Animal Science Journal
Year:2019 | Volume:32 | Issue:122|Papers Count:27

The higher number of markers (p) to the number of observations (n) is the first challenge (i. e., course of dimensionality; p>>n) in genomic selection. Therefore with aim to reduce the course of dimensionality, the effect of reduce markers density on the accuracy of genomic prediction breeding values of parametric methods investigated. In this order a genome consisted of 10000 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) over 10 chromosomes, with 100 cM length each, was simulated. In this research, the different gene distributions (i. e., uniform, Gaussian and gamma), different levels of heritability (0. 05, 0. 25, 0. 45 or 0. 65) and number of quantitative trait loci (QTL; 100 or 500) were considered as assumption of simulation. Then in a selection scenario only 10% of the markers and in the other scenario 20% of the markers were selected (randomly), so that for each of the population three different marker matrices with different dimension (all, 10% and 20% of markers) were defined. According to the finding of this research, in order of preference the accuracy of genomic breeding values is influenced by the trait inheritance, the distance with the reference population, the marker density, the distribution and the number of QTLs and statistical models (p <0. 001). So that in all three genetic effects distribution and with each form of the marker structure (selection or without selection of markers) it was observed that the accuracy of predictions declined significantly (p <0. 05) as a result of reduction of heritability or with increasing distance from the reference population. The effect of reduce markers density on the genomic prediction accuracy of traits with different genetic architecture showed that except for traits with low heritability (0. 05) and high number of QTL (500) and allele effects drown from a gamma distribution, in general reduction of marker density resulted to decrease accuracy of genomic predictions (p<0. 05).

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of fennel and cumin seed powder in high-concentrate diets on some in vitro rumen fermentation and gas production characteristics. The treatments were repeated: 1-control (75% concentrate and 25% alfalfa), 2-control diet supplemented with three different levels of cumin and fennel powder (8, 12 and 16 g / kg dry matter feed), at each level of the ratio Different types of fennel and cumin (25% fennel + 75% cumin, 50% fennel + 50% cumin, 75% fennel + 25% cumin). Addition of cumin and fennel powder significantly increased the digestibility cumulative gas and gas production potential (b) (P <0. 05), but there was no significant effect on the average gas production rate on different treatments (P <0. 05). Ammonia nitrogen was measured by adding different levels and ratios of cumin and fennel powder Significant decrease was observed in control treatment (P <0. 05). The mean short chain fatty acids at 8 grams of cumin and fennel powder had a significant increase (P <0. 05), However, no significant increase was observed with higher levels of cumin and fennel powder. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that adding cumin and fennel powder to high concentrate ration can improve rumen fermentation, digestibility and increase the production of volatile fatty acids, using 8 g of cumin and fennel powder With the ratio of 50% fennel and 50% cumin per kilogram of dry matter, the most significant effects were shown.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of dried oregano leaves (DOL) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites and immune response of broiler chickens fed wheat-based diet. One hundred sixty day-old female broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments, 5 replicates, and 10 chicks each. The treatments included four levels of dietary supplementation of DOL (0, 0. 4, 0. 8, and 1. 2%). The experiment lasted up to 42d of ages and performance indexes calculated during 1-18, 19-30, 31-42, and 1-42d of ages. With increasing in dietary DOL levels, feed intake (FI) during 19-30d of ages and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 31-42 and 1-42d of ages were changed as a significant quadratic polynomial curve. Feed conversion ratio was the optimum in the birds fed the diet supplemented with 0. 4% DOL. The dietary supplementation of DOL did not significantly affect on weight gain. As increased dietary DOL levels, the gastrointestinal intestinal tract (GIT) organs relative weight, blood serum triglyceride (TG) concentration linearly decreased, and carcass yield, humoral immune response to SRBC inoculation, thymus organ relative weight, and blood serum low-density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration decreased (P<0. 05). This study revealed that wheat-based diets supplemented with 0. 4% DOL can improve feed efficiency, carcass yield, and health status of broiler chickens.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using Xsperm in embryo transfer on herd expansion and genetic gain in situation all daughters kept in the herd. True breeding values (TBVs) and estimated breeding values (EBVs) of a herd were simulated in Visual Basic 6, for 305 days milk yield trait. Four strategies were assumed in this study. In strategy 1, conventional semen was used for heifer and cow donors. In strategy 2, cows were not donor and sexed semen was used for heifer donors. In strategy 3, sexed semen was assumed for heifer and cow donors and in strategy 4, sexed semen was used for heifer donors and conventional semen was used for cow donors. According the results of this study, the maximum genetic gain achieved for 305 days milk yield by strategy 1-4 was 7. 09, 3. 9, 7. 6 and 7. 9Kg, respectively. Using sexed semen in embryo transfer technique, would increase the number of daughters born in the herd up to 11%. If beside embryo transfer, sexed semen is used for artificial insemination of other heifers (that are not donor or recipient), increase in the number of daughter would be up to 34%.

In order to evaluate the effect of diets with different levels of energy and protein on ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, nutrient digestibility and excretion of purine derivatives, an experiment was designed. Six experimental treatments were allocate in six fitulated seep in repeated measure desind. Treatments included: Control; treatment with high level of energy using barley grain; treatment with high energy level using barley grain and corrected by peptide, treatment with high level of energy using corn grain; treatment with high energy level using corn grain and corrected by peptide and treatment with high level of protein with increasing levels of soybean meal. Results showed experimental treatments were significant effect on pH and ammonia nitrogen released in the rumen, in three hours after feeding (p <0. 05). Dry matter intake, fat and organic matter digestibility were not affected by experimental treatments (p >0. 05). Control and high protein levels treatments significantly less intake of crude protein, Nutral Detergent Fiber and Acid Detergent Fiber (p <0. 05). The digestibility of nutrients has improved with addition of energy and protein sources. The purine derivatives excreation were significantly higher in treatment with high protein levels than other groups (p <0. 05). Supplementation of diets with carbohydrate and protein sources with the least adverse effects on gastrointestinal is recommended.

The aim of the present study is economic analysis of smalholder sheep farm in Chaldoran county. The required data were collected by using questionnaires and face to face interviews of 122 unit based active sheep farms frome randomly sample Bartlett table in 2016. For economic evaluation sheep farms devided to the small scale, medium and large scale and determined revenue and cost. Then the sheep farm analysed by using the net present value (NPV) method and benefit to cost ratio (BCR) sheep farms in 14% and 16% dicounting rate. Result indicatedthat sale of lamb (76%) and milk(13%) had the highest incom of total revenue, respectively. However feed shared the highest costs of the total variable costs, followed labor and other cost. According to NPV in 14% discounting rate, was totally and per unit 134111880 and 694880 Rials losses. In 16% discounting rate, NPV was totally and per unit 108826420 and 563870 Rials. According to BCR in 14% discounting rate, is smaller than 1 and economic returns increases by increasing the discountig rate to 16%.

One of the main reasons for the reduced viability of cryopreserved sperm is the production of active oxygen species (ROS). Since the selection of antioxidants to inhibit ROS production due to their inability to penetrate the original site of ROS production (mitochondria) has not been effective in sperm cryopreservation programs, therefore, for this purpose, we investigated a new method for inhibiting Ros production in the cryopreservation of roster sperm. In this study, 14 mature roosters (Ross commercial strain) with 28 weeks of age were used. First semen samples were evaluated for having the necessary standards. Then, they were pooled, diluted and supplemented with five levels of MitoQ (0, 0. 05, 0. 1, 0. 2 and 0. 4 nm) before cryopreservation. After freeze-thawing, the parameters of viability, sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and sperm morphology were evaluated. Data analysis was done by GLM procedure using SAS software (9. 3) in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications. Tukey test was used to compare the mean of treatments. The results of this study showed that the addition of MitoQ to the rooster semen cryopreservation medium significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increased survival, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. The results showed that, the addition of MitoQ at 0. 1 nm improved total and progressive motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of sperms compared to the control group, and also significantly decreased MDA concentration compared to the control group (p <0. 05).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of genomic selection for milk yield, fat percent and protein percent in Najdi cattle breed from station and Agmari herds using different statistical models. Traditional estimated breeding values obtained with a random regression model using pedigree and phenotypic information for each trait from 1990 to 2016 were used as response variables. Predictability was evaluated by using a 10 replicated Training-Testing scheme and considering four models including genomic best linear unbiased prediction scaled with observed allele frequency (GBLUP), and allele frequency of 0. 5 (G05BLUP), BayesA and BayesB. The results showed that GBLUP had better performance than G05BLUP for milk yield (0. 411 vs 0. 385), but performance of G05BLUP was better for fat percent (0. 257 vs 0. 302) and protein percent (0. 363 vs 0. 388). The accuracy of breeding values of milk yield decrease to 0. 371 and 0. 353, and accuracy of fat percent increased to 0. 329 and 0. 314 with BayesA and BayesB, respectively. Bayesian methods had same accuracy as GBLUPs for protein percent. Across traits and methods BayesA with 0. 14 for protein percent, and G05BLUP with 0. 71 for milk yield had smallest and highest bias as deviate from 1, respectively. Accuracy of prediction using Agmariherds in addition station herd increased 0. 01 to 0. 09 depending on method and trait, but also bias were more than before. In conclusion, accuracy of genomic prediction of milk traits in Najdi cattle breed are moderate but suitable considering small size of population which makes genomic selection feasible in this breed.

In order to determine the effect of different levels of dietary garlic powder (allium sativum), clover powder (trifolium resupinatum) and savory essence (Satureja khuzistanica) on performance, carcass characteristics and energy and protein efficiency ratios of broilers, an experiment was conducted using 560 one-day old Ross 308 broilers in completely randomized design consisting 7 experimental treatments and 4 replications of 20 chicks in each including 1-control group (CG), 2 and containing garlic powder at 2 and 4 percent, respectively, 3 and 4 containing clover powder at 5 and 10 percent, respectively and 6 and 7 containing savory essence (Satureja Khuzistanica) at 400 and 500 mg/kg of diet, respectively. The results showed in entire experimental period, the effect of different levels of dietary garlic powder, clover powder and savory essence was significant (P< 0. 05) on daily feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio. The highest body weight mean was related to control group and different levels of savory essence and garlic powder and the minimum body weight was observed in treatments containing clover powder (P< 0. 05). Also, the results showed that the use of savory essence and garlic powder caused significant increase in body weight of broilers when compared to control treatment. The utilization of dietary clove powder resulted to significant decrease in body weight and energy and protein efficiency ratios of broilers. The carcass characteristics were not affected by experimental treatments with the exception of carcass and breast efficiency ratios.

In ovo feeding is considered as a useful tool to overcome the growth limitations during embryonic growth and after hatching in domesticated poultry. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of different levels of DL-methionine on the morphology of small intestine in ROSS 308 broiler chicks. In this regard, the total number of 240 eggs from Ross 308 broiler breeder were used according to a completely randomized design (CRD) with 8 experimental groups and 30 eggs per each treatment. The experimental treatments included different levels of DL-methionine amino acid (0. 19, 0. 38, 0. 57, 0. 76, 0. 95 and 1. 14 %), along with a sham-control group (sterile water injection) and a control group (without injection) which were injected into the amniotic fluid on the 14th d of incubation. After hatching, the chicks were weighed and slaughtered to measure small intestine morphological characteristics. Results of the study indicated that in ovo feeding of DL-methionine had a significant effect (p<0. 05) on hatchability, weight and relative weight of jejunum, small intestine weight, as well as crypt diameter (except for duodenum), villus height, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and villus thickness in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. On the other hand, no effect of treatments (p>0. 05) was observed on chick weight and weight and length indexes of duodenum and ileum. Based on the results of this study, the best morphological response was observed in 76% DL-methionine treatment.

Longevity expressed as the distance between birth and culling is an economically important trait of dairy cattle for increasing the profitability of dairy management. The aim of the present study is to determine the factors affecting longevity in dairy cows of the farms of Razavi economic organization (RazaviKhorassan, Iran). The dataset consisted of milk production, longevity and health records belonging to 11481 Holstein cows from six herds, culled during 1985 to 2015. Culling reasons were further classified in six groups including reproductive problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, injury and the problems related to dairy cattle welfare, infectious diseases, low and non-economic production and other factors. Farm number one and four (Kenebist) had the lowest and highest longevity with 75. 96 and 86. 12 months, respectively. From 1985 to 2015, by increasing milk production, the mean of longevity has been decreased. Reproductive problems, metabolic and digestive disorders and infectious diseases were the main reasons of culling with the percentages of 28. 49, 24. 79 and 22. 45 respectively. Results demonstrate again this fact that the dairy cattle management (in this study herd effect) and the high levels of milk production (because of its negative correlation with longevity) are the important factors affecting longevity and should consider them in our breeding programs for dairy cattle lifetime.

This Experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effect of physical form of the concentrate and buffer type on the rumen and blood parameters and microbial protein synthesis in fattening Dalagh lambs. Twenty eight lambs with an average of 28± 2. 7 kg and 5 month age were used in a completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included: 1-pelleted concentrate+sesquisodium carbonate, 2-pelleted concentrate+sodium bicarbonate, 3-mash concentrate + sesquisodium carbonate and 4-mash concentrate+sodium bicarbonate. Sampling from rumen fluid and blood sampling was carried out on days 42 and 84 of experiment. On day 70 of the experiment, 3 lambs were transferred to the metabolic cages for sampling and collecting urine. The results showed that ruminal pH was higher in the treatment of mash concentrate +sesquisodium carbonate in three hours after feeding (P<0. 05). The experimental treatments had no effect on ruminal ammonia concentration, protozoan number and microbial population (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in the concentration of blood minerals except calcium. Calcium concentration was higher in pelleted concentrate+sodium bicarbonate and mash concentrate + sesquisodium carbonate than other treatments (P<0. 05). Purine derivatives and total excretion and absorption of purine derivatives from urine and the amount of microbial protein synthesis in rumen significantly increased in pellet concentrate and sodium bicarbonate (P<0. 05).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of leaf and stem of banana tree silage with inedible date on nutrients digestibility, ruminal VFA concentration, NH3-N, pH and species of ruminal protozoa in sheep. For ensiling, 85 kg of the leaf and stem of banana tree were mixed with 15 kg of inedible date and ensiled for 45 days. After determining the chemical composition and ME of the silage of leaf and stem of banana tree with inedible date, levels of 0, 7, 14 and 21 (DM basis) of silage were used in experimental diets. Four mature ram were used in a change over design with four periods of 21 days. In this study, ensiling of leaf and stem of banana tree with inedible date increased dry matter, organic matter, crude fat, but decreased ash and neutral detergent fiber of silage. Considering Fleig-point (100), pH (4. 4) and ME (2. 05), the silage of leaf and stem of banana tree with inedible date had proper quality. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber of experimental diets containing 14 and 21 % silage were lower than control diet (P<0. 05). The mean concentration of ruminal VFA, acetate to propionate ratio, NH3-N, pH, total population and species of ruminal protozoa were not affected in sheep fed experimental diets. Considering no change in dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters, silage of leaf and stem banana tree with inedible date can be used in sheep nutrition.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of grain sources (corn or barley) and alfalfa hay particle size (PS; fine or medium) on growth performance, blood parameters and ruminal fermentation of dairy calves. Thirty-two 3-d-old Holstein dairy calves (36. 4 ± 2. 0 kg of body weight) were used in a completely randomized design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Experimental diets consisted of diet containing barley grain with fine alfalfa hay PS, barley grain with medium alfalfa hay PS, corn grain with fine alfalfa hay PS and corn grain with medium alfalfa hay PS. Starter feed intake was greater for calves fed corn than those fed barley during the pre-and post-weaning and overall periods. Calves fed corn had greater final body weight as well as overall average daily gain (ADG) than barley calves. However, alfalfa hay PS had no effect on starter intake and ADG. Hip and wither heights were greater in calves fed corn than those fed barley. Total volatile fatty acids concentrations increased and the molar proportion of acetate decreased in calves fed corn compared to those fed barley. These results showed no interactions between grain sources and alfalfa hay PS on calf performance; however, corn inclusion in starter diet improved the growth performance of Holstein calves during the transition from liquid to solid feed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mixing five medicinal herbs, including garlic, eucalyptus, cinnamon, thyme, peppermint, as well as essential oils on the production and composition of milk and blood parameters of Holstein dairy cows. This experiment was carried out with 18 dairy cow in a completely randomized design with three treatments, a medicinal herb mix (HPM: 10 g/kg dry matter concentrate) and a mixture of herbal essential oil (EOM: 150 mg/kg dry matter concentrate) for 28 days and 6 cowfor each treatment. Daily milk production was measured at three times. In the final days of the experiment, blood and rumen fluid sampling was performed. Results indicated that milk production and its compounds were affected by experimental treatments, so that the use of EOM increased milk production compaired to control and HPM (25. 9 vs. 27. 37 and 24. 72 kg/day), Protein (2. 63 vs. 2. 84 and 2. 65 kg/day) and total solids content (8. 84 versus 8. 89 and 8. 86 kg/day). Both HPM and EOM combinations reduced the concentration of total saturated fatty acids and increased the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (P<0. 05). The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes and plasma triglyceride after food intake and total plasma protein concentration were measured before treatment (P<0. 05). Generally, the use of herbal essential oils with an effect on the rumen fermentation pattern improves milk production in dairy cows and can change the composition of milk.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding fermented date pite (FDP) on performance, carcass traits and ileal microbial population in broiler chickens. In a 2 ×4 factorial arrangement, 540 day – old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of nine experimental diets, each with five replicates containing 12 chicks each. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal – based diet (control), and diets containing 2, 4, 6 and 8% raw date pit (RDP) and 2, 4, 6 and 8 % fermented date pit (FDP). Fermentation process effectively decreased crude fiber and increased crude protein (p < 0. 05). Feeding fermented date pite increased feed intake and improved body weight gain in finisher period (25-42 day) of the experiment (p < 0. 05 ). In this period birds fed FDP with level 8% had significantly (p <0. 05 ) body weight higher in comparison to chicks fed diet control ( 1474 gr vs 1336 gr ). Birds fed FDP had feed cost higher compared to chick fed RDP (p<0. 05). Abdominal fat and gizzard was significantly lower in broiler fed FDP than to RDP (p <0. 05 ). Lactic acid bacteria population and coliform in ileum of broilers fed diet containing FDP as compared to RDP were significantly higher and lower respectively (p<0. 05). Results of this study demonstrated that fermentation date pite in level 8% led to performance improvement in broiler chickens during finisher period.

This experiment was performed to investigate the effects of decreasing levels of a commercial probiotic, Bio Poul® , on performance, immunological response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 256 one-day old broiler chicks was allocated to a completely randomized design with four treatments including 1) control treatment, 2) birds fed diets including 300 (1 to 10-day old), 200 (11 to 24-day old) and 100 (25 to 42-day old), grams probiotic, Bio Poul® per ton of feed, 3) birds fed diets including 150 (1to 10-day old), 100 (11 to 24-day old) and 50 (25to 42-day old), grams probiotic, Bio Poul® per ton of feed, 4) birds fed diets including a fixed level of 300 grams probiotic, Bio Poul per ton of feed. Results showed that, none of the probiotic treatments have effect on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The effect of treatments was significant on the percentage of hematocrit (P<0. 05) while this parameter is higher in the birds fed with treatment 2. Antibody production level against sheep red blood cells were not affected by treatments (P<0. 05). The duodenum part of intestine significantly was changed in term of goblet cells number on Villi (P<0. 05), as well as the number of goblet Villi per 100 micrometers in length by BioPoul® treatment (P<0. 01). Villi thickness in the area of the ileum significantly was changed by treatments (P<0. 05). The highest of Villi thickness was observed in control group, whereas there were not significant differences between the other treatments receiving probiotics.

Decreased hatchability and increased embryonic mortality in hatchery are economically important. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of month, season, flock age and egg size (weight) on hatchability and embryonic mortality during incubation period. The data were collected by frequent reference to the hatchery, and the total of hatched eggs from broiler breeder flocks was recorded between March 2016 to September 2016. Moreover, unhatched eggs were thoroughly investigated. In this survey, the third method (unhatched eggs breakout in the end of incubation) was used for different stages of embryonic mortality. Of the total number of 2372604 hatched eggs, 75. 73% eggs and 24. 27% eggs were hatched and unhatched (embryonic mortality), respectively. The effect of months and seasons spring or summer was significant (p<0. 05) on the average percentage of hatchability and embryonic mortality, so that September and summer had the lowest hatch and the highest embryonic mortality. Decreased hatchability and increased embryonic mortality were observed with increasing of the flock age and the egg size (p<0. 05). The highest rate of embryonic mortality was in infertility and stage VI. The results of this study showed that month, season, flock age and egg size (weight) have an effect on hatchability and embryonic mortality.

This research was conducted in order to evaluate the chemical composition and gas production potential of tomato pomace ensiled with sugar beet pulp (5 and 10 percent of tomato pulp weight) and bacterial inoculation (lactobacillus plantarum, 1 mg per kg of fresh forage) and its effect on performance of fattening lambs. Fattening trial was performed using 25 Moghani male lambs (29. 164± 3. 78 kg) for 70 days. Lambs were randomly divided into 5 groups and each group received one of the treatments of control, diet without tomato pomace silage (treatment 1), diet containing tomato pomace silage ensiled with 5 percent sugar beet pulp (treatment 2), diet containing tomato pomace silage ensiled with 10 percent sugar beet pulp (treatment 3), diet containing tomato pomace silage ensiled with 5 percent sugar beet pulp and bacterial inoculation (treatment 4) and diet containing tomato pomace silage ensiled with 10 percent sugar beet pulp and bacterial inoculation (treatment 5). The amount of gas production potential, organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acids was higher in tomato pomace silage ensiled with 10 percent sugar beet pulp and bacterial inoculation than control. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in control than other treatments. Using tomato pomace ensiled with sugar beet pulp decreased feed cost and the for 1 kg gain followed by increased daily profit. Totally, the use of tomato pomace ensiled with 10 percent sugar beet pulp is suggested in fattening lamb diet.

For genetic progress evaluation of growth traits, the pedigree information of 12140 Raeini Cashmere goats in Raeini Chashmere goats breeding station from 1990 to 2010 were used. Investigated traits were included birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight. Variance components and genetic parameters of each trait was estimated by restricted maximum likelihood and six animal models using Wombat software. Direct heritability of birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight were 0. 24, 0. 29, 0. 33, 0. 35 and 0. 37 respectively. Breeding values of animals for each trait was estimated using univariate animal model. Phenotypic, genetic and environmental trends of traits were estimated via regression of phenotypic value, breeding value and difference of breeding value from phenotypic value on the year of birth. Genetic trend of birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight were estimated 16. 71, 85. 83, 105. 16, 123. 67 and 122. 53 gr/year respectively (p<0. 01). The genetic gain of traits including birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1year weight were estimated 0. 483, 0. 561, 1. 767, 1. 647 and 1. 465 Kg respectively. Regarding to positive genetic trends estimated for growth traits for Raeini goats, the livestock selection program, based on the breeding value in this breed, seems to lead to a good genetic improvement and this strategy should continue.

In the present study one slow-release urea component was produced, and its effects was assessed on in vitro gas production, fermentation parameters, nutrients disappearance and enzyme activity. Four experimental treatments used were 1) control treatment, and supplementing control treatment with 2) urea, 3) slow-released urea and 4) optigen. Results showed that in most examined incubation times highest and lowest ammonia-N concentration was observed in treatment supplemented with urea and control treatment, respectively (P<0. 05). However, in all incubation times there was no differences between slow-release urea and optigen treatments (P>0. 05). After 96 h incubation, dietary treatments had no effect on total gas production, b and c coefficient and pH of rumen (P>0. 05). Highest and lowest in vitro dry matter and organic matter disappearance, estimation of metabolisable energy, short chain fatty acids, microbial protein synthesis and activity of carboxy methyl cellulase were observed in control and urea-treated group (P>0. 05). Highest filter paper degrading activity was observed for diet supplemented with slow-release urea, while urea-treated group resulted in lowest activity (P<0. 05). Highest rumen protease activity was observed in diet treated with urea, while its lowest amount was related to control treatment (P<0. 05). Totally, utilization of slow-release urea compared to urea improved rumen dry matter and organic matter digestion, microbial protein production and most of rumen fibrolytic enzymes activity in vitro.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of corn gluten meal (4 and 8%) without processing and processed with protease enzyme (300 mg/L), in a completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial experiment and a control diet on broiler chicks performance, blood biochemical parameters, immunity and ileum microbial population. 200 commercial strains Ross 308 male broiler chicks with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 10 chicks in each replicates were reared for 38 d. During the experiment, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. At the age of 30, 37 to evaluate the immunity and At the age of 38 to evaluate some blood biochemical parameters, blood were taken from the wing vein. At the end of experimental period microbial population of ileum were investigate. Results of this study indicated that experimental diets containing 4 and 8% corn gluten meal with protease enzyme processing in interactions and independent comparison to the control diet increased feed intake, body weight gain and reduced feed conversion ratio (P<0. 05), and also experimental diets containing 8% corn gluten meal with protease enzyme processing in interactions and independent comparison to the control diet increased immunity, superoxide dismutase and reduced harmful microbial flora during the finishing period of the experiment (P<0. 05). In general, the results of the present experiment showed that the use of treated corn gluten meal with protease enzyme in vitro improved performance, immunity and reduced harmful microbial population in the broiler chicks.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of rosemary essence (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and peppermint essence (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) on performance, antioxidant status and activity of some blood enzymes of Japanese quails. A total of 360 one-day old Japanese quails were used in a 3×3 factorial arrangement with completely randomized design consisting of 9 treatments and 4 replicates of 10 birds in each. The utilization of rosemary and peppermint essences in the diet had no significant effect on feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in entire experimental period (P>0. 05). Furthermore, the interaction of rosemary and peppermint essemces was not significant on performance parameters (P>0. 05). The utilization of rosemary and peppermint essences alone or together did not have any significant effect on blood parameters including malondihylehyde and uric acid concentrations, total antioxidant capacity and also the activity of blood enzymes of Japanese quails at 35 day of age (P>0. 05). In addition, the effect of rosemary and peppermint essences was not significant on breast meat color parameters including lightness (L), redness (a) and yellowness (b) (P>0. 05). Generally, according to the results of this study, it seems that the consumption of rosemary and peppermint essences had no significant effect on performance, blood enzymes activity, blood peroxidant and antioxidant as well as breast meat color parameters of Japanese quails.

The objectives of this study were to identify a suitable mathematical method for describing the growth traits of Mahabadi goat. Thereafter, four non-linear growth function of Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy were applied. Growth curve analyzed based on weekly records of live weight form birth to 105 days of Mahabadi goat breed. Growth models were fitted to a total of 2036 weight-age data belonging to 126 kids. The growth models were compared by using the coefficient of determination (R2), Root mean square error (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Among all non-linear models, the Brody function had the smallest AIC and MSE values and the higher R2 value, indicating the best fit for Mahabadi breed growth data. Average of birth weight, weaning weight (105days old) and pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) for Mahabadi goat were3. 25kg, 13. 5kg and 0. 092kg, respectively. The results of this study can help farmer to management strategies and make decision in selection and culling of kids through the growth curve.

Already in 7816 the number of industrial dairy farms with a total of 847, 500 dairy cows and calves are genuinely engaged in the production activities. . According to the latest information there were 227 Dairy Farm with 92600 cows and calves in Alborz province. This survey was conducted to investigate the culling rate herd composition and culling reasons in Alborz dairy. Data were recorded from 43 unit industrial Dairy Farm with were covered by Animal breeding center. At the beginning, Dairy Farm Were classified to 5 categories (1-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-500 and more than 500 per herd). Data were recorded by questioner method and recording some data from bank Farms. Samples from each category (20 percent of each category) selected randomly. On the basis of results, adult Dairy cows, pregnant and, Non pregnant, dairy cows, pregnant heifers and Non pregnant heifers calves (0-6, 6-8, 8-12 month old) and breeding bulls were 35. 8, 9. 9, 3. 6, 10. 3, 10. 2, 10. 1, 6. 7, 13, 0. 4 percent of herd population.

In order to compare the effect of adding tomato pomace on broiler diets, two types of crude and fermented tomato pomace each in four levels (5, 10, 15 and 20%) as factorial arrangement 2 × 4 in a completely randomized design and a control treatment with 9 experimental treatments and 3 replications, and their effects on performance, blood parameters and morphology of ileum in broiler chicken were investigated. The results showed that feeding broiler chickens with fermented tomato pomace improved weight gain compared to raw tomato pomace and control (P<0. 05). Consumption of chicken fed with fermented tomato pomace had no significant difference with raw tomato pomace. But feed conversion ratio of chickens fed with fermented tomato pomace was better (P<0. 05). The highest weight gain and feed intake was observed in 15% of fermented tomato pomace (P<0. 05). Feeding broiler chickens with fermented tomato pomace significantly reduced cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and increased high density lipoprotein (P<0. 05). The villus height: crypt depth ratio and villus height in the ileum was higher in chicken fed with fermented tomato pomace than raw tomato pomace and control treatment (P<0. 05). The use of fermented tomato pomace reduced cholesterol, improved the performance and health of broiler chicks than raw tomato pomace, so it is possible to use it up to 15% levels in the diet of broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of mineral biochar (MB) on performance, nutrient digestibility, and some blood parameters of Holstein calves. Twenty-seven Holstein female weaned calves (67. 66 ± 9. 33 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets; contained 0%, 0. 35% and 0. 70% of mineral biochar in concentrate respectivelyDry matter intake (DMI) and body weight gain were recorded at the end of each week. Blood samples were collected on day 48 and nutrient digestibility was measured at the end of the experimental period (days 46 to 49). Results showed that mean of total body weight gain, final body weight and daily gain were not affected by different levels of MB in diets. There was no difference in average daily dry matter intake of calves consuming different experimental diets; while, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (P = 0. 02) in calves fed diets containing MB compared to control group and FCR decreased linearly (P = 0. 02) as the level of MB increased in the diet. Apparent total tract digestibility of OM, CP and NDF increased (P < 0. 01) with diets containing MB in comparison to control group. Also, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, triglycerides and VLDL were not different across experimental diets, but, calves fed 0. 35% MB had lower (p<0. 05) blood cholesterol than those fed other diet. It was concluded that using of MB had favorable effects on nutrient digestibility, FCR and blood cholesterol.