XML
-
-
List of Articles
-
Open Access Article
1 - Insights of Herbal Supplements during Transition Period in Dairy Animals: An Updated Review
K.R. Sriranga A.K. Singh K.R. Harini A. Kumar I. Mukherjee A.B. Durge K.P. MohantaThere have been unsatisfactory results from antibiotic supplementation in long run for dairy animals. Antibiotic supplementation has been reported to accelerate the risk of antibiotic residues along with posing a potential threat to both human and animal health through MoreThere have been unsatisfactory results from antibiotic supplementation in long run for dairy animals. Antibiotic supplementation has been reported to accelerate the risk of antibiotic residues along with posing a potential threat to both human and animal health through compromised food safety. Therefore, there was a need of some alternative and safe supplementation to the dairy animals which may improve their production, reproduction, health, body condition, energy balance, and oxidative status. Herbal feed supplements are being widely used these days and scientists in the field of animal production are continuously devising the incorporation of some un-conventional herbal feed stuff in the diet of dairy animals. Herbal feed supplementation has been found comparatively much safer than any antibiotic or other inorganic feed supplements in farm animals. Transition management of dairy animals for improved post-partum performances has been a prime focus of most of the animal scientists. Transition period has far reaching effects on the post partum performances in regard to production, reproduction, health, body condition, energy balance, and oxidative status of dairy animals. Herbal supplements during transition period are anticipated to bring desired changes in the production, reproduction, health, body condition, energy balance, and oxidative status of dairy animals. Therefore, this review was framed with an aim of presenting a concise yet an informative discussion over the effects of supplementing herbal feed additives to the dairy animals to overview its effects on different production, reproduction and health parameters. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Comparing Rumen Fluid to Buffer Ratios to Estimate in vitro Degradability, Fermentation, and Methane Profiles of Seven Forages at Two Incubation Times
M.M.H. Khan A.S. ChaudhryUsing different rumen fluid (RF) or RF to buffer (B) ratios (RFB) could be a limiting factor in evaluating numerous feeds for obtaining reproducible estimates of in vitro rumen degradability. Thus, two duplicated factorial experiments (exp) compared the effect of changi MoreUsing different rumen fluid (RF) or RF to buffer (B) ratios (RFB) could be a limiting factor in evaluating numerous feeds for obtaining reproducible estimates of in vitro rumen degradability. Thus, two duplicated factorial experiments (exp) compared the effect of changing the RFB ratios on degradability, fermentation, and methane profiles of seven forages during in vitro incubations with 40 mL of buffered RF (inoculum, RI) for 48 and 96 hours. Exp 1 (7×2×2) involved 7 forages (F) and 2 RFB ratios (1:2 and 1:4), for two incubation times (T, 48 and 96 hours). The main effects of F and T were significant (P<0.05) but the effect of RFB ratio was not always significant (P>0.05) for the mean in vitro dry matter degradability (IVD) and organic matter degradability (IVOMD). The mean IVD and IVOMD of each forage and mean of all forages were significantly (P<0.05) higher after 96 h than 48 h of incubation. The F × RFB interaction was significant (P<0.05) for IVD and IVOMD depending on different RFB ratios. In exp 2 (7×2) involving the same 7 forages and 2 RFB ratios, total gas volume and methane were significantly (P<0.001) higher for the 1:2 than the 1:4 RFB ratio. Methane concentration was higher for the high fibrous than the low fibrous forages. Ammonia concentration, total gas volume, and methane production correlated positively with IVD. It appeared that the degradability, fermentation, and methane profiles of different forages were influenced by the RFB ratios, and in vitro incubation times. However, the changes in IVD and fermentation profiles were not proportionate to the change in RFB from 1:4 to 1:2. IVD for 1:2 and 1:4 ratios are very highly correlated at both 48 and 96 h. Thus, the use of diluted rumen fluid with a 1:4 RFB ratio is proposed suitable for subsequent studies to rank a wide range of feed ingredients for both degradability and methane measurements. However, in places where it is easy to collect RF can continue in vitro trial with a 1:2 RFB ratio. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Gas Emission from Waste of Cows Fed Monensin and Acacia mearnsii Tannins
R.J. Tseu F. Perna Junior R.F. Carvalho G.A. Sene A.H. Peres C.B. Tropaldi F. Dos Anjos P.H.M. RodriguesThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined use of tannins and monensin on biogas production from waste of Nellore cows fed these additives through biodigesters as a way to improve animal waste management. Eight cows were arranged in 2 contemporary 4 × 4 la MoreThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined use of tannins and monensin on biogas production from waste of Nellore cows fed these additives through biodigesters as a way to improve animal waste management. Eight cows were arranged in 2 contemporary 4 × 4 latin squares design and received 8 diets that differed in the level of tannin inclusion (0.00, 0.75, 1.50, and 2.25% DM) and inclusion or not of monensin. Monensin was daily administered to each cow in one square (32 mg/kg DM). Faeces and urine were collected for anaerobic biodigestion. Experimental batch-type biodigesters were arranged in a completely randomised design, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of 8 treatments with 4 replicates. The data were submitted to statistical analysis system. Monensin did not affect total biogas production (P>0.05) but reduced CO2 production by 18.90%. Tannins had a quadratic effect on total solids (TS) biodigestion efficiency, but biodigestion efficiency for volatile solids (VS) and nitrogen linearly reduced (P<0.05). Tannins had a quadratic effect on total biogas and CH4 production (at 2.25% the total biogas and CH4 production reduced by 36.95 and 36.10%, respectively) and linearly reduced the production of CO2 (P<0.05). Antagonistic interactions between monensin and tannins were observed on TS and VS recovery and VS biodigestion efficiency, where monensin reduced the effect of tannins of reducing the VS or TS biodigestion. Therefore, monensin and tannins may be used to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from cattle waste when tannins are included above 0.75%. There is a strong evidence that monensin and tannins or their bioactive metabolites may appear in faeces (when used to feed cows) and impair the biodigestion of the waste, but further studies should be carried out to confirm this finding. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Investigation of the Functional Proteins Related to Fertility in Cattle’s Endometrium by Protein-Protein Interactions Networks
F. Bahri Binabaj S.H. Farhangfar E. BehdaniPregnancy loss is an important economic loss in cattle industry. This study was conducted to identify pre- and / or post-implantation genes and cellular algorithms. For this purpose, transcriptome data of endometrium tissue were analyzed. These data refer to three heife MorePregnancy loss is an important economic loss in cattle industry. This study was conducted to identify pre- and / or post-implantation genes and cellular algorithms. For this purpose, transcriptome data of endometrium tissue were analyzed. These data refer to three heifer categories: high fertile (HF), sub-fertile (SF) and infertile (IF). After gene detection, genes were divided into two groups: Up-expressed genes, which were up-regulated in every comparison of either favorable fertility cases or unfavorable fertility cases (HF vs. SF, HF vs. IF, and SF vs. IF), and down-expressed genes, which were down-regulated in the mentioned comparisons. String database was applied to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and clusterone plugin was used to determine the significant sub-network. Enrichment analysis, which involves the gene ontology and functional pathway, was performed to enrich the results. Our results suggested that over-expression of SHCBP1, NOP14, PGM5, and DHX58 genes may have positive effect on the outcome of pregnancy, and down-expression of IMP3, ATP5O, and RPL7 genes could help the reproductive efficiency. The results of the present study showed that the genes in up-regulated clusters could manipulate epithelial differentiation, fundamental biological role, glucose metabolism, and immune response, which led to reduced pregnancy loss. Also the genes in down-regulated clusters may participate in the improvement of pregnancy outcome by inducing anti-apoptotic processes. This study proposes the pregnancy-associated key genes and pathways to improve pregnancy success in cattle and other domestic animals. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Study of Longevity in Dairy Cattle
M. Rakhshani Nejad N. Emamjomeh Kashan M. Rokouei M. Aminafshar H. Faraji-AroughThis study aimed to estimate the effect of environmental factors on variation of the longevity and the genetic parameters of the trait in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. The records of 181738 cows in the years 2001 to 2018 were provided by the Animal Breeding Center of Ira MoreThis study aimed to estimate the effect of environmental factors on variation of the longevity and the genetic parameters of the trait in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. The records of 181738 cows in the years 2001 to 2018 were provided by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran (Karaj, Iran). Profitability in dairy herds depends on animal survival in the herd, which is provided by reducing involuntary culling and increasing the voluntary culling in the herd. The survival was defined as the lifespan, the lifetime milk, fat, and protein yield after first calving, and lifetime days in milk. The effect of environmental factors on traits and risk of culling was estimated using Survival kit and cmprsk statistical packages. The variance components were estimated by Gibbs sampling method based on exponential distribution, incomplete data, and survival analysis. The effects of herd, season, and age of calving on traits were significant (P<0.001). The risk of culling of cows with difficult calving was higher than others. The risk of culling of cows calved in spring was higher than in other seasons. The heritability of different traits of survival estimated to be 0.0067-0.0147. The results showed that the effect of different environmental factors on variation of longevity is significant, and the heritability of the trait is low. However, a review of the literature indicates that, despite the low heritability of the trait, it can be improved in a population through genetic selection. This approach is justified, as longevity is not only important for the farmer from the economic point of view, but it also affects the increase of animal welfare and social acceptance of the dairy sector. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - The Effects of Replacement of Soybean Meal by Mechanically-Processed Sesame Meal on Performance and Milk Fatty Acids Profile in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows
V. Ashjae A. Taghizadeh Y. Mehmannavaz A. NobakhtThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM, solvent extracted meal, 40% CP) with different levels of sesame meal (SSM, mechanically processing meal, 43.91%) on performance, milk composition, blood metabolites and profile of mil MoreThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM, solvent extracted meal, 40% CP) with different levels of sesame meal (SSM, mechanically processing meal, 43.91%) on performance, milk composition, blood metabolites and profile of milk fatty acids in lactating dairy cows. Thus, eight Holstein dairy cattle were used in a replicated 4 × 4 latin square design during four 28-days periods. Treatments were control (no SSM supplementation) or replacement of 50, 75 or 100% of SBM with SSM. Cows were fed a total mix ration (TMR). The results showed that dry matter intake (DMI), total solid (TS), fat to protein ratio (FPR), milk protein yield (MP), milk lactose yield, and blood cholesterol, glucose and calcium concentrations were not affected (P>0.05) by experimental diets. However, milk yield average, fat corrected milk (FCM), feed efficiency (FE), milk fat (MF), solids non-fat (SNF) content, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations differed (P<0.05) among treatments. The concentration of cis-C18:1 in the milk of cows fed SSM diets were numerically greater compared with cows fed the control diet. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids in milk of cows fed SSM diets were more than the control diet. Concentrations of C16:0 and saturated fatty acids in MF in the control diet were greater than those achieved for the SSM diets. Regardless of the SSM/SBM ratio, cows fed SSM had more unsaturated fatty acids in milk. Replacing SBM with SSM decreased (P<0.05) concentration of medium (MCFA) and long chain saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased (P<0.05) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Generally, SSM improved milk fatty acids profile, as a health index of human nutrition, but regarding the rate of milk production, 75% substitution of soybean with sesame is appropriate. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - In vitro Effect of the Inorganic Buffers in the Diets of Holstein Dairy Cow Varying in Forage: Concentrate Ratios on the Rumen Acid Load and Methane Emission
S. Fadaee n. دانش مسگران A. VakiliThe present research was conducted aimed at using the approach involving the in vitro tests to evaluate effect by various inorganic buffers used in the diets of Holstein dairy cow on the dietary buffering capacity, ruminal acidogenecity value (AV), methane emission and MoreThe present research was conducted aimed at using the approach involving the in vitro tests to evaluate effect by various inorganic buffers used in the diets of Holstein dairy cow on the dietary buffering capacity, ruminal acidogenecity value (AV), methane emission and assess the relationship between them. The buffers were sodium bicarbonate (SB), sodium sesquicarbonate (SSc), a commercial buffer [BEHINAÒ, (BH)], and potassium carbonate (PC). Basal diets were low forage [30% forage and 70% concentrate, (FC30:70)], mid forage [35% forage and 65% concentrate, (FC35:65)], and high forage [40% forage and 60% concentrate, (FC40:60)]. The buffers were added to the diets in the concentrations of 0.0, 8.0 and 12.0 g/kg dry matter (DM). In vitro pH, AV, and methane emission of the experimental diets were determined using the gas production technique. Results showed that buffering capacity was significantly the highest for the PC, followed by BH, SB, and SSc (143.3, 138.3, 136.6, and 135, respectively). Analysis of the acid load revealed that adding 8 g/kg of DM of SB in the FC40:60 diet led to the lowest AV (9.6 mg Ca g–1 DM). In addition, adding 12 g/kg of DM of BH in the FC30:70 and 8 g/kg of DM of SB in the FC35:65 diet caused the lowest (5.27) and highest (5.43) pH compared to the other treatments, respectively. The FC40:60 diet containing 8 g/kg DM of PC had the lowest level of methane emission (1.01 mL/0.20 g DM). Our findings demonstrated that the rumen acid load and methane emission may alter when the dietary buffering capacities are changed using the inorganic buffers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - Trends in Reproductive Status of Holstein Dairy Herds in Iran
V. Zahedi س. زین الدینی ع.ر. یوسفی H. Baghshahi M. Moradi-Shahrbabak M. Zhandi M. Asad Rad A.A. Fouladi-NashtaThis study was carried out to investigate the trends in the reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows in Iranian commercial dairy herds. The potential effect of year, season, herd, the number of parturitions, and their interaction on reproductive performance trait MoreThis study was carried out to investigate the trends in the reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows in Iranian commercial dairy herds. The potential effect of year, season, herd, the number of parturitions, and their interaction on reproductive performance traits were investigated on 200644 records obtained from six herds from 2007 to 2018. A nonlinearly increasing trend in calving interval (CI; 414±1.7 to 418±0.74 days) and days open (DO; 132±1.48 to 136±0.58 days) were observed. Services per conception (SPC) increased from 1.94 ± 0.03 to 2.59 ± 0.01 in dairy cows but altered in a fluctuating manner in heifers. The number of days from calving to first service (DFS) was decreased (P<0.05) from 79 ± 0.54 to 66 ± 0.24 days. The conception rate (CR) declined in dairy cows (67±0.68 to 58±0.31; P<0.05%), but no difference was observed in heifers (P>0.05). A decreasing trend was also recorded in age at first service (AFS) and age at the first calving (AFC) of heifers over time. Herd, season, and the number of parturitions had a significant effect on reproductive traits. Reproductive performance was higher during winter and spring compared to summer and autumn (P<0.05). Cows with a number of parturitions less than four had the highest reproductive performance (P<0.05). A similar trend is presented in fertility parameters of Holstein dairy cows showing a reduction in reproductive performance in Iranian dairy herds. Although the exact reason(s) beyond these changes are not clear, it may be due to the increment of metabolic and environmental stressors which in turn disturb the biology of reproductive system. Our results are in line with the global decline in fertility of dairy cows and emphasize on need for adopting more efficient strategies to improve reproduction status in Iranian dairy cows, especially during summer and after third parturition. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Effects of Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal with Corn Gluten Meal, Fish Meal, or Their Combination on Dairy Calves’ Performance and Insulin Concentration
S. Avakh M. Khodaei-Motlagh M. Kazemi-BonchenariThe partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different protein sources (corn gluten meal; CGM, and fish meal; FM) was evaluated on the performance, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis, and insulin concentration in Holstein dairy calves. Forty-four Holst MoreThe partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different protein sources (corn gluten meal; CGM, and fish meal; FM) was evaluated on the performance, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis, and insulin concentration in Holstein dairy calves. Forty-four Holstein female calves with average body weight (BW) 42 ± 0.81 kg and 3-d age were allocated in a completely randomized design with four treatments: 1) control diet with soybean meal as a sole protein source (SBM); 2) partial replacement (5%) of SBM with corn gluten meal (CGM); 3) partial replacement (5%) of SBM with fish meal (FM) and 4) replacement of SBM with a combination (2.5% each) of CGM and FM meal (CGM-FM). The study lasted 11 weeks with the weaning date on d-66, though the study lasted until d-80. The statistical analysis was considered as three separate periods including pre-weaning (3-66 d), post-weaning (66-80 d), and the entire period (3-80 d). The results revealed that the starter intake and average daily gain were not affected among experimental treatments (P>0.05). Replacing SBM with a combination of fish meal and corn gluten meal (CGM-FM) caused improved feed efficiency (P<0.05). Among the growth indices, wither height was enhanced in the CGM-FM treatment at weaning time (P<0.05), and in the final stage of recording, a tendency was significant for this trait (P=0.05). The results suggested that the protein digestibility slightly improved in the CGM-FM treatment compared to other treatments (P=0.06); however, it did not affect others. The microbial protein yield did not differ among experimental treatments (P>0.05). The greatest insulin concentration was found to be for CGM-FM among experimental treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that the partial replacement of SBM with the combination of CGM and FM in dairy calves’ starter diet improved the growth performance and contributed to a higher insulin concentration. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Effect of Exogenous Oxytocin Administration on the Performance of Lactating Nili Ravi Buffalo
A. Faraz N.A. Tauqir A. Waheed A. HameedThe objective of the study was to assess the effect of exogenous administration of oxytocin on production, composition and minerals content in milk of Nili Ravi Buffalo. At three lactation phases, milk samples were collected from two groups of eight animals each under c MoreThe objective of the study was to assess the effect of exogenous administration of oxytocin on production, composition and minerals content in milk of Nili Ravi Buffalo. At three lactation phases, milk samples were collected from two groups of eight animals each under controlled atmosphere and feeding conditions. One group was subjected to intramuscular injection of oxytocin (20 IU) and other was kept as control. Significant variations were obtained in milk composition along with lactations phases. Decrease in fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids contents and increase in toal milk was recorded in oxytocin administreted milk. Minerals’ analysis of the milk samples were conducted and it was concluded that lactation stages have significant effect on minerals composition i.e. macro minerals (Na, Cl, K, Ca, Mg and P) and micro mineral (Zn and Cu) in milk. Oxytocin administration showed significant effect on milk minerals during various lactation stages as sodium, chloride and copper contents increased while potassium decreased. It was concluded that indiscriminate use of oxytocin for milk let down considerably influences minerals profile and results in detrimental variations of gross composition of milk. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
11 - Genetic Diversity Analysis of Four Sheep Breeds of Iran: Towards Genetic Maintenance and Conservation Decision
H. Alnajm S. Alijani A. Javanmard S.A. Rafat K. HasanpurThe present study was conducted to measure the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of four Iranian sheep breeds, namely; Ghezel, Makui, Kurdi and Baluchi (utilizing 20 animals per breed from both sexes) using 12 short tandem repeats markers.Our results de MoreThe present study was conducted to measure the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of four Iranian sheep breeds, namely; Ghezel, Makui, Kurdi and Baluchi (utilizing 20 animals per breed from both sexes) using 12 short tandem repeats markers.Our results demonstrated that the observed number of alleles and the median number of effective alleles for the Ghezel Makui, Kurdi, and Baluchi breeds were (50, 48, 44 and 43) and (2.49, 2.46, 2.45 and 2.47), respectively.Also, the mean Shannon Index was 0.982, 0.939, 0.965, and 0.959 values for Ghezel, Makui, Kurdi, and Baluchi breed, respectively.Moreover, the polymorphic information content (PIC) values were ranked from 0.09 (ILSTS011) to 0.75 (TGLA13).Additionally, the average inbreeding coefficient (FIS) was from 0.144 (Kurdi) to 0.306 (Makui).Furthermore, the lowest genetic distance was seen between Makui and Baluchi breeds (0.120), but the highest was between Ghezel and Kurdi breeds (0.884).The outcomes of this research showed the normal ‘L’-shaped distribution of the mode-shift analysis test and the lack of bottleneck in the studied populations.On this basis, we conclude that the investigated Iranian sheep breeds carry reasonable within and between genetic diversity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
12 - The Effect of Age and Location Pattern on the Morphometry of Purebred Redhead Barbary Ewes Reared under Arid Climate
S. Megdiche M. Ben HamoudaTunisian Barbary sheep are well-known for their rusticity and adaptation to harsh environmental conditions, especially, those of the arid climate. Morphometric characteristics of this main breed, although, have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we provid MoreTunisian Barbary sheep are well-known for their rusticity and adaptation to harsh environmental conditions, especially, those of the arid climate. Morphometric characteristics of this main breed, although, have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we provide a morphological characterization, via eight body measures, of 249 ewes, aged from one to nine years, and sampled from farms, belonging to two locations, which have been maintained a purebred nucleus of this breed. Analysis of variance revealed that morphometric traits are partially influenced by age group and location with different significance levels. Ewes reached the full morphological dimension broadly between 4 and 6 years of age, except for the tail part that tends to be longer precociously at 1-2 years of age. Thus, having a longer tail at an early age (<2 years), in the genetic architecture of this fat-tailed breed, could represent a form of adaptation to the arid climate, which is the main hypothesis-driven from the present morphometric analysis. This study provides insights into the morphological peculiarities of purebred Barbary ewes under the particular arid environment and reflects some possible adaptive properties, giving rusticity to this indigenous fat-tailed sheep resource. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
13 - Effect of Wheat Straw and Molasses Supplementation on Quality, Lamb Performance, and Digestibility of Forage Turnip (Brassica rapa) Silage
B. Dogan Das N. DenekThis study was conducted to determine effects of wheat straw (WS) and molasses (M) supplementation on the quality of forage turnip (Brassica rapa) silage, and its feeding effects on lamb performance and nutrient digestibility. In experiment I, forage turnip was ensilage MoreThis study was conducted to determine effects of wheat straw (WS) and molasses (M) supplementation on the quality of forage turnip (Brassica rapa) silage, and its feeding effects on lamb performance and nutrient digestibility. In experiment I, forage turnip was ensilaged with the addition of WS (0%, 7%, 10%, and 15%) and M (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%). Supplementation with M improved the silage quality, fermentation parameters, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy values of the forage turnip silages (P<0.01). In experiment II, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups in terms of final body weight. Total weight gain or daily weight gain from the lamb fed with maize silage (MS) was found to be higher than in the forage turnip + 3% M (FTM) group and forage turnip + 7% WS + 2% M (FTSM) groups (P<0.05). Silage intake of the dry matter MS was higher than in the FTM and FTSM silage groups (P<0.05). Dry and organic matter digestibility of the MS were higher than those of the FTM and FTSM silages, while the crude protein digestibility of the MS was lower than those of the FTM and FTSM silages (P<0.05). The crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility of the FTSM silage was higher than those of the MS and FTM silages (P<005). As a result, forage turnip (Brassica rapa) can be ensiled by adding 7% or 10% WS and 1%, 2%, or 3% M, and it can be a source of an alternative forage for ruminants. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
14 - Effect of Protein Levels and Rumen Protected Glutamine Supplementation on Blood Metabolites, Thyroid Hormones, and Redox Status of Heat Stressed Fattening Lambs
M. Feyz A. Teimouri Yansari Y. Chashnidel E. DirandehHigh ambient temperatures have a negative effect on the production and health of animals. Severe heat stress may lead to changes in the secretion of hypothalamus and pituitary gland hormones, which alter hormonal responses and metabolism. The aim of this study was to de MoreHigh ambient temperatures have a negative effect on the production and health of animals. Severe heat stress may lead to changes in the secretion of hypothalamus and pituitary gland hormones, which alter hormonal responses and metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of protein levels and rumen protected glutamine supplementation on blood metabolites, thyroid hormones concentrations, and redox status of fattening heat stressed lambs. Using sixteen Afshari male lambs (aged 3-4 months) over 45 days, a 2 × 2 factorial were designed to study the effects of two levels of protein (equal and 10% higher than requirement) and glutamine (0.0 and 0.2 g/kg body weight) in four experimental rations. Results showed the glutamine supplementation increased triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations; and conversely decreased aspartate transaminase, non-esterified fatty acids, and cortisol concentrations. Increased protein levels at the beginning of fattening did not affect triiodothyronine, thyroxine, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations. Interaction of glutamine and protein levels significantly decreased cortisol concentrations. Glutamine supplementation increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased nitric oxide. The greater protein levels significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase on day 30, total antioxidant status concentration on day 15 and 45, and increased nitric oxide concentration on day 15 of fattening. It can be concluded that glutamine supplementation improves redox status of heat stressed lambs during the fattening period but increase protein levels alone did not have this effect. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
15 - Effects of Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Powder on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Meat Quality and Humoral Immune Response in Fattening Lambs
M. Vahabzadeh م. چمنی O. Dayani A.A. Sadeghi M.R. MohammadabadiThe use of natural compounds such as herbs and herbal preparations because of their effects on animal health and product quality, is becoming a new goal in livestock production. Therefore, an experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of sweet marjoram on growth per MoreThe use of natural compounds such as herbs and herbal preparations because of their effects on animal health and product quality, is becoming a new goal in livestock production. Therefore, an experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of sweet marjoram on growth performance, rumen fermentation, meat quality and humoral immune response in Kermani lambs. A total of 24 Kermani lambs (27.5±0.450 kg) were distributed randomly into 24 individual cages in 3 experimental groups. The experimental diets consisted of the control and two experimental diet contained 2 and 4 % Origanum majorana leaf (OML) powder. The lambs were weighed and slaughtered after a feeding period of 80 days and meat quality were determined. OML powder had no effects on dry matter intake, but the apparent protein digestibility was higher linearly (P<0.05) for the diets containing OML powder. Live weight gain, final and carcass weight increased (P<0.05) with adding of OML in diet linearly. NH3-N concentration and protozoa population were less (P<0.05) with 2 and 4% OML than control. Fat and total protein linear decreased and increased (P<0.05) respectively in meat by adding of OML powder in diet, and longissimus dorsi of lamb fed OML powder had lower (P<0.05) malonaldehyde and cooking loss than the control diet linearly. The results suggest that OML is useful for improvement ruminal fermentation and is a suitable natural antioxidant in the meat production industry. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
16 - Comparison of the Growth Curve Models on Live Weights in Terms of Different Environmental Factors in Awassi Lambs
H. Hızlı E. YazganIn this study, it was aimed to model the growth curves of Awassi lambs in terms of live weight-age relationships and macro environmental factors such as sex, birth type, year, month, and dam age, as well as to determine a nonlinear model that explains the growth curves MoreIn this study, it was aimed to model the growth curves of Awassi lambs in terms of live weight-age relationships and macro environmental factors such as sex, birth type, year, month, and dam age, as well as to determine a nonlinear model that explains the growth curves better. For this purpose, Gompertz and Logistics were used. The data set of the study comprised of the 3523 Awassi lambs’ live weights obtained at 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 90, and 120th days of age. In order to compare both models, the coefficient of adjusted determination (R2adj) and the mean squared error (MSE) were used as the goodness of fit criteria. For the Gompertz and Logistics models, Gompertz model has the lowest MSE in all of macro environmental factors. While the estimated mean and standard errors of the asymptotic weight (A), the constant of integration (B), and growth rate (k) parameters were found respectively as 54.13 ± 0.59, 2.56 ± 0.008, and 0.01 ± 0.0001 for the Gompertz model, they were found respectively as 37.47 ± 0.18, 7.30 ± 0.03 and 0.03 ± 0.0001 for the Logistic model. For the Gompertz and Logistic models, age at inflection point (AIP), weight at inflection point (WIP) and maximal increment (MI) were found to be 5.55, 19.92, 51.00 and 66.26, 18.74, 68.40, respectively. In addition, correlations between model parameters (rAB, rAk, rBk) were found as 0.86, -0.98, -0.75 and 0.45, -0.91, -0.08 respectively for the Gompertz and Logistics models.The model that better described the growth of Awassi lambs in terms of MSE, AIP, WIP, MI and rAB, rAk, rBk values were found as the Gompertz growth model. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
17 - Fortification of Catalase Improves Post Thaw Fertility of Goat Semen
R. Ranjan P. Singh C. Gangwar S.P. Singh D.K. Swain S.D. KharcheArtificial Insemination (AI) in goats is less developed compared to the large animals due to the lack of suitable protocol of goat semen freezing and AI in India. The AI plays a pivotal role in the long-term ex-situ in vitro conservation of threatened breeds, increased MoreArtificial Insemination (AI) in goats is less developed compared to the large animals due to the lack of suitable protocol of goat semen freezing and AI in India. The AI plays a pivotal role in the long-term ex-situ in vitro conservation of threatened breeds, increased productivity, and performance of a large number of non-descript and low potential goats. The objective of the present study was to enhance the life and fertility potential of cryopreserved semen and consequently the conception rate through frozen semen AI by the addition of catalase in an extender. Ejaculates (30) were collected and were extended with tris-citric acid-fructose diluent. Catalases were added in diluent (0 IU/mL, 200 IU/mL, 400 IU/mL, 600 IU/mL, 800 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL). Analysis of data using SPSS 16 revealed that motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were counted differed significantly (P<0.05) at different concentrations of catalase. The post-thaw motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) highest in 800 U/mL of catalase used in the present study. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also significantly highest (P<0.05) in frozen semen in 800 IU/mL catalase. Goats (20) were inseminated with frozen semen straw of 800 IU/mL catalase and 8 goats (40%) were pregnant. The conception rate in the control group was 35%. Our study suggested that the addition of catalase reduced the detrimental effects of freezing on motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity and can be used for routine semen freezing and AI. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
18 - Effects of in ovo Injection of Nano Zinc Oxide on the Hatchability, Immunity and Antioxidant Responses, and Relative Gene Expressions of Interleukin 2 and 12 in Broiler Chickens
J. Palouj M. Kazemi-Fard M. Rezaei Z. Ansari-PiresaraeiThis experiment was conducted to examine the effects of in ovo injection of nano zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO) on hatchability, immunity responses, and performance in broiler chickens. A total of 432 fertilized eggs (Ross 308) were assigned to a completely randomized design wit MoreThis experiment was conducted to examine the effects of in ovo injection of nano zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO) on hatchability, immunity responses, and performance in broiler chickens. A total of 432 fertilized eggs (Ross 308) were assigned to a completely randomized design with four treatments by four replications and 27 eggs in each replicate. Treatments included: 1) negative control (no injection), 2) positive control- no treatments with injection of solutions (20 µL saline), 3) 20 µL of Nano-ZnO (0.5 mg of Nano-ZnO in 50 mL saline), and 4) 20 µL of Nano-ZnO (0.6 mg of Nano-ZnO in 50 mL saline). Results showed that hatchability (P=0.002) and weight of hatched chicks (P=0.0001) decreased in treatments two and three compared to negative control. However, embryonic mortality were increased in early (≤7 d) and late (17-21 d) stages in comparison with the negative control (P=0.008). Fourteen days after vaccination, antibody titers of avian Influenza (P=0.025) and Newcastle (P=0.002) disease were increased in chickens that received Nano-ZnO compared to control groups. Relative gene expression levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (P=0.002) and 12 (P<0.05) were greater in treatment 3 compared to other treatments. Although in ovo injection of Nano-ZnO reduced hatchability at first glance, this was the result of injection, but it did not reduce the hatchability and chickens’ weight compared to positive control. In ovo injection of Nano-ZnO increased embryonic mortality, and improved humoral and cellular immune responses and weight of the spleen, which indicates the positive effects of injections and confirms the hypothesis of the study. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
19 - Body Weight Prediction of Dromedary Camels Using the Machine Learning Models
N. Asadzadeh M. Bitaraf Sani E. Shams Davodly J. Zare Harofte M. Khojestehkey S. Abbaasi A. Shafie NaderiThe study aimed to compare the accuracy of seven Machine Learning methods for estimating the weight of dromedary camels, during birth-240 day of age, using the body measurements. With this mind, in overall, 458 records, including body weight and also 12 biometric linear MoreThe study aimed to compare the accuracy of seven Machine Learning methods for estimating the weight of dromedary camels, during birth-240 day of age, using the body measurements. With this mind, in overall, 458 records, including body weight and also 12 biometric linear measurements collected from dromedary camels at different stage of life, were used. The seven machine learning methods, including bayesian regularized neural network (BRNN), extreme learning (EL), random forest (RF), support vector machine with linear kernel (LSVM), polynomial kernel (PNLSVM), and radial basis kernel (RNLSVM) and linear regression (LR) were compared to estimate the body weight of camels. The performance of the models was evaluated based on mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, R-squared, mean squared error, and root mean squared error. A 10 repeated 10-fold cross-validation was used to check the stability of the models and averaged the results. Except the tail length, abdomen width, and abdomen to hump height, most predictors had good correlation (r>0.7) with body weight. Among predictive variables, the highest correlation was 0.96 between heights at whither and height at hump, as well as abdomen width and abdomen to hump height (P<0.01). The accuracy of seven machine learning methods, including BRNN, EL, RF, LSVM, PNLSVM, RNLSVM and LR were 94.93, 93.22, 94.61, 93.2, 95.43, 94.93 and 93.15, respectively. As final conclusion, the outputs of this report showed that, although all compared models had an acceptable and high performance in predicting the weight based on height of camels, However, the PNLSVM can be suggested candidate model due to expressing the higher accuracy than the others considering all studied criteria. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
20 - Generic Zilpaterol Sources Affect Similarly the Meat Quality of Hairy Lambs When Compared with Patent Zilpaterol
O. Carrillo-Muro A. Rivera-Villegas B.I. Castro-Pérez J.D. Urías-Estrada C. Angulo-Montoya P. Hernández-Briano A. Plascencia A. Barreras A. Estrada-AnguloTwenty-four Pelibuey × Katahdin (46.7±2.4 kg initial shrunk weight) crossbred intact male lambs were used in a 33-d growth-performance experiment order to compared two sources of generic zilpaterol vs. patent zilpaterol on five variables of meat quality (wa MoreTwenty-four Pelibuey × Katahdin (46.7±2.4 kg initial shrunk weight) crossbred intact male lambs were used in a 33-d growth-performance experiment order to compared two sources of generic zilpaterol vs. patent zilpaterol on five variables of meat quality (water holding capacity, color, purge loss, cook loss, and shear force) shear force) of lambs finished with a high-energy diet. Dietary treatments consisted of a corn-based finishing diet (13.3% crude protein and 2.11 Mcal of net energy for maintenance/kg dry matter) supplemented with no zilpaterol (control) or supplemented with the label dosage (125 mg of product/kg diet, as-fed basis) with patent brand zilpaterol [Zilmax® (ZIL)] or with two generic ZH sources [Grofactor® (GRO) or Zipamix® (ZIPA)]. Weight at slaughter was 50.93, 54.55, 54.20, and 54.50 kg for control, ZIL, GRO, and ZIPA, respectively. The average intake of zilpaterol was 0.16 mg ZH/kg live weight. There were no differences between zilpaterol sources on meat quality variables evaluated. Compared to controls, zilpaterol supplementation did not appreciably affect color, water-holding capacity, and drip loss. However, supplemental zilpaterol averaged an increased 36% shear force (4.11 vs. 2.63). It is concluded that the generic zilpaterol sources tested in the present experiment affect similarly the meat quality of hairy lambs fed a high-energy diet than patent brand zilpaterol. Zilpaterol affected mainly the tenderness of the meat. Manuscript profile
-
The rights to this website are owned by the Raimag Press Management System.
Copyright © 2021-2024