Journal of Animal Production
Year:2016 | Volume:18 | Issue:3 |Papers Count:22

This study was conducted to investigate the Single nucleotide polymorphism of STAT1 gene by PCR-RFLP technique and association of genotypes with milk production traits in Brown Swiss dairy cattle. The blood samples of ninety eight cows were collected randomly from tail vein. The DNA was extracted with Cinagene kit (PR881612C). Fragment of 314 bp of STAT1 gene was amplified by PCR and digested by Pag1 restriction enzyme. Genotype frequencies were calculated by PopGene software (version 1. 31). The SAS 9. 1 software was used for statistical analysis and the mean of traits was compared by Duncan test. The genotype frequencies of TT, TC and CC were 0. 23, 0. 25 and 0. 52 respectively. The T and C allele frequency were 0. 355 and 0. 645 respectively. The expected heterozygosity was estimated 0. 458. Result of Chi-square showed that the population was not in the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (P<0. 05). The means of traits for milk, percent and yield of fat and yield of protein were not significant but means of percent of protein was significant(P<0. 05). The mean of milk, fat and protein yield traits for CC genotype were more than two other genotypes. The results of present study show that the T allele is minor frequency allele and C allele has positive effect on milk, fat and protein yield traits.

This study was conducted to rank the broiler farms based on buildings, installations and equipment and its effect on production factors. To determine the contribution of each factor in ranking of farms, a multi-criteria decision analysis (SAW) was used. Data of 108 broilers were recorded in specific forms and the amount of investment per broiler was calculated for individual factors. To calculate the adjusted weights of parameters, 20 experts were consulted as was specified in forms. The results showed that ventilation (fans and air inlets), roof and wall insulation in a poultry houses have represented about 55 percent of technological factors. The breeding units holding rank 1 and 2 enjoyed high degree of mechanization. As the level of mechanization was improved, the density of chickens per unit area was also increased; These units used more tunnel ventilation and large fans, and their ceiling were insulated using fiberglass, polystyrene, corrugated plastic and thickness of walls were also 35 cm. Mostly external heaters have been installed. Feeding and drinker systems have exerted no important effect on production. Slaughter weight and survival percent were not affected by the degree of mechanization but feed intake and feed conversion ratio decreased and production index increased (p<0. 01) in the breeding units holding rank 1 and 2. In general in poultry house, ventilation system and ceiling and wall insulation improved energy efficiency and increased the efficiency of the system.

The possibility of manufacturing and effects of a slow release non-protein nitrogen product on ruminant nutrition were evaluated in two separate experiments. In first experiment, making of slow release component was followed by connecting branched carbon chain to the molecule of urea to reduce the degree of solubility. Then, the sample product was analyzed to assess its chemical structure, and also physical and chemical properties. In second experiment, in an in-vivo study, rumen fermentation characteristics, digestibility of feed, microbial protein production and nitrogen balance of produced compound were evaluated and compared with conventional use of urea and also a diet without non-protein nitrogen source. For this, four rumen fistulated adult sheep were used in change over Latin square experimental design. Infrared and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and physical and chemical properties were considered as indicators of the formation of the desired compound. Our data showed that using the slow release product in the diet reduced the nitrogen concentration and altered the amount and ratio of volatile fatty acids as well as pH values in the rumen. Feed intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF as well as microbial protein production were not affected by the use of slow released product but there were significant differences between diets in relation to the nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen balance (P<0. 01). It could be concluded that the slow release product of non-protein nitrogen has the potential to provide urea efficiently and its use in ruminant diets provides safer conditions as compared to the traditional use of urea nitrogen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different metabolizable protein levels in diet during the peri parturition on performance and blood parameters of Afshari ewes and lambs. Thirty two once lambing ewes in the last six weeks of pregnancy and the first six weeks of lactation with diets before and after parturition containing rates of NRC recommended and 20% higher one as low and high amount of metabolizable protein respectively requirements of ewe with two lambs as Factorial experiment in a completely randomized design were fed. Dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score ewes and their changes, weight lamb in the first and third weeks, and daily weight gain of lambs were not affected by treatments. Amount and composition of the colostrum were not affected by the treatments, but milk yield increasing was observed at low metabolizable protein before and after lambing treatment(p=0. 007) as compared to other treatments. Urea (P = 0. 0001) and cholesterol (P = 0. 02) of plasma were significantly higher in high metabolizable protein than the low metabolizable protein in late gestation. Reducing insulin resistance (P = 0. 03) and increasing insulin sensitivity (P = 0. 01) were observed in the treatment low metabolizable protein before and after lambing. No significant difference was observed on the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and other blood cells between the treatments. The results of this study, the percentage of metabolizable protein by the NRC for Afshari ewes during late gestation and early lactation is advisable.

Palm date leaves were processed with lime in a processing reactor in a factorial arrangement of treatments (3 × 3) with 3 levels of temperatures (40, 80 and 100° C) and time periods (80, 160, and 240 minutes) in a completely randomized design. Fermentation parameters measured using gas production technique. With increasing pretreatment time and temperature lignin content reduced from 13. 0 percent in untreated leaves to 6. 0 percent in leaves treated in 100° C for 240 min. Increasing time and temperature of the processing decreased ash content (P<0. 01). Calcium concentration was increased from 0. 58 percent in untreated leaves to 0. 94 in the processed biomass at a temperature of 40° C for 80 min (P<0. 01). Interaction was significant among pretreatment time and temperature on cell wall, dry matter loss, gas production from fermentable fraction and gas production (P<0. 01). Gas production at the end of 72 h incubation increased from 76. 2 ml per gram of dry matter in untreated samples to 189. 8 ml per gram of dry matter in the treatment of 100° C for 240 min. Organic matter digestibility increased with increasing severity of pretreatment from 26. 5 percent in the treatment of 40° C for 80 min to 36. 4 percent in the treatment of 100° C for 240 min. The images of scanning electron microscopy showed more pores and holes in pretreated samples with increasing temperature and processing time compared to untreated sample. Results indicated that lime pretreatment with heat can remove lignin and improve in vitro digestibility of date leaves.

This experiment was carried out the aim of the effect of sainfoin forage and forage: concentrate ratios on feed intake, nitrogen balance, ruminal biohydrogenation and milk fatty acid profile in dairy ewes using of eight Lori breed ewes according to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were adjusted from one to four according to forage: concentrate ratios of 35: 65 with and without sainfoin and 65: 35 with and without sainfoin. Dry matter intake was not significant among experimental diets. Retention of N was higher in ewes that receiveddiets consist of forage: concentrate ratios of 35: 65 with sainfoin and 65: 35 with and without sainfoin (P<0. 05). The high concentrate diet with sainfoinwas the most vaccenic acid concentration accompanied by the less concentrations of stearic acid in ruminal liquor (P<0. 05). Apparently biohydrogenation ofhigh concentrate diet with sainfoin (treatment one) decreased for oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid with 10. 2, 12. 3 and 7. 1%, respectively (P<0. 05). Experimental diets effect were significant on vaccenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acidconcentrationsin milk fat (P<0. 05). In base onobtained the results, feeding of dairy ewes with high concentrate diets consist of sainfoin forage were an important due to increased conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid concentration in milk fat.

In order to compare the effects of different weaning strategies on feed intake, structural growth measurement and health, blood metabolites and economic efficiency of young dairy calves, twenty four female Holstein calves were used. Calves after birth were randomly assigned into one of three weaning strategy as follow: 1) weaning based on feed intake, 2) weaning based on weight gain (30 kg weight gain compared to the birth weight), and 3) weaning based on age (at 90 days of age). Starter intake measurement and fecal scoring conducted daily. Calves were weighed weekly and blood samples were obtained on days 21, 42, 60 and 90 after birth. Results showed that there were significant differences among different weaning strategies on average weaning age and milk consumption (p<0. 05). All treatments had similar average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, final weight and structural growth measurements. Calves weaned based on feed intake had lowest ruminal pH and N-NH3concentration and blood urea nitrogen on day 90 (p<0. 05). There were differences between groups on milk cost and total cost (milk + feed) and feed cost per kg of BW gain, so that Weaning based of feed intake compared to weaning based on weight and age saved up to 6000 and 3000 Rials per kg of body weight, respectively. Generally, similar growth and performance among different weaning strategies as well as reduction the cost of raising of calves indicated that calves weaning based on feed intake can be profitable approach.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Mentha longofolia plant (MLP) and its essential oils (MLE) on ruminal fermentation and protozoa population in goat. The MLP at six levels 0, 25, 35, 55, 75 and 100 mg/30 ml, and the essential oil at six levels 0, 1700, 3000, 6700, 8300 and 10000 mg/L plus monensin (as positive control, 50 mg and dissolved in ethanol) added to rumen fluid respectively. The in vitro gas production was conducted by compiled randomized design with five replications for each treatment. The gas production was decreased at levels of 75 and 100 mg of MLP (p˂ 0. 001). Organic matter degradability was reduced (p˂ 0. 001) at 75 and 100 mg levels respectively of MLP compared to control. Ammonia nitrogen concentration was decreased (p˂ 0. 001) at all levels of MLP compared with control and monensin treatments. However, partition factor was increased (p˂ 0. 001) only at 100 mg of MLP. The efficiency of microbial protein production was increased (p˂ 0. 001). The metabolisable energy and net energy lactation were decreased (p˂ 0. 001) by inclusion MLP at two level of 75 and 100 mg as total volatile fatty acids reduced, compared with control treatment. The total protozoa and subfamily of Entodinninea were declined (p˂ 0. 001) at all levels of MLP compared with control and positive control treatments. The parameters of methane production, ammonia N and protozoa population were reduced (p˂ 0. 001) by all levels of MLE. The efficiency of microbial protein production was enhanced (p˂ 0. 001). Results suggest that the methane gas production, ammonia N and protozoa populations were reduced in both MLP and MLE and improved partition factor and microbial protein production.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of addition of the pomegranate seed oil (PSO) in the diet on growth performance, diet digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters of fattening lambs. Twenty one Sanjabi lambs, with average body weight of 27. 5± 2. 6 kg and 3 months of age, were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 7 replicates. The experimental treatments included diet free of PSO (control diet), and diets containing 2 and 4% of PSO. Daily feed intake, diet digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters were measured by standard methods. The lambs were weighed at the beginning and the end of the finishing period for estimation of average daily gain (ADG). The DMI in the lambs fed on the diets containing PSO was higher than that of control (P<0. 05). There was no differences along treatments concerning ADG, although, in lambs receiving PSO thetrend was to be increased. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility in the lambs fed on 4% PSO were higher than those of the other groups (P<0. 05). Concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were not affected except valeric acid, however, incorporation of 4% PSO to the diet increased molar percentage of propionic acid and decreased acetate to propionate ratio, significantly. Ammonia nitrogen concentration was not affected by adding PSO to diet. The results of this experiment suggest that pomegranate seed oil has potential to improve the digestibility and ruminal fermentation efficiency of the diet of fattening lambs.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Humulus lupulus essential oils as an alternative to antibiotic and antioxidant on productive performance, lipids stability of meat and ileum microbial population in broiler chickens during days 1 to 42 of age. A total of 625 day-old Arian broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments (200 and 400 mg/kg Humulus lupulusessential oils, 100 mg/kg antibiotic avilamycin, 150 mg/kg protexin probiotic and control) and five replicates of 25 birds each. Broilers that were fed dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 400 mg/kg and antibiotic revealed higher feed intake than broilers fed dietary Humulus lupulusoil at level of 200 mg/kg (P<0. 05). Dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 200 mg/kg and probiotic had best production index compared with Humulus lupulus oil at level of 400 mg/kg treatment (P<0. 05). The Humulus lupulus oils (200 and 400 mg/kg) treatments showed lower thigh muscles malondialdehyde concentration compared with antibiotic and probiotic treatments as well as control group (P<0. 01). Broilers were fed dietary 400 mg/kg Humulus lupulus oil had highest lactobacillus count of the ileum compared with other treatments (P<0. 05). Dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 200 mg/kg improved broiler productive performance, however improvement of ileum microbial population and meat quality were observed when 400 mg/kg dietary Humulus lupulus oil was applied.

The present experiment was conducted to determine metabolizable energy of pomegranate peel and pulp by adult cockerels. The pomegranate peel and pulp samples were gathered from three industries. This study had two experiments. Each experiment was done in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicate (1 cockerel each). The cockerels fed conventional addition method (CAM). The data were revealed that the pomegranate pulp had 91. 18-93. 41% dry matter (DM) 4. 04-4. 28 % crude proteins (CP), 1. 38-1. 72% ether extract (EE) and 15. 48-19. 21% crude fiber (CF) and 4. 62% ash. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), true metabolizable energy (TME) and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy of pomegranate peel were 2219. 84-2443. 21, 2201. 09-2424. 13, 2250. 13-2482. 69, and 2249. 56, 2481. 56 kcal/kg, respectively. The pomegranate pulp had 91. 07-92. 63% DM, 10. 21-11. 80% CP, 9. 72-10. 83% EE and 31. 51-35. 94% CF. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), true metabolizable energy (TME) and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy of pomegranate pulp were 2357. 71-2581, 2355. 83-2579. 2, 2452. 62-2642. 93 and 2451. 11-2641. 52 kcal/kg, respectively. The estimated AMEn of pomegranate pulp and peel based on prediction equation were 2419. 19-2540. 8, 2166. 02-2533. 67 kcal/kg. The best eqution for estimating of AMEn were Nascimento, AMEn = 2707. 71 + 5. 863EE− 1. 606aNDFom. It is concluded that the pomegranate pulp may had a good feed to use in poultry diet, but the manager may be consider the tannin and other anti-nutrition factor in pomegranate.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the AME content of garlic powder and to investigate its effect as well as vitamin E and Loxidan (as a commercial antioxidant) supplemented in the diet, on growth performance, carcass analysis and meat oxidative stability. In the first experiment, the AME was determined in Leghorn roosters fed diets containing 5, 10, 15 and 20% of garlic powder, whose value appeared to be 2370, 2300, 2090 and 2065 kcal/kg, respectively. In the second experiment, a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement including two levels of garlic powder (0 and 2 percent), two levels of vitamin E (0 and 200 mg/kg), and two levels of Loxidan (0 and 200 mg/kg) were employed in four replicates and twelve broiler chicks in each. According to results, growth performance, the ratio of eviscerated carcass, breast, thigh and abdominal fat to live weight were not affected by garlic powder, vitamin E and antioxidant as they were applied individually. However, applying garlic powder along with Loxidan resulted in better daily weight gain (P<0. 05). Moreover, using vitamin E along with Loxidan in diets led to meat oxidative stability (P<0. 05). The findings of this study indicate that dietary individual supplementation of garlic powder in diet has no effect on growth performance, while using vitamin E and Loxidan may improve some characteristics such as meat oxidative stability.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different lipid sources and organic zinc supplementation on performance, egg bacterial activity and ovary morphology of laying hens for 10 weeks. with 288 sixty weeks old birds by employing a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement of 3×4 with 12 treatments, 4 replicates and 6 hens each. The factors of interest were 4% lipid from different sources (soybean oil, fish oil and tallow) and various levels of zinc (40, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of diet). In all three lipid sources, significant reduction (P<0. 05) was observed in feed intake when the level of zinc supplementation increased. Haugh unit was significantly (P<0. 05) increased in diets containing different lipid sources as the level of zinc supplementation increased. The highest Haugh unit value was observed at the level of 100 mg/kg of zinc supplementation with soybean oil and fish oil. Increasing levels of zinc supplementation significantly (P<0. 05) improved eggshell thichness, eggshell strength and eggshell percentage. The number of large white follicles linearly increased in diets containing tallow, when the level of zinc supplementation increased. The egg yolk microbial load was significantly (P<0. 05) decreased by different lipid sources as the level of zinc supplementation increased. According to the results, it seems that the addition of zinc to the diets containing different lipid sources could not affected performance parameters but decreased egg yolk microbial load.

The effect of feeding different protein profiles on growth performance, carcass components and nitrogen content of litter in Cobb 500 broiler strain was evaluated using 800 chicks in a completely randomized design with four treatments, five replicates groups of 40 birds per each treatment. The treatments were consisted of four protein feeding profiles (based on Cobb strain nutrition guide, recommendation by NRC, 90% protein recommended by NRC and phase feeding). The effect of different treatments on body weight gain, feed intake, energy consumption, protein efficiency ratio and carcass components were not significant. The birds were fed based on Cobb strain guide had a better feed conversion ratio (P< 0. 05). Energy efficiency ratio in broilers fed base on protein profile of Cobb strain guide was higher than other treatments (P< 0. 05). The amount of litter nitrogen in broilers fed with base on Cobb strain guide, 90% protein recommended by NRC and phase feeding were lower than those fed base on protein profile of NRC recommendation (P< 0. 05). Based on the results of this experiment, the use of protein profile base on Cobb strain is more suitable for feeding Cobb broiler chickens than other profiles.

This experiment was carried out using 200 Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The true metabolisable energy of the barley hulls were determined using cecectomized roosters. The dry matter, true metabolisable energy, ash, ether extracts, crude protein, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, Ca and total P content of barely hulls were: 92%, 978 kcal/kg, 3. 53%, 4. 26%, 12. 26%, 12. 6%, 52. 1%, 23. 5%, 0. 9% and 0. 6%, respectively. The experimental diets were consisted of a control hulls free diet and four diets containing 0. 75 or 1. 5 percent barley hulls with particle sizes of less than 1 mm or between 1-2 mm. The barley hulls improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio and particularly the diet contained 1. 5 percent barley hulls with particle size of 1-2 mm was more effective in this respect (P < 0. 05). The same trend was observed in gizzard weight (P < 0. 05). Dietary barley hulls improved dry matter, crude protein and ash digestibility (P < 0. 05). All the barley hulls contained diets reduced feed cost per kg weight gain of broiler chickens, which could be a surprising finding. The results of the present study suggest that including barley hulls with 1-2 mm particle size at 1. 5 percent of the diet could positively affect performance traits and feed cost of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of five synchronization protocols, economically, in Holstein cows during heat stress. This experiment was conducted at a commercial dairy farm in summer 2015 (temperature humidity index 73– 81). Five hundred Holstein dairy cows with ˃ 25 kg/d milk yield were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: 1) ovsynch; 2) presynch-ovsynch; 3) double ovsynch; 4) G7G-ovsynch and 5) PG7G-ovsynch. Results showed that synchronization rate was significantly lower in ovsynch compared to other protocols (P ˂ 0. 05). Presynchronization of cows before initiation of ovsynch improved conception rates (CR) at 32 and 62 days (d) after AI compared to ovsynch protocol (P ˂ 0. 05). According to the reproductive CR at 32 and 62 d after AI and pregnancy loss, it was found that G7G and PG7G were the best protocols compared to other protocols. The cost associated with the semen use per conception was highest at ovsynch and lowest at both G7G and PG7G protocols. Total costs per conception at 60 d after AI were lowest (1890000 rials) in G7G-ovsynch compared to other protocols. In conclusion, considering total costs associated with hormones and semen use per pregnancy, the G7G protocol is economically the most effective among the studied protocols.

This study was conducted to rank the broiler farms based on buildings, installations and equipment and its effect on production factors. To determine the contribution of each factor in ranking of farms, a multi-criteriadecisionanalysis (SAW) was used. Data of 108 broilers were recorded in specific forms and the amount of investment per broiler was calculated for individual factors. To calculate the adjusted weights of parameters, 20 experts were consulted as was specified in forms. The results showed that ventilation (fans and air inlets), roof and wall insulation in a poultry houses have represented about 55 percent of technological factors. The breeding units holding rank 1 and 2 enjoyed high degree of mechanization. As the level of mechanization was improved, the density of chickens per unit area was also increased; These units used more tunnel ventilation and large fans, and their ceiling were insulated using fiberglass, polystyrene, corrugated plastic and thickness of walls were also 35 cm. Mostly external heaters have been installed. Feeding and drinker systems have exerted no important effect on production. Slaughter weight and survival percent were not affected by the degree of mechanization but feed intake and feed conversion ratio decreased and production index increased (p<0. 01) in the breeding units holding rank 1 and 2. In general in poultry house, ventilation system and ceiling and wall insulation improved energy efficiency and increased the efficiency of the system.

The effect of osmolarity and glycerol different levels in soybean lecithin-based extender on the bull sperm quality after cryopreservation was examined using six Holstein bulls in a 2 × 3 factorial trial based on completely randomized design, with three levels of osmolarity (250, 300 and 350 mOsml) and two levels of glycerol (5 and 7 %). In general, semen samples were collected 36 times (from each bull, six times). After the initial evaluation of semen, samples were mixed together and assigned to each of treatments. After freezing and thawing process, parameters that were evaluated including; motion characteristics by CASA, viability, plasma membrane integrity and morphology. The results showed that frozen-thawed sperm in treatment of G7P300 had higher values than the other groups for total motility (69. 50 %), progressive motility (48. 89 %), lateral head displacement (3. 69 µ m/s), curvilinear velocity (168. 80 µ m/s) and straightness coefficient (61. 89 %) (P≤ 0. 05). In the treatments containing seven and five percent of glycerol and osmotic pressure of 350 mOsml, plasma membrane integrity (23. 14 and 25. 63 %, respectively) and sperm viability (58. 70 and 64. 60 %, respectively) were lower compared to other treatments (P≤ 0. 05). But, in terms of morphology, G7P350 (92. 34 %) and G5P350 (92. 57 %) treatments were better than other treatments. The results of these experiment showed that the extender contained of seven percentage of glycerol with osmalarity of 300 or 250 mOsml was more efficient for cryopreservation of Holstein bull sperm.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentration of royal jelly’ s fatty acids (0. 0, 125, 250, 500, 1000 µ g/ml and 50 µ l DMSO) on in vitro maturation of goat oocyte. Goat ovaries were collected from local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory and COCs were cultured into the maturation media supplemented with different concentration of royal jelly’ s fatty acids. The results indicated that the increase of royal jelly’ s fatty acids concentration from control to 250µ g/mL were significantly (P

The aim of the present research was to study the effect of different concentrations of rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis L. ) extract, (0, 10, 12. 5, 16. 6, 25 and 50) mg/L added to semen extender, on sperm qualitative and quantitative parameters after freezing-thawing process of rooster sperm. 10 Ross strain rooster were used. Semen samples were collected, 2 times a week. After adding the samples of semen based on the lecithin extender, they were placed and preserved at 5 ° C. The treatments of 10 and 12. 5 mg/L of Rosemary significantly improved the mobility, in addition, treatments of 10, 12. 5 and 16. 6 mg/L improved progressive motility and viability before freezing (p≤ 0. 05). The lowest and highest motility rates were respectively found in treatments of 0 and 10 mg/L of essential oil of rosemary (p≤ 0. 05). Functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane increased with treatment of 10 mg/L of essential oil of rosemary in comparison to other groups, except 12. 5 mg/L. Also treatments of 10, 12. 5 and 16. 6 mg/L significantly decreased the apoptosis. According to these results, it seems that adding the levels of 10 and 12. 5 mg/L rosemary extract’ in semen, based on lecithin extender can improve rooster’ s sperm quality after thawing.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical performances at three sites on skin, namely the diagonal, neck and leg based on different age groups. Eighteen skins pieces in 6 m, 6 m to 1 yr and 1 yr to 1. 5 yr of age were selected to represent means of the respective age groups with regard to skin area. The skin area were7. 4± 1. 41, 13. 5± 1. 4 and 18. 2± 1. 1 ft2 for the ostriches, respectively. The diagonal region, neck and leg parts were approximately 81. 5, 10. 1 and 8. 4 percent of the skin area. The areas increased with an increased chronological age at all sites. Average skin area increased at a rate of 0. 9 ft2 per each months of age. Average and range of thickness of the leather were 1. 5± 0. 1 (0. 6 to 3. 0) mm, breaking load 22. 2± 3. 3 (4. 9 to 49. 2) kgf, tensile strength 146. 3± 17. 1 (70. 5 to 269. 7) kgf/cm2, percentage extension 58. 7± 4. 9 (21. 5 to 93. 3) % and density were 0. 6± 0. 05 (0. 4 to 0. 9) g/cm2. It was evident that leather thickness increased with age. A similar tendency was observed for tensile strength (P<0. 01). Tensile strength from diagonal, neck and leg parts of the body were 129. 0± 26. 3, 123. 4± 33. 2 and 131. 7± 41. 7 kgf/cm2 respectively which was statistically different (P<0. 05). The overall means of ostrich leather for fat, water soluble material, organic soluble materials, non-soluble sulphate ash, minerals, nitrogen, protein and pH were 16. 1± 1. 4, 1. 5± 0. 6, 0. 8± 0. 2, 0. 8± 0. 3, 0. 5± 0. 1, 9. 6± 0. 3, 59. 8± 1. 9 and 3. 6± 0. 1 % resectivelly. The leather from legs had more water soluble material, organic soluble materials, non-soluble sulphate ash and minerals (P<0. 05) compared to other regions of body. The amounts of fat in leather of ostrich with 6 month of age in diagonal region, was higher than older ostrich and the other regions of body (P<0. 05). Nitrogen and protein was higher in >12 months of age (P<0. 05) than the younger ostrich. It does, however, exert an important influence on the quality traits that were considered, and needs to be considered in the marketing of ostrich leather.

This was a study to investigate quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fiber extracted from crossbred goats derived from female hair goats indigenous of Qom and male Cashmere goats of South of Khorasan. From a total of 75 indigenous and cross goats aged 1-3, qualities such as the percentage of cashmere in fleece, percentage of hair in fleece, hair staple length, cashmere staple length, cashmere fiber length, hair fiber length, and fiber diameter was investigated. Taking into account the effect of genetic group, sex and age characteristics, the data were analyzed with SAS software. The average fleece weight of goats was 300. 2 ± 19. 4 grams with a minimum of 99 and maximum of 713 grs. The length of hair fiber in the male goats fleece (12. 8 ± 0. 7 cm) was more than female ones (10. 2 ± 0. 5 cm); It was 12. 0 ± 0. 6, 10. 3 ± 0. 4 and 12. 2 ± 1. 1 cm in indigenous goats, first and second generation cross goats respectively. The fleece weight in crossbred goats showed 21 grams increase compared to Qom indigenous goats; the difference was not statistically significant; While the percentage of cashmere in crossbred goats was almost twice as the indigenous goats (p<0. 01). Based on the results, crossbreeding between the female hair goats of Qom and male cashmere goats of South of Khorasan improves the quality and quantity of extracted fiber.