Iranian Journal of Animal Science
Year:2014 | Volume:44 | Issue:4|Papers Count:13

In an experiment, chemical composition, phenolics and fermentation parameters of different parts of Raisin Co-products (RC) were determined using in vitro gas production with or without PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG). Different parts of RC included rejected raisins, pedicle, rachis, mixture of raisins, pedicle and rachis, and Shekarak (a powder product obtained following sorting of raisins for packing). Also, the effect of bound tannin on gas production was evaluated. The chemical composition and phenolic content of different parts of RC were varied. The highest crude protein content, neutral detergent fiber and ash were recorded for rachis, while rejected raisins contained the lowest levels of these parameters. Pedicle bore the greatest total phenolics (12.68% of DM) and condensed tannins (3.96% of DM). Addition of PEG enhanced gas production, in vitro apparent dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility as well as metabolizable energy in RC. Bound tannins indicated biological activity and somehow decreased gas production in all the treatments, except for Shekarak. Overall, the results revealed that different parts of RC contain varying levels of phenolics which influence the nutritional value thereof. Further research is needed to more accurately assess the influence of RC and their phenolics upon performance of faltening as well as dairy cattle.

The aim followed in the present research was to investigate the effect of nine generations of divergent selection on some reproductive and egg production traits in Japanese quail. The results indicated that selection for 4-week body weight, increased the age at sexual maturity of HW and of LW lines, in comparison with control, for about 7 and 3 days, respectively (P<0.05). At the ages of sexual maturity, there weren’t significant differences observed within the selected lines (P<0.05), but these lines were significantly different from control. Body weight at sexual maturity was higher in HW line than in LW and in C. The differences between lines were significant (P<0.05). Body weight at sexual maturity and average egg weight at different productive stages increased in HW in comparison with control (P<0.05). This was while, percentage egg lying at the point of sexual maturity was higher in LW than in control (P<0.05). Total number of eggs laid was higher in LW than in HW and in control while the difference being significant only with HW. The highest percentage of egg-laying was recorded within 3-6 pm in any of the three lines. Peak egg production occurred during the second month. It can finally be concluded that because of the interrelated response between body weight and reproductive traits, it’s important to consider the reproductive and safety traits beside growth traits in selection programs.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding of different levels of metabolizable energy and of different crude protein levels on the performance and blood factors in Japanese quails in their 5 to 41d old. The experiment was conducted as a 3×5 factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design of four replicates with 40 quails per replicate. The fifteen dietary treatments consisted of three levels of dietary energy (2800, 2900 and 3000 kcal ME kg-1) times five levels of crude protein (22, 23, 24, 25 and 26%). Blood samples were collected towards the end of the study to determine Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3) and cholesterol content. There was no interaction observed between the two factors (P>0.05). Daily weight gain of quails fed diets containing 3000 Kcal ME kg-1 was significantly higher than thoseted at the other levels (P< 0.001). Also, final body weight increased with increasing ME level (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was lower in diets of 3000 kcal ME kg-1 content in comparison with 2800 kcal ME kg-1 (P< 0.05). ME level did not significantly influence feed intake (P> 0.05). T4 concentration for males fed 3000 kcal ME kg-1 diet was significantly higher than T4 in the other two treatments level (P<0.01). On in the other hand, T3 coentration in males declined using diets containing 2800 kcal ME kg-1 (P<0.0001). Also T4 concentration in females and cholesterol concentration in both sex enhanced significantly with increasing ME level from 2800 to 3000 kcal ME kg-1 (P<0.05). In spite of T4 concentration, none of the measured characters had been influenced by protein levels (P>0.05). T4 concentration of males was higher in diets 26% crude protein in comparison with diets containing 22% and 23% crude protein (P<0.05). Also, female quails fed with diets containing 25% and 26% crude protein had higher T4 concentration than those fed with other diets (P<0.01).

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of fish oil long-chain fatty acids and thyme essence supplementation on performance and carcass traits in Mahabadi goat kids. Twenty-eight Mahabadi goat kids (average initial BW of 17.8 ± 2.8 kg, 4-5mo) were randomly assigned to four treatments of: 1. control (basal diet), 2. 0.2% thyme essence, 3. 2% fish oil, and 4. 2% fish oil +0.2% thyme essence addition to the basal diet. Animals were kept in individual pens with self-mangers for 84d. The kids were weighed at 21 day intervals and finally slaughtered at the end of the trial. Dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratios were not found affected by fish oil and thyme essence. Addition of 2% fish oil increased fat depth on the 12th rib (P<0.05). Dressing percentage, eye muscle area, carcass length, liver and kidney weight, abdominal and kidney fat were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Percentages or weights of ribs, dissected muscle, fat and bone, and as well, the percentages of wholesale cuts of the carcass were not affected by fish oil and thyme essence additions (P> 0.05). The results finally indicated that supplementation of goat kids’ diets with fish oil and thyme essence did not influence carcass traits and growth performance but, back fat thickness increased through fish oil supplementation.

To evaluate the nutritive value in some lignocellulosic materials, 3 sets of experiments were conducted on aspen, and grape woods. To enhance the digestibility, the woods were treated with 5% NaOH. Throughout the first trial, chemical composition and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter and NDF of experimental feeds, pH of rumen, as well as palatability were evaluated while four rumen fistulated Makui rams being employed as test specimens. The results of the first set of experiments indicated the average of dry matter digestibility for raw aspen wood, treated aspen wood, raw grape wood vs treated grape wood as equal to 40.19, 59.47, 34.2, 59.11% respectively, average organic matter digestibility equal to 42.56, 60.4, 35.9, 60.15% respectively and average NDF digestibility amounting to 29.64, 46.72, 27.15, and 44.26% respectively. Also, the pH of rumen in all the treatments and at early hours of feeding was at its lowest and then increased. The palatability values for treated grape wood and treated aspen wood were higher than those for raw grape wood and raw aspen wood. Throughout the second trial, the degradability of dry matter, organic matter and NDF of the experimental feeds were evaluated through four rumen fistulated Holstein steer specimens. The results indicated the average dry matter effective degradability (0.03%) for raw aspen wood equal to 5.8%, for raw grape wood is equal to 11.5% for treated aspen wood equal to 36.1% and for treated grape wood equal to 37.1%., the average organic matter effective degradability (0.03%) for raw aspen wood was equal to 9.3%, for raw grape wood equal to 16%, for treated aspen wood equal to 33.2% and for treated grape wood is equal to 33%. The average NDF effective degradability (0.03%) for raw aspen wood was equal to 4.5%, for raw grape wood was equal to 6.2%, for treated aspen wood equal to 21.5%, and for treated grape wood equal to 16.2%. In the third set of trials, physical properties of the experimental diets were evaluated. The bulk density values for raw grape wood were higher than those for raw aspen wood. The water holding capacity values for raw aspen wood were higher than those for raw grape wood. The DM (of solution) values for raw aspen wood were higher than those for raw grape wood. It was finally concluded that chemical treatment of the woods (with NaOH 5%) positively affects the nutritive values of the woods.

The objective followed in the present study was to survey the relationship between 18 body trait measurements (live weight, height at wither, paunch girth, neck diameter, body length, girth around the body, width of fat tail at above, below and midpoint of fat tail, fat tail length lowers right and left sides, fat tail gap length, fat tail depth at the above, below, and midpoint, and girth around fat tail at the above, mid and down point ) and the traits of fat tail weight and carcass (weight with and without fat tail) in Makooei Sheep and to Predict these traits, performance though multivariate Linear Regression Method Based on Principal Component Analysis. Sex showed significant effects on all the measured traits expect fat tail, depth at above, midpoint and down point, fat tail length towards right side plus gap length, width of fat tail at the above and below point of tail. Means and standard error for each trait were evaluated by sex. Multicollinearity was detected through a survey of the relationship among these traits, variance inflation factor and tolerance value. Principal component analysis was employed to resolve multicollinearity problem among independent variables and for a clearer explanation of the results. R2 range for different regression models varied between 0.973 for carcass weight without tail in male sex and 0.561 for carcass weight with fat tail in female sex of Makooei lambs.

The aim followed in the present research was to study the effects of reduction in dietary crude protein on milk production and on blood components in lactating Holstein dairy cows when in heat stress. A number of 63 Holstein dairy cows (71±16.5 DIM) were chosen to be made use of in a randomized complete block design. The cows were randomly assigned to any one of the three experimental rations (18.5, 17.5, 16.5% CP). Diets were formulated based upon rumen undegradable to degradable protein ratio in all the treatments as equal to 39 to 61%. Ideal proportions of essential amino acids (Lys to Met) were adjusted between 2.9 and 3.2. Results indicated that Dry Mater Intake, 3.5% Fat-Corrected Milk (FCM), percentage of milk protein and milk fat were not affected by experimental rations (P<0.05). In conclusion, a reduction of the level of crude protein in the diet (in comparison with the NRC (2001) recommendations) and an increase in the ratio of rumen undegradable protein as well as an ideal proportion of essential amino acids (during heat stress) could maintain production levels, and as well reduces production costs. It could also reduce the environmental hazards arising from the emission of animal husbandry produced nitrogen into the air which in turn would be beneficial to the environment.

The aim followed in the present study was an evaluation of the adaptive immune traits (cellular and humoral) of both males and females in Iranian commercial vs Azarbayijan native fowls. Information obtained from cellular and humoral responses of 49 birds of Arian broiler line. 79 Azarbayijan native birds were made used of. Total antibody titration, Immunoglobulin Y titration (IgY), and Immunoglobulin M titration (IgM) were determined with in the birds, 22 and 50 weeks of age following a challenging of the birds with sheep red blood cells. Moreover, the cellular immune responses of the birds were determined following a challenging of the birds with phytohemaglutinin. For the 22 weeks of age birds, the total antibody and IgY titres were significantly higher in the native strain than in those of the Arian strain. As for Arian strain, sexual dimorphism was observed within 22 and 50 weeks of age birds for total antibody and IgY titres, while, for humoral immune responses no significant difference was observed for native strains. Unlike humoral immunity, in native strains, sexual dimorphism was found for cellular immunity. As for Arian strain there were no significant differences observed for cellular immune response between males and females.

Different levels of Grape pomace Extract (GE) were evaluated for their effect on in vitro gas production and as well on some such ruminal fermentation parameters as apparent degraded substrate, Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA), and microbial protein production, in sheep, as ruminal inoculum donor. As for extraction, dried grape pomace and distilled water were mixed in an equal weight ratio. GE was added at three levels of 0, 15 and 30 mg of total phenolics content per gram of DM of basal diet. The basal diet was composed of alfalfa hay, soybean meal and barley grain. In vitro Gas Production (GP) was recorded at 3, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h of incubation. After 24h past, incubation was stopped, filtered and the apparent degraded substrate determined. Such ruminal fermentation parameters as 24 h Partitioning Factor (PF24), Gas Yield (GY24), In Vitro Organic Matter Disappearance (IVOMD), Metabolizable Energy (ME) and Microbial Protein MP were also estimated. The addition of pomegranate extract did not affect the asymptotic GP (A), Lag time(L), ADS, GP24, GY24 IVOMD and ME, but MP (Q=0.005) and PF2 (L=0.023, Q=0.004) values got increased. There was no influence observed on the total VFA and on the molar proportion of acetate, but propionate value (Q=0.048) increased and while butyrate (L=0.004) and the acetate to propionate ratio (Q=0.001) decreased (at two levels of GE) as compared with control. With both levels of extracts, NH3-N concentration (P<0.0001) decreased in comparison with control. Total protozoa counts and subfamily of Entodiniinae decreased in comparison with control, at times of 3, 12 and 24h past of incubation. Addition of GE deceased Isotricha (L<0.0001, Q<0.0001), dasytricha (L=0.003, Q=0.030), subfamily of Diplodiniinae (L=0.0009, Q=0.012) and Ophrioscolecinae (L<0.0001, Q<0.0001). In total, GE with no effect on IVOMD, increased microbial protein production, and decreased NH3-N, as well as protozoa population.

The effect of three levels (0, 28.65, 57.31mg /200mg substrate) of Golpar (Heracleum persicum: HP) on in vitro rumen ecosystem and on methane production was assessed. Gas Production (GP) was recorded from 1 to 54h past of incubation. The parameters studied were In Vitro Gas Production (IVGP), methane production, ammonia-N concentration (NH3-N), In Vitro Organic Matter Degradability (IVOMDe), Partitioning Factor (PF), microbial mass, and total Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) concentration. The effect of different Golpar levels on the total protozoa population, subfamilies of Entodiniinae, Ophryscolecinae, Diplodiniinae, and Isotrichdae family were also studied. The secondary Haracleum persicum (HP) metabolites significantly decreased rate of fermentation, gas production from insoluble fraction (b), and as well gas production at 24 and 54 h Past of incubation. At first and second levels of application of HP, methane gas production decreased by 17.3 and 11.6 present, respectively. The inclusion of HP plant while reducing NH3-N concentration improved PF index. The addition of HP increased microbial mass at the two levels of qpplication by 17 and 18 percent, respectively. The introduction of this medical plant decreased the concentration of VFAs and as well, the acetic acid concentration. The reduction in total protozoa population, Entodiniinae subfamily and Isotrichdae family, also, revealed an antiprotozoal effect of HP. It can finally be suggested that HP plant bears the potential to positively manipulate in vitro ruminal fermentation through NH3-N concentrationreduction microbial mass production promotion and reduction in methane gas production.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dried lemon pulp in corn- soybean meal diets on egg production, egg traits and as well as blood metabolites of laying hens. Throughout the experiment, 144 Hi- line (W36) laying hens from 65 to 76 weeks of age were assigned to 4 treatments of 3 replicates each, with 12 hens per replicate. A completely randomized design was employed. Experimental groups included: 1. control, 2. the group with 2% lemon pulp, 3. group with 4% lemon pulp, and finally, 4. group with 6% lemon pulp. Use of lemon pulp has proved to have significant effects on performance, egg traits and blood biochemical parameters in laying hens (P<0.05). The highest egg production the highest egg mass and feed intake, the most proper feed conversion, and the lowest feed cost for production per kilogram of eggs were observed through a use of 4% lemon pulp. The highest egg specific gravity along with the highest egg yolk color index was obtained through a use of 6% lemon pulp. Use of dried lemon pulp significantly increased the level of blood Albumin. Use of different levels of lemon pulp did not significantly affect the level of blood immunity cells. The overall results indicated that in laying hens, use of 4% dried lemon pulp, improves. The performance, promotes the egg yolk color index, decreases the feed cast per kilogram of egg production, and as well increases the blood Albumin level.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of deep-stacking process on temperature and pathogenic bacterial survival of Broiler Litter (BL). Broiler litter, deep-stacked to 3 depths (30, 60 or 120 cm) and at 3 moisture levels (15, 25 or 35%) was made use of in a split plot design, experiment last for 21 days. Daily temperature of the deep-stacked BL at different depths and at different ambient temperatures were recorded. At the finite temperature of the deep-stacked BLs, representative samples were taken from different depths for later bacterial analysis. The effect of depth on temperature of deep-stacked BL was significant among the day’s 2 to 13 (P<0.05). Higher moisture level increased the temperature of deep-stacked BL on days 1-4 and 9-21 (P<0.05). The interaction effect of depth × moisture on temperature of deep stacked BL was significant (P<0.05). Total count of bacteria in the deep-stacked BL treatments decreased as compared with the control treatment (P<0.05) with the exception of the depth of 30 cm of 15% moisture and as well the depth of 120 cm of 25% moisture. Mean populations of Coliform bacteria in the depth of 30 cm with 25% moisture and in the depth 30 and 60 cm of 35% moisture amounted to zero. There were no Escherichia coli populations found in at the different depths of deep-stacked BL of 35% moisture. Mean populations of Salmonella in depths of 30 and 60 cm with 25 and 35% moisture contents and at the depth of 120 cm with 35% moisture content were recorded as zero. Overall, deep-stacking BL with 35% of moisture for 9 days (to reach the final destined temperature) decreased the total count of bacteria and other Coliforms and as well eliminated the pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella).