JOURNAL OF RUMINANT RESEARCH
Year:2019 | Volume:7 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:8

Background and objectives: Recognition and application of high-protein foods that are produced from waste from factories in the country can be important in reducing feed costs in fattening. In addition, they are cheaper than other imported sources of protein. On the other hand, it is important to replace an optimal protein source for fast growth and balance between non-digestible and degradable protein in the rumen. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the role of nitrogen source in the occurrence of livestock potential and the use of sub-products instead of conventional sources to reduce the cost of diet. Materials and methods: For this purpose, the feeds used during the period of fattening were balanced on the basis of experimental treatments with constant amounts of energy and protein. Seven treatments were adapted to the diet by varying the percentage of replacement rates for poultry slaughterhouse waste instead of soybean meal. The source of dietary protein is: 1-100% soybean meal, 2-67% soybean meal and 33% poultry slaughterhouse waste powder, 3-33% soybean meal and 67% poultry slaughterhouse waste powder, 4-100% poultry slaughterhouse waste powder, 5-67% soybean meal and 33% microwave-treated poultry slaughterhouse waste powder, 6-33% soybean meal and 67% microwave-treated poultry slaughterhouse waste powder and 7-100% microwave-treated poultry slaughterhouse waste powder. For each treatment, four lambs were fed. Totally, 28 lambs were tested individually for 70 days. Fat yield, economic efficiency, apparent digestibility, blood parameters and carcass analysis of treatments were evaluated at the end of the fattening period. Results: The results showed that the replacement of soybean meal with different levels of conventional slaughterhouse waste and microwave-treated had no effect on feed performance, including: dry matter intake, daily gain, feed conversion ratio and dietary intake. Treatments 2 with the lowest digestibility (50. 90%) had a significant difference in comparison to other treatments (P<0. 05). Feed costs per kilogram of weight gain for treatments 3, 4, 6, 7 and 4 were reduced by 15, 7, 6 and 5 percent, respectively, compared to treatment 1, which contained 100 percent protein sources of soybean meal. Blood urea nitrogen is very significant for treatment of 100% protein sources from soybean meal with treatment 5 (P<0. 01), and the comparison of mean for slaughterhouse waste type and replacement levels showed a very significant difference (P<0. 01). High density lipoprotein of treatments 4, 5, 6 and 7 had significant difference in comparison to control group (treatment 1) (P<0. 01) and comparison of mean for the type and level of waste powder replacement Slaughterhouse showed a very significant difference (P<0. 01). No significant difference was observed between treatments for carcass weight, But for weight, thigh, hand, liver and heart weight, there was a significant difference between type and replacement levels (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study showed that the slaughterhouse waste pests of conventional type (without treatment) and type of microwave processing had no effect on fattening performance (weight gain, conversion ratio and food efficiency) of lambs. Furthermore, its replacement levels with soybean meal, up to 100%, while maintaining the characteristics of fattening traits, have a favorable economic return.

Background and Objectives: Measuring the body dimensions in livestock is usually useful to predict the weight, grade and body score of animals. The shoulder height, chest circumference, chest depth, body length, forehead bone size, rump height, distance between eyes, ear length, and tail length are the most important body linear measurements in the livestock. Most of these dimensions are related to the live weight and some important traits of domestic animals. For example, the results of many studies indicated that the chest circumference, body length, pelvic width and shoulder height are the most appropriate and reliable parameters for estimating live weight of the animals. In recent studies, features of digital images have been used, in certain circumstances, to estimate body dimensions of domestic animals. The base of these measurements is the machine learning technology, and currently was tested on some livestock, such as dairy cattle. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the possibility of using machine vision technology in order to estimate body dimensions of one-humped camels. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted on one-humped camels in a privative camel breeding herd at Qom province. The studied herd originally consisted of nine adult mature camels, one an adult luck and 11 pedigree camels from 2 to 12 months old of age. In the following months, five baby caormels were born in the herd. The body dimensions of all camels were monthly recorded, and in the same time, digital images were captured from camels regarding a constant distance (2 meters). In this study, a total of 203 biometric records of camels at different ages were measured. Each photo was first transferred to a computer, and some edits were made to improve its quality. Twenty two morphological features from each image were extracted using defined functions of graphical user interface of MATLAB. The characteristics that were more relevant to the biometric measurement of camels were selected using Pearson correlation coefficient by SPSS software. The data mining process with the aim of discovering mathematical relationship between extracted features of digital images and body dimensions of camels was done using a feed forward neural network which was trained by the "back propagation algorithm" in MATLAB software. Results: Some extracted features including equivalent diameter, major axis length, minor axis length, bounding box, convex area, filled area, area, perimeter and the number of non zero points in digital images had high and significant correlation (P<0. 01) with body dimensions of camels. These features were used as effective input to design the artificial neural network. Accuracy of the artificial neural network models to estimate body length, shoulder height, and hip height of one-humped camels were 0. 98, 0. 96 and 0. 96, respectively. Conclusion: The use of image processing and artificial neural network or other data mining tools can be considered as an appropriate and accurate alternative to human assessments, and help to save the time and expense associated with the biometry of large livestock, especially camels.

Background and objectives: Reproductive performance of different sheep breeds is low in Iran and breeding of this domestic animal is not really economic. So it should be found essential and practical solutions for increasing reproductive performance of sheep. One of the suitable solutions is hormonal therapy such as using human Chorionic Gonadotropine (hCG) and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in superovulated ewes with equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG), but, the results of different studies in hormonal therapy if different races are not similar. Therefore the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of these hormones on reproductive performance of Lake and Torki-Ghashghaei in rural breeding condition. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in two separated experiments. In the first experiment 75 Lake-Ghashghaei ewes (3-4 years old with the mean weights of 54  2. 6 kg) and in the second experiment 75 Torki-Ghashghaei ewes (3-4 years old with the mean weights of 59  1. 9 kg) were used. The estrous cycle of ewes in breeding season was synchronized with progesterone sponges for a 14 days period. Then, one day before removing the sponges 500 and 600 IU of equine Chorionic Gonadotropin were injected intramuscularly to Lake-Ghashghaei and Torki-Ghashghaei ewes, respectively. After removing the sponges all the ewes became cycled and divided into three different treatment groups. The first group in each experiment was assumed as control and the second and third groups received 500 IU hCG and 0. 5 mL GnRH, respectively. Then, in each experiment parameters such as the time of estrus start (hour), rate of return to estrus, parturition rate, rate of multiple births number of lambs and rate of lambing were evaluated. Results: The results in the first experiment (Lake-Ghashghaei ewes) indicated that the rate of return to estrus did not have significant differences among various treatment groups but the number of delivered ewes in hCG group was numerically more than other groups. The results also indicated that the number of single, twin and triple births' ewes was not significantly different among various treatment groups but the number of twin and triple births' ewes in hCG group was numerically more than other groups. The results in the second experiment (Torki-Ghashghaei ewes) indicated that the number of twin births' ewes fecundity and prolificacy rates were numerically more in hCG group compared with other groups. The results also indicated that the fecundity difference among different treatment groups had tendency to significantly (P=0. 06) and this characteristic was higher in group receiving hCG, compared to other groups. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be suggested that using human Chorionic Gonadotropine (500 IU) in superovulated Lake-Ghashghaei and Torki-Ghashghaei ewes with equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (500 and 600 IU, respectively) caused improvement the number of born lambs and fecundity rate.

Background and objectives: It is well known that rams show a marked seasonal variation in many reproductive aspects, including testicular size, semen production, plasma testosterone concentration and sexual behavior – characteristics that generally increase from spring to autumn. These changes are mainly regulated by photoperiod with long days being inhibitory and short days being stimulatory. The administration of melatonin at the appropriate time of the year, or following a treatment of long days can mimic the stimulatory effect of natural short days in advancing the period of maximum reproductive activity in the ram. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine whether treating rams with melatonin and photoperiod in mid-spring increased testicular and semen concentration parameters. The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and changes in photoperiod regimen on semen characteristics of Afshari rams out of the breeding season. Material and methods: Twelve rams were randomly allocated into three groups: rams in control group were exposed to natural day photoperiod. In Melatonin group rams were treated as the same as control group plus two melatonin implants (18 mg) one in the area under the skin of the left ear and another in the area below the right ear. In photoperiod regimen group rams were managed as the same as group 1 and 2 until 4 p. m. (8 hours light) and thereafter were kept in dark stall until 8 am. Plasma melatonin and testosterone concentrations were measured by commercial kits. Testicle dimensions were measured five times during experiment and semen samples were taken two days a week for eight weeks. The data were analyzed in a randomized complete block design. Results: The results showed that photoperiod regimen increased semen wave motion motility in compare to control group (P= 0. 01). In addition, sperm concentration in melatonin treatment group (5. 32×109 ± 0. 25/mL) significantly increased in compare to control group (4. 12×109 ± 0. 25/mL) and photoperiod regimen group(4. 15×109 ± 0. 25/mL; P= 0. 002). Plasma membrane integrity in melatonin treatment group (42. 90 ± 4. 79%) and in photoperiod group (56. 37 ± 4. 79%) on different sampling days were significantly different (P= 0. 05). Sperm viability in melatonin treatment group (61. 99± 3. 18%) decreased in compare to control group (77. 40 ± 2. 75%) on different sampling days (P= 0. 01). Plasma melatonin concentration in melatonin group increased in compare to photoperiod group and also control group. Plasma testosterone concentration was not affected significantly in experimental groups on different sampling days following melatonin or photoperiod treatments (P=0. 05). Left scrotal circumferences in photoperiod regimen group (39269 ± 0. 42 cm) and in melatonin treatment group (35665. 3 ± 0. 42 cm) were not different on sampling days. Right scrotal circumference in melatonin treatment group decreased in compare to control group and photoperiod group on different sampling days (P= 0. 08), also, left testis length and right testis length in melatonin treatment group, control group and photoperiod group were not different on sampling days.

Background and objectives: Compared to corn, barley starch is rapidly degraded in the rumen, leading to an accumulation of VFA and eventually resulting in acidosis. Recently, the use of organic acids has been effective in reducing of barley (as dry roll) starch degradation in the rumen. Oilseeds can be used in lactating cow diet and can produce milk with a more favorable fatty acid profile for human nutrition. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of ground barley grain treated with lactic acid (LA), dietary fat sources and their interaction on performance, milk fatty acid profile and microbial protein synthesis in early lactating Holstein cows. Materials and methods: To evaluate the effects of barley treatment and dietary fat sources on performance, ruminal and blood parameters twelve multiparous Holstein cows in early lactation were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Ground barley steeped in water (Barley-W) or in 1% LA solution (Barley-LA) in equal quantity (wt/vol) for 48 h before adding to the TMR. Dietary fat source were extruded flaxseed (EF) and extruded soybean (ES). Accordingly, experimental treatments were: 1) barley treated with water (Barley-W) + extruded flaxseed (EF), 2) barley treated with water (Barley-W) + extruded soybean (ES), 3) barley treated with LA (Barley-LA) + extruded flaxseed (EF), 4) barley treated with LA (Barley-LA) + extruded soybean (ES). Results: Dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by experimental treatments. Milk fat content and milk fat yield were greater in cows fed Barley-LA compared to cows fed Barley-W. More milk fat content was produced by cows fed ES compared to EF. Concentrations of Σ n-3 and Σ n-6 were greater and lower Σ n-6 respectively in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. The ratio Σ n-6/Σ n-3 was lower in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. The barley grain treatment and dietary fat source had no effects on milk concentration of C18: 2c9t11 (CLA) and microbial protein synthesis, and their interactions between these factors were not significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, treating ground barley grain with LA and the use of EF and ES as dietary fat sources did not influence the performance of early-lactation Holstein cows. Milk fat content and milk fat yield were greater in cows fed Barley-LA compared to those fed Barley-W. Concentrations of Σ n-3 and Σ n-6 were greater and lower Σ n-6 respectively in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. Contrary to our hypothesis, milk concentration of CLA and microbial protein synthesis were not affected by barley treated with LA, dietary fat sources and interaction between them.

Background and objectives: About 65 to 70 percent of total cost of livestock breeding is related to nutritional issues. Sometimes antibiotics are used as feed additives to prevent the growth of intestinal pathogens, reduce metabolic abnormalities, stimulating growth and improving feed conversion efficiency in farm animals. The creation of resistance in pathogens and the possibility of antibiotics residues in products are the main disadvantages of antibiotics usage in livestock and poultry nutrition as a growth stimulator. The tendency to use secondary plant metabolites has increased as a way to improve livestock and poultry performance. This study was carried out to determine the effect of using Bioherbal plant powder on digestibility, blood parameters and gas production parameters in Holstein fattening calves. Materials and Methods: Ten male Holstein fattening bull-claves with average weight of 310 ± 30 Kg divided into two groups. Calves were randomly allocated to one of the experimental treatments. Animal on Bioherbal group are received basal diet plus 20 g of Bioherbal per day. Daily rations were offered to calves during three meals ad libitum rations. Calves were weighed every two weeks before the morning feeding. At the end of each experimental period, fecal sample was collected from each calf through a rectum and stored in a freezer. At the last day of each period, the blood sample was taken from the jugular vein and the plasma isolated and kept in the freezer for further analysis. At the end of the experiment, the feed or fecal samples were dried in an oven at 60 ° C for 48 hours, and milled for further analysis for chemical composition and nutrients digestibility. Statistical analysis for data was done with the proc mixed of SAS software. Results: The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) and acid detergent insoluble fibers (ADF) was greater in Bioherbal group when compared with control group (P<0. 01). Daily weight gain was numerically higher in the Bioherbal group (1. 78 Kg) than the control group (1. 35 Kg), but no significant difference was observed (P= 0. 06). Feed intake in the Bioherbal group (11. 54 Kg) was significantly higher than the control group (10. 81 Kg) (P<0. 05). Feed conversion ratio in Bioherbal group (6. 50) was lower than control group (8. 02) (P<0. 05). Blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol concentration didn’ t show any significant difference between groups (P>0. 05). There was a significant difference between control and Bioherbal treatment in terms of gas production (P<0. 01). The highest amount of gas production was related to Bioherbal treatment and the lowest amount was related to control group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the Bioherbal plant supplement improves the digestibility of nutrients, dry matter intake, feed conversion and weight gain of Holstein fattening calves.

Background and objectives: Conjugated linoleic acids contain a mixture of linoleic acid isomers. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation to ruminant diet affect their metabolism. Conjugated linoleic acid have many beneficial biological properties including the reduction in fat deposition and increasing lean tissue and feed efficiency in various animals. On the other hand, fast growing ruminants require sufficient amounts of essential amino acid in the small intestine. There is no information regarding response of growing ruminant to the interaction of rumen undegradable protein and rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid, hence this experiment was aimed to study the interaction of rumen undegradable protein and rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid on performance, protozoa population and in vitro gas production in growing goat kids. Materials and methods: Thirty-two Kurdish male and female kids (average body weight 13. 06± 1. 08 kg; 4 months age) were used in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The fattening period lasted for 100 days including a 20-d of adaptation. Animals were fed total mixed rations three times a day. All experimental diets contain 15% crude protein and 2. 4 Mcal ME/kg DM. Rumen undegradable protein of feeds was measured by in situ method using two rumen fistulated rams. Experimental diets contain 25 and 35 percent of rumen undegradable protein without or with 1. 5 percent of rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid. Dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, protozoa population and in vitro gas production parameters were measured. For total protozoa populations counting and genera differentiation, samples of rumen liquor were collected three hours after morning meal by stomach tube on day 70 of experiment. Rumen liquor samples were taken from two rumen fistulated rams which were fed on maintenance level. These rumen samples were collected before morning meal. Results: The results showed that kids fed diet containing 35 percent rumen undegradable protein supplemented with rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid had the greatest average daily gain (112. 72 g/day), feed efficiency (0. 21) and the lowest dry matter intake (564. 72 g/day). Ruminal fluid total protozoa population did not affected by dietary treatments. Diet containing 25 percent rumen undegradable protein without conjugated linoleic acid supplementation had the highest potential gas production (497. 76 mL/g OM) and maximum gas production (11. 80 mL/g OM) per hour. Diet containing 35 percent rumen undegradable protein with conjugated linoleic acid supplementation had the greatest gas production half life (35. 69 h) and the lowest time to reach maximum gas ptoduction (5. 27 h). Conclusion: Overally, diet containing 35 percent rumen undegradable protein and 1. 5 percent rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid supplementation improved growing goat kids performance.

Background and objectives: Genomic selection using different statistical methods played an important role in increasing economic efficiency and the genetic improvement of the discrete and continuous traits. In this study, performance of Boosting and Bayes A methods were compared to evaluate genomic breeding values for binary threshold and continuous traits for different marker densities using different genomic architectures. Materials and methods: Genomic data were simulated by QMSim software to reflect variations in heritability (h2 = 0. 1 and 0. 3), linkage disequilibrium (LD=low and high), number of QTL (QTL=150 and 450) and marker densities (10k and 50k) for 30 chromosomes. To create discrete threshold phenotypes in training set, individuals per generation were ranked inascending order according to continuous phenotypes of QMSim output. Then, depending on average simulated population, the threshold phenotype of individuals was defined ascode 0 (higher than average trait) and code 1 (lower than average trait). Eventually, genomic estimated breeding values were calculated using Bayes A and Boosting methods to evaluate accuracy of genomic prediction for threshold and continuous traits. Results: Compare to Bayes A, Boosting algorithm showed a wide range of genomic accuracies to changes inmarker density. Compare to threshold Bayes A, Boosting algorithm demonstrated an increase of 6. 3 and 7. 3% on genomic accuracy of threshold traits for 10k and 50k SNPs panels, respectively. For traits with continuous phenotypic distribution, performance of Bayes A was much more than Boosting, especially when the sparse panels were used. The structure of genomic architecture including heritability, number of QTLs and LD were the most important factors affecting the accuracy of genomic prediction using Bayes A and Boosting methods. In this regard, impact of heritability on performance of each of these models was more evident. Overall, genomic accuracies of Bayes A and Boosting methods were more sensitive to QTL and LD fluctuations, respectively. For threshold traits with high density marker panels, the highest and the lowest genomic accuracy were obtained using Boosting (0. 598) and Bayes A (0. 510) methods, respectively, when the data set containing a lot of QTLs was applied. For continuous traits, the highest and the lowest genomic accuracy were obtained using Bayes A (0. 702) and Boosting (0. 569) methods, respectively, when the data set containing a few QTLs was used. Positive effect of increase LD on accuracies of genomic prediction of Boosting and Bayes A for the sparse panels was much more noticeable than high density panels. Conclusion: Generally, this study indicated that Boosting and Bayes A methods showed their best performance for threshold and continuous traits, respectively.