nosema), American and European foulbrood diseases. While, overuse of antibiotics utilized for the treatment and control of these diseases has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of these pathogens. Probiotics have been considered a suitable substitute of antibiotics in human and animals. In last several years, lactobacillus species isolated from honeybees have been considered of significance in enhancing the life span of honeybees by reducing the incidence of bacterial and viral infections in these tiny insects. Among the isolated microbes in the gut of honeybees, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are of utmost importance showing direct impacts on the health of their host by modulating the gut microbial flora and are termed as Probiotic bacteria.
The objective of this research was to isolate and identify LAB from different parts of the intestinal tract of honeybees Apis mellifera and to characterize their probiotic properties.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four honeybees collected from the hives located in the city of karaj were analyzed for the presence of LAB species. The stomach contents of honeybees were inoculated into MRS broth, incubated at 37ºCfor 48 hrs. The obtained colonies were purified and identified to species levels phenotypically and geno-typically. Hemolytic activity and sugar fermentation reactions of the isolates were recorded and later subjected 16SrRNA sequencing using a pair of universal primers. The identified isolates were evaluated for their viability in acidic conditions at pH 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.5 at different time intervals. Bile resistance of the isolates was tested by culturing the isolates in the presence of different concentrations of the said salts (0.5, 0.7 and 1%). Survival of LAB isolates in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions containing different enzymes and bile salts, antibacterial spectrum against a number of gram positive and gram-negative pathogens by agar well diffusion assay, and their in vitro colonization ability (aggregation, co-aggregation and hydrophobicity percentages) were evaluated. The results were analyzed statistically.
Results and Discussion: Twenty nine gram positive, catalase negative and non-hemolytic colonies were isolated from 24 honeybee samples. Among these, only 7 colonies showed enhanced antibacterial activity and were selected for further studies. Based on phenotypic characteristics, sugar fermentation reactions and 16S rRNA sequencing the isolates were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus (1), Lacticaseiobacillus casei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (2), Lactobacillus apis (1), Enterococcus faecium (1) and Pediococcus acidilactici (1). During probiotic characterizations, the identified isolates were shown to retain their viability in acidic conditions and resisted pH 2.5, 3 and 4 for more than 4 hrs. However, slight decrease in viability at pH 2.5 and 3.0 was observed, compared to pH 4.0 and above. All isolates appeared bile resistant and tolerated all used concentrations of bile salts during 8 hrs of incubation. Survival rate of the isolates in simulated intestinal conditions was significantly (p˂0.05) greater compared to simulated gastric conditions indicating greater stability of the isolates to alkaline conditions rather than to acidic conditions. L.acidophilus and E.faecium showed least resistance in gastric conditions and their growth rate was decreased more than 50% under said conditions. In contrast, the growth rate of these two isolates was highest in simulated intestinal conditions as they resisted these conditions for more than 24 hours.  The isolates demonstrated antibacterial affect against a number of tested pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Streprtococcus mutans. The auto-aggregation, and cell surface hydrophobicity percentages of L.casei appeared highest compared to other tested Lactic Acid bacteria in study (p˂0.05), while, L.apis showed the highest co-aggregation with S.typhi strain. P.acidilactici possessed the least auto-aggregation (46%), co-aggregation (10%) and hydrophobicity (43%) percentage. Auto-aggregation ability appeared directly related to hydrophobicity percentages and isolates showing high aggregation ability also showed high hydrophobicity %.
Conclusions: In conclusion, honeybee gut appeared a reservoir of LAB with probiotic potential. It is suggested that further studies should be conducted in order to determine the health benefits of these LABs in honeybees, with especial emphasis on their ability to prevent honeybee diseases.
Introduction : The quality of drinking water is an important factor that may affect broiler performance. Water is very important resource for poultry and is mainly supplied from groundwater sources, rivers, and springs. In addition to... more
Introduction : The quality of drinking water is an important factor that may affect broiler performance. Water is very important resource for poultry and is mainly supplied from groundwater sources, rivers, and springs. In addition to being a nutrient, water also softens food and carries it through the body, aids in digestion and absorption, and cools the body as it evaporates through the bird’s lungs and air sacs. Water helps remove waste, lubricates joints, is a major component of blood, and a necessary medium for many chemical reactions that help form meat and eggs. This study discusses some of the most common factors that impact poultry farms water quality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the chemical quality of samples obtained from various sources of poultry drinking water in Noorabad city of Fars province and neighboring villages.
Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study and was conducted for evaluating the quality of water used in poultry farms in Noorabad city of Fars province and neighboring villages such as Dam Qanat, Kol Gah, Gazargah, Arab Khalifa Sofla, Fahlian, Tal Kohneh, Mal Mahmoud and Bajgah. Total hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, and sodium of water in nine regions were evaluated. This study was conducted in the second quarter of 1399. Water sampling was done in 30 poultry farms with three replicates. For this purpose, three samplings were randomly taken from each poultry farm three times a month. The samples collected in plastic containers were immediately tested for pH and transferred to the laboratory for other experiments at room temperature. The sampled poultry farms used well water.Total hardness, pH, chlorine, calcium, and water magnesium were measured using a model 7500 photometer according to the device's instructions and APHA. Results were analyzed statistically by SPSS software version 20 and the One-way ANOVA test with the Duncan post hoc test. Mean ± SD was considered significant if (P<0.05).
Results and Discussion: When the water looks clear and tastes okay, water quality is easy to take for granted. However, water quality is impossible to judge adequately except with laboratory testing. Field experience has conclusively shown that unobservable differences in water quality, from farm to farm and even from one well to another within a complex, can result in significant differences in bird performance. Drinking water should be clear, tasteless, odorless, and colorless. As a general observation, a reddish-brown color may indicate the presence of iron, while blue color indicates the presence of copper. Hydrogen sulfide is indicated by a rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulfide may also combine with iron to form black water (iron sulfide) that may also implicate the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Taste can be affected by the presence of salts, and a bitter taste is usually associated with the presence of ferrous and manganese sulfates. The highest amounts of total hardness (1169 ± 0.52 ppm), calcium (583 ± 0.57 ppm), total dissolved solids (1398 ± 1.5 ppm), sodium (259 ± 0.57 ppm), and chlorine (403 ± 1.00 ppm) belonged to the water of the Bajgah region. In talkohneh, the amount of magnesium in water (289 ± 0.55 ppm) was significantly higher than in other regions. Water pH in Nourabad (7.15 ± 0.020) was less than in other regions and was neutral.
Conclusion: Water quality attributes can have a direct or indirect effect on performance. Poor water quality can retard the growth, curtail egg production, or result in production of lower egg quality. Feed conversion, for example, has been positively correlated to the presence of sulfate and copper concentrates in the water, and livability with potassium, chloride, and calcium. Bodyweight is positively influenced by water hardness and dissolved oxygen and negatively influenced by total bacteria and pH less than 6.0. While several elements can cause poor water quality, the interaction between elements is more significant in water quality problems than the simple fact of their presence. The findings of this study reveal that, in terms of total hardness, Damghanat water was more suitable for poultry drinking and aviculture than other regions. Water TDS of each nine evaluated regions as appropriate. In Damghanat and Arabkhalifehsofla, the amount of water calcium was more suitable. In Malmahmoud, Fahlyan, and Talkohneh the amount of water magnesium was more than a threshold for poultry. Gazergah has the most suitable water chlorine status. Water sodium was more than 50 ppm in all regions except Kalgah. pH less than 6.3 decreases the yield of the poultry, however pH of none of the regions was less than 6.3. Low pH water can be unpalatable, corrosive to equipment, and may have a negative impact on performance. High pH water is also unacceptable since it reflects high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can clog water systems. Poultry accepts water on the acid side better than they accept water on the alkaline side. The results of the present study indicate the poor quality of water in Nurabad, which is recommended through solutions such as the use of acidic compounds to remove sediments and adjust the pH of water, as well as the use of orthophosphates to harden water.
Introduction : Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects by antioxidants. Commercial poultry faces a wide range of environmental, technological,... more
Introduction : Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects by antioxidants. Commercial poultry faces a wide range of environmental, technological, nutritional, and biological stresses, which are responsible for low productivity and reproductive performance in poultry. In addition, chronic oxidative stress can deplete antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, impair immune function resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Most of this stresses at the molecular level are associated with oxidative stress and damage to important biological molecules. High levels of fatty acids are found in the plasma membrane of sperm cells. Fatty acids and other lipid compounds in sperm membranes play an important role in regulating spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, acrosome reaction, capacity building, and membrane fusion. Specifically, sperm lipid peroxidation disrupts these functions and inhibits spermatogenesis. Oxidation of sperm fatty acids leads to the production of free oxygen radicals (ROS), which are normally necessary for physiological processes of sperm, but excessive production of ROS in sperm causes low membrane fluidity, DNA breakdown (directly by attacking the purine and pyrimidine bases), protein damage, and ultimately reduced sperm motility and fertility. ROS cause damage via single and double strand DNA breaks, cross links, and chromosomal rearrangements) vitamin E is one of the most important natural antioxidants and effective in preventing of the spermatozoa lipids oxidation. Consumption of high amounts of vitamin E (200 mg / kg diet) increases its concentration in blood and semen plasma and causes beneficial changes in antioxidant capacity and lipid profile of rooster semen in normal conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with vitamin E on the quality of frozen-thawed sperm in breeder rooster under dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress.
Material and Methods: A total of 18 roosters of Ross 308 broiler breeder at 28 weeks of age were completely randomized with 3 experimental groups and 6 birds in each experimental group. Experimental groups include 1- Normal rooster fed basal diet (control) 2- Roosters treated with subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone 4 mg / kg body weight (DEX) 3- Dex + Vitamin E (200 mg / kg diet). After 2 weeks of habitation period and 3 weeks after experimental treatments, semen samples of roosters were collected twice a week from each rooster using abdominal massage method. Sperm viability was assessed by eosin-negrosin staining. For this purpose, mix 10 μl of diluted semen with 20 μl of dye containing eosin dye (1.67 g), nigrosin dye (10 g) and sodium citrate (2.9 g) in 100 ml of distilled water. The viability of sperm was examined by light microscope (Olympus, Japan) with a magnification of 400 × and sperms that were completely or partially reddish and those did not stain were considered died and live sperm respectively. Qualitative characteristics of sperm including viability, percentage of total (MOT, %), and progressive motility (PROG, %), plasma membrane integrity as well as malondialdehyde content, antioxidant capacity (TAC) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.1. Duncan’s test was used to compare groups.
Results and Discussions: The results showed that dexamethasone injection as a cause of oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation (9.11) and decreases antioxidant capacity (1.01) of sperm (P<0.05). Total motility (49.16), progressive motility (12.46), survival rate (50.84) and plasma membrane integrity (50.26) significantly decreased by DEX treatment (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with vitamin E improves total motility (73.63), survival rate (74.12) and plasma membrane integrity (72.74), antioxidant capacity (1.50) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (73.58), superoxide dismutase (144.95) and reduction of malondialdehyde (4.61) compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Progressive motility (26.33) was highest in the control group compared to the other two groups and Lateral Head Displacement (16.08) was higher in the dexamethasone group than the other experimental groups (P<0.05). These positive effect vitamin E on sperm quality could be due to its antioxidant properties.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that dexamethasone injection increases lipid peroxidation and decreases sperm quality. Addition of vitamin E to the broiler breeder rooster’s diet under oxidative stress condition improves the quality of frozen thawed sperm. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the diet of broiler breeder roosters with vitamin E under oxidative stress conditions.
Introduction : As the highest cost of poultry production is the cost of feed, optimizing feed consumption and reducing feed conversion ratio are very important in the poultry industry. Also, the problem of lower egg shell quality caused... more
Introduction : As the highest cost of poultry production is the cost of feed, optimizing feed consumption and reducing feed conversion ratio are very important in the poultry industry. Also, the problem of lower egg shell quality caused by prolonged egg production period is an important issue affecting the breeding of old layer hens. Approximately 10% of the eggs produced in poultry farms are lost due to breakage of eggshells, which accounts for huge economic loss to the egg industry. Improving eggshell quality are essential for protection against penetrating of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, a great deal of efforts have been applied to improving egg shell quality in old laying hens in the fields of mineral nutrition. Numerous researchers have focused on the addition of trace elements in the diet to regulate egg quality by improving eggshell ultrastructure. Manganese is an indispensable trace element, Manganese takes a crucial part in biological processes, including the metabolism of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate. The low Mn content in corn–soybean meal diets used in production and the inefficient intestinal absorption of Mn in birds calls for the need for optimizing the supplemental provision of Mn to birds. In the process of egg formation, manganese is important for the formation of the shell and the pleasure affects the quality of the shell. Manganese is an important nutrient for laying hens. Dietary Mn is known to have profound effects on the skeleton. Manganese supplementation affects the function and characteristics of the tibia.
Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of two inorganic and organic forms of manganese on performance, antioxidant activities, immune system and bone strength in older laying hens. 250 Leghorn laying hens (w-36) with 80 weeks of age were divided into 5 treatments and 5 replications in a completely randomized design. Treatments were: control (without manganese supplement), treatments containing 100% manganese sulfate (diet 1), 75% manganese sulfate and 25% organic manganese chelated (diet 2), 50% manganese sulfate and 50% organic chelated (diet 3) 25% sulfate Manganese and 75% organic chelated (diet 4). During the experiment, daily feed intake (g), egg weight, number and production of eggs (g/hen/day) and feed conversion ratio were calculated. To evaluate the humoral immunity on the day of slaughter (94 weeks age), 10 cc of blood was taken from two selected birds and its immunoglobulins were measured. To evaluate the bone strength, two pieces of chicken were selected from each replication and after slaughter, the tibia of the right foot was isolated and after preparation, the mechanical properties of the bones were measured. Also The antioxidant activities of SOD (Superoxide dismutase), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and MDA (malondialdehyde) were evaluated.
Results and Discussion: The results obtained in this experiment showed that the production performance was affected by experimental treatments. The lowest feed conversion ratio and the highest feed intake, egg production, egg weight and egg mass were observed in diets 4 and5, i.e. treatments receiving 50% and 75% manganese organic chelate. Also, the levels of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M were significantly affected by experimental treatments. The levels of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M in the experimental treatments showed a significant increase compared to the control treatment, while in immunoglobulin M there was no statistically significant difference between diet 3 and basal diet. In addition, antioxidant activity was significantly affected by experimental treatments. The amount of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced in diet treatments 4 and 5 compared to the control treatment. The percentage of DPPH (2,2-dipheny l-1-picrylhydrazyl) in diets 3, 4 and 5 showed a significant increase compared to the basal diet. Also, the amount of superoxide dismutase in diet 2 showed a significant decrease compared to other diets and control diet. However, the effects of inorganic and organic manganese supplements on the tibia strength of older laying hens were not affected by experimental treatments.
Conclusion: The results of this experiment showed that the addition of manganese supplement to the diet improves the production performance and immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M through the use of organic manganese source in laying hens and manganese amino acid chelate can replace 75% of manganese sulfate in the diet of older laying hens. Also, antioxidant status was significantly affected by experimental treatments. In general, the addition of manganese supplement in the diet of laying hens improves performance, immune system and antioxidant activity in aged laying hens.
Introduction : Application of antibiotics causes two major health problems, including antibiotic residues in body tissues and animal products and the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. On the other hand, antibiotics improve growth,... more
Introduction : Application of antibiotics causes two major health problems, including antibiotic residues in body tissues and animal products and the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. On the other hand, antibiotics improve growth, feed efficiency and control infectious diseases. Following the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth stimulants in the poultry industry, the EU has been paying more attention to non-antibiotic growth-promoting compounds since 2006, including organic acids, probiotics and herbs. Previous studies have shown that in many oils of dark plants Mentha pipperita, thymol, carvacrol, menthol and in some cases paracetamol are the most important components of growth improvement, their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. kefir is also a natural probiotic. The fermenting agent of kefir milk is kefir seeds, which contain casein and the species Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus and others. Diets containing Mentha pipperita, by improving the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and reducing the population of harmful microbes, can create better conditions for the use of final feed products and thus improve the growth and better performance of chickens. In studies, the positive effects of kefir on the performance and biochemical parameters of broiler blood have been reported.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the animal husbandry research station of Khuzestan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this study, four hundred one-day-old Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replications and 25 observations per replication for 35 days. The experiment was performed. Treatments are: Treatment 1) Basic diet + drinking water (control group), Treatment 2) Basic diet + drinking water + 0.5% Mentha pipperita extract, Treatment 3) Basic diet + drinking water + kefir milk 2%, Treatment 4) Basic diet + drinking water + Mentha pipperita extract 0.5% + kefir milk are 2%. The weight of quails was measured at the end of each week and the feed consumed was determined. The average of daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At the end of the fifth week, from each replicate, two quails with a weight close to the average were selected and slaughtered.  Breast and thigh meat samples were used to measure pH, water holding capacity and meat moisture content. Also, at the end of the fifth week, two samples were randomly selected from each replicate and blood was taken from their wing vein to measure blood parameters, thyroid hormones and testosterone.
Results and Discussion: The addition of mint and kefir extract significantly increased the weight of Japanese quails. The highest weight gain in the third and fourth weeks was observed in treatments 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In a study that investigated the effect of kefir on broiler performance, it was shown that the use of kefir as a natural probiotic causes significant weight gain, which is consistent with the present results. Mentha pipperita essential oil and kefir have been reported to improve feed conversion ratio and stimulate digestion in broilers. Kefir added to broiler drinking water has been reported to increase body weight, increase daily weight, reduce daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and improve performance. Mentha pipperita lowers blood cholesterol levels by liver or intestinal cells. Peppermint also accelerates LDL catabolism by increasing liver LDL receptors. In addition, Mentha pipperita inhibits the activity of the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increases the beta oxidation of fatty acids, thereby effectively reducing fat storage. The concentration of thyroid hormones was not affected by the treatments. In some studies, thyroid hormone concentrations increase with nutrition of mint and kefir. Testosterone concentrations were significantly affected by experimental treatments. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are the most important factors affecting the reproductive system. So far, the effect of many different plant extracts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis has been investigated. Plant extracts such as marjoram and ginger have been reported to increase testosterone, LH and sometimes FSH, and play an effective role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Peppermint, with its special chemical composition, can stimulate the signaling pathways of sex steroid production in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The effect of experimental treatments on pH and moisture of breast and thigh meat and their water holding capacity was not significant.
Conclusion: According to this study and economic considerations, it seems that the combined use of 2% kefir and 0.5% Mentha pipperita in drinking water can improve the performance and also modulate lipid profiles in Japanese quails, as well as increase reproductive performance in males.
Introduction : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of nigella sativa meal and multi enzyme on growth performance, relative weight of carcass components, blood parameters and intestinal morphology of broiler chicken. Materials... more
Introduction : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of nigella sativa meal and multi enzyme on growth performance, relative weight of carcass components, blood parameters and intestinal morphology of broiler chicken.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments in four replicates and 14 chickens in each replicate (80 chickens). Broiler chickens was fed with diets including: without nigella sativa meal and enzymes (control), 7.5% nigella sativa meal (without enzymes), 7.5% nigella sativa meal with 0.2% multi enzyme, 15% nigella sativa meal (without enzymes) and 15% nigella sativa meal with 0.2% multi enzyme for 42 days. Then, the performance of chickens, blood biochemical indicators, intestinal morphology and economic index were measured and recorded. Finally, the analysis of data was performed using GLM method by SAS software. The means were compared using Duncan's multiple range tests.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that, treatments did not have a significant effect on feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the growth period. Whereas, the effect of experimental treatments was significant on feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the finishing period. The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in chickens fed control group and 7.5% nigella sativa meal without enzyme (P<0.05). In total experimental period, the lowest feed intake and weight gain were observed in the groups receiving 15% nigella sativa meal (both with and without enzymes; P<0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in the control group and the group receiving 7.5% enzyme-free nigella sativa meal (P<0.05). Finally, in the total experimental period, the final body weight was significantly the highest in the control group (P<0.05). The high levels of nigella sativa meal and enzymes used in this study may have significantly reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio due to the increase in fiber intake compared to lower levels. On the other hand, the use of different levels of nigella sativa meal and enzymes did not have significant effect on carcass percentages and carcass components, only using 15% nigella sativa meal without enzymes increased the ratio of intestinal length to live weight compared to other treatments. Due to the different results presented in different studies, the levels of use of nigella sativa meal in this study are probably less than the level affecting the relative weight of body organs. According to blood indices, the different treatments did not have any significant effect on serum lipids include cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL. The lack of significant effect of using different levels of nigella sativa meal in the present study is probably due to the use of low levels. Indeed, the use of enzymes with high levels of nigella sativa meal resulted in significantly increase in height of villus jejunum and ileum compared to the control group (P<0.05). The thickness of villus jejunum and ileum of broiler chicken fed 7.5% nigella sativa meal without enzyme increased significantly than the other treatments (P<0.05). The use of 15% nigella sativa meal significantly decreased villus height to crypt depth ratio of jejunum and ileum than the same level without enzymes, but 7.5% nigella sativa meal with enzyme resulted in higher villus height to crypt depth ratio than the without enzymes group (P<0.05). The improvement in villi height to crypt depth ratio may be related to the antimicrobial properties of black seed. For this reason, when the microbial activity in the contents of the intestine decreases at the surface of brush border, the need for enterocytes and new cells to multiply in the intestine decreases, resulting in higher villi height and less crypt depth. Since the main source of protein in poultry diets comes from soybean meal, replacing new and inexpensive sources is a great economic help to reduce feed costs. The replacement of soybean meal by nigella sativa meal decrease feed costs and increase profitability without adversely affecting the broilers.
Conclusion: According to the results, the use of nigella sativa meal reduced the performance of chickens and the use of enzyme supplements could not eliminate these negative effects. On the other hand, 7.5% nigella sativa meal (without enzyme supplements) had a positive effect on morphometric indices.
Introduction : Despite extensive progress in reproductive techniques, sperm cryopreservation leads to reduction of motility and viability in comparison to fresh sperm. Scientists have studied different antioxidants to reduce the loss of... more
Introduction : Despite extensive progress in reproductive techniques, sperm cryopreservation leads to reduction of motility and viability in comparison to fresh sperm. Scientists have studied different antioxidants to reduce the loss of viability, motility and DNA fragmentation, because this loss causes decrease in fertility. The biochemical changes which occurs during sperm cryopreservation affects the plasma membrane and as a result, sperm viability and fertility are affected after thawing. In ram sperm due to the high content of saturated high acid, cause high sensitivity to low temperatures and freezing. The process of fertilization introduces stress that greatly reduce its viability and fertility potential. Different antioxidants have been used to improve the quality of frozen semen which include methylxanthines such as pentoxifylline. Pentoxifylline can act as a protective against ROS, as well as protect and integrate cell membranes and is still used in freezing techniques and reduce the amount of lipid peroxidation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of adding different levels of pentoxifylline antioxidant to ram semen during nonbreeding season on membrane integrity, motility parameter and viability of freezing and thawing sperm.
Materials and Methods: In this study, semen was collected from 8 mature ram twice a week during spring season using an artificial vagina and the ejaculates were pooled in order to eliminate the individual effects of the rams. Tris lecithin–based extender was used in this study. After cooling, filling and sealing the samples, they were frozen with nitrogen vapor and immersed in liquid nitrogen and were stored until evaluation time. All steps were repeated in five replicates. For sperm evaluation, one month after freezing, the straws were extracted from liquid nitrogen and thawed in water bath at temperature of 37 °C for 30 s. Evaluation of sperm was performed for parameters containing CASA, abnormal morphology, malondialdehyde concentration.
Results and discussion:  Despite the availability of advanced reproductive techniques, semen freezing is characterized by lower motility and viability compared to newly ejaculated sperm. Researchers try to prevent sperm motility and DNA damage and increase cell death under oxidative stress by using antioxidants, which can cause sperm loss. In physiological conditions, there is a balance between ROS production and semen's antioxidant capacity. Over-production of ROS disrupts the function of semen antioxidant enzymes and ultimately sperm function. It has been shown that in sperm, cAMP activates protein kinase (PKA), which regulates the phosphorylation of tyrosine protein, which is an important regulatory pathway in modulating events related to sperm capacity and that it makes the sperm acrosome healthy and preventing its hyperactivity. Pentoxifylline enhances cAMP levels by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzyme, which increases ATP, cellular glycolysis, energy production, therefore increases sperm motility, and energy source (ATP) production.
Sperm motility is one of the main quality parameters of semen samples for artificial insemination. Pentoxifylline can act as a protector against ROS, it also protects and integrates cell membrane and is also used in sperm freezing. Addition of pentoxifylline to sperm increases creatine kinase protein activity, which may modulate the ability to use pentoxifylline to increase sperm motility. The researchers reported that this antioxidant could have a positive effect on sperm motility. Pentoxifylline and caffeine have increased sperm motility and viability of frozen sperm in different mammalian species. The results of the data analysis indicate that adding all levels of antioxidants to semen in the non-breeding season increases the progressive sperm motility, but this increase in treatments receiving 1.5 and 3 μM levels were significant compared to the control group. (P <0.05). The highest amount of motility parameters belonged to the 3 μM treatment. Addition of 1.5 and 3 μM of antioxidant Pentoxifylline significantly increased total motility compared to the control group (P <0.05). Results showed that STR parameters significantly increased (P <0.05) by adding 1.5 and 3 μM treatment. Although no significant differences were observed between control treatment and other experimental treatments for VAP, VCL, ALH, LIN, BCF, VSL parameters, by adding these treatments, these parameters were increased compared to control treatment.
Conclusion: In this study, various parameters such as sperm viability, morphology, sperm motility parameters and plasma membrane integrity, and level of malondialdehyde were evaluated during non-reproductive season. The results of this study showed that use of 3 μM pentoxifylline in the extender significantly improved the functional parameters of sperm after freezing-freezing in non-breeding season, while higher concentrations had less effect on the evaluated parameters.
Introduction: Reproduction is directly affected by various management related factors. Manipulation of these factors can cause changes in reproductive performance. The reproductive performance is considered as the most important factor in... more
Introduction: Reproduction is directly affected by various management related factors. Manipulation of these factors can cause changes in reproductive performance. The reproductive performance is considered as the most important factor in determining the profitability of ruminant breeding. Estrous synchronization and supper ovulation are considered as the two valuable management tools used to increase the efficiency of reproduction in small ruminants and seasonal breeder animals, thanks to the use of hormonal therapies The control and manipulation of the sheep reproduction has been the objective of scientists around the world for many years. Identifying the appropriate foreign and indigenous breeds to improve reproductive performance is an essential requirement for self-sufficiency of sheep products. Intensive lamb production systems involve the obtention of more than one lambing per ewe per year. Accelerated lambing systems require the implementation of two, three or even five breeding periods at different times of the year. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using CIDR and PMSG as an appropriate method of concomitant with artificial insemination of imported ewes and comparing them with native Iranian ewes on reproductive performance.
  Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted at the Research Unit Farm of the Light Livestock Breeding Center of the Water and Soil Conservation Company, located in the southern Khorasan province, Iran. 180 ewes with average weight of 50 ± 1.5 kg were divided into 6 groups of 30 rats based on internal and external breeds including: 1- Romanov group 2- Sharouleh group 3- Suffolk 4- Baluchi 5- Mogani group 6- Afshari were selected. Estral synchronization was performed in spring with CIDR. Ewes after CIDR (14 day) extraction and PMSG injection as soon as the signs of estrus were observed, the ewes were isolated from the others and artificially inseminated with fresh sperm using the transcortical method. Ultrasonography examination was performed by an ultrasound device (6 MHz linear probe, ECM model, France). The nutrition program with software (SRNS) version was adjusted based on the pregnancy diet. Investigation of the number of graafian follicles (follicles larger than 4 mm), was examined simultaneously with CIDR removal and estrus observation. Then, in each experiment parameters such as the time of estrus initiation (hour), rate of return to estrus, parturition rate, rate of multiple births, number of lambs and rate of lambing were evaluated. 
  Results and discussion: There were no difference between the experimental groups in terms of estrus symptoms. Results showed that Ovarian ultrasound at day 10 postoperatively showed that the number of lutein in foreign races was higher than other races and significant statistical differences were observed (p<0.05). The results of the present study showed that the mean daily body weight change of ewes was affected by experimental groups (p<0.05). Ovulation in most ewes, depending on the breed, occurs at a fixed time in relation to the onset of estrus. The breed of ewe could be one of the factors influencing the time of ovulation. Results Ovulation rate, Pregnancy rate, stillbirth rate, was significant difference in fertility rate and twinning rates between the groups (P <0.05). The highest ovulation rate (100%), pregnancy rate (100%), The fertility rate (160%) and Twinning rates (66%) belonged to the Romanov group and statistical differences were observed (p<0.05). Variability between results could be attributed to different protocols, management systems, nutritional status or physiological status resulting from diverse experimental conditions. Furthermore, these variable results may indicate that breed, timing of treatment or doses used in these treatments produce critical effects on fertility rate and embryo survival.
  Conclusion In general, the use of some new technologies such as estrous cycle control and the use of hormones was effective in this study and increased the average production of lambs per ewe mixed in the herd. Significant differences between Romanov ewes in pregnancy rate, lambing rate and twinning with other breeds indicate the high genetic capacity of this breed of sheep in the success of reproductive performance. Due to low productivity of Iranian breeds compared to foreign breeds, it can be suggested that foreign sheep be used to improve breeding efficiency of Iranian sheep for breeding.
Introduction Providing the energy and protein in the diet of livestock, due to the high cost of its sources makes the highest cost of feed. Therefore, new and cheap domestic resources should be used in order to reduce costs and... more
Introduction  Providing the energy and protein in the diet of livestock, due to the high cost of its sources makes the highest cost of feed. Therefore, new and cheap domestic resources should be used in order to reduce costs and independency. Lathyrus sativus as a source of protein has been used in ruminants’ diet and because of similar amino acids profile to soybean meal can be used instead of soybean meal in ruminants’ diet. The protein content of Lathyrus sativus is 25.6-35.9 % of its dray matter. It is also reported that heat-processed soybeans are used as an important source of protein and energy in ruminants because heating reduces the breakdown of protein in the rumen and the passage of essential amino acids into the intestine (5). On the other hand, the reduction of anti-nutrients due to heat treatment, especially extrusion in soybean, has been reported in several studies. There is limited information about the effect of heat-processing on the nutritional value of Lathyrus sativus. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the chemical composition, anti-nutrients, extent and rate of gas production and protein digestibility of Lathyrus sativus treated with different heat-processing by in vitro and in situ experiments.
Materials and methods The Lathyrus sativus seed were processed by 1) Autoclave at 120 ˚C, 2) Oven at 100 ˚C, 3) Extruding at 110 ˚C, 4) Roasting on direct heat, 5) Furnace at 120 ˚C and 6) Furnace at 200 ˚C. Chemical composition including dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus was performed using AOAC methods. Tannin and total phenolic compounds were meseared by Folin and Ciocalteu (12). Extent and rate of gas production were done based on Menk and Stingas. Mobile nylon bag technique was applied for determination of protein digestibility in the romen and intestine. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS using a completely randomized design with 5 replications.
Results and Discussion Dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude energy, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus were not affected by different processing methods (P <0.05). However the amount of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and natural detergent fiber (NDF) with heat processing methods was significantly lower than non-processing method (P <0.05). Autoclaving and extrusion of Lathyrus sativus reduced the amount of phenolic compounds compared to the control (P <0.05). In addition, the furnace at 120 ° C and roasting even more than autoclaving and extrusion reduced the total phenolic compounds. The amount of gas production during various hours and its rate were significantly affected by the different processing procedures (P<0.05). At the initial hours (2 and 8 h) of incubation, the amount of gas produced in Lathyrus sativus unprocessed and processed in oven 100 ˚C was higher than autoclave 120 ˚C, furnace 120 ˚C, and roasted seeds. Extruded seeds were reduced gas production in initial hours than any other processed methods except those put in the furnace 200 ˚C. The Lathyrus sativus placed in 200 ˚C furnace severely diminished gas production of the incubation at primary hours. The extruded Lathyrus sativus showed higher gas at the 12th and 24th hours of incubation compared with primary hours. This trend continued up to the 96th hour of incubation. The results of gas production had conformity with rumen and intestine digestibility. It seems that the steam pressure in extrude and autoclave process can influence Lathyrus sativus fermentation. This effect in extrude process was higher than autoclave. The rumen and intestine dry matter and protein digestibility in extruded process was higher than the others. Lathyrus sativus with no process, at oven 100 ˚C and furnace 200 ˚C were shown equal dry matter and protein digestibility. The findings of the present research revealed that extruding, autoclaving and roasting procedures lead to increase of dry matter through decreasing water content and that it had no significant effect on other chemical composition. Also, the findings showed that place of Lathyrus sativus in furnace 200 ˚C decreased ADF and NDF Lathyrus sativus which might be due to the removal of some of the shells in this processing. Consequently, the process of extruding, autoclaving and roasting reduced the rapid part degradation of dry matter and protein of Lathyrus sativus and caused the slow part of degradation to increase, which is in consistent to other researcher about increasing of intestine protein digestibility in extruded and roasted soybean seed.
Conclusion Extruded, autoclaved and roasted Lathyrus sativus with the reduction of the amount of ruminal disappearance and the increase of the post ruminal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein transferred the place of the digestion of protein from the rumen to the small intestines. In furnace 200 ˚C, due to the intense denaturation of the protein or the formation of a protein-carbohydrate complex, the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein of Lathyrus sativus in the rumen and intestine was reduced. In addition, the results of our studies in confirming the studies of others reduced the concentration of total tannin and total phenolic compounds in Lathyrus sativus.
Introduction : Flax products (seeds and meal) are one of the sources of energy and protein for ruminants. Although flaxseed is a very inexpensive and affordable source of omega-3s, more than 50 percent of its fatty acids are made from... more
Introduction : Flax products (seeds and meal) are one of the sources of energy and protein for ruminants. Although flaxseed is a very inexpensive and affordable source of omega-3s, more than 50 percent of its fatty acids are made from alpha-linolenic acid, but it cannot be used at high levels due to its anti-nutritional properties. Flaxseed processing improves nutrient consumption while reducing the negative effects of anti-nutritional substances such as lintine and makes food more palatable. Various methods are used to process and improve the flaxseed digestion process, such as micronization and extrusion. The extrusion process is in fact the process of processing high temperature materials in a short time and is done by a combination of moisture, heat, mechanical energy and pressure. Extrusion is also a technical function by which feed is processed, extruded and cooked under a constant increase in pressure and then expanded due to a sudden drop in pressure. Heat treatment applied during the extrusion process reduces the access of rumen bacteria to the fat in the diet by denaturing the protein matrix around fat droplets in oilseeds such as flaxseed, and thus can reduce fatty acids. Protect unsaturated with several double bonds from ruminal biohydrogenation. Microwave by microwave can be done after adding 25% moisture to the grains for 3 minutes in a device containing an infrared lamp. It was also found that micronization could be used to increase the degradable protein content of the rumen. This study was performed to evaluate different levels and methods of flaxseed processing in the diet on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and sheep ruminant behavior.
Materials and Methods: 42 adult Moghani ewes with an average initial weight of 47 ± 2.8 kg were divided into seven treatments and six replications in a completely randomized design. Treatments include: Control treatment without flaxseed, 5% of raw flaxseed (not processed), 10% of raw flaxseed (not processed), 5% of processed flaxseed Micronized method, 10% of flaxseed processed by micronized method, 5% of flaxseed processed by extrusion method and 10% of flaxseed processed by extrusion method. The duration of the course was 60 days, of which 15 days were habituation and 45 days were experimental. Diets were adjusted based on NRC (44). All ewes were placed under the same management and feeding conditions. Diets were given to the ewes twice daily, at 8 am and 4 pm after weighing the ewes. Livestock was also held individually in livestock cages and had free access to water. Feed was given and the remaining feed was weighed and recorded for each animal each day. Daily feed intake was calculated from the average difference of feed given for each livestock and the rest of the manager the next day. The mean of each treatment was calculated from the average feed consumption of each animal during the period. Dietary digestibility was measured by the internal marker of acid-insoluble ash in the last 3 days of the experiment and blood and ruminal fluid samples were taken on the last day of the experiment. Dietary digestibility was measured by internal marker of acid-insoluble ash in the last 3 days of the experiment and blood samples were taken on the last day of the experiment. In the last two days of the experiment, rumination behavior was measured by recording activity for a period of 24 hours. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.9 (54) using GLM procedure.
Results and Discussion: Different levels and processing of flaxseed had no significant effect on weight, dry matter intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The highest dry matter intake and daily weight gain were related to treatments containing 10% extruded flax and 10% micronized flax, which indicates that the processing resulted in better flaxseed palatability. The use of different levels and methods of flaxseed processing in the present study did not have a negative effect on feed intake, which probably the amount of fatty acids and flaxseed fatty acid pattern used in this short-term study had minimal effect on the feed intake mechanism. Glucose and urea nitrogen levels were affected by experimental treatments. The addition of flaxseed increased blood glucose levels. This increase is likely due to the production of more propionic acid than rumen acetate. Studies have shown that ruminal fatty acids are biohydrogenation and increase propionate relative to acetate by altering ruminal fermentation pattern. The main precursor for gluconeogenesis activity in the liver is propionate, which stimulates glucose production. Propionate is a volatile fatty acid produced in the rumen that is a major precursor of glucose in animals. Increasing unsaturated fatty acids due to flaxseed consumption improves the energy status of the animal and reduces the deamination of tissue amino acids for energy supply and ultimately reduces the nitrogen level of blood urea. Dry matter and crude fat digestibility were affected by experimental treatments. The oil in flaxseed is coated and will not interfere with ruminal function, so it is not expected to have a negative effect on nutrient digestibility and even improve it in some cases. With increasing the use of flaxseed, the digestibility of insoluble fibers in neutral detergent decreased, which higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in flaxseed can be a good reason to reduce the digestibility of insoluble fibers in neutral detergent and can be inferred as follows. Due to the increase in unsaturated fatty acids, ruminal fibrolytic activity is affected and due to the addition of flaxseed, cell wall digestibility is reduced. Experimental treatments could not have a significant effect on the ruminant behavior of ewes.
Conclusion According to the results of this experiment, extruded and micronized flaxseed at the level of 10% can be used as a source of energy and protein in ewes' diets.
Introduction: Dried forage has long been used as a traditional method of storage of forage feedstuffs. However, the need to postpone forage harvest until maturity in order to obtain more dry matter reduces its digestibility. Adverse... more
Introduction: Dried forage has long been used as a traditional method of storage of forage feedstuffs. However, the need to postpone forage harvest until maturity in order to obtain more dry matter reduces its digestibility. Adverse weather conditions can lead to loss of nutrients and overall decline in the nutritional value of dried fodder. One of the methods that is somewhat less dependent on climate conditions and used by ranchers to maintain plants. The product of fermentation under anoxic and acidic conditions is called silage. During forage ensiling due to the activity of lactic acid producing bacteria and in anaerobic conditions, water soluble carbohydrates in forage are converted to predominantly lactic acid acids, which reduce the pH and protect the forage against microbial spoilage. Corn as a plant with high production capacity and adaptability in most parts of the country can play an important role in providing forage to livestock, especially in winter. One of the main concerns in the preparation of a good silage is the rapid decrease in silage pH in the shortest time. Hay pH at harvest time is between 6 and 7 and after the incubation period with proper fermentation, pH can be equal to or less than 4, which this reduction in pH is due to production of lactic acid and other organic acids by bacteria. Accelerate the reduction of pH by adding lactic acid bacteria in food is very important to minimize depreciation. Recent studies have shown that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneriinhibits yeast growth and reduces the susceptibility to aerobic spoilage of various ensiled forages. This study was conducted to determine the effect of EM (containing yeast an lactobacillus) and Lalsil containing lactobacillus buchneri inoculants on chemical composition, fermentation profile and degradability of corn silage.
Materials and Methods: This research were carried out to investigate the Effects of Different Biological Additives on Fermentation and Chemical composition of corn silage by using 2 experiments (Chemical composition assay, gas production) in a completely randomized design. The latest experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with 4 different treatments in three replications. The corn forage was harvested at the dough stage and then crushed by a chopper. The silage were kept at room temperature for 90 days. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fiber in acidic and neutral detergent, lactic acid content, water soluble carbohydrate, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total volatile fatty acids, pH were measured with 3 replicates. The four various treatments in the running order incorporated as: 1. control (without any inoculant), 2. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive Lalsil 1.8×106 CFU/g fresh forage (include lactobacillus buchneri), 3. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive at 0.02 percent, and 4. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive at 0.04 percent (at fresh weight). Crops were ensiled in triplicate laboratory mini soils for 90 days at room temperature. The results were analyze using SAS (2002) software with GLM procedure and using of Duncan’s test for comparing the averages (at 5% level).
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the additive of the different Biological Additives used had the potential to positively change the chemical composition of corn silage. Treating corn silage with Lalsil and EM caused a significant decline in pH in comparison to control treatment (P<0.001). Supplementation of additives significantly increased dry matter content of corn silage (P <0.05). Statistical analysis of data from this experiment on corn silage pH showed that addition of Lalisil and EM significantly decreased corn silage pH (P <0.05). Also, the addition of EM to corn silage in 0.02 percent of supplementation had no significant difference with a control treatment. The EM treatments caused a significant decline in lactobacillus population in relation to Lalsil treatments (P<0.05). Experimental treatments in relation to control and the other treatments.  Addition of Lalsil and EM to corn silage had no significant effect on neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Treating corn silage with Lalsil and EM caused a significant decline in pH in relation to control treatment (P<0.05). The lowest pH is related to inoculated bacterial treatment.  Addition of Lalsil and EM had no significant effect on insoluble fiber in neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber. Lalsil additive reduced the amount of crude protein in the silage. The EM treatments caused a significant decline in lactobacillus population in relation to Lalsil treatments (P<0.05). DM disappearance was lower in EM treatments in at any level of supplementation in the early hours of incubation in relation to control treatment (P<0.05) as well as adding of Lalsil significantly reduced the DM disappearance (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Adding different biological additives to corn silage reduces pH and can improve the aerobic stability, quality of corn silage in laboratory silos by altering the availability of water soluble carbohydrates.
Introduction Medicinal plants have a long history of treating different diseases. Glaucium flavum (yellow horned poppy) is a summer-flowering plant in the family Papaveracae. It is native to Northern Africa, Macaronesia,... more
Introduction          Medicinal plants have a long history of treating different diseases. Glaucium flavum (yellow horned poppy) is a summer-flowering plant in the family Papaveracae. It is native to Northern Africa, Macaronesia, temperate zones in Western Asia, and the Caucasus, as well as Europe. It has thick, leathery deeply segmented, wavy, bluish-grey leaves, which are coated in a layer of water-retaining wax. Yellow Horne Puppy (YHP) is an alkaloid medicinal plant with a high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Yellow Horne Puppy on some hematological indices in male rats compared with vitamin C. Vitamin C is an electron donor, and this property accounts for all its known functions. As an electron donor, vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant in humans.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 36 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (six rats in each group): (1) The first group (control) did not receive any dose, and the experimental groups (2) treated with oral administration of 250 mg/kg of yellow horned poppy extract, (3) treated with Intra-peritoneal (IP) administration of 250 mg/kg of the extract and 100 mg/kg of vitamin C, (4) treated with IP administration of 100 mg/kg of vit C, (5) treated with oral administration of 500 mg/kg of extract, (6) treated with oral administration of 200 mg/kg of vit C. Thirty days after administration following induction of anesthesia and taking blood from the heart of rats, blood samples were collected and hematological parameters measurement including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, Red blood cell distribution width and platelets measured by a Hematology Auto Analyzer. The obtained data were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. Results were analyzed statistically by SPSS software version 22 and the One-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni post hoc test. Mean ± SD was considered significant if (P<0.05).
Results and Discussion Medicinal plants have natural ingredients and many of these plants have fewer side effects. Because the most important known factor in yellow horned poppy is its alkaloids. The most important alkaloids of this plant include Glaucine, Berberine, Bolbucapanine, and Protopine. Glaucine is an alkaloid that has been shown to have antioxidant properties and can protect against double bond fatty acids against free radical-mediated peroxidation. Due to our result, the oral consumption of yellow horned poppy significantly increased the number of Neutrophils (76.84±14.02) and, decreased Lymphocytes (18.41±9.58). Elevated blood neutrophils due to the induction of stressful conditions and stimulation of the immune system. In this sense, these factors not only raise white blood cells but also affect other blood parameters but, in this study, Changes in white blood cell counts due to oral administration and injecting vitamin C have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Injection of vitamin C showed a significant increase in monocytes (4.16±0.75). The number of red blood cells among the groups under study showed no decreasing or increasing effect (P>0.05). Hb and MCH increased with both oral and IP administrated extracts. IP administration of YPH+vit C has led to a decrease in MCH and MCHC (17.56±0.66, 33.76±0.80). Platelets were also significantly increased by IP administration of Extract of Glaucium Flavum+ vitamin C (351000±126714). The rate of RDW was reduced by oral administration of YPH and injection (13.01±1.35, 12.73±0.53). Glaucium flavum contains Glaucine, an alkaloid similar in effect to codeine, in that it has cough suppressant activity but without being addictive. Glaucine is an alkaloid found in several different plant species such as Glaucium flavum, Glaucium oxylobum, Croton lechleri, and Corydalis yanhusuo. It has a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects, acting as a PDE4 inhibitor and calcium channel blocker, and is used medically as an antitussive in some countries. Glaucine may produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue, and a hallucinogenic effect characterized by colorful visual images and has recently been detected as a novel recreational drug.
Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that Oral administration of the yellow horned poppy extracts can have a good effect on blood parameters, as same as vit C, due to its antioxidant properties. Therefore, this plant extract can be used in the treatment of many diseases.
Introduction Applying the appropriate statistical method to genome wide association studies (GWAS (is one of the major factors influencing the identify chromosome regions effect of quantitative traits. The single-step genomic best linear... more
Introduction  Applying the appropriate statistical method to genome wide association studies (GWAS (is one of the major factors influencing the identify chromosome regions effect of quantitative traits. The single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) approach, a quite common procedure in GWAS, has the advantage of simultaneously using the phenotypes of genotyped and non-genotyped animals, pedigrees, and genotypes; therefore, there is no need to calculate pseudo-phenotypes. It has been reported that the use of ssGBLUP procedure increased the accuracy of genetic evaluation in many contexts and species compared with pedigree-based BLUP. However, the ssGBLUP assumes that all SNPs explain the same amount of genetic variance, which is unlikely in the case of traits whose major genes or QTL are segregating. The weighted single-step genome wide association studies (WssGWAS) approach allows the use of different weights for each SNP according to their trait-relevant importance and improves the accuracy of genetic evaluation and the precision of estimates of SNP effects. Thus, The aim of the present study was to compare the explained genetic variance from multi-step Bayes B (MS-BayesB) method in the different values of π with weighted single-step genome wide association study (WssGWAS (method related to some economically important traits in 920 Japanese quails.
Materials and Methods For each bird, a total of three traits including body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded and by using Illumnia iSelect 4K Japanese quail SNP Bead chip. For associations between traits and effective SNPs using the GenSel and BLUPF90 family software. The effects of markers and the genomic estimated breeding values of the traits were obtained by five iterations of WssGWAS. The proportion of additive genetic variance (agv) for each of 1.5-Mb genomic window (adjacent SNPs) was used to identify informative genomic regions and candidate genes, accounting for more than 1% of the agv. Also, to estimate SNP marker effects, the Bayes-B method was used (Meuwissen et al., 2009) with set π 0.90, 0.95, 0.99 The Bayes-B method assumes that some proportion (π) of SNP markers has zero effects. The posterior distributions of the parameters and effects were obtained using Gibbs sampling. We performed a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation of 41,000 rounds with Gibbs sampling, of which the first 1000 iterations were discarded as burn-in. To estimate posterior means and variances of marker effects, Metropolis–Hastings samples were run for 10 iterations. The QTL windows were identified and located for candidate genes using the Coturnix_japonica_2.0 assembly. DAVID v6.8 Functional Annotation Tool (Huang et al. 2009) was used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment in order to detect biological terms associated with genomic regions and gene networks identified in the analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene function was performed using implementation of the Bonferroni test of overrepresentation.
Results and Discussion These unknown genotype individuals can supply additional information to improve the statistical power of QTL detection. Sample size can influence the power of GWAS. In general, the results showed that the Bayes¬A method performed better in explained additive genetic variance compared to BayesB method with π=90. A total of 15 significant windows over 1% explained genetic variance on 10 chromosomes were found for the BWG and explained 23.1% of agv. For FI, we identified 14 informative windows across 9 chromosomes, and explained 28.3% of the agv. Also, for the FCR, 12 significant windows were identified on 9 chromosomes and explained 27.4% of agv. The detected candidate genes in genomic regions played an important role in muscle development, feed intake and residual feed intake. Results of this study showed that use single-step Bayesian methods of phenotype, genotype and pedigree information simultaneously, had outperform in comparison than other multi-step BayesB method. Moreover, considering the identification of new genome regions and the key role of the mentioned genes in development of body weight and feed efficiency, the WssGWAS method can be validated for GWAS for economic traits in Japanese quail.
Conclusions In the present study, we identified a wide range of genomic regions associated with body weight gain and feed efficiency traits. The findings of this study provide an important foundation for future fine-mapping studies to more precisely elucidate the mutations affecting production traits in Japanese quail. Future studies should establish causative links between candidate variants and economically important phenotypes using functional analyses.
Introduction One of the most important environmental factors affecting the dairy industry is the temperature changes that showed a negative impact on the industry over the past few years. Increasing temperatures have declined the... more
Introduction  One of the most important environmental factors affecting the dairy industry is the temperature changes that showed a negative impact on the industry over the past few years. Increasing temperatures have declined the production and reproductive performance of herds in the tropics. Huge losses are caused annually due to heat stress. Heat stress in dairy cows is caused by a combination of environmental factors (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and air movement). Continual genetic selection for greater performance results to increased sensitivity to heat stress. It was one of the reasons why lactation curve during summer has decreasing trend compared to spring in which lactation curve maintained within high levels. Dairy cows at the beginning of lactation have small chances to fight off a thermal stress, and thus it has the strongest effect on the production of milk in the first 60 days of lactation. A negative balance of energy in dairy cows at the beginning of lactation is even more increased by creating and emitting of higher quantity of thermal energy in the period when animals consume less food. For this reason, a high-yielding dairy cows are more sensitive to heat stress than cows having a lower genetic potential for milk production. Impacts of heat stress on reproductive efficiency have been well documented and reviewed. Heat stress has been shown to alter the duration of estrus, colostrum quality, conception rate, uterine function, endocrine status, follicular growth and development, luteolytic mechanisms, early embryonic development and fetal growth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on yield of dairy cattle in different months of production and also to estimate genetic parameters of production and reproductive traits under heat stress.
Material and Methods In this study, 169655 records of 60322 dairy cows in different parity in Isfahan province of Iran were used. The studied traits included productive and reproductive traits. Milk test day and fat percent as productive traits and open days and days to first service were considered as reproductive traits. Climatic records of herds were collected from 7 stations less than 70 km away from herds and temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated for each month in each herd. Dairy milk production records ranged from 5 kg to 60 kg for milk and milk fat percentage from 1 to 7%. Genetic and phenotypic trends were considered by regression of the estimated breeding values on year of the birth. The model used included the effect of herd-year of calving, calving month, parity and temperature-humidity index. An animal model was used to estimate genetic parameters of reproductive traits and random regression was used for production traits. SAS software was used to investigate the significance level of independent factors and DMU software was used to estimate genetic parameters.
Results and Discussion The results showed that the threshold of temperature-humidity index is 72 and more than it has adverse effects on performance. Average days open and difference to first service in different Parity 112 and 60 days respectively and was estimated the average heritability of days open and difference to first service 0.02 and 0.06, respectively. With increase in temperature- humidity index, mean of production traits decreased and this decrease for milk and fat yield traits occurred at temperature-humidity threshold of 72 and 65, respectively. The average of heritability was calculated as 0.32 for milk yield and 0.24 for milk fat percentage. The results indicated that with increasing temperature humidity index in 72 the genetic variance for both traits was increased. In on other words, the cows after heat stress (THI=72). Genetic differences were significantly increased. The results of this study indicate that the additive genetic variances were higher in early lactation (5 to 100 days of lactation), for both milk yield and fat percentage.
Conclusion Genetic variance increased with increasing temperature-humidity index (THI = 72) for the two traits of milk and fat production. Also breeding value of open day correction and difference to first calving under heat stress decreased. In other words, there is a significant genetic difference between animals exposed to heat stress after temperature-humidity index 72. Therefore, it may be possible to genetically identify animals more resistant to heat stress as parents of the next generation.
Introduction During development process attention to the improvement of scarcity compensation protein of food regime is necessary and important and due to that, the most of developing countries attempted to compensate scarce protein of... more
Introduction During development process attention to the improvement of scarcity compensation protein of food regime is necessary and important and due to that, the most of developing countries attempted to compensate scarce protein of increasing population accompany of poultry industry extension. The current study attempted to investigate an economic survey on broiler emphasizing on deduction in production period. After Islamic revolution Iran, had been tried to compensate the shortage of broiler with supply of subsidized poultry. To this context, to increase the domestic production, the government started to pay loan with the lowest interest rate even at zero per cents and in some cases a nonrefundable loan.  The Kurdistan province as no developed area could benefit from the same policy with significant different subject to receive such supports and by this poultry industry in the case of farm number and spread throughout area of it has made rapid growth.  Among 18459 work official document issued in the country at till the year 2018 Kurdistan province with 740 farms stand at 8th rank in the country.  Reverse of before, the problem of the country as well as the study are do not go to the production amount but there some problems such as high FCR, high-cost price, nonstandard of chicken size and supply and value chain management from farm to final consumers.  That’s why the current study tries to investigate on some variables to find the way of improvement of this industry and increase its productivity in all dimensions.
Material and methods The statistical population of the study are entire broiler poultry farm in Divandareh, Kamyaran and Sanadaj cities which are about 261 farms. Through the simple random sampling 158 farms as sample for the study were selected. The cross-section data through interview and filling questionnaire for the year 2018-19 were collected and partial budgeting and benefit–cost ratio used to analyze them. The FCR (Food Coefficient Return), production period, waste percentage, net revenue, period gap, average of harvested alive weight, number of weightings, used inputs, production capacity, production costs and demographic characteristics of managers, are studied as research variables.
Results and discussion The results showed that, the average time period was 55 days, period space average was 31days and FCR average is about 1.94 kg. The results of this part have significant difference with those which Tandoğan and Çiçek found but although compare to the Sahraie et al., we found some differences but it’s showed in both study areas the production and management faces significant challenges. Also, the results showed that, feed cost and one day old chicken with 76 and 14 per cent have the highest share of total cost and this result is same as that Tandoğan and Çiçek found. The benefit-cost ratio is about 1.3 and the best age of harvest with 7 days gap is 42 days. Address to the results, fall from 55 days with 31 days gap to 42 days with 7 days gap we may increase the number of production period from 4.2 to 7.4 and an increase in net gain from 324 to 670 IR million Toman (in case of full capacity used and stability of prices) annually. In case of the results, we found the similarity with Szollosi, et al., results. Address to the above-mentioned results we may say that, the broiler production in the study area needs more attention not only in case of economic issues but in social as well as political one, since there some externalities with high fluctuation of the price and production amount. Address to the Iran’s political situation any problem in people welfare may cost a lot for the decision makers. In other view, since Iran has started her developments programs after revelation with equally distribution of welfare for all citizens without any discrimination theme, therefore any significant gap between what they ask with those are going to happen may impose the highest cost to country management.
Conclusion According to the results, by reduction both in production period and period gap the possibility of improvement of farm space, labor, feed, produced chicken meat and speed of capital return will increase but in the case of high gap between the production period and high production period the supply elasticity decreases and price fluctuation will increase. Therefore, based on the results, reduction of production period maybe recommended to decrease the demand price elasticity, increase supply elasticity, reduction of production cost price, and increase of return and preparation of export issues.
Introduction This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber and fat on the growth performance of broiler chicks using the central composite design and response surface methodology at 1-7 d and... more
Introduction  This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber and fat on the growth performance of broiler chicks using the central composite design and response surface methodology at 1-7 d and 7-14 d of age. The response surface methodology is a set of statistical and mathematical methods that help the researcher in design of experiment within the incomplete factorial designs. In this method, the obtained data is converted into a mathematical model and the obtained model is optimized to determine the values of the input variables in order to achieve the best output.
Materials and Methods This study was carried out at the Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. A total of 420 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks with average weights of 46.90 ± 1.03 g were randomly distributed into 60 battery brooder cages. The birds were assigned to 15 diets of CCD containing 3 levels of sugar beet pulp (SBP; 0.00, 1.75 and 3.5%), tallow (T; 0.00, 0.50 and 1.00%) and soybean oil (SO; 0.00, 0.50 and 1.00%), from 0 to 14 days of age. Diet samples were analyzed for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber was calculated from the difference of total crude fiber from its insoluble fraction. Fatty acids profiles of tallow and soybean oil were determined using gas chromatography. The average daily body weight gain (ADG) was calculated from the weight gain of birds in each cage. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was corrected for mortality and represented as grams of feed consumed by all birds divided by grams of body weight gain. The experimental data (60 data lines) obtained by CCD were fitted to the second-order polynomial equation by Minitab 2017.
Results and Discussion The polynomial equation from raw experimental data for ADG (R2 = 0.79; root MSE = 1.65) and FCR (R2 = 0.88; root MSE = 0.14) at 7d of age was generated as follows:
ADG (g/bird) = 27.54 – 1.07 × SBP – 5.57 × T – 1.99 × SO – 0.17 × SBP × SBP + 1.95 × T × T + 1.77 × SO × SO – 0.45 × SBP × T – 0.05 × SBP × SO – 0.71 × T × SO
FCR= 0.87 – 0.03 × SBP + 0.38 × T – 0.08 × SO + 0.05 × SBP × SBP – 0.29 × T × T + 0.13 × SO × SO + 0.15 × SBP × T + 0.04 × SBP × SO + 0.002 × T × SO
The estimated parameters for SBP and T terms in the ADG model, and SBP, T, SO, SBP×SBP and SBP×T terms in the FCR model were significant. In the ADG and FCR models, the linear terms had higher contribution to explain existing variation in the response of the chicks. Maximum ADG was observed with diet containing 0.15% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.00% SO and minimum FCR was observed with diet containing 0.07% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.28% SO. The predicted ADG and FCR at the optimal points were 27.54 g/bird per day and 0.96, respectively. The coefficient estimates for ADG and FCR models and the corresponding absolute t-values showed that among the investigating nutrients and their interactions, the linear effect of dietary SBP the largest effect on ADG and FCR of chicks. Lack of fit for both ADG and FCR models was insignificant, showing that the observed data are in good agreement with the model. The polynomial equation from raw experimental data for ADG (R2 = 0.78; root MSE = 3.60) and FCR (R2 = 0.80; root MSE = 0.14) at 14d of age was generated as follows:
ADG (g/bird) = 52.50 – 7.81 × SBP – 26.01 × T + 14.37 × SO + 0.66 × SBP × SBP + 11.22 × T × T – 14.17 × SO × SO + 3.58 × SBP × T + 0.27 × SBP × SO – 3.46 × T × SO
FCR = 1.01 + 0.07 × SBP + 0.35 × T – 0.26 × SO + 0.02 × SBP × SBP – 0.10 × T × T + 0.26 × SO × SO + 0.03 × SBP × T + 0.03 × SBP × SO + 0.14 × T × SO
The estimated parameters for SBP, T, T×T, SO×SO and SBP×T terms in the ADG model, and SBP, T and SO terms in the FCR model were significant. In the ADG and FCR models, the linear terms had higher contribution to explain existing variation in the response of the chicks. Maximum ADG and minimum FCR were observed with diet containing 0.30% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.50% SO. The predicted ADG and FCR at the optimal points were 56.65 g/bird per day and 0.95, respectively. The coefficient estimates for ADG and FCR models and the corresponding absolute t-values show that among the investigating nutrients and their interactions, the linear effect of dietary SBP the largest effect on ADG and FCR of chicks. Lack of fit for both ADG and FCR models was significant, showing that a more complicated modeling method or other testing with extra variables should be made.
Conclusion Response surface model and central composite design were able to predict the relationships between the diet ingredients and the optimal point of them. At 1-7 d of age, maximum ADG was observed with diet containing 0.15% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.00% SO and minimum FCR was observed with diet containing 0.07% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.28% SO. At 7-14 d of age, maximum ADG and minimum FCR were observed with diet containing 0.30% SBP, 0.00% T and 0.50% SO. The predicted ADG and FCR at the optimal points were 56.65 g/bird per day and 0.95, respectively. The results of this experiment implied that with increasing age of the broilers and possibly the development of their gastrointestinal tract, the negative effects of soluble fiber are somewhat reduced and broilers will be able to better utilize fat sources.
Introduction This experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of peppermint extract, vitamins C, vitamin E, probiotics and antibiotics on performance, biochemical parameters and immune system of broilers under heat stress... more
Introduction  This experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of peppermint extract, vitamins C, vitamin E, probiotics and antibiotics on performance, biochemical parameters and immune system of broilers under heat stress conditions. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is considered as one of these medical plants and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The essential oils and extracts of this plant are mainly made up of menthone, menthol and methyl acetate. Peppermint is traditionally used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, mild tonic, antimicrobial.
Materials and Methods A total of 240 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were distributed to 8 treatments with 5 replications/treatment based on a randomized block design. Experimental diets consisted of base diet without feed additive and under standard temperature conditions (negative control), base diet without feed additive and under heat stress conditions (positive control), positive control supplemented with 28 mg/kg virginiamycin, 28 mg/kg probiotic protexin, 1 g/kg vitamin C, 1 g/kg vitamin E, 250 and 500 mg/kg peppermint extract, respectively. House temperature was initially set at 28°C for the second week and then reduced by 0.5°C per day until a temperature of 22°C was achieved at the end of the fourth week and then maintained constant thereafter. To induce heat stress, room temperature was raised to 34◦C during 10 AM to 16 PM from 15 to 42 days of age. A 23:1h light to darkness lightening regimen was followed throughout the experimentation period. Body weight gain and feed intake were recorded for days 10, 24 and 42 of age and data were used to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). At the end of the experiment (day 42), two birds from each replication with a body weight close to cage mean were selected and killed. Individual blood samples were collected form the slaughtered birds and centrifuged at 1800× g for 15 min. The collected sera samples stored at -20°C pending biochemical assessments. Concentrations of serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), Hematocrit and Hemoglobin were determined by different recommended procedures. To assay the primary and secondary antibody responses against SRBC, 2 birds/replicate were immunized intramuscularly with 0.5 mL 10% SRBC in. Blood samples (1.5 mL/bird) were obtained from the brachial vein at 7d following each injection.
Results and Discussion The results showed that the highest feed intake and feed conversion ratio were observed in chickens fed with negative control diets (P <0.05). The greatest body weight was observed in the birds fed with the negative control and diets supplemented with probiotics and vitamin E (P <0.05). Broilers fed with diets containing antibiotics as same as positive control group could increase abdominal fat percentage and serum triglycerides concentration than other treatments (P <0.05). The broilers fed with diets supplemented with all feed additives decreased the heterophils to lymphocytes ratio compared to the positive control group (P <0.05). The probiotics and 500 mg peppermint extract-supplemented diets improved the antibody titer against Newcastle, Gumburo and influenza diseases, as well as anti-SRBC titer, compared to the positive control group (P <0.05). The results of this study are supported by other studies, indicating that the dietary supplementation of probiotic could improve physiological responses and immune system and thus performance of heat-stressed birds. Dietary supplementation of vitamin C is an effective strategy to reduce the harmful effects of heat stress in poultry. The results of previous studies have demonstrated that the antioxidant and inflammatory properties of peppermint contributes to the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress, through removing free radical. Medicinal plants with secondary metabolites have also reported to possess the positive effects on growth performance and thus increasing the immune function. The positive effects of peppermint could be due to its active ingredients such as carvacrol, flavonoids and menthol. Flavonoids with antioxidant effects have protective properties against free radicals. The mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in preventing antigens and harmful microorganisms from entering the organ and eliminating them, while also being effective in selective nutrient absorption. The results of the present experiment and the other reports also indicate that dietary supplementation of probiotic and vitamin E and C and peppermint extract improve the immune response and growth performance of broilers and could be account as an alternative to antibiotics.
Conclusion In conclusion, a high dose of peppermint (500 mg/kg) was as effective as probiotic, vitamin E and C in alleviating the negative effects of heat stress on growth performance, health and immune function.
Introduction It is advantageous to include as many ingredients as possible when formulating a diet for broiler chickens, because the supplementary nature of nutrients in different feedstuffs promotes the reduction of nutrient variation.... more
Introduction  It is advantageous to include as many ingredients as possible when formulating a diet for broiler chickens, because the supplementary nature of nutrients in different feedstuffs promotes the reduction of nutrient variation. The results of some experiments have shown that diet uniformity, through variance reduction for nutrients, improves broiler performance. In addition, lower variability of nutrients reduces the possibility of nutrient wastage. Also, in practical feed formulation when using of cheaper feed ingredients such as canola meal (CM) or poultry by-product meal (PBM) instead of more expensive ingredients such as soybean meal (SBM) in such a way that inclusion of them didn’t result in a lower production and quality indices thus they may result in a lower feed costs and higher economic benefit for producer. Both CM and PBM are good sources of protein for broilers and less expensive than SBM. Canola meal is a worthful feed ingredient and according to climatic condition and type of processing contains 36-39% crude protein. It may consider as a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron as well as relatively good source of methionine and lysine. Poultry by product meal can be used in poultry ration up to 6% of total feed if sanitary operations is observed. High levels of fat, moisture and feather contents are main drawbacks of PBM in the poultry rations. However, if PBM mixed with CM that has low levels of fat and moisture, a proteinous mixture will result with similar CP level to SBM and longer storage potential. Both CM and PBM have lower nutrient digestibility as crude protein, fats and trace minerals because of phytate and NSP and dietary exogenous enzymes may improve digestibility of nutrients. The results of some researches showed that Kemin multi-enzyme supplementation improved broiler performance or carcass characters. This research is carried out for study effect of different substitution of a proteinous mixture composed of CM and PBM (65%:35%) with SBM with Kemin WP multi-enzyme supplementation on production and economic performances of broiler chickens.     
Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement 4×2 (4 levels of proteinous mixture replaced with SBM: 0, 25, 50 and 75%×2 levels of Kemin WP multi-enzyme supplementation: 0 and 250mg/kg diet) with 8 treatments, 4 replicates of 12 pieces of Ross308 strain broiler chicks of either sex reared on 1×1.25m floor pens in a completely randomized design. Proteinous mixture was made by proper mixing of CM and PBM (65%:35). During experimental period chickens were received mash diet according to Ross308 feed specification booklet (2014) for as hatched broilers. Feed and water were prepared for broilers ad-libitum. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), production index, feed cost to gain (Rials/kg), and monetary returns (Rials/bird) were measured or calculated at different phases of growth period. At the end of growth period (42 days of age) one bird similar in body weight to average weight of each replicate was selected and sacrificed for carcass character measurements. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA procedure of SAS2003Software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level.
Results and Discussion At shorter growth period of 1-24 days, there was a significant interaction between dietary multi-enzyme supplementation and different substitution levels of protein mixture and SBM on body weight and FCR. As, in diets without multi-enzyme supplement,75% substitution of protein mixture with SBM significantly resulted in the most decrease in body weight and increase in FCR however, in diets with enzyme supplement 50 and 75% substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM resulted in a non-significant difference in body weight and FCR of chickens. It is reported that commercial multi-enzymes in broiler diets resulted in an increase in body weight and decrease in FCR. Also, there are some evidences that the mean retention time of digesta in different parts as well as whole digestive tracts of broilers in diets with CM was significantly less than SBM diets and this may be the cause of decrease in digestion and absorption of nutrients in diets with CM. It is reported that the use of more than 6% poultry offal meal in broiler diet resulted in a lower production performance and higher FCR and the causes of these phenomena should be searched in lower quality and palatability of poultry offal meal with higher level usage in the diet. Protein mixture substituted with SBM resulted in the lower feed cost to gain. However, diets with 50 and 75% substitution levels resulted in a significant decrease in MR compared with 0 and 25% substitution levels. Different substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM had no significant effect on carcass characters, however, dietary multi-enzyme supplementation resulted in a significant higher abdominal fat percentage. Similar to these results, it is reported that multi-enzyme supplementation resulted in higher abdominal fat percentages in broiler chickens. The lipase content in multi-enzyme may cause increase in digestion, absorption and deposition of fat in the body.   
Conclusion This study results showed that 25% dietary protein mixture substitution with SBM in the broiler diet did not show significant negative impact on economic performance of broiler chickens and could potentially be used as a substitute for more expensive soybean meal protein. Also, the use of multi-enzyme supplementation in the diet restricted to the age of chickens and the quality of protein source. As considering lower growth period of 24 days and 75% substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM multi enzyme supplement may result in a better FCR. However, for production of broilers with 42 days of age multi-enzyme supplementation in the diet had no significant positive effect on broiler performance and its economic traits.
Introduction The main factors limiting the consumption of low-quality fodder is their low nitrogen. Therefore, it is often difficult to provide sufficient nutrients, especially energy and protein for ruminants, which use these... more
Introduction  The main factors limiting the consumption of low-quality fodder is their low nitrogen. Therefore, it is often difficult to provide sufficient nutrients, especially energy and protein for ruminants, which use these resources. Deficiency of nutrients in low quality forage also affects the supply of nutrients for growth of ruminal microorganisms and leads to a decrease in the ruminal digestion rate of these forages; this in turn reduces the feed intake and performance of the animal. Providing the sufficient nitrogen to ruminal microorganisms is important to increase carbohydrate digestibility and microbial protein production. Therefore, to achieve optimal performance, it is important to provide appropriate nitrogen supplements in areas where a significant portion of the ruminant diet consists of low-quality forage. One of the characteristics of ruminants is the ability to use non-protein nitrogen sources to synthesis of microbial protein in the rumen. Non-protein nitrogen, mainly urea, has been considered as a substitute for part of true protein due to its low price per unit of nitrogen compared to other true protein sources. The problem with using common urea is its rapid hydrolysis in the rumen and its conversion to ammonia. Most ruminal ammonia enters the bloodstream and causes destructive effects, from reduced feed intake and animal function to death from ammonia poisoning. The various slow-release urea compounds are made with the aim of continuously supplying nitrogen in the rumen. However, a part of the slow-release urea compounds may leave rumen without being converted to ammonia, reducing their performance for microbial protein production. Therefore, different sources of slow-release urea may have different effects. Processed or slow-release urea reduces ammonia poisoning and nitrogen wastage by reducing the rate of nitrogen release and improving feed costs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two sources of slow-release urea and compare them with diets without urea or containing common urea in the fattening lambs fed with low quality forage, to ultimately reduce production costs.

Materials and Methods The present experiment was conducted at Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. Four experimental treatments were including 1- control treatment (without urea) and three treatments containing three different sources of non-protein nitrogen including 2- 1.8% slow-releasing urea-slowgen 3- 1.69% slow-release urea-optigene 4- 1.6% common urea. Twenty-four male Arabic lambs with (a mean weight of 25.65 ± 0.6 kg and 5± 1.0 months old were assigned to four experimental treatments with six replications. The nutrients digestibility was measured during seven days. The feed orts and feces were daily weighted and about 10% of them were kept in the plastic bags at -20˚C. At the end of this short period, the orts and feces samples were mixed and one representative sample obtained. The samples were oven-dried and grounded using 1 mm mesh screen. The chemical composition of rations, feed orts and feces, including dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, organic matter, and crude protein were measured with standard methods. The dry matter intake, initial weight, every two weeks weight, final weight was recorded and feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency were calculated. Protozoa population, ammonia nitrogen, and pH of the rumen liquor were measured with standard procedure. The blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and BUN, were measured by spectrophotometric procedure. The data was analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS (version 9.4). The differences among treatments were evaluated using Duncan’s adjustment (P < 0.05).

Results and Discussion Compared to the control group, the use of slow-release urea sources had no effect on feed intake and digestibility of dry matter, NDF, ADF, and organic matter. Crude protein digestibility was highest in the control treatment and lowest in common urea treatment (P <0.05) and the control was not different from the slowgen treatment. Feed intake tended to increase in treatments containing urea (P = 0.07). Due to urea malnutrition, the use of urea sources may reduce feed intake, but in the present experiment this did not occur and even a slight increase was observed. This may be due to the presence of more molasses in urea-containing treatments; because molasses, due to its palatability, can increase the dry matter consumption of livestock. The growth performance of lambs in the whole period including final weight, average daily weight gain, total gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency were not affected by experimental treatments. The experimental treatments had no significant effect on the concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids, protozoa population, pH, and blood parameters such as glucose and urea nitrogen. The diets containing common urea and slowgen had better benefits than control diets. In general, the findings of the present experiment showed that the results of treatments containing non-protein nitrogen sources were competitive with protein sources (control diet). In addition, there was no obvious difference between two sources of slow-release urea with each other, control, and common urea diets; but the slowgen worked better.

Conclusion Finally, according to the results of the present experiment, related to the concentration of ruminal parameters in the present experiment, it can be concluded that the use of non-protein nitrogen compounds such as normal urea or slow-release as a substitute for conventional protein sources such as soybean meal did not have negative effects on ruminal fermentation. so, due to the lower price of urea compounds compared to soybean meal and other real nitrogen sources, although no difference was observed between slow-release urea sources and common urea; it can be stated that production productivity has also improved economically, therefore, the use of urea sources for fattening periods is recommended.
Introduction Animal feed additives are used worldwide for many different reasons. Breeding management of sucking animals, including proper nutrition and prevention of common diseases up to the age of weaning, has an effective role in the... more
Introduction  Animal feed additives are used worldwide for many different reasons. Breeding management of sucking animals, including proper nutrition and prevention of common diseases up to the age of weaning, has an effective role in the economic value of the livestock industry.
Some help to cover the needs of essential nutrients and others to increase growth performance, feed intake and therefore optimize feed utilization. The health status of animals with a high growth performance is a predominant argument in the choice of feed additives. Herbs, spices and their extracts (botanicals) have a wide range of activities. They can stimulate feed intake and endogenous secretions or have antimicrobial, coccidiostatic or anthelmintic activity. Among the advantages of using medicinal plants are simple use, no adverse effects in most of them on animal performance, no harmful residues in livestock and poultry products and less cost than antibiotics.The aim of the present investigation was to study of effect of Ziziphora tenuior on the performance of suckling kids, dry matter digestibility, blood parameters and the effect on the incidence of diarrhea.
Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effect of adding different levels of Ziziphora tenuior on performance, blood parameters and fecal score of Sistani infants from 18 lambs aged 1 to 2 months with an average weight of 13 2. 2.7 kg in a completely randomized design with three treatments and 6 replications Were. Treatments included:  control (milk without additive), 2) milk contains 2.5 g powder Ziziphora tenuior, 3) milk contains 5 g powder Ziziphora tenuior. The duration of the experiment was 70 days. The diets used in this experiment were prepared according to the tables of the National Association of Sheep Research (NRC) and were given to the goats in the morning (8 o'clock) and in the evening (16 o'clock) as an appetite suppressant. Daily feed was provided to the animals in a completely mixed form. The Ziziphora tenuior plant used was dried in an oven, ground and added to milk as a powder, and milk was given to the goats twice a day (10% of body weight) by pacifiers. Kids were weighed one day per week to evaluate weight changes. Dry matter intake was measured and fecal score was recorded daily. Feces samples were collected for digestibility in the final week for 5 days. Goat feces were evaluated daily. Feces scores were determined based on 1-firm and consistent, 2-soft and loose, 3-loose and watery, 4-watery with some blood and 5-watery with blood and mucus. Blood sampling was performed on day 63 so that all goats were sampled intravenously before the morning meal and with dietary restriction for 12 to 14 hours and the blood was taken in two separate tubes, one containing heparin to obtain plasma and the other without heparin. The concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and total protein were also determined by spectrophotometer. About 3 ml of blood was transferred to tubes containing EDTA solution and hematological parameters including white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were measured and red blood cells, hemoglobin, hemoglobin, hemoglobin, hematogram. The mean concentration of cellular hemoglobin was also counted and calculated.
Results and Discussion  The dry matter, crude protein and ether extracts of Ziziphora tenuior were 87.91, 7.91 and 3.21 percent, respectively. Based on the obtained results, adding of different levels Ziziphora tenuior to milk. Dry matter digestibility in two leves 2.5 and 5 grams significantly increase compared to control. Daily gain, feed conversion ratio, blood parameter and immune respones were not affected by treatment trials. Fecal score significantly decreased between treatment level 5g and control. There were no significant differences between treatments for blood parameter. Ziziphora tenuior has appetizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of linalool and stimulates the digestive process Can increase dietary intake and weight and improve feed conversion ratio.The result showed that adding herbal to milk in neonatal calves have positive effect because of affecting on starter intake, dry matter digestibility and fecal consistency score.
Conclusion This study showed that the inclusion of Ziziphora tenuior kids diet increase dry matter intake, Improved the  fecal score and incidence of diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to use this additive plant in milk or starter diet of suckling animals.
Introduction Global demand for goat milk and its products has been growing. The decreased pasture quality has led goat producers to use intensive production systems with economical fodder resources. Goat milk contains functional... more
Introduction  Global demand for goat milk and its products has been growing. The decreased pasture quality has led goat producers to use intensive production systems with economical fodder resources. Goat milk contains functional compounds that enhance human immune system and overall health. Goat milk is enriched with functional peptides, conjugated linoleic acid, and healthy oligosaccharides that can immensely benefit human immunity and health. Goats are usually capable in utilizing lower quality forages. In few recent studies, alfalfa hay was compared with different by-products and local feeds with no significant effects found on rumen fermentation and milk production or composition. Murciano-Granadina goats were capable to utilize low quality fiber sources towards milk production.
The objective of this study was to determine effects of feeding various forage sources on milk production, nutritional behaviors, and blood parameters of Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in Iran.

Materials and Methods  Thirty second-parity Murciano-Granadina goats (190 ± 3 days in milk; 2 ± 0.03 kg/d milk yield) were used in a completely randomized design stu dy with three treatments (10 goats per treatment). Treatments were diets containing 1) wheat straw (WS), 2) alfalfa hay (AH), or 3) corn silage (CS). To enable sound comparisons among forage sources, treatment diets were balanced to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The concentrate portion of the rations was similarly ground for all treatments. Feed and milk (from a.m. and p.m. milking) samples were collected weekly for later analytical measurements. To determine goat behavior time; eating, ruminating, and resting times were observed and recorded by technical individuals on days 30 and 50 of the experiment in two 24-h period. Blood samples were taken at 0800 h on d 1, 30, and 56. The data were analyzed using mixed models of SAS program.

Results and Discussion  The dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly affected by treatments (P <0.001). Body weight and its changes were similar among treatments, suggesting that nutrient partitioning towards tissue accretion or depletion was not different among treatments during the study, since goats were in late lactation. However, DMI was 228 g higher for goats received diet containing corn silage than for those received AH (P < 0.05). Decreased DMI for diets with wheat straw and alfalfa hay compared with corn silage could at least partially be related to increased dietary fat and indigestible cell wall in the former diets. Ruminating, standing, and resting times were not different among treatments (P > 0.10). These data would suggest that despite the differences in forage nutritional characteristics, digestibility, and intake, ruminating time was similar among treatments.
Goats fed CS had higher milk production than the other two groups (P <0.001). The percentage of milk fat in the alfalfa hay treatment was higher than in the other treatments (p> 0.05). Similar to milk volume, daily yields of milk protein, lactose, and total solids were also higher for corn silage than for other treatments. This could be a result of increased milk volume and unchanged milk contents of protein and lactose for corn silage. Milk fat content was higher (P < 0.01) for AH treatment but milk fat yield tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for CS treatments than for other treatments.
Serum concentration of glucose, albumin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were not significant among experimental treatments. Glucose and NEFA values are usually interpreted as indices for energy status of experimental animals. Similar glucose and NEFE concentrations in blood for the three forage treatments could be evaluated in light of the fact that goats were in mid and late lactation and thus were not in negative energy balance. As a result, they may have not been metabolically sensitive enough to respond to treatments at this stage of lactation. Serum concentrations of total proteins were higher for AH than for other treatments (P < 0.05).
Findings of this study suggest that lactating Murciano-Granadina goats are capable to utilize different forage sources including alfalfa hay, corn silage and wheat straw. However, corn silage leads to higher raw and fat-corrected milk yields, whereas alfalfa hay increases milk fat content. For higher feed efficiency and lower feed cost and where more available, Wheat Straw may be used in Murciano-Granadina goat diets. To improve milk yield and fat content and yield simultaneously, certain combinations of alfalfa hay and corn silage may be required. Determining this will require future experimentation. Future experiments could also investigate forage choice effects on milk fatty acids profile and other functional compounds.
The effect of zinc-methionine supplementation to diets containing unsaturated fat on growth performance, health status and some blood parameters of suckling Holstein calves.
Introduction: The nutrient synchrony is synchronization of ruminal fermentation rate of energy and nitrogen which is a method to increasing microbial protein synthesis, improving nitrogen efficiency, decreasing urinary nitrogen excretion... more
Introduction:  The nutrient synchrony is synchronization of ruminal fermentation rate of energy and nitrogen which is a method to increasing microbial protein synthesis, improving nitrogen efficiency, decreasing urinary nitrogen excretion and improving animal performance. Microbial protein production is important for ruminants. Current concepts of ruminant nutrition focus on optimizing ruminal microbial protein synthesis. Microbial yield in rumen depends largely on the supply of carbohydrates and nitrogen in the rumen. Balancing the rate of supply of nitrogen and energy yielding substrates to rumen microbes has been proposed in order to maximize the capture of rumen degradable protein and to optimize microbial growth rate and its efficiency. A more efficient capture of rumen degradable protein would reduce the requirement for expensive undegradable protein sources and also reduce the excretion of urinary nitrogen which case to environmental pollution and economical losses. Synchronization index expressed as the ratio between the hourly degradability of nitrogen with organic matter or carbohydrates in the rumen where the highest value for the synchrony index is 1.0. This research was done to evaluate the effect of synchronizing the rate of carbohydrate and crude protein ruminal fermentation on ruminal fermentation products, microbial protein synthesis, and nitrogen balance and blood parameters in sheep which were fed with similar components or structure high concentrate diets.
Materials and methods: Chemical compositions and degradability parameters of crude protein and carbohydrate for alfalfa hay, wheat straw, barley grain, corn grain, sugar beet pulp, wheat bran and soybean meal were determined. Three diets were formulated for feedlot male lambs with same energy and metabolizable protein but containing different synchrony index 0.64, 0.78 and 0.92 which calculated by using degradation parameters of carbohydrate and crude protein of feeds from the diet. The effects of synchrony index of diets by 6 rumen-fistulated sheep with an average weight of 30.17±1.17 kg in metabolic cages were assigned in a duplicate 3×3 Latin square design (2×3 animals; 3 periods). Samplings were done in 3 periods (each period containing 14 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling). Rumen fluid was collected for 5 consecutive days in the end of each period and ruminal fermentation parameters containing pH, NH3-N and volatile fatty acids were determined. Urine of sheep was collected end of each period for 5 days and microbial protein synthesis was estimated by measuring purine bases also nitrogen balance was calculated from the values of nitrogen consumption and excretion. Bleeding (19th trial day) were done from sheep and blood parameters such as glucose, albumin and blood urea nitrogen were determined.
Results and discussion: There was no significant difference in ruminal pH among diets during fasting conditions or before feeding. Also there was no significant difference in ruminal pH between treatments at 3 or 6 hours after feed intake. With increasing synchrony index, ruminal NH3-N concentrate reduced especially at 1.5 and 3 hours after feed intake. Total volatile fatty acids highest at 3 hours after feed intake for diet had highest synchrony index. With increasing synchrony index, total volatile fatty acids concentration increased almost by 20 percent. Also the propionate concentrates increased not only before feeding but also at 3 hours after feeding. Total volatile fatty acids and propionate concentration showed a linear trend between diets at 3 hours after feeding. Purine bases such as allantoin, uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine, total purine derivatives excreted or absorbed also microbial protein synthesis not affected by experimental diets. With increasing synchrony index, total excreted nitrogen reduced but nitrogen retained and its efficiency increased. Blood parameters such as glucose, albumin and blood urea nitrogen not affected by treatments.
Conclusion: with increasing synchrony index of the diets, microbial protein synthesis did not increase but total volatile fatty acids concentration and retained nitrogen increased whereas ruminal NH3-N concentration and total excreted nitrogen decreased. However, increasing nutrient synchrony index in high concentrated diets did not show the expected desirable results such as increasing microbial protein synthesis however did not also show undesirable results such as animal health. Due to the beneficial effects as increasing in fermentation and decreasing nitrogen excretion or environmental pollution using the high synchrony index diets can be useful for feed formulation or providing the perfect mix of feed items to meet nutritional requirements of sheep.