JOURNAL OF RUMINANT RESEARCH
Year:2018 | Volume:6 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:10

Background and objectives: Biochar is a carbonaceous material obtained when burning agriculture and animal biomass in a closed container with little or no available oxygen. Biochar combines a porous structure and large surface area that create habitat for establishment and development of biofilm residing microbes in anaerobic environments including rumen and increased microbial growth, reproduction and improved efficiency of fermentative digestion. Highly porous structure of biochar such as methanotrophes (methane oxidants) facilitates the formation of microbial colonies. Methane oxidation, archae and methanotrophic consortia on to the surfaces of the biochar increase as well as their population. The objective of this study was to determine effect of different levels walnut shell and chicken manure biochar on gas production, digestibility, methane, and ammonia production in an in vitro batch fermentation system. Materials and methods: Sun-dried walnut shell and chicken manure heated in a closed container with little available oxygen. Levels of 0. 5, 1 and 1. 5% of each biochar were added to the experimental diet including alfalfa, wheat straw, barley grain, corn grain, soybean meal, vitamin and mineral supplement and salt with ratio 60% forage to 40% concentrate. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design with seven treatments: 1-Control, without biochar; 2-basal diet+ 0. 5% walnut shell biochar; 3-basal diet+ 1% walnut shell biochar; 4-basal diet+ 1. 5% walnut shell biochar; 5-basal diet+ 0. 5% chicken manure biochar; 6-basal daiet+ 1% chicken manure biochar; and 7-basal diet+ 1. 5% chicken manure biochar. All samples were incubated with three replications using buffered rumen fluid obtained from four Kermanian sheep (two years old and 50. 5 kg weight) for 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs. At the end of 24 hrs of incubation gas production, dry matter digestibility, concentrations of ammonia and methane was measured and gas production parameters, metabolizable energy, short chain fatty acids and organic matter digestibility were estimated. Results: The result showed that the gas production decreased (P<0. 01) by addition of biochar to diets after 24 and 96 hrs of incubation, but the level of 1% of walnut shell biochar and 1. 5% of chicken manure biochar had minimal impact on gas production. Means of metabolizable energy, short chain fatty acids and digestibility of organic matter at the level 1% of walnut shell biochar and 1. 5% chicken manure biochar were not different from control. Digestibility of dry matter in vitro increased at the 1% level of walnut shell biochar (p<0. 01) and 1. 5% of chicken manure biochar (p<0. 01). Addition of 1% walnut shell biochar and 1. 5% chicken manure biochar decreased ammonia-N concentrations, methane and methane production compared to control. Conclusion: In general, these findings indicated that the 1% walnut shell biochar and 1. 5% chicken manure had a potential to decrease methane mitigation and ammonia concentrations. Therefore, they can be new alternatives for modifying of rumen fermentation.

Background and objectives: Molecular genetics selection on individual genes is a promising method to genetically improve economically important traits in livestock. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene secreted by the stomach that has two important functions: the stimulation of the growth hormone production and the stimulation of feed intake. In this study, the association between gherlin receptor gene polymorphism (GHSR) with blood parameters and carcass traits in Zell and Shal sheep breeds were studied using PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Materials and methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 51 adipose tissue samples using phenols chloroform method. The exon 2 (452 bp) of GHSR gene was amplified by specific primers. The single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) patterns of PCR product were studied using 12% Acrilamid gel and silver staining method. Sequencing show a novel single nucleotide polymorphism in this gene on the nucleotide position 3278 converting T to C. In the present study, after revealing genotype of animals for the GHSR locus, this data along with data related to studied traits were analyzed by the least-squares method as applied in the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS 9. 2 program. Results: This SNP had a significant effect on red meat trait (P<0. 05), carcass pH (P<0. 002) and ash (P<0. 06) in Zel and Shal breed in such a way that the CT genotype was more desirable than TT genotype in meat redness and carcass pH traits. The value of least square means of the CC genotype was higher than CT genotype in ash trait. Breed had significant effect on hot carcass weight (P<0. 0001), carcass yield (P<0. 04), pH (P<0. 01), shear force (P<0. 001), water holding capacity of the first day (P<0. 05), LDL (P<0. 02), meat yellowness (P<0. 0001), meat lightness (P<0. 007). The results showed that sex had a significant effect on hot carcass weight (P<0. 0008), pH (P<0. 01), water holding capacity on the first day (P<0. 05) and LDL (P<0. 02) traits. The effect of males was higher effect than females on hot body weight and water holding capacity on the first day. The females had higher effect in LDL, meat yellowness and meat lightness traits. In this study, there was no significant association between SNP and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids traits. Conclusion: The results showed that the gherlin receptor gene (GHSR) could be regarded as a possible candidate gene for selection of meat redness and acidity in Zell and Shal sheep breeds.

Background and objectives: Condensed tannins, as a main limiting factor in some of the agricultural byproducts, can negatively affect feed intake, digestibility and feed efficiency in ruminants. So many research data are available about the effects of different chemical and physical treatments on condensed tannins levels and activity in tanniferous plants. Red grape pomace is one of the main agro-industrial byproducts with medium to high levels of high activity condensed tannins. However high condensed tannins limit its use in farm animals feeding. Processing with irradiation based techniques can be served as green processing methods without negative environmental effects. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of electron irradiation on chemical composition, levels of anti-nutrients and nutritive value parameters of grape pomace in vitro and in situ. Materials and methods: Air-dried (under shade) grape pomace was irradiated by electron beam using Rodotron system in 50, 100, and 150 kilogrey. Effects of irradiation were examined on chemical compositions as well as phenolic compounds. Three fistulated Holstein male steers were used to prepare and incubation of the samples in situ within the rumen according to randomized complete block design in two separate runs. Results: Electron irradiation reduced crude protein, total phenolics and total, condensed and protein and fiber bound tannins. In addition, the bioactivity of phenolics reduced in irradiated samples. Electron irradiation increased in vitro gas production and ruminal degradability compared to the control. Ruminal protein degradability and metabolizable energy increased in all of the treatment groups. Electron processing also increased the total amount of volatile fatty acids in all of the treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the effectiveness of electron irradiation in increasing red grape pomace nutritional value. According to the results, irradiation with 100 Kg can be considered as an optimal processing level.

Background and objectives: The use of probiotics to enhance performance, improve health status, adjustment of rumen ecosystem in suckling animal feed is considered a viable alternative to antibiotics. Consequently, lead to development of healthy lambs and replacement ewes producing pluripotent and adult rams with the herd. Probiotics can also be a good solution to maintain the balance of microbial populations, improve rumen fermentation, enhance immune system, and increase the production of young ruminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of probiotics protexin in milk replacers on performance and blood parameters of suckling Zell lambs. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male lambs at the age of 10 days with a mean live weight (4. 5 ± 0. 35 kg) were assigned into four treatments with six lambs (replication) in individual cages for 60 days. Sampling was carried out in four periods of fifteen days. Treatments including control (without probiotic supplementation) and control treatment plus (3×109 CFU/g), 6 (6 × 109 CFU / g) and 9 (9 × 109 CFU / g) g of probiotic in milk replacement respectively. Results: The results of average feed intake showed that significant difference was observed in only 15 days of experiment so that the control treatment had the lowest and 9 g probiotic treatment had the highest values (P<0. 05). Average weight gain was different between all experiment periods so that 9 g of probiotic treatment had better performance than control treatment. (P<0. 05). The results of faecal scores showed the difference in 45 and 60 days of experiment (P<0. 05) so that lambs receiving 9 g probiotic had higher stool consistency than control treatment. The results of apparent digestibility of nutrients showed a difference in the amount of dry matter, NDF and ADF (P<0. 05) that 9 g probiotic treatments were higher than other treatments. The results of the blood parameters showed the differences in first time of blood sampling in all parameters except albumin (P<0. 05). Also, significant difference was observed in second blood sampling in all parameters except cholesterol, HDL and LDL (P<0. 05). The results of carcass traits showed that live weight, percent carcass full and empty, percent half carcass and the body length were different between treatments (P<0. 05) so that 9 g of probiotic treatment had better performance than the other probiotic levels in this study. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the addition of different levels of protexin in milk replacement, improved feed intake, only in the early period of study, higher daily gain in some study times. Also, there was a significant increase in apparent digestibility of nutrients, improved blood immune index, especially immunoglobulin G, and improved final weight. According to the results, 9 grams of probiotic in milk replacement resulted in a better response.

Background and objectives: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of the herbal additives which is considered as an alternative for antibiotics in farm animals. This plant has some oestrogenic characteristics, enhancing the appetite and feed intake which may result in a increased growth rate in farm animals, however, there is very limited information on this context. Therefore, this research was conducted to study the effect of using powder and extract of fennel on the fattening performance of Mehraban lambs. Materials and methods: Twenty five Mehraban male lambs with an initial body weight of 27. 87± 4. 53 kg were used in a completely randomized design feeding experiment, with five treatments and five replications. The Foeniculum vulgare plant was harvested from research farm of Hamedan and the roots were cut down, cleaned and washed with tap water then allowed to dry under the sun. The dried roots were ground into a fine powder using a 1 mm sieved ball mill and used as powder form or processed to extarcted form for use in the experiment. The treatments were: T1) Basal diet (C), T2) C+5 g Foeniculum vulgare root powder (FVP), T3) C+10 g FVP, T4) C+7. 5 ml alcoholic extracted Foeniculum vulgare root (AEFV), T5) C+15 ml AEFV per animal per day. The animals were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum three times daily and had free access to drinking water during 103 days experiment (14 days for adaptability and 89 days for data collection). Body weight gain and feed intake were recorde and feed conversion ratio was calculated. At the end of the experiment, all animals were slaughtered and then the carcass dressing was determined and internal organs were visually considered. Results: Results showed that the body weight gain were 215. 10, 274. 40, 262. 90, 275. 30 and 217. 70 g/d, respectively for the animals allocated to treatments 1 to 5 that were significantly different between the treatments (P<0. 05). The maximum (275. 30) and minimum (217. 70) daily gain were obtained in T4 and T5, respectively (P<0. 05). The average daily dry matter intake was different between the treatments throughout the experiment period where the highest intake (1893g) was found in T3 but the lowest intake (1345g) in T1 (P<0. 05). Average feed conversion ratio was also different between the treatments with the highest amount (7. 75) for T5 and the lowest amount (5. 87) for T2 (P<0. 05) during the whole experiment period. Results of slaughtering showed that the warm and cold carcass weights were significantly (P<0. 05) different between the treatments but carcass dressing percentages were not statistically affected by the treatments. Visual assessment of post slaughtering showed that the carcass characteristics and internal organs including heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, kidney and digestive tract were normal and no statistical differences were observed for the weight of internal organs between the lambs in different treatments. Conclusion: It was concluded that utilization of fenel (Foeniculum vulgare) powder in amounts of 5 and 10 g as well as 7. 5 ml fenel extracted per animal per day, positively affected growth rate and resulted in a higher live weight and carcass weight of lambs. However, othe carcass traits and internal organs were not affected by the treatments.

Background and objectives: The importance of stress assessment in ruminants is in maintaining health and increasing their productive capacity. Stress in livestock is characterized by changes in physiological and functional parameters. Long periods of transportation with vehicles, especially in unfavorable weather conditions, or congestion of livestock in trucks are a source of fatigue, discomfort, weight loss and an increased incidence of infectious diseases. Due to this, different stress conditions increase the production of free radicals and thus oxidative stress. Diets containing appropriate levels of antioxidants, by inhibiting free radicals, resulting in improved harmful effects of stress. Studies have shown that the use of minerals and medicinal plants with antioxidant properties in livestock feeding improves the physiological status of the livestock and prevents decline in production capacity of the animals by modifying prooxidantsantioxidants. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of mixture of black seed with chromium methionine or zinc methionine on the prevention of stress and livestock performance improvement. Materials and methods: Eighteen Sanjabi male lambs (24-26 weeks of age) with an initial weight of 32 ± 2 kg for 30 days were randomly divided into three groups of six in each and were kept, individually. Treatments were included: group 1: control (basic diet); group 2: basic feed + 30 grams of black seed, kg dry matter of diet + 1 mg chromium-methionine, kg dry matter and group 3: basic feed + 30 grams of black seed, kg dry matter of diet + 50 mg of zinc-methionine, kg dry matter of diet. During the experimental period, performance and blood parameters were evaluated. Lambs were transported after two weeks of starting the experiment for 3 hrs. Blood samples (10 ml) were taken via jugular vein before transportation (BT), immediately after transportation (AT1), as well as 24 hrs after transportation (AT2), to determine blood parameters and antioxidant status. Blood samples were placed on ice at once after collection and centrifuged at 3500 × g for 15 min at 4° C for serum harvesting. The serum was maintained at-20° C until analysis. Results: The effect of experimental treatments on daily gain was significant (P<0. 05). Feed intake in lambs fed on the diet containing black seed + zinc methionine was higher than other treatments. While in the group receiving black seed + chrome methionine feed conversion ratio improved than the control group (P<0. 05). Stress increased the level of cortisol in the control group from 0. 44 to 2. 88 μ g/dl immediately after transportation, while this amount was lower in treatments with mixture of black seed and minerals in comparison to the control group (P< 0. 05). The effect of experimental diets on the amount of urea, total protein and globulin was not significant, whereas, the level of glucose, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase of serum was changed during the period of transportation stress (P<0. 05). Adding black seed + chromium methionine to the diet of lambs had a positive effect on the level of malondialdehyde (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this experiment showed that the addition of the mixture of black seed and chrome-methionine or zinc methionine as a herbal-mineral supplement to lambs diet two weeks before livestock transportation improved the performance and reduced stress during transportation.

Background and objectives: 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 sheep to compensate for copper deficiency. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of two forms of copper supplement on performance, some blood parameters and carcass traits of male Sanjabi lambs. Materials and methods: A total of 15 male lambs (26. 04± 3. 38 Kg, 3-4 months) in three groups of five placed in individual pens for a period of 90 days using completely randomized design. The treatments included: (1) basal diet (containing 5. 6 mg Cu/kg DM; control) without supplementary Cu, (2) basal diet + 15 mg/kg DM Cu-Lys and (3) basal diet + 15 mg/kg DM Nano-Cu. Supplements on a daily basis were allocated to the lambs along with basal diet. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein on days zero, 30, 60 and 90 and the concentration of plasma Cu and Zn, serum ceruloplasmin level, superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde index (MDA), differential count of white blood cells and hematocrit was determined. At the end of the experiment, three lambs were slaughtered from each group using standard method. Samples from quadriceps muscle, liver, kidney and spleen were taken to measure the level of Cu and some carcass traits. Results: The use of Cu supplement in various forms had no effect on growth performance of lambs. Copper supplementation had no effect on SOD and TAC, but the MDA index of blood serum was lower compared to the control (P<0. 05). Hematocrit in lambs fed diets containing Cu supplements were not significantly different than the control but the percentage of lymphocyte in lambs received organic Cu and neutrophil percentage in lambs of Nano Cu group were lowest (P<0. 05). Addition of Cu-Lys to the diet increased plasma Cu concentration compared to control and Nano-Cu groups (P<0. 01) and plasma Zn concentration tended to decrease (P>0. 05). Also, supplementation of diet with Cu had no effect on ceruloplasmin concentration, significantly. The amount of copper deposited in liver and spleen tissues of Cu supplemented groups were higher than those of the control (P<0. 05). Conclusion: In general, the results showed that the uses of Cu supplement in the form of organic or Nano did not influence growth performance. In addition, antioxidant status and humoral systems of lambs were not affected; however, malondialdehyde index was improved.

Background and objectives: Increase in blood Zn bioavailability improves production and immune system. Due to the relation among zinc, leptin and immune system, this trial conducted to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation, more than NRC recommendation, on serum concentration of zinc and leptin in late gestation cows and its consequent colostral IgG and also its passive transfer to newborn calves, calves serum total protein and health scores. Materials and methods: This trial was conducted from 25 days before expected parturition day to 30 days after calving. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows by mean of 3. 1 and 2. 9 lactation for control and high zinc level treatment, respectively, fed diets containing 75 and 150 mg/kg of dry mater Zn. Feeding was once a day at 09: 00. Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and the only difference was the proportion of Zn. Blood samples were taken from cows’ tail vein to determine Zn and leptin concentrations on-25 and-5 days relative to estimated parturition time. Immediately postcalving, calves were weighed and removed from the dam to prevent nursing and cows were moved to a maternity barn, milked, and a colostrum sample was collected. Calves fed colostrum of their own dam and a sample of colostrum used to determine the concentration of IgG. Calves jugular vein used for blood sampling to test seral IgG and total protein twenty-four hour after birth. Individual animal health score (nasal, eye and ear, fecal, cough and rectal temperature) were assigned (using a calf health-scoring system developed by the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison) to calves for 30 days. Results: Using 150 mg/kg of Zn in the diet increased seral Zn and leptin five days before calving compared with control (P<0. 05). Colostral IgG and also calves seral IgG and total protein increased by consuming high level of Zn. Positive correlation was observed between colostral and calves seral IgG. Calves health scores had no significant difference between treatments. Conclusion: Probably supplementation of high level of Zn in late gestation diets, by increasing in dams seral Zn and leptin, improves calves immune system.

Background and objectives: In fattening lambs, due to highly concentrated diets and low forage, disruption of balance in ruminal environment is possible. According to researches, the activity of rumen enzymes also varies with regard to the rumen status, especially pH, and the inherent nature of buffers in improving the rumen's environmental conditions, as well as the possible effect of the physical form of the concentrate on ruminal fermentation. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the physical form of the concentrate (pellet and mash) and buffer type of ration (bicarbonate sodium and sesquisodium carbonate) on the activity of some ruminal hydrolytic enzymes including carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, filter paper degrading activity, protease and alpha amylase in different segments of rumen fluid (including solid, extracellular and intracellular sections) and nitrogen retention and blood hematology of Dalagh fattening lambs. Materials and methods: In order to investigate the effect of the physical form of the concentrate and the buffer type of diet on the activity of some hydrolytic ruminal enzymes, nitrogen retention and blood hematology in Dalagh fattening lambs, 28 male lambs in 6± 1. 2 months of age and average weight of 28 ± 2. 7 were used. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and a 98-day period (14 days of adaptation and 84 days of the main period) with four treatments and seven replications. Rumen fluid sampling was performed to measure the activity of some hydrolytic enzymes during the final week of the experiment. Also, on day 60, four lambs were randomly selected from each treatment and transferred to metabolic cages. After three days of adaptation, urine and faces were collected, daily for six days. The nitrogen balance was measured using nitrogen consumption and excretion. It was estimated through urine and faces. To determine the blood parameters, in final day, 3 hours after the morning feeding, blood was taken from the vein and immediately transferred to the laboratory. Blood parameters such as white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophil’ s, lymphocytes and monocytes were measured and red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean blood cell counts, mean hemoglobin, and mean hemoglobin concentration were also determined. Results: Based on the results, change in physical form of the concentrate and the buffer type did not have a significant effect on the activity of the total carboxymethyl cellulose enzymes, microcrystalline cellulase, and activity of filter paper decomposition, alpha amylase and protease. Although the experimental diets have been effective in the activity of various segments protease enzymes and filter paper decomposition activity. This effect has not been sufficient to alter the overall activity of these enzymes. In relation to nitrogen balance, no significant difference was found between nitrogen intake, total nitrogen and nitrogen retention in experimental groups, and only excreted nitrogen through feces under the influence of sesquisodium carbonate buffer increased compared to those receiving sodium bicarbonate buffer. Also, no significant differences were found between the hematological parameters of the lambs. Conclusion: This study showed that the physical form of the concentrate and the buffer type had no significant effect in the activity of the total carboxymethyl cellulose enzymes, microcrystalline cellulose, activity of filter paper decomposition, alpha amylase and protease and nitrogen balance, furthermore, there was no difference between hematological parameters.

Background and objectives: The storing and cryopreservation of livestock semen for a long time enables the use of better genetic reserves. Damages from peroxidation and cold shock are indispensable part of long time storage which leads to a lowered semen fertility. So, it is needed to provide greater insight into the effects of different materials in semen extender to improve fertility. In this study, three experiments were implemented to investigate the effect of different soybean lecithin instead of egg yolk in Tris extender and also adding bovine serum albumin on fertility traits of bovine semen stored under three thermal conditions; room temperature (24° C), chilling temperature (5° C), and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Materials and methods: Semen samples were collected from four Holstein bulls (about three years old) using artificial vagina and pooled after initial quality evaluation. Semen samples then were extended by four different extenders containing egg yolk (20%) and three levels of soy lecithin (0. 5, 1 and 1. 5%). Before filling 0. 5 ml straws with extended semen, 10 mg bovine serum albumin was added to the half of straws. Straws were stored at three thermal conditions; under room temperature and evaluation after 3, 6 and 9 hrs under chilling temperature and evaluation after 3, 24, and 48 hrs under freezing condition and then evaluation of thawed straws at days 5, 10 and 15 post-freezing. Sperm concentrations, viability and motility were evaluated microscopically. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial experiment (including extender, bovine serum albumin and time effects) with a completely randomized design. Means comparison was by the least significant difference test. Results: Results from the experiment under room temperature showed that the effects of extender and time on sperm viability and motility were significant (p<0. 01) but adding albumin had no significant effect on these parameters. The highest sperm viability and motility percentages were 99. 88 and 99. 75 in egg yolk group at 3 hrs after storage, respectively. Regarding the results from the chilling condition, the effects of extender and time on sperm viability and motility were significant (p<0. 01) but adding albumin showed no significant effect. The highest sperm viability and motility percentages were 98. 34 and 97. 67 in egg yolk group at 3 hrs after storage, respectively. The effects of extender and time on sperm viability and the effect of extender, albumin and time on sperm motility after thawing were significant (p<0. 05). The highest sperm viability and motility percentages were 68. 18 and 65. 62 in egg yolk group at day 5 post-freezing, respectively. Conclusion: Generally, results of the study showed that using egg yolk in Tris semen extender in comparison to soybean lecithin has priority for storing bull semen in liquid and frozen conditions. Furthermore, adding bovine serum albumin into extender was not effective on bovine sperm viability and motility.