ANIMAL SCIENCE RESEARCHES (FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF TABRIZ)
Year:2018 | Volume:28 | Issue:1|Papers Count:14

Introduction: Poultry industry is growing rapidly throughout the developing countries. There have been a considerable increase in growth rate and feed efficiency in commercial broiler chickens in recent years. The improvement of poultry production highly depends on the synergy between science and practice. By use of modern technology, genetics, microbiology, informatics and nutrition knowledge, production of fattening chicken highly increased in the whole world in last years. Also shorter production period and lower quantity of feed which is needed per kg of weight gain is the main goal of broiler production (Steiner et al. 2008). Poultry feeding is biologically and economically very important factor in broiler production. Feed cost is approximately 65-70% of the total production cost (Esonu et al. 2003). Energy and protein are very important nutrients for formulation of broiler diets. They are determinants in the evaluation of the performance and production coefficients of poultry. Protein and energy having major effect on growth performance of the broiler and they are the most expensive nutrient in broiler diets. Costs are rising along with the development of the poultry industry. Furthermore, there is a limitation on the feed sources which produced in Iran and to prevent loss of nutrients, evaluating the economy of poultry industry is important. Also there are several limiting factors such as environmental conditions which lead to lower weight gain and higher feed conversion ratio as compared to the standard performance in current broiler house in Iran. For these reasons, by feeding chickens with the diluted diets may achieve to the reasonable broiler performance while reducing the production costs. Therefore this experiment was conducted to evaluate the productive and economic performance of broiler chickens fed with different level of energy and digestible amino acids. Material and methods: This study was conducted at the veterinary organization of Khorasan Razavi. A total of 1440 day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were reared with standard diet during the first ten days of age and then randomly divided into twelve treatment groups. The chickens were arranged as 3×4 factorial completely randomized experimental design according to 3 levels of energy (100, 95 and 90% of Ross 308 recommendation) and 4 levels of protein and essential digestible amino acids (100, 105, 95 and 90% of Ross 308 recommendations). Each treatment considered of 3 replicates of 40 chickens per experimental unit. The birds were reared on the litter pen for 42 days with ad libitum access to feed and water. Experimental diets were formulated to provide similar nutrients content (expect protein, amino acids and energy levels) according to the Ross 308 recommendations. The standard composition and analysis of the diets are given in Table 1. Diets were formulated base on linear programming by using of the UFFDA software. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded for each period on pen basis, and the data was used to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). Mortality was recorded on daily basis, and dead weight recorded to correct FCR. The economic evaluation was performed according to cost of feed intake per kg weight gain; that was calculated as multiplying FCR in cost of each kg diet (Obih and Ekenyem 2010). Data were analyzed using the General Linear Models (GLM) procedure of SAS (SAS, 2003). The differences between the means of groups were separated by Tukey Multiple Range test (P<0. 05). Results and discussion: In case of energy levels, the main effects showed that, there was no significant difference between FI and BWG, whereas, feed cost per kg final BW was lower in the diet containing 90% energy. These results are in agreement with NRC (1994), which reported that it is not always true to conclude the poultry can adjust feed intake to achieve a minimum energy from diets containing different levels of energy. Similarly, Leeson et al (1996), Nguyen and Bunchasak (2005) and Jafarnejad and Sadegh (2011) found no significant effect on BWG of broiler chicks fed the diets containing different levels of energy. In the study using Hubbard × Hubbard broilers, Aftab (2009) reported that, the diets with the higher energy (2850 kcal) resulted to the lower feed intake and FCR in day 35. Broilers fed with the diet containing 90% of amino acids had the lowest BWG and feed cost than those fed with other levels of amino acids. Aftab (2009) reported that with increasing balanced protein from 8. 4 to 10. 2 g per kg, the FI and BW linearly improved (p<0. 05); While, this author confirm that the balanced protein did not have any effect on FCR. Hamano et al. (1998) also showed an improvement in feed efficiency of female broiler chickens from 14 to 32 days of age with increasing dietary protein level up to 24%. Furthermore, Fangyan et al. (2000) and Rezaei et al. (2004) reported that FI and BWG decreased by reducing dietary protein levels. In relation to the cost of feed and performance parameters, Azadegan Mehr et al. (2007) showed that WG and feed cost reduced by decreasing protein levels. The interaction effects showed that, the broilers fed with the diets contain 100% energy with 95% amino acids, 95% energy with 100% amino acids and 95 and 90% energy with 105% amino acids had the highest BWG. The lowest BWG and feed cost was observed when broilers fed with the diets containing 90% of energy and amino acids. The feed cost decreased in the diets containing 95% energy and 90% amino acids as compared with the control group; while the final live weight and performance were similar for birds fed the control diets and those fed with 95% energy and 90% amino acids. Disagree with our finding, Moosavi et al. (2011) showed that the cost of diets reduced with use of low energy and protein diets but this diets increased meat cost. In the current condition of our country, achieving to the maximum potential of growth rate of broiler chickens is not mainly possible; Therefore for this type of poultry production, formulation the diets with lower levels of energy and amino acids (95 and 90% respectively) can reduce production cost. Conclusion: The present results demonstrated that balancing diets with 90% of amino acids and 95% of recommendation energy not only decreased feed cost but also partly improved performance of broiler chickens.

Introduction: The application of enzymes in poultry diets for the enhancement of nutrient availability and performance had been reported since 1926. Previously, the research conducted on feed enzymes in poultry nutrition focused on non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzymes, especially xylanase and β-glucanase, in diets containing wheat, rye and barley (Choct, 2006). The use of unconventional feedstuff for poultry production is however limited due to their fibrousness and inability of birds to possess the cellulase enzyme that can digest the fibre (Kocher et al., 2001). Exogenous enzymes capable of degrading non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in broiler diets based on cearls grains, including wheat and barley (Bedford and Schulze, 1998), initiated this practice. Researchers found that the use of NSP-degrading enzymes in barley and wheat based broiler diets improved litter quality and performance. The use of NSP-degrading enzymes in wheat and barley based diets for broilers are therefore well established and accepted (Bedford, 1998). Advances in the field of nutrition have made it possible for improvement in the utilization of lesserknown feedstuffs. One of these advances is the use of enzyme technology, which can ameliorate the negative effects of dietary nonstarch polysaccharides in high fiber feed stuffs. Kemin (KYM) is a concentrated multi-enzyme (multi-enzyme complexes are stable assemblies of more than one enzyme, generally involved in sequential catalytic transformation) made from the same organism and fermentation process. It was suggested by the manufacturer that the commercial blend could improve energy metabolism up to 6% and enhance protein utilization up to 2%. Cowieson et al. (2006) observed the nutrient metabolism of broilers fed corn and soybean meal diets was increased by a combination of xylanase, amylase, protease, and phytase so it can be use for efficient digestion of nutrient. As a result of limited published studies evaluating the effect of multi-enzyme preparation on layer hens, this study was conducted to assess the effects of commercial enzyme on production and egg traits and apparent nutrient utilization. The effects of Kemzyme© were evaluated on performance, egg quality and nutrient digestibility in Hy line w36 laying hen at 60 weeks of age. Material and methods: In first experiment was carry outin complete randomized design with 450 layer hen at 60 weeks of age in six tratments as follows; 1-common diet (control), 2-diluent diet 90% of common diet (negative control), 3-diluent diet plus enzyme (0. 25 gkg -1 ), 4-diluent diet plus enzyme (0. 50 gkg -1 ), 5-diluent diet plus enzyme (0. 75 gkg -1 ) 6-diluent diet plus enzyme (1 gkg -1 ) with five replicate (18 hen in each). Productive performance of hens was recorded for eight weeks and egg quality parameters were measured on the last week of trial. The following data were evaluated: initial body weight, feed intake, and feed to gain. The birds were weighed on the first day of the experiment. Fresh feed was made available daily and the remaining feed was weighed at the end of the week to calculate feed intake and feed to gain. Second experiment, was done with 100 Hy Line W36 layer hen at 70 wks age in same treatment and replicate of experiment one. Four birds from each replicate were selected and placed in clean, disinfected, and steel frame cages equipped with a grid floor and collector tray. Three d of the acclimatization period were allowed prior to the commencement of excreta collection. A known weight (more than enough) of feed was given to each treatment group daily while the total excreta collection was done daily for a period of three. The daily excreta samples for each replicate was weighed, dried and the cumulative samples pooled and used to determine the proximate composition according to AOAC (2000). Diets, excreta samples, were analyzed using the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC International, 2000). Moisture content as dry matter (DM, AOAC, 2000; 930. 15), crude protein (CP, AOAC, 2000; 990; 03), ether extract (EE, AOAC, 2000; 954. 02), crude fibre (CF, AOAC, 2000; 978. 10), and crude ash (CA, AOAC, 2000; 942. 05) of samples was determined in four replications after samples were ground. Digestibility of gross energy, organic matter, dry matter and ether extract was calculated base on marker method. Result and discussion: Enzyme supplementations have significant effect on feed intake, egg production, egg mass, and FCR in the present study. In negative control group that Including diets with 90 percentage of common diet nutrient in the present experiment significantly decreased egg weight but supplementation of this diet with 0. 50 gkg -1 enzyme can ameliorate this negative effect. Feed cost, enrgy intake and energy conversion ratio were increased in the hens fed enzyme-included diets compared to hens fed the negative and positive control diet. Protien intake and conversion ratio was improved by enzyme supplementation in diluent diet. Egg quality such as Albumen height, Haugh unit and Egg shell weight were increased in the hens fed enzyme supplemented diets compared to hens fed the negative and positive control diet. There was significant effect of enzyme was detected on digestibility of Gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Generally, the use of Kemin® especially at 0. 50 gkg-1 in diet improve performance traits, egg quality and feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and energy in the Hy-line w36 laying hen at late production phase.

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of ajwain essential oil (EO) and Zilmax ® (Zilpaterol hydrochloride) on growth performance and some blood parameters associated with cold stress in male chicks belong to paternal line of Arian broiler chickens. Cold environmental temperatures tend to increase blood triiodothyronine (T3) levels, required for the generation of additional metabolic heat to maintain body temperature in colder environments. The subsequent increase in basal metabolic rate results in an increase in oxygen demand and the heart attempts to maintain oxygen supply to the organs and muscles, thus chronically leading to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS), right ventricular hypertrophy, ascites and eventually death (Gupta 2011). According to Currie (1999) the main reasons of the etiology of ascites could be classified as: pulmonary hypertension, cardiac pathologies, and cellular damage due to oxidative stress caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Enkvetchakul et al. (1993) verified that chickens with ascites suffered from high oxidative stress. Therefore, ROS production is increased during hypoxia and ascites (Dawson et al., 1993). As a result of oxidative stress, major antioxidants, such as glutathione, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid are reduced in the liver and the lungs of broilers with PHS (Bottje and Wideman 1995). Vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants have beneficial effects as they scavenge free radicals (Gupta, 2011, Ruiz-Feria, 2009). It has been reported that supplementation of vitamin C (Nemati et al. 2017) in diet of broilers and herbal essential oils as natural antioxidants in the diet of laying hens (Torki et al., 2015) under cold stress conditions resulted improved performance parameters (body weight and feed conversion ratio). Ascites related traits (low red blood cell count, hematocrit, T3, heart weights and high T4) were also improved due to antioxidant (Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C) supplementation in the diet of broiler chickens (Nemati et al. 2017). Various β-adrenergic agonists have been shown to be capable of improving weight gain when added to the feed of various domestic species (Malucelli et al., 1994). Moreover it was eported that, the use of clenbuterol at 0. 25 ppm to reduce mortality due to the ascites syndrome in broilers (Ocampu et al. 1998). We hypothesized that dietary addition of C. copticum and Zilpaterol hydrochloride in chicks diet could attenuate cold stress effects with respect to mortality, serum enzyme activity and plasma levels of thyroid hormones. Material and methods: A total of 196 day-old male chicks were purchased from Babolkenar Arian Line Breeding Center, Babolkenar, Iran. Birds were divided into cold and normal temperature groups after rearing until 13 d. Four dietary treatments (basal diet, dietary addition of ajwain EO at 150 and 450 ppm and zilmax® at 1. 6 ppm) each with corresponding replicates (24 replicate; n=192; one male chick in each individual cage as a replicate) were fed to chicks at two different thermal programming environment at the grower phase. At the end of the grower phase, cold thermal program was stopped and ambient temperature became the same and normal through the finisher phase for all chicks. This study was done according to a Complete Randomized Design with 8 treatments. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were measured at the end of each rearing phase. At the end of experiment (42 days of age), eight birds per treatment were sacrificed, and their RV: TV ratios calculated. At 13, 29 and 36 days of age four birds of each treatment were randomly taken for blood collection from wing vein and the assay of serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and thyroid hormones levels using commercial kits. Heterophyl to lymphocyte ratio as a measure of stress and hematocrit as a measure of PHS were also assessed in blood samples. Results and discussion: Dietary addition of 150 ppm ajwain EO decreased body weight gain (P≤ 0. 05) but has no significant effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chicks at growing phase (P>0. 05), and did not affect overall performance at the end of the experiment as well. The main effect of cold exposure was significant (P<0. 05) and performance were significantly lower in cold stress birds compared to chicks reared in thermoneutral environment. Dietary addition of ajwain EO at two supplemented doses decreased heterophil to lymphocyte (H: L) ratio at sampling on day 29 and serum enzymatic activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood samples collected at 36 d (P≤ 0. 05). Thermal program main effects showed that cold stress itself increased hematocrit and aspartate aminotransferase enzymatic activity at sampling on day 29 (P≤ 0. 05). Among the treatment groups reared in cold exposure environment, dietary supplementation of ajwain EO at 450 ppm could attenuate cold induced increases in serum MDA values and ALT enzymatic activity levels compared to control-cold exposure group (P≤ 0. 05). Among the treatment groups reared in normal temperature program, Zilmax ® supplementation increased T3: T4 ratio, creatine phosphokinase enzymatic activity levels and values of MDA compared to control-thermoneutral group (P≤ 0. 05). Dietary treatments did not any significant effect on hematocrit in neither of blood samples taken from birds belong to two thermal program groups. RV/TV as indices of ascites syndrome was not significantly different between experimental groups. This may be attributed to the fact that the birds that were killed at the end of the experiment were not ascetic birds or may have developed resistance to ascites syndrome. The lowest and highest mortality rate at cold environment was in the group supplemented with 450 ppm ajwain essential oil (4. 1%) and control (29%) respectively. Conclusion: The use of zilpaterol hydrochloride at 0. 3 ppm, in the diet did not affect significantly daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and had no ascites attenuating effects on paternal line of broiler breeders. Dietary supplementation of ajwain essential also did not affect significantly performance of birds, but may be effective in attenuating cold stress due to its illustrated antioxidant (according to MDA concentration) and anti-stress effects (Decreasing effect on H: L ratio and some enzymatic assays) at the present study. Further research in still required to confirm this hypothesis.

Introduction: Reducing of economic lifetime and culling of cow are costly and sophisticatedly process in animal industries (Dohoo et al. 2010). In dairy cattle herds, productive and economic lifetime of cow is important because of their substantial effects on pure benefit of every dairy farm. The productive lifetime is called the interval between calving and culling of cow (Vollema and Groen 1996; Sewalem et al. 2005). Nowadays lifespan is considerably noticed because of increasing of rate culling dairy cattle in most of herds. High culling of dairy cows lead-in few cows get to physical maturity stage and complete production (McCullough and DeLorenzo 1996). Recognizing of most important factors affecting culling of dairy cows, longevity performance and economical lifetime and survival distribution function can use for making appropriate breeding strategies in order to improving of longevity and productive lifetime of Iranian Holstein dairy cow. So, the objective of this study was to investigate the culling reasons and factors affecting it and to determine survival distribution function in Iranian Holstein dairy cows. Material and methods: In This study, the records of lifespan and culling of 971428 Holstein dairy cows from 3872 herds during 1996 to 2013 were used. Data were collected by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran. Initial data were edited using R and FoxPro 2. 6. In Iranian dairy cattle database, 55 reasons of culling were presented, so we categorized them to 12 general groups. For determination of frequencies of culling reasons, survival package of R program was used (Therneau 2015). In this study, season, age at first calving, parity, lactation stage and milk yield as factors affecting culling (independent variables) were investigated. For analyzing of data logistic procedure of SAS 9. 2 were used. Lifetime of animals was evaluated as number of days from birth to culling or censoring of data. Cows that were not culled at the beginning of the study, as censored records considered and the zero code (0 censor code) was assigned to them. Also, culled animals that having culled code were considered as not censored (1 censor cod). In order to determine survival distribution function in Iranian Holstein dairy cow, lifetest procedure of SAS 9. 2 were used. Survival distribution function was calculated by Kaplan-Meier equation (Kaplan and Meier 1958). Results and discussion: The results of the study showed that reproductive disorders were the most common reason of culling in Holstein dairy cows (23. 61%). Reproductive disorders like dystocia, retained placenta and problems related to calving, infertility, repeated abortion and other reproductive disorders are the most typical reason of culling (Ansari-Lari et al. 2012; Aziz Zadeh 2011; Heravi Moussavi et al. 2007). In this study, the second reason of culling were mastitis and problems related to udder (18. 18%). When milk production increases, problems related to mastitis, reproductive disorders and health of dairy cow will increase (Abe et al. 2009). The third factor affecting culling was non-economical cow (12. 48%). The results showed that considered factors (season, age at first calving, parity, lactation stage and milk yield) had significant effect on risk of culling in Holstein cows (P<0. 01). According to this result, cows with calving in warm seasons (spring and summer) in comparison to cows with calving could seasons (fall and winter) significantly had a high risk of culling (P<0. 01). In consistent to Dechow and Goodling (2008), Pinedo and de Vries (2010) and Alvasen et al (2012) when cows calved in warm weather, they would have low survive in the herd. In this study, enhancing of the age at first calving leaded-in to increasing risk of culling and decreasing economical lifetime of Holstein dairy cows. The reasons of postpone of first calving usually were reproductive problems and low fertility that if it continues, the culling rate will increase for next period. The risk of culling with ascending of parity significantly increased (P<0. 01). Cows with 6th parity and higher had experienced high risk of culling than younger cows. Shahid et al (2015) in their study showed that increasing of Culling in old cow might be because of diseases related to high age. The effect of lactation stage on risk of culling was significance (P<0. 01). The risk of culling in mid lactation was lower than the early or late of lactation. Culling in the first stage of lactation is probably because of high stress in this stage when dairy cows touch high production, low feed intake and negative energy balance. This status lead to metabolic disorders like ketosis, displacement abomasum, acidosis, mastitis and the other diseases that can influence cow culling strongly. Reducing of culling risk was appeared with increasing of milk production (P<0. 01). In High producing dairy cows, milk production is not determining factor for optional culling of cows. Pinedo et al (2010) and Shahid et al (2015) showed that the culling risk of cows declines with increasing of milk production. According to Kaplan-Meier survival function, up to 1305 days from lifetime of cows, approximately 25% of Iranian Holstein dairy cows have been left the herd. Medium survival function, the time that 50% of cows have been culled, was 2068 days. Also, 75% of Iranian Holstein dairy cows, their length productive life were 2942 days. Conclusion: According to the high culling rate in herds, in order to increasing lifespan and longevity of Holstein cows it is necessary to improve environmental conditions and management practices and, to control and manage factors affecting culling, to prevent and treat the diseases. Also, planning of selection programs in dairy cows based on health, fertility and mastitis traits is recommendable.

Introduction: The most worthwhile technique for preservation and management of bird genetic resources is semen cryopreservation, which has been studied in domestic birds like chicken. Despite years of intensive investigations, still more work should be done in order to perform successful cryopreservation of poultry sperm. The lower quality of frozen-thawed poultry sperm and consequently the poor fertilization rates compared to mammalian species are due to the exceptional morphological properties of poultry sperm, which cause freeze damages because of their vulnerable structure to low temperatures. During sperm cryopreservation, it is exposed to cold and osmotic shock, and resulted in increasing oxidation due to raise in oxidative reactions. It reduces sperm motility, viability, and ultimately reduces fertility. Oxidative stress occurs when oxidants are more potent than antioxidants. Hence, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by oxidative stress leads to lipid peroxidation (LPO), apoptosis, and DNA damage. Generally, the most important effect of lipid peroxidation on cells is the disruption of membrane structure and function. Plasma membrane damage is considered as one of the reasons for decreasing motility and fertility of rooster sperm. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of curcumin antioxidants (0, 100, 200 and 300 µ M) in Beltsville modified diluents for the cryopreservation of rooster semen. The present hypothesis was that curcumin antioxidants would be effective during cryopreserving of rooster sperm. Several parameters such as sperm motility, abnormalities, membrane integrity, viability and abnormality were assessed in this study to find the best level of curcumin antioxidants for cryopreservation of rooster sperm. Material and methods: Semen samples were collected from eight Ross 308 rooster three times a week by massaging along the backbone and abdomen. The criteria in normal quality of sperm was as follows: the volume between 0. 2 and 0. 6 ml (semen volume was measured visually using a graduated collection tube); the concentration of sperm ≥ 3˟ 10 9 sperm/ml (ejaculate concentration was evaluated by haemocytometer); total motility ≥ 80% and abnormal morphology (Hancock method [17]) ≤ 10%. Then, the semen samples were pooled to remove individual variations and obtain sufficient sperm for analysis. Different levels of curcumin were added to semen samples and followed by freezing. After thawing following sperm parameters were evaluated: total motility (TM, %), progressive motility (PM, %), average path velocity (VAP, µ m/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, µ m/s), straight linear velocity (VSL, µ m/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µ m), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), straightness (STR, %), and linearity (LIN, %) using CASA software, viability by Eosin-Nigrosine Staining, membrane integrity by HOST test, and sperm abnormality by Hancock test. . Results and discussion: The freezing extender supplemented with 200 µ M of curcumin resulted in higher percentages of total and progressive motilities in comparison with other groups and control group following the freeze-thawing process (P <0. 05). Group receiving 200 µ M of curcumin had better performances in terms of VAP, VSL, VCL, and LIN. The analysis demonstrated that the samples supplemented with 200 µ M of curcumin could improve sperm viability percentage (P< 0. 05). It can be concluded that curcumin, having antioxidant properties, protects sperm from oxidative stress damage and has a positive effect on sperm viability. Samples with 300 µ M curcumin had the highest amount of plasma membrane integrity and lowest amount of abnormality compared to other treatments and the control group (P< 0. 05). Since the use of curcumin prevents the formation of ROSs during freezing, it therefore improves the normal morphology of sperm after thawing. One of the possible mechanisms in which curcumin improves motility and survival parameters is its antioxidant properties in preventing the formation of free radicals or scavenging it and reducing oxidative stress. No significant effect was noted on the STR parameter between different groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that adding 200 µ M curcumin can have favorable effects on post-thawed rooster sperm motility parameters, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and abnormality.

Introduction: Iron is one of the essential trace elements for livestock, which is essential for the transport, storage and use of oxygen. Iron is one of the components of hemoglobin, myoglobin, transferrin, cytochromes and many enzymatic systems including catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine and hydroxylase. Providing iron in the diet improves hematologic parameters and growth performances of calf and lamb. Also, the presence of iron in the diet is necessary for appetite, secretion of thyroid hormones and glucose metabolism. Recently compounds as nanoparticles using nanotechnology have been released. Changes in particle size to the nano-particle (size less than 100 nm) increase surface to volume ratio and change their other characteristics. Increasing the surface area of the nanoparticles allows their interactions with organic and inorganic molecules occur differently. One of these compounds is iron oxide nanoparticle which is used in various industrial fields and even as feed additive. Since the experiments and research on iron nanoparticles have not been carried out in the field of ruminant nutrition, so far this experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of two types of iron (nano iron oxide and iron sulfate) on performance (feed intake and average daily gain), plasma concentration of some minerals, thyroid hormones and hematological parameters of growing Mehraban lambs. Material and methods: In this experiment, 30 male lambs with 4 ± 0. 5 months age and average live weight of 27. 1 ± 1. 51 kg in a completely randomized design were used for 60 days. The lambs were placed indoor in 2×1 meter individual cage with a cement floor and received water and feed individually and ad libitum. The treatments were: 1) basal diet (control), 2) basal diet + 25 mg/kg iron as nanoparticles of iron oxide, 3) basal diet + 50 mg/kg iron as nanoparticles of iron oxide, 4) basal diet + 25 mg/kg iron as ferrous sulfate and 5) basal diet + 50 mg/kg iron as ferrous sulfate. Diets were offered to the animals in the morning (8: 00) and evening (16: 00). In the beginning of the experiment, before morning feeding, lambs were weighed in two consecutive days with 16 hours feed and water deprivation and the average weight of these two days for each animal was considered as weight of day zero. Feed intake on a daily basis in every single lamb was measured. All lambs every 15 days (2 consecutive days) before morning feeding (with a 16-hour feed and water deprivation) were weighed to determine changes in body weight. On days 30 and 60 before the morning feeding, blood samples through the jugular vein were taken from all lambs. Immediately after blood collection, 0. 5 ml of heparinized blood was poured into 1. 5 ml micro tube and sent to a medical laboratory and using automatic cell counter, hematological parameters (number of red cell, concentration of hemoglobin and red cell percent) were determined. Plasma concentrations of iron, zinc and copper were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and calcium and phosphorus were determined according to standard methods. Plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were measured based on the immunological competitive enzyme assay using ELISA in accordance with relevant guidelines. Results and discussion: Dry matter intakes of iron supplemented treatments (treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5( were 1. 32, 1. 42, 1. 36 and 1. 39 kg/d, respectively, which were significantly higher than control (1. 23 kg/d), (P<0. 05). Also, average daily gain in the treatments supplemented with iron oxide nanoparticles (treatments 2 and 3, respectively 0. 22 and 0. 22 kg/d) was significantly higher than the control (0. 19 kg per days) (P<0. 05). The finishing weight of lambs receiving iron supplement (treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, 44. 26, 43. 31, 42. 81 and 42. 54 kg) were significantly higher than the control group (40. 23kg) and iron oxide nanoparticles were more effective (P<0. 05). Adding iron supplement to the diet, except for treatments 2 in day 30, resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentration of copper in both the sampling times (days 30 and 60) compared to control treatment (P<0. 05). Copper plasma concentration of treatments 1 to 5 on day 30 was 0. 76, 0. 74, 0. 91, 0. 69 and 0. 50 mg/l, respectively, and on day 60, was 0. 79, 0. 61, 0. 62, 0. 58 and 0. 49 mg/l, respectively. plasma zinc concentration of any of the two sampling times (days 30 and 60) was not affected by iron supplementation and no significant difference was observed between control and iron supplemented treatments. Plasma iron concentration in both sampling times was affected by iron supplementation in the diet and the differences between the control (2. 23 mg/l on day 30 and 2. 37 mg/l on day 60) with iron supplemented treatments (in treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 was 2. 84, 2. 71, 2. 47 and 2. 58 mg/l on days 30 and 3. 05, 2. 80, 2. 58 and 2. 73 mg/l on day 60) were statistically significant (P <0. 05). Plasma concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in both sampling times in all treatments were similar and the difference between treatments was not statistically significant. The use of iron supplement caused a significant increase in the number of red blood cell and concentration of hemoglobin in supplemented treatments compared with control (except for hemoglobin concentration in group 5 on day 60) (P<0. 05). But the number of red blood cell significantly increased only in group 2, the reason of which was not specified. Plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in both sampling times (days 30 and 60) in supplemented treatments were significantly higher than the control group (P<0. 01). Conclusion: In overall, the obtained results of this study showed that iron supplementation improved performance, blood iron and thyroid hormones concentrations in lambs. Also blood concentrations of iron and thyroid hormones in all the treatments were within the normal range. However concentrations of above mentioned compounds in control group were in down the ranges and in iron supplemented treatments were in top the ranges. Also no significant difference was observed between the two types of supplements for performance and thyroid hormones at the end of the period. But nano-iron supplement was more effective on hematological indices compared to ferrous sulfate.

Introduction: Bentonite is a combination of aluminosilicate which has a high capacity to adsorb toxins such as aflatoxins and other substances (Magnoli et al. 2010). Many researchers have used this substance as a mineral to control and balance pH of rumen (Bringe and Schultz 1969; Rinsig et al. 1969; Britton et al. 1978). It is identified with a clay composition that 90% of which contains montmorillonite (Aghashahi et al. 2005). It has a high absorption property due to the presence of negative charges on the surface of clay materials (Aghashahi et al. 2005). Bentonite is used for different purposes such as performance improvement of male calves (Aghashahi et al. 2005), reduce radiocaesium contamination of soil (Vandenhove et al. 2005), organic modification for the adsorption of organic contamination (Sreedharan and Sivapullaiah 2012) and improvement the strength properties of dry pellets (Timofeeva and Nikitchenko 2014). The physical and chemical structure of bentonite, allows it to superficially absorb proteins and amino acids (Fenn and Leng 1989). This property of bentonite is hypothesized to protect the proteins and amino acids from microbial fermentation occurring in the rumen. On the other hand, ion exchange attribute makes ammonium ions and cations exchanged (Fenn and Leng 1989) and then, it prompts a more optimized use of rumen microorganisms for microbial protein synthesis, by gradually discharging ammonium ions (Nikkhah et al. 2001). Many commercial bentonites produce in Iran, but their benefits for ruminants is unknown; so, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of sodium, calcium, processed and natural bentonites on ammonia nitrogen concentration using in vitro methods. Material and methods: At the first experiment, ammonia nitrogen concentration was compared in a medium containing natural and processed (mass percent of sulfuric acid to bentonite was 10, 15 and 20) bentonites after 4 and 24 h incubation. The culture medium was prepared according to Menke and Steingass (1988) and Theodorou et al (2001). Ammonia nitrogen concentration was determined according to kjeldahl (Mojtahedi and Danesh Mesgaran 2011). Rumen fluid was collected via fistula of three Baluchi male sheep. Bentonite samples were processed and acivated with sulfuric acid and temperature. Applied feed in this culture medium was composed of ground barley (50%), urea (40%) and processed bentonite (10%). At the second experiment, the effect of adding sodium or calcium bentonite on ammonia nitrogen concentration at different incubation time in a culture containing feed rations with different rumen degradability was investigated. The crude protein was similar between treatments with different ruminal degradability (12. 02 vs. 15. 15). The culture medium was prepared just as experiment 1 with different feed ingredient (table 1). Bentonite samples were taken from Vivan Company. Sodium bentonite was composed of 69%SiO2, 11. 71% Al2O3, 0. 04% BaO, 1. 56% CaO, 1. 99% Fe2O3, 1. 13% K2O, 1. 82 MgO, 0. 04 MnO, 3. 08 Na2O, 0. 08% P2O5, 1. 17 SO3, 0. 16 TiO2, 0. 01> Cr2O3, 8. 22% LOI and calcium bentonite was composed of 64. 63%SiO2, 10. 02% Al2O3, 0. 06% BaO, 4. 68% CaO, 2. 21% Fe2O3, 0. 4% K2O, 1. 5 MgO, 0. 05 MnO, 2. 1 Na2O, 0. 08% P2O5, 2. 31 SO3, 0. 3 TiO2, 0. 01> Cr2O3, 11. 66% LOI. Results and discussion: At the first experiment, the ammonia nitrogen concentration was affected by the treatments after 4 h incubation (p<0. 05) as, the highest and lowest concentrations were observed in 15 (mass percentage of acid to bentonite: 15; ammonia nitrogen: 6. 09mg/dl) and 20 % (mass percentage of acid to bentonite: 20; ammonia nitrogen: 7. 15 mg/dl), respectively. It was reported reported that when sodium bentonite (SB) was added to the diet of Angora goats at 2. 5 and 5 %, ammonia nitrogen concentration of the rumen fluid was reduced (Mohsen and Tawfic 2002). When the ratio of nitrogen to energy increases in the rumen, ammonia nitrogen production increases subsequently (Hammond 2006). Thus, bentonite with regards to it’ s ammonia nitrogen adsorption (Nikkhah et al. 2001), seems to be necessary for adsorption of surplus nitrogen produced in the rumen. The protein degradability in the rumen is one of the most important parameters affecting the supplying of amino acids to the small intestine; whereas, proteolysis determines the accessibility of ammonia nitrogen, amino acids, peptides, and branched-chain fatty acids in rumen microbial protein synthesis (Stern et al. 1994). In the second experiment, ammonia nitrogen concentration of rations with high degradability protein was affected by the treatments at 2 and 4 h after incubation (P<0. 05) as, the lowest and highest values were belonging to 2 % sodium bentonite and control treatment, respectively. Ammonia nitrogen concentration in the diet with low digestible protein was also affected by the treatments after 4h incubation (P<0. 05). According to Abdullah et al (1995), applying 2 % of bentonite in the sheep diet reduced ammonia nitrogen of rumen fluid, relative to the control group. It was also reported that the extra ammonia nitrogen was absorbed to the blood through the rumen wall and transferred into the liver and was finally transformed to urea; a process which reduces the ammonia nitrogen harmful effects on the animals (Hammond 2006). Moreover, the liver is able to synthesize urea from the NH3, which is released from amino acids as a result of post-rumen digestion and also deamination process. The urea can be excreted through the urine or reabsorbed into the rumen. Thus, there is a strong relationship between ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen (Hammond 1983). So, application of bentonite in the diets can affect the control of the released nitrogen in the rumen and finally the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration. Conclusion: Generally, the results indicated that the ammonia nitrogen concentration was affected by the processing procedure of bentonite and sodium or calcium bentonites and the highest ammonia nitrogen absorption was observed at the first incubation times (2 and 4 h). It seems that sodium bentonite compared to calcium bentonite can be more effective in ammonia nitrogen adsorption.

Introduction: In dairy cattle enterprise, mastitis is a common and economically important disease leading to milk loss, therapeutic cost, changing of milk quality, reproductive problems, animal death, and early culling. A wide range of cow-level and herd-level factors can influence on the number of somatic cell count (SCC) including udder infection, lactation stage, age, breed, shortterm of days in milk, season, stress and level of production. This research aimed to estimate the effects of SCC on daily milk yield (DMY) at different lactation stages and months of production of first-parity cows (progeny of internal and external sperms). Variation of DMY in terms of Holstein gene inheritance and first calving age were special objectives. Material and methods: The data used in this research were provided by the Animal Breeding Centre, Karaj, Iran. Data set comprised a total number of 543, 884 test day records collected from 64, 634 first-parity dairy cows (progeny of 1, 899 sires and 56, 995 dams) distributed in 606 herds and calved between 2009-2013 (in ten provinces over the country). The trait under consideration (dependent variable) was DMY which is actually a quantitative variable with continuous distribution and measured based on ratio scale. The records were analysed using a linear fixed model. In the model, the effects of province, herd nested within province, year of calving, stage of lactation, sperm type of the sire, two-way interaction between stage of lactation and sperm type, as well as linear covariable of SCC within the two-way interaction, Holstein gene inheritance, and first calving age were taken into consideration. The model was fitted on the test day records of the cows for individual months of production using general linear model procedure of SAS software (Version 9. 4) and the effect of SCC was estimated as the partial regression coefficient in 30 combined groups resulted from two-way interaction between stage of lactation and sperm type. Results and discussion: Most of the partial regression coefficients were statistically significant (P<0. 05) and the negative sign obtained for the estimates indicates that DMY decreases as the number of SCC increases and that any regular trend was not detected for milk loss during different lactation stages and production months. Mean number of SCC ranged from 152, 000 (in SeptemberOctober) to 173, 000 (May-June). In terms of season of production, mean SCC in spring, summer, autumn and winter was 168, 000, 164, 000, 155, 000, and 160, 000, respectively. Average DMY for these seasons was 33. 83, 32. 62, 32. 83, and 33. 95 kg, respectively. Mean SCC ranged during different lactation stages so that for the first, second and third stages it was 185, 000, 147, 000 and 142, 000, respectively and after that an increasing trend was observed from the fourth (149, 000) toward the end (188, 000) of the lactation. Mean loss of DMY for the cows resulted from American sperms were 126, 121, 142, and 147 g in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Maximum DMY loss for the cows resulted from Iranian, Canadian and American sperms were found to be in April-stage 10 (0. 2430 kg), April-stage 10 (0. 3853 kg), and March-stage 9 (0. 2305 kg), respectively. Minimum DMY loss for the corresponding cows were found in January-stage 1 (0. 0042 kg), November-stage 9 (0. 0015 kg), and August-stage 4 (0. 0447 kg), respectively. The findings also revealed that DMY significantly (P<0. 05) increased as the Holstein gene inheritance and age at first calving rose as one unit. Regarding Holstein gene inheritance, maximum and minimum increase of DMY were found in December-January (37. 6 g) and September-October (20. 4 g), respectively. For the age of cow at first calving, minimum and maximum corresponding figures were observed in July-August (232. 4 g) and June-July (215. 7 g), respectively. Conclusion: Daily milk yield of Iranian, American and Canadian sperms’ progeny decreases when somatic cell count of their milk increases and that it has no regular pattern at different lactation stages as well as different production months. Holstein gene inheritance and first calving age had positive effect on daily milk yield suggesting that these effects are needed to be taken into account as phenotypic and genetic analyses are carried out. Yearly milk production of daughters of the American sperms are apparently more suffered as compared to the other groups as a result of increasing SCC in DMY.

Introduction: The Japanese quails are blessed with many desirable characteristics, viz, faster growth, early sexual maturity, high rate of egg production (300 egg/annum), short generation interval (3-4 generations a year), small floor space, less feed requirements (20-25 g/adult bird/day), short incubation period of hatching eggs, less feed cost, and less susceptibility to common chicken diseases (Ernst, 2000). In consequence and due to shortage of available data on nutrient requirements of quails, prediction of biological responses of this type of poultry to nutrients using growth functions seems to be beneficial. Growth modeling are also critical for the understanding and formulation of breeding plans because they shift in response to selection (Marks et al. 1988, Mignon-Grasteau et al. 1999, Aggrey 2003 and Beiki et al. 2011). The representation of biological concepts through the simulation of growth dynamics enables us to better adapt management and nutrition to the requirements of the animals, while taking into account the interaction between genotype, nutrition and environmental conditions [Torres and Ferket 2012]. Eleroğ lu et al. (2014) pointed out that the application of mathematical functions to describe the growth of birds was useful in estimating production termination deadline and formulation of appropriate feed mixtures (Michalczuk et al. 2016). Ersoy et al. (2006) claimed the Gompertz and Richards models to be the most appropriate for the characteristics of the growth of chickens, ostriches, turkeys and emus. Conflicting concluding by various authors upon the use of the same functions may result from the use of different genetic groups of birds in experiments. The objective of the present study was 1) to determine the best predictive growth function in describing data from Japanese quails and 2) to investigate the effect of dietary nutrients density on the growth curve parameters estimated by the growth models. Material and methods: One thousand and fifty one-day-old Japanese quails were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatment groups with 3 replicates of 86 quails in each in order to compare four growth functions (Gompertz, Richards, von Bertalanffy and Lopez) for their predicable abilities in describing growth of Japanese quails. The treatment groups were: 1) group with low dietary nutrient density [95% of nutrients recommended by NRC (1994),-5% NRC], 2) group with medium dietary nutrient density [100% of nutrients recommended by NRC (1994)], 3) group with high dietary nutrient density [105% of nutrients recommended by NRC (1994), +5% NRC] and 4) group with very high dietary nutrient density [110% of nutrients recommended by NRC (1994), +10% NRC]. Body weights of the birds were measured weekly over the 56 day of the experimental period. Evaluation on the goodness of fit for the models were made by R 2, AIC, BIC, and RMSE criteria. Results and discussion: Evaluation on the goodness of fit for the models using R2, RMSE, AIC, BIC criteria showed advantage for the Richards in describing the growth data of Japanese quails which can be related to the variable point of inflexion in the Richards model and therefore its flexibility. According to the four growth functions considered, estimated final body weights were higher in the high density than the low density diets. The age at point of inflection were earlier in high versus low density diets. As early as 1945, Brody suggested that it was possible to select on the shape of the growth curve. A phenotypic modifi cation of the growth curve was also observed in previous studies. Marks et al. 1988, Mignon-Grasteau et al. (1999), Aggrey 2003 and Beiki et al. (2011) showed that growth curve parameters were heritable. However, data shortage of the nutritional requirement necessary for quail breeding makes the mathematic simulation methods very useful in estimating the biological answer to the food nutrients contribution. The method of mathematic simulation of growth using growth functions can also provide the response of the growth parameters to nutrition (Daren and Marks 1988; Marks 1991; Gebhardt-Henrich and Marks 1993) which has the potential benefits when used for selection. Conclusion: In summary, it was concluded that data regarding the growth parameters of quails would be best interpreted with the use of the Richards model. Meanwhile, since almost all the growth parameters estimated by the models were affected by the dietary nutrients density, therefore special attention needed will be given to the nutrition when selecting the quails as parental for the next generation through parameters estimated by mathematical simulation using growth functions.

Introduction: In the last decades a substantial increase have been done in the research and application of herbal supplements and essential oils as feed additives in ruminant nutrition. One of the main reasons for this trend is to substitute antibiotic growth promoters, which have been completely banned as feed additives in the European Union since 2006 because they are suspected of contributing substantially to increasing resistance among human pathogens. Recent investigations have shown significant antimicrobial effects of several essential oils and essential oil compounds. Also investigations about ruminant nutrition showed a great potential for medicinal plants to be included in daily rations as different plant parts, essential oils or extracts. For centuries, essential oils – defined as natural oils typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which they are extracted – have been used around the world for a variety of therapeutic purposes. The ancient Egyptian, Greek, Chinese and other cultures used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes and medicines. Today, many people use essential oils to enhance their mental, emotional and physical well-being. Mohabadi dairy goats showed a great milking performance as well as high energetic efficiency of milk production. As we know essential oils or medicinal plant extracts have their own problems to ration inclusion such as higher price and lower durability compared with original plant materials. Additionally, powdered pant parts can be easily mixed with the prepared ration without concerns regarding volatility of the core materials. Thus, this experiment was carried out in order to study the effects of fennel seed powder (Foeniculul vulgare) supplementation with two types of diets (based on barley or corn) on performance, rumen fermentation and blood parameters in pre and post-partum Mohabadi dairy goats. Material and methods: Twenty-four Mohabadi dairy goats were used in a completely randomized factorial design (2×2) and received 4 experimental diets including 2 levels of the fennel seed powder (0 and 10 gr/DMI) and two types of cereal grains (corn and barley). Animals were selected based on the parity, previous milk yield, and body weight and parturition time and randomly assigned to the each of the treatments. Animals were in experiment 30 days before to 30 days after the parturition and keep individually. Effects of dietary treatments on daily weight change, milk yield and dry matter intake were assessed as repeated measures data. Also, the effects on milk composition and milk component yield, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, ruminal volatile fatty acid profile and energy related plasma parameters ante-and post-partum periods were addressed. Results and discussion: The results of this study showed that fennel supplementation significantly increased dry matter intake and reduced body weight loss in early lactation (P˂ 0. 05), but the grain type did not show a significant effect. Also, milk yield significantly increased and milk fat percentage decreased (P˂ 0. 05) by the Fennel seed supplementation. Nevertheless, fennel seed supplementation did not change daily milk fat, protein, solids and solids nonfat production. Milk production efficiency as calculated based on milk yield per unit of dry matter intake, increased with fennel seed supplementation, may be due to estrogenic and prolactin enhancing effects of the fennel seeds. Indeed, the experimental treatments could not significantly change the nutrient digestibility, total VFA concentration and pH. However, the ruminal VFA profile significantly affected by the fennel seed powder. Acetate concentration decreased and butyrate and propionate molar proportions increased with Fennel seed supplementation (P˂ 0. 05). Dietary grain type could not exert a significant effect in ruminal fermentation parameters. Fennel seed powder significantly decreased the ammonia nitrogen concentration and protozoa population. In post-partum period, fennel seed powder supplementation significantly increased blood glucose concentration and decreased plasma urea, BHBA and NEFA (P˂ 0. 05). Conclusion: The results of the present experiment in line with the cited previous researches showed that the fennel seed powder supplementation in the dairy goats diet can improve the production performance and efficiency of early lactating dairy goats. Lowered negative energy balance in early lactating animals, was a result of fennel seed powder supplementation. Based on the present experiment it can concluded that fennel seed powder supplement with corn or barley based diets can improve production efficiency and metabolic profile of ante-and post-partum dairy goats.

Introduction: Barley as native cereal is the main source of carbohydrates in fattening sheep in Iran. However, since the starch in barley has higher degradation rate than corn starch, it may cause metabolic disorders such as acidosis and decrease growth performance. Furthermore, the feeding value of a cereal grain is a function of several factors: its nutrient content, different physical and chemical characteristics that influence on digestibility, palatability as it changes feed intake, and associative interactions with the digestive process. In this study, the effect of replacing barley with different processed corn on performance, dry matter digestibility, rumen metabolites and carcass characteristics in Afshari fattening lamb were investigated. On the other hand, change in ration composition has economic and financial effects in addition to the nutritional effect. Decision making about ration composition or changing it ignoring these financial and economic effects, could result in negative consequences. Different ration compositions could simultaneously have different cost and revenue effects and eventually different profitability consequences. So, this study has also tried to investigate all positive and negative economic consequences of replacement barley with different processed corn in fattening lambs. Material and methods: The protocol used in this study was approved by the Animal Ethical Committee at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran with respect to animal experimentation and care of animals under study. The feeds were formulated according to NRC (1985) recommendations for fattening sheep with equal quantity of energy and protein as 7 treatments including 1) 40% Barley (control), 2) 20% Grinding Corn, 3) 40% Grinding Corn, 4) 20% Steam Flaking Corn, 5) 40% Steam Flaking Corn, 6) 20% Pelleting Corn and 7) 40% Pelleting Corn (Table 1). Five Afshari ram lambs were allocated to each treatment. The animals kept in a separate pen individually for 84 days (May to July, 2015) in animal research farm of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. Growth performance data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS software (SAS 2003). The significant differences between treatment means were detected by Tukey-Kramer test at p<0. 05. Many studies have revealed that the lighter initial weight could result in the higher fattening efficiency. Therefore, in this study initial weight was included in ANOVA analysis as covariate factor. Results and discussion: Animals had a daily body weight gain from 167 to 225 gr/day and mean FCR about 8. 46. There was no significant difference between dietary treatments for final body weight, daily weight gain, FCR and gross profit (P<0. 05). Also, DMI for the rations include Pelleting Corn was higher (p < 0. 05) than the control ration (40% Barley). The independent comparisons showed that all treatments had more weights rather than control treatment in periods 14, 28, 42 and 56-days (p<0. 05). In the whole period of fattening highest and the lowest feed conversion ratio were related to control and 50% grinded corn respectively (p<0. 05). 100% Pelleted corn and control treatment had the highest and lowest daily feed intake respectively (p<0. 05). Although, the treatments had no effects on carcass weight and digestibility, but 100% grinded corn had the highest fat tail weight (p<0. 05). Also, The results of economic analysis indicated that the rations control treatment and 100% steam flaking corn respectively have the least and the most cost increase for all periods. Also, the rations control treatment and 100% pelleting corn respectively have the least and the most revenue increase for all periods. Totally, and based on the partial budgeting results the rations 100% steam flaking corn and 100% pelleting corn respectively have the least and the most effects on relative profitability for all periods. Conclusion: Replacing barley with processed corn in feed composition of fattening lambs could have some positive consequences. It could improve body gain, feed conversion ratio and dry matter intake that means improve of growth performance. But, its net effect on the profitability depends on the relative price of barley to corn. In this study, in spite of greater market price of corn than barley and then more feed costs, this replacing could improve profitability. Among the corn based rations, the 40% pelleting corn ration created better growth rate compared to the other processed corn.

Introduction: The science of phylogenetics, and specially the subfield of molecular systematics, has grown exponentially by amount of publications, general interest and amount of available genetic data. Modern phylogenomic studies use large genomic and transcriptomic resources. however a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of animals, including the newest types of data for all phyla, remains elusive. Genome sequences and SNP chips are now accessible for many of species across the animal phylogeny, conveying key features of animal genome evolution into sharper emphasis. The field of animal evolutionary genomics has focused on recognizing the diversity genomic features, rebuilding the history of evolutionary variations in animal genomes and testing hypotheses about the evolutionary relationships of animals. One of the most important buffaloes in Iran are Khuzestani buffaloes, which have a wide distribution. Given the fact that they may be divided into several ecotypes and sub-populations, these may cause problems in genomic wide association study. One of the challenges that always threatens the accuracy of genomic association and genetic variation studies is the existence of sub-populations within the populations. The probable relationship between genetic groups among Khuzestani buffaloes by whole genome markers has not been studied. This study is an effort to understand and provide a detailed insight into the population structure and genomic phylogeny of Khuzestani buffaloes. Material and methods: Blood or hair samples from 121 Khuzestani buffaloes from different regions of Khuzestan province including Ahvaz (n=28), Dezfoul (n=19), Shadegan (n=6), Shosh (n=4), Shushtar (n=9), Dashtazadegan (n=24) and Kermanshah (n=8) samples were collected. The samples were chosen from herds that were registered by Iranian Animal Breeding Center (IABC) and were under milk recording system. DNA of the samples were isolated and sent to Parco Tecnologico Padano in Itally. All samples were genotyped by Axiom@Buffalo 90K bead array of Affymetrix Company. PLINK software was used for pre-processing of raw genotype data based on minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤ 0. 01, Hardy Weinberg disequilibrium (p-value ≤ 10-6) and call rate ≤ 0. 05. Thereafter, a total of 64, 709 SNPs remaind for the analysis. The genetic distance for each pair of individuals was calculated using R software (ape package). The Neighbor-joining algorithm was used to plot trees based on those distances. Also, the phylogenetic diagram is derived based on the distance matrix and using R software (Phyclust package). To identify the optimal number of clusters, K-means were sequentially increased with K values, and different clustering responses were compared using Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). FST values (theta) for autosomal chromosomes and counties were calculated by unbiased method. Then, the average genetic distance of each area was calculated with other sampling areas. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) were performed for genetic clustering of individuals. Adegenet R package was used for PCA and DAPC analysis. Results and discussion: In our study Unrooted Neighbor-Joining Tree Plot grouped the individuals mainly in one cluster depending on the origin of group or subpopulation. Dezfoul, Shushtar and Dashtazadegan individuals formed their individual clusters and due to genetic relatedness, Ahvaz and Kermanshah clusters were formed almost overlapping with other. Along with the closeness of Dezfoul among themselves, they also showed closeness to Shosh. Kermanshah group lied between Ahvaz, Dashtazadegan and Dezfoul buffaloes. Results obtained from DAPC analysis confirmed with those obtained from PCA analysis. Individuals were correctly assigned to their respective clusters. Based on phylogenic result, it is evident that buffaloes of Ahwaz are affected by buffaloes of other province’ s regions, because they are in the center. Buffaloes of Shushtar, Dezful and Dasht-E-azadegan have lower emigration rate in comparison with Ahwaz buffaloes. This result also confirmed by principal component analysis. To survey the genomic structure and patterns of Khuzestani buffaloe populations, the Fst values (unbiased Theta) for every SNPs were calculated. This criterion reflects the distribution of diversity between groups and within the group. Its high level indicates that major part of heterozygosity is due to differences in the groups. In other hand, the low level of it, suggests that the diversity is due to the individuals within the group, and the populations or groups are associated. The highest value of Fst was obtained for buffaloes of Dashte-E-azadegan (0. 0159) and Shadegan (0. 0147) because of its special geographical condition, and the lowest value of Fst was observed for the buffaloes of Ahwaz (0. 0087) and Shosh (0. 0086). The results of statistical tests of population genetic showed a high genetic diversity in buffaloes of Khuzestan. Graphical view of clustering and assignment test suggested at least three subpopulations for Khuzestani buffaloes. According to the overall results and existence of great SNP diversity, it is possible to move toward construction of base population based on this results. Conclusion: In this study a genome-wide insight into the genomic phylogeny of Khuzestani buffaloes was provided. The results of nucleotide genetic diversity and genetic distance between buffaloes are worthy of attention in subsequent studies such as genomic wide association study, genomic selection and formation of Base populations of Khuzestani buffalo.

Introduction: Generally, more than 50% of animal production costs are belong to feeding, since farmers and animal nutritionist are looking for the ways to reduce these costs. Therefore, use native or local plants resources make us closer to this purpose (Patra et al. 2003). Leguminous leaves foliage are used as a high-quality feed resource for livestock (Eryavuz and Dehority 2004). The Albizia lebbeck (siris) may be used as a rich source of nitrogen in the diet of ruminants, this plant contains low fiber, and high minerals, vitamins and saturated fatty acid, and no cholesterol (Patra et al. 2003). This tree is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It is planted in the provinces of Khuzestan, Bushehr, Fars and Hormozgan in Iran. The Albizia lebbeck is a tree with a height of 30 meters in native regions, but in Iran rarely reaches to 12 meters. This tree beginning to flowering is in early of May (Mozafarian 2005). Cyanide, oxalate, saponin and trypsin inhibitors are anti nutrients components of the Albizia lebbeck, and the saponins content of the seeds and pods is more than other sections of the plant (Zia-ul-haq et al. 2013). The Albizia lebbeck inproved the digestibility of dry matter in low quality rations (Lowry 1990). Since Albizia lebbeck is plenty in Khuzestan as tropical climate, and has some anti-nutrients factors, the aim of present experiment was to investigate the possibility of replacing the Albizia lebbeck with alfalfa hay in the diet of goats. Material and methods: In this experiment, the pods and leaves of the Albizia lebbeck were freshly collected from the fields around Mollasani in north of Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan, and the farms of the Khuzestan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, then dried under the shade in open air. Feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumination, rumen fermentation parameters, blood parameters and rumen protozoan population of Najdi goats were studied. In this experiment, 12 Najdi goats with an average 30± 2 kg boby weight were assigned to experimental diets as a completely randomized design with three treatments and 4 replicates for 45 days. The three experimental diets included replacement of 50 and 75% Albizia lebbeck with alfalfa and the control diet without Albizia lebbeck. The diets were formulated according to tables requirements of NRC (2007). Chemical composition of experimental samples including crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total tannin and some minerals were measured according to the standard methods. The apparent digestibility of nutrients (DM, NDF, and ADF) were measured during 7 days by total collection method for feces, and recording of feed dry matter intake and orts. Chewing activity (eating and rumination time) was visually recorded for 24 h with 5 minute intervals for all goats, then corrected per NDF, DM and ADF intake. Rumen fluid of all goats was collected at the end days of experiment through stomach tubes at 3 h post feeding. pH was measured immediately, and rumen fluid was filtered by four layer of cheesecloth, mixed with 0. 2 M hydrochloric acid in equal volume, and stored at-20 ᵒ C for measurement of ammonia nitrogen. Blood sampling from all goats was conducted via jugular vein by sterile plastic syringe, at 4 h post feeding. The blood samples were centrifuged (3000 × g, 15 minutes) and plasma removed for subsequent analysis. Glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measured with laboratory kits (ParsAzmoon) using a spectrophotometer. After collection of rumen fluid, it was mixed with formaldehyde 18. 5% for fixation of the protozoa, and they were counted under microscope using hemocytometer lam (Dehority 2003). Results and discussion: In study of Yusefi et al. (2017), Dwatmadji et al. (1992) and Balogun et al. (1998) the CP in leaves of Albizia lebbeck reported 22. 4, 17. 50 and 24%, respectively that was near our results (21. 4% of DM). In an experiment NDF, ADF and EE of Albizia lebbeck leaves were 46. 9, 33. 7 and 5. 4%, respectively, which was consistence with the results of present study. Our results showed that crude protein and fat of leaves and pods of Albizia lebbeck was more and ADF less than alfalfa hay. The concentration of all minerals, except potassium, in whole branch of Albizia lebbeck were higher than alfalfa hay. Nutrients (DM, OM, NDF, ADF and CP) intake and digestibility in diets containing Albizia lebbeck were more than control diet, and diet containing 75% Albizia lebbeck had highest values. Khy et al. (2012) reported increased in dry matter intake, when added pelleted subabul to diet of swamp buffalo, which fed on paddy straw and concentrate. The Albizia lebbeck in diet of goat increased apparent digestibility of dry matter, CP, NDF and ADF (P<0. 05), maybe because of less ADF and higher percentage of protein in Albizia lebbeck than alfalfa (Table 2). Similarly, Kennedy et al. (2002) reported that higher protein and lower fiber in diets containing subabul resulted to increase their digestibility in compared to control diet. Galindo et al. (2012) observed the highest population of rumen bacteria and fungi and nutrients digestibility in diet contain leaves of Albizia lebbeck. Rumination time was influenced by experimental diets (P<0. 05) and in diet containing 75% of Albizia lebbeck replaced with alfalfa hay, was higher from other diets. However, when rumination time calculated per nutrients intake, the diets contain Albizia lebbeck showed the lower values. Rumen ammonia nitrogen and pH was influenced by diets (P<0. 05) and reduced in the present of Albizia lebbeck in diets. Feeding Albizia lebbeck to goats during the present experiment, there was no significant effect on glucose and cholesterol, but leads to reduce the levels of blood urea nitrogen (P<0. 05). Rumen protozoa population of goats influenced by Albizia lebbeck in the diets, and significantly decreased. Conclusions: Therefore, the results of present experiment showed that at the levels proposed in the present experiment (replacement of 50 and 75% Albizia lebbeck with alfalfa), Albizia lebbeck might be used without any negative effect on digestion, fermentation and metabolism in the diet of goats.

Introduction: In the quantitative genetics area, random regression model is one of the most accurate models for estimating daily breeding value in dairy cattle. However, because of the higher number records per each cow, application of this model is labor and time consuming. In addition, breeding values of cows at different days of lactation are highly correlated. The main objectives of the current study were to determine the relative importance of each breeding value at different days of lactation and to estimate the genetic principal components for the breeding values of Iranian Holstein dairy cattle for milk production traits. Maternal and methods: records of milk production traits of first-parity dairy cows. Milk yield, fat percentage and protein percentage test-day records of 73839, 65165 and 46881 cows, respectively, from 230 herds with 176390 cows in their pedigree were used in the analyses. Only test-day records belonging to 5 to 305 days of lactation were used. The data belonged to cows were born between 1988 and 2015 with age at first calving ranged between 21 to 48 m. In addition, the existence of at least one monthly record in the first 90 days after calving was essential for the cow, otherwise it would be eliminated. These data were collected by National breeding center, Karaj, Iran. Genetic parameters were estimated by a random regression model and Bayesian approach using GIBSS3F90 software. The estimated breeding values at all days of lactation were calculated and standardized using the standard score (z). Then, Correlation matrices among breeding values at different days of lactation and genetic principal components of breeding values were estimated by PROC CORR and PROC PRINCOMP of SAS software, respectively. Finally, we could calculate principal component score as a selection criterion (selection index) for the selection of dairy cattle. For this purpose, the standardized score coefficient was obtained by dividing the daily eigenvector of each principal component by square root of its eigenvalue. The principal component score were calculated of the sum of the multiply between standardized score coefficient and daily standardized breeding values for each cow. However, the principal components could be used as an index to multiple traits evaluation of animals. Results and discussion: The genetic correlations matrix between the estimated breeding values at different days of lactation demonstrated that the breeding values at the middle stage of lactation were highly correlated with the breeding values at the reaming stages of lactation. The genetic principal component analysis revealed that the first two principal components accounted for a high percent of total genetic variance of all studied traits. For milk yield, the first principal component explained 99. 48% of genetic variance, while two first components explained almost 98. 19% and 100% of genetic variance for fat percent and protein percent traits, respectively. The absolute value of correlations between the first principal component of milk yield and all breeding values (except for day 56 and day 231) were more than 0. 056. The absolute values of correlations between the first principal component of fat percent and the daily breeding values were greater than 0. 06 for days between 83 and 222; and for protein percent were greater than 0. 07 for days 99 to 168 and days 289 to 305. Considering the high correlation between breeding values seem to, were estimated breeding values for all days is not required. The first principal component milk yield trait with nearly all estimated breeding values, high correlation and first two principal component fat percent trait of estimated breeding values in the early and middle of lactation period had a high relationship. But first two principal component protein percent trait of estimated breeding values in the middle and later of lactation period had a high correlation. Conclusions: Considering the high cost of recording system in dairy cattle industry and the high correlation between the breeding values, it seems that there is no need to predict the breeding value for all days of lactation. In other words, reducing the number of records per each cow may be beneficial at both economic and genetics stand points. Furthermore, due to the high, direct correlation between the principal components and daily breeding values, the implementation of principal components in the genetic merit evaluation of selection candidates for production-related traits is suggested.