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Open Access Article
1 - Herbs and Herbal Supplements, a Novel Nutritional Approach in Animal Nutrition
ن. بهاتLivestock are an integral part of the agriculture sector and encompass a great impact on the national economy. An eco-friendly alternative to enhance production, prevent and treat disease conditions of animal is a great challenge for animal nutritionists. Keeping farm a MoreLivestock are an integral part of the agriculture sector and encompass a great impact on the national economy. An eco-friendly alternative to enhance production, prevent and treat disease conditions of animal is a great challenge for animal nutritionists. Keeping farm animals healthy is necessary to obtain healthy animal products. The use of naturally occurring compounds like herbs, herbal preparations and other botanicals are preferred over chemical compounds for enhancement of overall animal health and to satisfy consumer concerns as well. As herbal feed additives may be used drug (finely divided dry medicinal herbal raw materials), herbal extracts or herbal isolate (e.g. essential oil). Herbal drug is a whole or cut up, dry (occasionally raw) part of a plant, algae, fungi or lichen which is used for its medicinal properties. Herbs enhance and add flavors in animal feed and can therefore influence eating patterns, secretion of digestive fluids and total feed intake. The primary site of activity is the digestive tract. Due to the wide variety of active components, different herbs and spices affect digestion processes differently. Herbs, spices and their mixtures are also recognized as anti-inflammatory agents, and also act as antioxidants. Several in-vitro experiments have proved certain plant extract exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against Gram− and Gram+ bacteria. Herbs and their preparation have an affirmative impact on feed intake, growth, meat, milkand egg production. They also have known to enhance the quality and stability of animal products. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - The Metabolic Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA) in Chickens: A Review
م. رویان ب. نویدشادConjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are natural constituents of meat and dairy products from ruminants, originating from bacterial biohydrogenation in the rumen. CLA supplementation increases the health benefits of animal-derived foods. There are inconsistent reports of the MoreConjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are natural constituents of meat and dairy products from ruminants, originating from bacterial biohydrogenation in the rumen. CLA supplementation increases the health benefits of animal-derived foods. There are inconsistent reports of the effects of dietary CLA on chicken’s performance; however, the majority of previous reports cite anti-lipogenic effects of CLA. Diets could be formulated to increase n-3 fatty acid (FA) concentration in chicken meat by feeding n-3 FAs as a replacement for n-6 FA rich ingredients. Off-flavors and the chances of oxidative deterioration during storage of meat have been attributed to highn-3 FA levels in poultry diets. An approach to increase the n-3 FA content and decrease the n-6/n-3 FAs ratio in meat, using conjugated linoleic acid in diets, has been suggested. This review deals with the main topics of CLA metabolic effects in chickens. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Utilization of Urea and Urease Treated Rice Straw by Indigenous Growing Cattle
آ. اکتر م. اسدوزمان م.م. حسین ال. اسدThe experiment was conducted to study the effect of treatment of rice straw with urea and a urease containing midden soil on the chemical composition of treated rice straw, feed intake of the animals, nutrients digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency MoreThe experiment was conducted to study the effect of treatment of rice straw with urea and a urease containing midden soil on the chemical composition of treated rice straw, feed intake of the animals, nutrients digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and overall economy of feeding for a period of 105 days. Twelve indigenous growing cattle (live weight 130.00±1.67 kg) were selected and divided into four groups having three animals in each group. The animals received 3.0% urea + 2.0% midden soil treated rice straw (group A), 3.0% urea + 3.0% midden soil treated rice straw (group B), 3.0% urea + 4.0% midden soil treated rice straw (group C) and 3.0% urea + 5.0% midden soil treated rice straw (group D). In addition, all the animals were supplied with 2 kg green grass, 450 g concentrate mixture and 40 g salt per 100 kg body weight. Treatment of rice straw with 3.0% urea+ 2.0% midden soil lead to an increase in crude protein content from 3.30 to 7.08%, which was further increased by 7.40, 7.90 and 8.14% if treated with 3.0% urea + 3.0% midden soil, 3.0% urea + 4.0% midden soil and 3.0% urea + 5.0% midden soil, respectively. The total live weight gain by the end of the experimental period (105 days) was 39.00, 42.50, 46.50 and 49.00 kg for groups A, B, C and D respectively. The addition of 5.0% midden soil as a urease source with 3.0% urea (D) treated rice straw not only significantly (P<0.01) increased the coefficient of digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extracts (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE), but also significantly (P<0.05) increased the coefficient of digestibility of (OM) compared to treatment of rice straw with 3.0% urea + 4.0% midden soil (C), 3.0% urea + 3.0% midden soil (B) or 3.0% urea + 2.0% midden soil (A). Digestible organic matter (DOM), digestible crude protein (DCP), digestible crude fibre (DCF), digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents were significantly (P<0.01) higher in diet D, compared to diets A, B and C. Total profit of meat production in group D was significantly higher (P<0.01) than in groups A, B and C. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Effect of Processing Protein Supplements with Tannin Extracted from Pistachio by-Products on Performance of Holstein Dairy Cows in Early Lactation
م. شریفی ع.ع. ناصرانی ع.م. طهماسبی ر. ولیزادهThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of processing protein meals by tannin extracted from pistachio by-product on apparent total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation and performance of dairy cows. For tannin extraction, one kilogram of sun-dried pi MoreThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of processing protein meals by tannin extracted from pistachio by-product on apparent total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation and performance of dairy cows. For tannin extraction, one kilogram of sun-dried pistachio by-products was immersed in four liters of water for 48 h. Then, pistachio by-products were removed from the water and the extract obtained was sprayed on protein supplements (canola meal and soybean meal) with an equal ratio of 1:1 (L/kg) and was dried in the shade. Eight nulliparous Holstein dairy cows with 27 ± 49days in milk(DIM) and milk production of 38 ± 4 kg/d were used in the form of a replicated Latin square (4×4) design. The experiment was performed in four 21-day periods consisting of 14 days for adaptation and 7 days for recording. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) ration based on soybean meal, 2) ration based on soybean meal processed with the extracted tannin by water-extracted tannin from pistachio by-product, 3) ration based on canola meal and 4) ration based on canola meal processed with water-extracted tannin from pistachio by-product. Spraying extracted tannin on protein supplement increase concentration by 370 and 246% in soybean meal and canola meal, respectively. Intake of dry matter (DM) and total tract apparent digestibility were not affected by treatments. Although daily milk production (kg/d) and milk protein percentage were not affected by treatments, cows fed tannins produced more milk and milk protein. Tannins decreased rumen ammonia concentration only in the canola diets. Soybean treatment had the highest and processed canola treatment with tannin had the lowest rates of ammonia nitrogen in the rumen. Treated protein supplements with tannins decreased ruminal pH, soybean treatments showed the highest and processed canola treatment had the lowest pH rates with tannin. Although blood urea nitrogen was not affected by the treatments, processing the rations with tannin reduced blood urea nitrogen linearly however; other blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. Results of this study show that under our experimental conditions, processing protein supplements with tannin had no negative effect on animals, Further experiments should be done in this regard and on the rations containing higher levels of tannin. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - In vitro Maturation and Fertilization of Buffalo Oocytes Cultured in Media Supplemented with Bovine Serum Albumin
آ.ان.ام.ای. رحمان ام.آ.ام.ی. خاندوکر ال. اسد اس. ساها ر.س. پاوول اس. دبناسThe aim of this study was to determine the quality of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) and the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) supplementation on in vitro maturation and fertilization rate of buffalo oocytes. COCs were collected from slaughterhouse buffalo ovaries MoreThe aim of this study was to determine the quality of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) and the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) supplementation on in vitro maturation and fertilization rate of buffalo oocytes. COCs were collected from slaughterhouse buffalo ovaries by aspiration method. Only normal grades COCs were matured for 48 hours in TCM-199 media. Two groups were created: one for the maturation medium supplemented with 5% of BSA, the other without supplementation (control). Matured oocyte fertilized with capacitated frozen-thawed semen in Brackett and Oliphant (BO) medium for 5 hours, in an incubator at 38.5 °C with 5% CO2 underhumidified air. A significantly higher number of normal quality COCs per ovary (P<0.05) were obtained from ovaries devoid of corpus luteum (CL) compared to ovaries having CL (1.84 vs. 0.81) respectively. The percentage of oocytes reaching Metaphase-II (M-II) stages was 58.07±2.08 and 68.10±0.75% for control and 5% level of BSA respectively. The fertility level was assessed by pronuclei formation: the normal fertilization rate (2PN) obtained was 19.63±3.11 and 29.52±1.98% for control and BSA supplementation respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in maturation (M-II) and fertilization (2PN) rate of buffalo oocyte by adding 5% level of BSA supplementation in culture media. Thus, data gathered in this study showed that 5% BSA supplementation in both maturation and fertilization media can be used for enhance the maturation and fertilization rate of buffalo oocytes, as well as to improve the grade of collected buffalo COCs. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - A New Idea in Animal Science: The First Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model in Selection of the Best Dairy Cow
س. علیتنه ح. نعیمی پور م. گل شیخیThe final goal of all dairy cow raising systems in the world is to use the available capacities and the cooperation of other sectors in order to solve the problems and issues, such as the limitations in time, man power and financial resources, for providing a complete a MoreThe final goal of all dairy cow raising systems in the world is to use the available capacities and the cooperation of other sectors in order to solve the problems and issues, such as the limitations in time, man power and financial resources, for providing a complete answer. Therefore, the need for optimization of cow raising systems by prioritization of measures and plans is the most obvious challenge before experts and farmers working in the field of raising dairy cow. This paper is focused on introduction and analysis of the AHP as one of the renowned methods of multiple criteria decision making for the prioritization of selection of dairy cow. The present paper has for the first time in the world used the AHP approach and Expert Choice11.1 software to animal of production.Using expert opinions in the present study, the selection of the best dairy cow from among the 10 Holstein cows being studied was done according to priorities.The dairy cows tested in this study were all 4 years old and had completed 2 full parities of milking of 305 days. They were in the third parity period. At the end, dynamic and sensitivity analysis was performed to clarify the final sensitivity of the decision in the judgments. Based on produced results for criteria such as milk production rate, % of milk fat, % of milk protein, milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and animal body weight (kg) respectively, with priority vectors of 0.437, 0.234, 0.134, 0.090 and 0.104 were known the priorities needed by the experts. Afterwards, data was collected by questionnaires analyzed by the Expert Choice 11.1 software (Expert Choice Inc., 1986). The best dairy cow defined according to high milk production rate, suitable fat content, protein content, milk somatic cell counts and body weight. Then, by AHP were calculated priority vectors of the dairy cows: A (0.099), B (0.101), C (0.098), D (0.096), E (0.095), F (0.102), G (0.120), H (0.73), I (0.107), J (0.109). Therefore, by recording and Delphi methods and also, according to traits priority vectors, was selected dairy cow G as the best cow in the study.So the AHPwill be very useful in future in animal science. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Formulation of Least-Cost Dairy Ration for Small-Scale Dairy Farms Using ‘Solver Add-Ins’ in Microsoft Excel
م.ای. حسین جی .ب. داس م.آ. اکبرSmall-scale dairy farming in Bangladesh is constrained mostly due to acute shortage, high price and seasonal fluctuation of energy and protein supplements. Poor economic conditions of dairy farmers do not allow them to purchase adequate conventional energy and protein s MoreSmall-scale dairy farming in Bangladesh is constrained mostly due to acute shortage, high price and seasonal fluctuation of energy and protein supplements. Poor economic conditions of dairy farmers do not allow them to purchase adequate conventional energy and protein supplements. Locally available non-conventional energy and protein sources can be used as alternatives, cheaper than conventional energy and protein sources. Non-conventional feedstuffs are deficient in certain macro and micro nutrients. As a result, formulation of a least-cost balanced ration using non-conventional feedstuffs is a major challenge for marginal farmers. The current study presents a least-cost formulation plan for the small-scale dairy farmers using locally available low-cost non-conventional feedstuffs. A simple Microsoft Excel program with ‘Solver Add-ins’ has been used to formulate least-cost rations for crossbred and indigenous dairy cows. The step by step logical procedure ensured that the ration was balanced for most of the key nutrients, was least-cost and gave the user significant control over the formulation process. Incorporation of multipurpose low cost neglected forages such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), helencha (Enhydra fluctuans), ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and their subsequent effect on cost minimization is discussed. This formulation method may be recommended for use by small-scale dairy farmers as well as livestock extension workers who wish to formulate least-cost dairy rations using locally available feed sources to optimize the feeding of dairy animals at farm level. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - Prevalence and Risk Factors of Subclinical Mastitis in Iranian Holstein Cows
س. نقشینه س.ع. رافت ج. شجاع غ.ع. مقدم م. ابراهیمیThe present study aimed to estimate the effects of parity, calving season and year of calving on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows. A total of 2682 records from 869 Holstein cows in a large dairy farm (Azarbaijan province, Iran), respecting the per MoreThe present study aimed to estimate the effects of parity, calving season and year of calving on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows. A total of 2682 records from 869 Holstein cows in a large dairy farm (Azarbaijan province, Iran), respecting the period from 2006 to 2009, were collected. Data was analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS software by MIVQUE method. Subclinical mastitis was also studied based on three differentmodels including: 1) considering each udder quarter as a separate unit (Udder quarter model), 2) considering all the four udder quarters of a cow as one overall unit (Subclinm model) and 3) considering the sum of positive subclinical mastitis scores in all udder quarters of an animal (Episode model). Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was based on California Mastitis Test. Results showed that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was20.83%. The prevalence of cows with only one udder quarter affected by subclinical mastitis was 23.71%. Parity and year of calving significantly affected the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (P>0.001). Older cows with higher parity number had increased prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Therefore, the highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed in cows having number of parities between 5and 11. The lowest subclinical mastitis prevalence (using three mastitis models) was recorded in 2010, whilst its highest prevalence was observed in 2008. Season of calving also significantly influenced subclinical mastitis prevalence (P<0.05): cows calving in autumn had higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than those calving in the other seasons. Concluding, data from the present study demonstrated thatparity, calving season and year of calving influenced the prevalence of subclinical mastitis on the three mentioned models. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Association of PIT1 Gene with Milk Fat Percentage in Holstein Cattle
ز. ابراهیمی حسینزاده م.ر. محمدآبادی ع. اسمعیلیزاده الف خضری ع. نجمی نوریThe pituitary-specific transcription factor (PIT1) gene is responsible for pituitary development and hormone secreting gene expression in mammals. PIT-1 is studied as a candidate genetic marker for growth, carcass and also for milk yield traits. In dairy farm animals, t MoreThe pituitary-specific transcription factor (PIT1) gene is responsible for pituitary development and hormone secreting gene expression in mammals. PIT-1 is studied as a candidate genetic marker for growth, carcass and also for milk yield traits. In dairy farm animals, the principal goal of the selection is the improvement of milk yield and composition. The genes of milk proteins and hormones are excellent candidate genes for linkage analysis with quantitative trait loci (QTL) because of their biological significance on the quantitative traits of interest. Thus, in this study association between polymorphism of the pituitary transcription factor 1 (PIT1) gene and milk fat percentage of Holstein cattle in Khorasan Razavi province of Iran were analyzed. A total of 100 dairy cows from a herd containing 1000 animals were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood. One pair primers were used for amplification of PIT1 gene and PCR products were electrophoresed on 1% agarose gel. Then, PCR products were digested with HinfI restriction enzyme. Results were analyzed using PopGene software and allele frequencies A and B were 0.25 and 0.75, respectively. Frequencies of AA, AB and BB genotypes, number of observed alleles, number of effective alleles, expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, mean of heterozygosity, expected hemozygosity, observed hemozygosity, Nei’s index and Shanon’s index were 6, 40 and 54%, 2, 1.6, 0.37, 0.40, 0.37, 0.62, 0.59, 0.37 and 0.56, respectively. Results of k-square shown that population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. SAS software with GLM procedure was used for calculation of association between milk fat percentage and observed genotypes and results indicated that the effect of genotype on fat percentage was significant (P<0.01) and AB genotype had the highest effect on milk fat percentage. These results imply that the PIT1 genotypes affected milk fat percentage, suggesting that this polymorphism can be used as a molecular marker for this trait. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Effects of Supplementing Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Seed Hulls and Commercial Concentrate on Grazing Weanling Boer-Goats
جی.کا. متهتهو م. لتسو اس.اس. رامابو کا. تشیرلتسوThe objective of the study was to evaluate chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and growth performance of weanling Boer-goats supplemented with cowpea seed hulls (CSH) and commercial concentrate / feed (CF) with natural pasture as basal diet. MoreThe objective of the study was to evaluate chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and growth performance of weanling Boer-goats supplemented with cowpea seed hulls (CSH) and commercial concentrate / feed (CF) with natural pasture as basal diet. Weanling Boer-goats (n=36) were assigned to 3 treatments comprising of 4 animals each (2 bucklings and 2 females) replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) matrix. The goats aged between 12 and 18 months with initial body mass ranging from 17.5 - 38 kg (Mean±SD; 26.32±6.36). They were fed in a 42 d period as follows: diet 1 was the non-supplemented natural browse / pasture (control), diet 2 was the natural browse/pasture supplemented with commercial concentrate and diet 3 was the natural browse / pasture supplemented with cowpea seed hulls. Each of the supplemented diets was fed at the rate of 300 g per goat per day at 08:30 a.m. before goats could be released to graze/browse on the natural pasture within the paddock. Goats that grazed / browsed natural pasture alone (control) lost average weight of 1.12 kg, while goats that grazed / browsed natural pasture and supplemented with commercial concentrate gained 4.74 kg. Lastly, goats on basal diet and supplemented with cowpea seed hulls had average weight gain of 0.58 kg. Cowpea seed hulls can provide adequate protein and energy levels to sustain goat production during the extended dry season. The weight gain maintained during the dry season could easily upsurge when the conditions normalize after the first rains, hence early conception rate of goats. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
11 - The Optimum Energy Density in Diets for Lori-Bakhtiari Lambs during a Fattening Program
م. کاظمی بن چناری م.ر. جوانمرد م. اسلامیزادForty growing ram lambs (Lori-Bakhtiari breed) averaging 28 kg (±1.5) were allocated in this study to evaluate the optimal dietary energy density in a lamb fattening enterprise in Iran. The feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), gain to feed ratio (G:F) and carcass MoreForty growing ram lambs (Lori-Bakhtiari breed) averaging 28 kg (±1.5) were allocated in this study to evaluate the optimal dietary energy density in a lamb fattening enterprise in Iran. The feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), gain to feed ratio (G:F) and carcass characteristics were studied. Four treatments differed in metabolizable energy content (ME) as follow; 2, 2.3, 2.6 and 2.9 Mcal/kg for treatments 1 to 4, respectively. The study lasted 120 days and all the experimental lambs were slaughtered and carcass composition was compared among treatments. Average daily gains were 230, 252, 267 and 259 g/d for treatments 1 to 4, respectively (P<0.01). Moreover, lower energy density resulted in up to 19% greater FI (P<0.01) and higher F:G ratio (P<0.01) and therefore lower carcass growth efficiency (P<0.05). Higher energy density improved G:F ratio; but caused fatter carcasses compared to lower dietary energy levels. In addition to fatter carcasses for higher energy diets, the greatest tail-fat weight was observed for treatment 4 (2.9 Mcal/kg) and may explain the lower feed efficiency in this treatment. The values for lean mass weights were 12.7, 14.1, 14.7 and 12.7 kg for treatments 1 to 4, respectively. Overall, the best carcass efficiency was found with treatment 3. Based on these results, energy density of 2.6 Mcal/kg may be recommended for growing Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs in a fattening enterprise under the conditions of this trial. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
12 - Determination of Nutritive Value of Poa trivialis Using in vitro Methods, Gas Production and Nylon Bag
ف. میرزائی آقجه قشلاق ا. قربانی ع. مهدوی ب. نویدشاد س. کرامتی جبهدارThis study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, metabolizable energy, digestibility and ability of gas production of Poa trivialis. Samples was collected at three phenological stages including: vegetative growth, flowering and seedling on two different e MoreThis study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, metabolizable energy, digestibility and ability of gas production of Poa trivialis. Samples was collected at three phenological stages including: vegetative growth, flowering and seedling on two different elevations of 1300 to 1500 m and 2000 to 1800 m asl in Neor and Hir region as the first and second sites, respectively. Testing of gas production was performed using Semi-automatic gas producers machine WT-Binder 87532 Model (made in Germany). Fistulated castrated male sheeps were used for preparation of required rumen fluid. Results show that more crude protein and less cell wall were in the vegetative growth stage. Gas production was higher in the first stage in comparison with other growing stages. The amounts of gas production of soluble and insoluble structures at the first and second sites were 75.63 and 81.50 mL, respectively. Metabolizabe energy of Poa triviali was2.38 in the first site and in the second site 2.48 Mcal/kg DM in the vegetative growth stage. Collected samples from the second site had more metabolizabe energy, digestibility, degradability and gas production in comparison with the results of the first site. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
13 - Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and Asparagus Root (Asparagus officinalis) Effects on Digestion and Kinetics of Gas Production of Alfalfa Hay Using in vitro Technique
و. ناصری ف. کفیلزاده ف. هژبریThe aim of this paper was to study of the effect of fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and asparagus root (Asparagus officinalis) on in vitro digestibility and kinetics of gas production of alfalfa hay. Fenugreek seed (FS) and asparagus root (AR) were added at d MoreThe aim of this paper was to study of the effect of fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and asparagus root (Asparagus officinalis) on in vitro digestibility and kinetics of gas production of alfalfa hay. Fenugreek seed (FS) and asparagus root (AR) were added at different levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of DM). Total phenolic components of alfalfa hay (AH), fenugreek seed (FS) and asparagus root (AR) were 5.9, 10 and 8.3 g/kg DM, total tannins 0.4, 3.8 and 1.5 g/kg DM and saponin 10.4, 27.3 and 40.3 g/kg DM, respectively. In vitro dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility of alfalfa decreased (P<0.05) by addition of different levels of FS, but were not affected by adding AR. Addition of FS did not affect alfalfa crude protein (CP) digestibility, but AR at levels of 5 and 20% DM decreased (P<0.05) it. Metabolizable energy (ME) increased (P<0.05) due to addition of FS, but it decreased (P<0.05) by incorporation of AR. Addition of FS (at 10% DM level) and AR (at 5% DM level) decreased (P<0.05) potential gas production. The rate constants (c and d) were not affected by addition of FS and AR. FS and AR at level of 5% DM decreased (P<0.05) lag time (l). FS did not affect fermentation rate (h-1), but AR at level of 10% DM increased (P<0.05) it. Results suggest that fenugreek seed and asparagus root due to secondary metabolites content's may have potential to improve the nutritive value of alfalfa hay Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
14 - In vitro Evaluation of Different Substitution Levels of Soybean Meal by Guar Meal in a Fattening Diet for Lambs
ن. سلیمانی م. ملکی ح. علیعربی پ. زمانی م. دهقان-بنادکیThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the replacement effect of soybean meal (SBM) at different levels (0 as D1, 33 as D2, 67 as D3 and 100% as D4 based on crude protein (CP) content) by guar meal (GM) on ruminal gas production kinetics, ruminal digestibility and MoreThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the replacement effect of soybean meal (SBM) at different levels (0 as D1, 33 as D2, 67 as D3 and 100% as D4 based on crude protein (CP) content) by guar meal (GM) on ruminal gas production kinetics, ruminal digestibility and fermentation characteristics of a fattening diet for lambs. Three experiments were conducted. The first experiment of 144-h incubations was aimed to determine comparatively the gas production kinetics of SBM and GM. The gas production kinetics and the ruminal digestibility and fermentation of the fattening diet, containing different proportions of SBM and GM, were also studied by the incubations of 144-h and 24-h in the second and last experiments, respectively. The results of the first kinetic experiment indicated a higher asymptote of gas production (a), half time to asymptote of gas production (T1/2) and metabolizable energy (ME) and a lower fractional rate of gas production (µ) for SBM than GM (P <0.001). Replacing SBM with GM had no effect on gas production kinetics of the fattening diet at any substitution levels in the second kinetic experiment (P>0.05). However, the gas produced after 24-h of incubation (GP24), in vitro true dry mater degradability (IVTDMD), in vitro true organic matter degradability (IVTOMD), partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration increased with D2 compared to D1 and D3 in the last experiment. The ammonia concentration decreased with D2 and D3 compared to D4 (P<0.05), nevertheless, the ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) pattern was not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). These results demonstrated that the protein from SBM might been replaced by that from GM in fattening diets for lambs at the levels up to 67%, but the 33% substitution is recommended because of its beneficial effects on ruminal digestibility and fermentation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
15 - Relationship of Dietary Fat Sources with Semen Characteristics, Blood Plasma Metabolites and Scrotal Circumference in Mature Rams
آ. رادمنش ح. درمانی کوهی آ. ریاسیThe hypothesis of this experiment was that the various sources of dietary fat with different dietary ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFAs) would alter the reproduction parameters of mature rams. Twelve mature rams were randomly al MoreThe hypothesis of this experiment was that the various sources of dietary fat with different dietary ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFAs) would alter the reproduction parameters of mature rams. Twelve mature rams were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were: 1) ration with 4% soybean oil (SOY-OIL), 2) ration with 8% full fat soybean (FULL-FAT), 3) ration with 4% calcium salts of soybean oil (Ca-SALT) and 4) ration with 4% tallow (TALL). All diets were kept isoenergetic and isonitrogenous and formulated to be similar in Ca and P contents, while meeting or exceeding the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System software requirements for the rams used in this study. Diets were supplied to the rams during four months (from August to late December). Semen characteristics, scrotal circumference, and concentrations of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein(LDL), high-density lipoprotein(HDL), triglyceride and testosterone of plasma were measured at the end of the experimental period. Based on the results of this study, diets supplemented with Ca-SALT and TALL improved the health of plasma membrane, viability and sperm concentration (P<0.05). Rams supplemented with Ca-SALT had also greater volume of semen and total sperm count in ejaculate (P<0.05) which are two important factors determining the sperm quality. There was no beneficial effect for different treatments based on spermatozoa motility (P>0.05). Blood concentrations of cholesterol, LDL and HDL of rams supplemented with Ca-SALT were significantly higher than the other treatments. Concentrations of triglyceride, testosterone and scrotal circumference were not affected by the experimental treatments (P>0.05). As an overall conclusion, the results of this study have indicated the benefits for adding Ca-SALT to the diets of adult rams on their reproductive performance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
16 - B and T-Cell Epitope Prediction of the OMP25 Antigen for Developing Brucella melitensis Vaccines for Sheep
س. یوسفی م. طهمورثپور م.ه. سخاوتیBrucellosis, produced by Brucella species, is a disease that causes severe economic losses for livestock farms worldwide Due to serious economic and medical consequences of this disease, many efforts have been made to prevent the infection through the use of recombinant MoreBrucellosis, produced by Brucella species, is a disease that causes severe economic losses for livestock farms worldwide Due to serious economic and medical consequences of this disease, many efforts have been made to prevent the infection through the use of recombinant vaccines based on Brucella outer membrane protein (OMP) antigens. In the present study, a wide range of on-line prediction software was used to predict B and T-cells epitopes, secondary and tertiary structure and antigenicity OMP25 antigens. The bioinformatics approach used in the present study was validated by comparing its results with four available experimental epitope predictions. Bioinformatics analysis identified B-cell epitopes locations at amino acid (AA) residues 26-44, 59-79, 88-112, 146-166 and 175-202l and T-cell epitopes at AA residues 1-10, 14-22, 122-132, 154-162 and 206-213. All final B and T-cell predicted epitopes, except 1-10 and 14-22 residuals, showed antigenicity ability. Finally, a common B and T-cell epitope was identified at 154-162 of the OMP25 antigen. Bioinformatics analysis showed that this region has proper epitope characterization and so may be useful for producing recombinant vaccine. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
17 - Estimation of Body Weight from Heart Girth in Sardi and Timahdite Sheep Using Different Models
آی. بوجنانه اس. هلهالیThe objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body weight (BW) and heart girth (HG) in Sardi and Timahdite sheep in order to develop a prediction equation of BW from HG. The data used for this study included 476 records on BW and HG (227 in Sardi MoreThe objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body weight (BW) and heart girth (HG) in Sardi and Timahdite sheep in order to develop a prediction equation of BW from HG. The data used for this study included 476 records on BW and HG (227 in Sardi and 249 in Timahdite) collected on males and females of different ages in 33 private farms. The BW and the HG averaged 34.8 ± 21.2 kg and 74.0 ± 16.3 cm, respectively in Sardi and 39.2 ± 22.7 kg and 78.4 ± 16.4 cm, respectively in Timahdite. Correlation coefficients between BW and HG were 0.958 in Sardi and 0.944 in Timahdite indicating a strong relationship between the two variables. Six predictive models for BW were fitted to the data; simple linear regression, polynomial quadratic and cubic regressions and three non-linear regressions (Gompertz, allometric and Mitscherlich). These models were used for the pooled data (regardless of breed and sex), separately for all the animals of a breed regardless of sex (breed-specific) and separately for males and females irrespective of breed (sex-specific). To determine the best fitted regression model, coefficient of determination (R2 or Pseudo-R2), residual mean square (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used. The six models fitted the dataset well since their R2 or Pseudo- R2 varied from 0.892 to 0.969. Nevertheless, based on the previous selection criteria, it seemed that the polynomial cubic model was the best and the allometric model should be discarded. Extreme observations of the three best models were checked using studentized residuals and an absolute value greater than two standard deviations implies considerable deviation. Once the outliers discarded, the best models were run on the clean dataset and compared. Thus, for the pooled data, Sardi breed and females, the Mitscherlich model was appropriate, whereas for Timahdite breed and males, cubic and Gompertz models, respectively were the best. Therefore, a tape measure was developed for each animal category in order to assist livestock farmers in managing their sheep better. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
18 - Estimation of Variance Components for Body Weight of Moghani Sheep Using B-Spline Random Regression Models
پ. زمانی م.ر. مرادی د. علیپور ا. احمدیThe aim of the present study was the estimation of (co) variance components and genetic parameters for body weight of Moghani sheep, using random regression models based on B-Splines functions. The data set included 9165 body weight records from 60 to 360 days of age fr MoreThe aim of the present study was the estimation of (co) variance components and genetic parameters for body weight of Moghani sheep, using random regression models based on B-Splines functions. The data set included 9165 body weight records from 60 to 360 days of age from 2811 Moghani sheep, collected between 1994 to 2013 from Jafar-Abad Animal Research and Breeding Institute, Ardabil province, Iran. Random regression models were employed to analyze the data. Contemporary groups (year-season of birth -sex-birth type-dam age at the birth) and fixed regression of body weight on age were considered as fixed parts of the models. Random regressions of direct additive genetic, permanent environment, maternal additive genetic and maternal environment were random parts of the models. Linear and quadratic B-Spline functions with two or three coefficients were fitted for fixed and random regressions of the models. A heterogeneous structure of residual variance was considered in five age classes. Variance components were estimated by average information algorithm of restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML). Different models were compared based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwarz Bayesian information criterion (BIC). According to both criteria, the best model was a model with quadratic B-Spline functions with 3, 3, 3, 2 and 2 coefficients for fixed regression and random regressions of direct additive genetic, permanent environmental, maternal additive genetic and maternal environmental effects, respectively. According to this model, low to moderate estimates of direct heritability (0.135 to 0.330) and moderate to high estimates of coefficient of permanent environmental effects (0.229 to 0.613) were obtained, while estimates of maternal heritability (0.05 to 0.14) and coefficient of maternal environment (less than 0.01) were low or negligible in all ages. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
19 - Polymorphism of some Genes Associated with Meat-Related Traits in Egyptian Sheep Breeds
کا.ف. ماهروس م.اس. حسنان م. ابدل مردی اچ.آی. شافی اچ.ای. روشدیThe genetic polymorphism of some genes related to meat production in three Egyptian sheep breeds (Barki, Rahmani and Osseimi) was studied. The candidate genes were: Calpastatin, Myostatin, Diacylglycerol-acyltransferase1, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and MoreThe genetic polymorphism of some genes related to meat production in three Egyptian sheep breeds (Barki, Rahmani and Osseimi) was studied. The candidate genes were: Calpastatin, Myostatin, Diacylglycerol-acyltransferase1, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and Booroola fecundity gene. The technique applied was the restriction fragment length polymorphism for the polymerase chain reaction products. Polymorphism was found in the genes: Calpastatin, MyostatinandDiacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1, while no polymorphism was exhibited by the other two genes, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and the Booroola fecundity in the three breeds understudy. Calpastatin locus digested with MspI had two genotypes MM and MN. The highest allelic frequency was for allele M. The same locus Calpastatin digested with NcoI also exhibited two genotypes MM and MN. The NN genotype was absent with both the MspI and the NcoI enzymes in all breeds. Myostatin digested with DraI had two genotypes AB and BB. The AA genotype cannot be detected. The highest allelic frequency was for allele B. Diacylglycerol-acyltransferase1 digested with AluI showed two genotypes CC and CT. The highest allelic frequency was for allele C. The detected CT genotype might explain the moderate intramuscular fat content and muscle marbling in the Egyption sheep breeds. Each of the remaining two loci (Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and the Booroola fecundity) had only one genotype, BB genotype for Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 digested with HaeIII and ++ genotype for the Booroola fecundity digested with AvaII enzyme, therefore they are not recommended in the selection program. The result of Chi-square analysis indicated that the three Egyptian sheep breeds were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
20 - The Effect of Different Levels of Tanacetum balasmita Medicinal Plant Powder and Extract on Performance, Carcass Traits and Blood Parameters of Broiler Chicks
ع. نوبخت ب. فیضی ع.ر. صفا مهرThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dried aerial parts powder and extract of Tanacetum balasmita (TB) medicinal plant on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broilers. Two hundred eighty Ross-308 broilers from 10 t MoreThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dried aerial parts powder and extract of Tanacetum balasmita (TB) medicinal plant on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broilers. Two hundred eighty Ross-308 broilers from 10 to 42 days of age were used in a completely randomized design in 5 treatments and 4 replicates (14 birds per replicate). The treatment groups consisted of a control group (1) with no dried aerial parts powder or extract of TBand experimental groups 2 and 3 contained 0.5% and 1% of TB whereas experimental groups 4 and 5 contained 0.1% and 0.2% of TB extract, respectively. Using different levels and forms of TB significantly affected the performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broilers (P<0.05). By increasing the level of TB powder to 1% the weight gain decreased and feed conversion increased, the best feed conversion related to group with 0.2% of TB, whereas the amount of daily feed intake was not affected. The highest liver percentage was resulted with 1% of Tanacetum balasmita powder. The level of blood glucose significantly decreased with 0.2% of TB extract. The lowest percentage of heterophile, the highest percentage of lymphocyte and the lowest ratio of heterophile to lymphocyte were observed with 0.2% of TB extract. The overall results showed that the use 1% of dried aerial parts powder of TB has adverse effects on broiler performance, while 0.2% of TB extractcompared with control group, has positive effects on performance and blood parameters. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
21 - Assessment of Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in the Liver of Chick Embryo Treated with a Commercial Deltamethrin Formulation
ن. بهاسکر ل. شاهانیWe studied the hepatotoxic effects of a deltamethrin containing formulation (Decis®) on developing em-bryo of Gallus domesticus. Fertilized eggs were immersed in three different concentrations of deltamethrin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) for 60 min at 37 ˚C prior to incub MoreWe studied the hepatotoxic effects of a deltamethrin containing formulation (Decis®) on developing em-bryo of Gallus domesticus. Fertilized eggs were immersed in three different concentrations of deltamethrin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) for 60 min at 37 ˚C prior to incubation (ED 0) and on the 4th day of incubation (ED 4) and incubated till embryonic day (ED) 16. Exposure to 50 mg/L of deltamethrin resulted in a significant decrease in total protein and total glycogen content in the liver when exposed on ED 4 and ED 0 respec-tively, while total glutathione content was reduced at concentrations applied on both the exposure days. Among enzymes, liver alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly increased at 25 and 50 mg/L deltame-thrin when embryos were exposed on ED 0 and 4, whereas the glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity showed a marked increase in animals exposed to 50 mg/L deltamethrin only at ED 4. Histophathological evaluation revealed mild to marked cellular lesions in liver sections of insecticide treated embryo. The magnitude of most of these changes appeared to be dose dependent being more severe on exposure to high-est dose of deltamethrin. The observed pathological changes include degeneration and necrosis of hepato-cytes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, enlarged and congested sinusoidal spaces, leucocyte infiltrations and con-gestion and dilation of the central vein. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
22 - Effect of Various Levels of Protein in Diet Based on Total and Digestible Amino Acids on Performance of Cobb Strain Broilers
ح. قربانعلی زارعی ا. ح. نوروزیانIn order to study the effects of various levels of protein in diet based on total and digestible amino acids on performance and carcass traits of broilers, an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with 288 broiler chicks from Cobb 500 strain in 6 tr MoreIn order to study the effects of various levels of protein in diet based on total and digestible amino acids on performance and carcass traits of broilers, an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with 288 broiler chicks from Cobb 500 strain in 6 treatments, each treatment consist of 3 replicates with 16 chicks per replicate. Treatments were the diets as follow: 1) diet formulated based on digestible amino acids which has 1% less crude protein (CP) than Cobb 500 recommendation (2006); 2) diet formulated based on digestible amino acids with CP similar to Cobb 500 recommendation; 3) diet formulated based on digestible amino acids with 1% higher CP than Cobb 500 recommendation; 4) diet formulated with total amino acids with one level lower than suggested protein level in Cobb 500 recommendation; 5) diet formulated with total amino acids with suggested protein level in Cobb 500 recommendation and 6) diet formulated with total amino acids with one level lower than suggested protein level in Cobb 500 recommendation. The metabolizable energy was considered constant and diets were fed to birds during 42 days of experiment. Daily weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, breast meat yield and abdominal fat content were measured. At the end of experiment, 4 chickens (2 males and 2 females) from each treatment was randomly selected and killed and their carcasses were analyzed. Results indicated that formulating ration`s protein based on total amino acids for Cobb 500 broilers shows better performances than digestible amino acids. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
23 - Effects of Levels of Inclusion of Locally Processed Fish Waste Meal in the Diets of White Leghorn Layers on Performance Parameters, Hatchability, Economics, Egg Production and Egg Quality
آ. آلمایهو م. یورج آ. گتوThe study was conducted at Haramaya university poultry farm to evaluate the effects of locally processed fish waste meal (FWM) in the diet of white leghorn layers on the performance and hatchability, egg quality, sensory flavor and profitability of the rations. One hund MoreThe study was conducted at Haramaya university poultry farm to evaluate the effects of locally processed fish waste meal (FWM) in the diet of white leghorn layers on the performance and hatchability, egg quality, sensory flavor and profitability of the rations. One hundred eighty chickens at five months of age were randomly distributed (15 layers per each 12 pens). The pens were randomly assigned with three replications for each of four experimental rations. Ninety day age dry matter intake (DMI), laying performance, egg quality of T1 (conventional layers ration with no FWM), T2 5% FWM + 10% soybean meal (SBM) + 16% wheat short (WS) + 17% noug seed cake (NSC), T3 10% FWM + 5% SBM + 8% (WS) + 16.8% (NSC), T4 15% FWM + 0% SBM + 6% wheat high (WH) + 16.7% (NSC) were considered. The chemical analysis showed that FWM contained 41.2% crude protein (CP) and 2982.04 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg DM. DMI (88.6, 90.1, 89.1 and 89.2 (SEM=2.81, for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively) was not statistically different between the treatments. Average daily body weight (BW) gain, (SEM=0.027 g), for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively) was significantly lower in T2 and T4 as compared to T3. Hen-day egg production (47.8%, 54.9, 58.1 and 53.8 (SEM=1.32), egg mass (23.0 g, 28.8, 27.1 and 26.8 (SEM=0.73), for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively) were significantly higher in diets fed with rations containing FWM as compared to the control group. Feed efficiency ratio (0.26, 0.30, 0.30 and 0.30 (SEM=0.007), for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively was significantly higher for groups consumed FWM diet than the control. Eggs from hens fed with rations containing 10 and 15% FWM had moderate fishy flavor (P<0.05) as compared to those consuming the control and T2 diets. The results obtained from partial budget analysis indicated that inclusion of FWM improved the economics of egg production which is attributed to the high cost of soybean meal as compared to FWM and the better efficiency of feed utilization by FWM groups. Thus, FWM inclusion improved egg laying performance and profitability, but imparted moderate fishy flavor beyond 5% inclusion. However, when considering egg production, feed efficiency ratio, net return and egg sale to feed cost ratio, inclusion of FWM in White Leghorn diets at up to 10% is recommended. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
24 - Interactive Influence of Formycine® Gold and Pigment on Egg Quality and Performance of Laying Hens
ح. کرمانشاهی م. پیلهور م. اعمی-ازغدیSodium bentonite can bind to dietary pigment and decreases yolk color scale. Sodium bentonite is one of the main parts of Formycine® Gold, the effect of different levels of Formycine® Gold and dietary pigment on egg quality, egg yolk color and performance criter MoreSodium bentonite can bind to dietary pigment and decreases yolk color scale. Sodium bentonite is one of the main parts of Formycine® Gold, the effect of different levels of Formycine® Gold and dietary pigment on egg quality, egg yolk color and performance criteria of laying hens from 26 to 34 week of age were studied. One hundred ninety two Hy-Line hens were divided into 24 groups of 8 birds each and randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments of 4 replicates each. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments based on 2 levels of pigment (0 and 0.4 g/kg) and 3 levels of Formycine® Gold (0, 1 and 2 g/kg). Feed intake, body weight, feed to egg ratio and egg productions were recorded at the end of the weeks 28, 30, 32 and 34. Egg quality characteristics including egg weight, specific gravity, yolk color scale, egg shell percentage and thickness were evaluated every other week. Formycine® Gold and dietary pigment had no effect on performance for entire of the experiment. Egg shell weight and thickness increased by 0.4 g/kg dietary pigment at 29-30 weeks of age. Hen-day egg production was not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg specific gravity was similar in hens fed different levels of Formycine® Gold and pigment, except for 29-30 weeks of age. Regardless of Formycine® Gold levels, diet supplemented with pigment considerably increased yolk color scale. It seems that, by decreasing the amount of sodium bentonite in Formycine® Gold, it can be used without any adverse effect on egg quality, egg pigmentation and performance of laying hens. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
25 - Effects of High Dietary Levels of Selenium and Copper on Growth Performance, Selected Blood Biochemical Parameters and Antibody Production Against Newcastle Disease Vaccine Virus in Broiler Chickens
ترکی م. م. حبیبیان ط. رستمی آ. مرادیAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of high dietary levels of selenium (as sodium selenite) and copper (as copper sulphate) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antibody production against Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV) virus in broil MoreAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of high dietary levels of selenium (as sodium selenite) and copper (as copper sulphate) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antibody production against Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV) virus in broiler chickens. A total of 160 Ross 308 unsexed day old broiler chickens were randomly allocated into four treatment groups (n=40 per group) each comprising four replicates (n=10 per replicate). Group 1 was served as control and the chickens in this group were fed a standard diet without any selenium or copper supplementation. Chickens in Group 2 received a diet with selenium supplementation at the rate of 1 mg/kg of feed; Group 3 received a diet with copper supplementation at the rate of 200 mg/kg of feed; Group 4 received a diet supplemented with a combination of 1 mg/kg selenium and 200 mg/kg copper. Combined supplementation of selenium and copper decreased feed intake and body weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). These effects were not observed when selenium or copper was supplemented alone (P>0.05). Serum uric acid and triglycerides concentrations decreased (P<0.05) and tended to be increased (P=0.11), respectively, by feeding copper and selenium. Moreover, serum albumin concentration was significantly increased in chickens given copper supplementation alone (P<0.05), but not in those supplemented with copper and selenium (P>0.05). Dietary treatments had no effects on antibody titres against NDV at day 28 of age (P>0.05); antibody titres against NDV, however, decreased at day 42 of age in broilers receiving a combination of copper and selenium (P<0.05). The results clearly indicate a negative interaction between the usage of sodium selenite and copper sulphate on growth performance in broiler chickens. More studies should be performed to clarify the action modes of such effects. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
26 - Immunity Against Avian Influenza Viruspanax Ginseng Polysaccharide (GPS) Can Improve Immunity Against H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Chickens
اس. کالون آ.ی. عبدالهیThe humoral immunization potential of panax ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) against H9N2 avian influenza virus (H9N2 AIV) in chickens was investigated. The effects of GPS treatment before and during H9N2 AIV infection were determined in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) by M MoreThe humoral immunization potential of panax ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) against H9N2 avian influenza virus (H9N2 AIV) in chickens was investigated. The effects of GPS treatment before and during H9N2 AIV infection were determined in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) by MTT (3(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and quantitative RT-PCR analysis of MHC and cytokine expression. The percentages of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes and serum antibody titers were examined in vivo. High expressions of MHCII and the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were observed in CEF treated with GPS before and during H9N2 infection. These results indicated that the antiviral activity of GPS was enhanced by pretreatment of CEF and that GPS promotes early humoral immune responses in young chickens Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
27 - Effects of Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc in Wheat-Based Diets on Broiler Chickens’ Performance, Immunity and Bone Parameters
م. عسگری ع. خطیبجو ک. طاهرپور ف. فتاح نیا ح. سوریAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation and different concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in wheat-based diets on the performance, immune responses and bone parameters of broiler chickens. A randomized complete bl MoreAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation and different concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in wheat-based diets on the performance, immune responses and bone parameters of broiler chickens. A randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement was used (three concentrations of Zn supplementation×two concentrations of dietary Ca-P), 300 day-old broilers were assigned to six dietary treatments with five replicates of ten birds. Dietary treatments were the basal diet (control; TRT1), control plus 50 ppm Zn (TRT2), control plus 70 ppm Zn (TRT3), low Ca-P diet (0.60 to 0.30%; TRT4), low Ca-P diet plus 50 ppm Zn (TRT5) and low Ca-P diet plus 50 ppm Zn (TRT6). Ca and P in the control diet were 0.90 and 0.45% in the grower phase and 0.85 and 0.42% in the finisher phase. Changes in dietary Ca-P had no effect on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) or serum Ca and P concentrations (P>0.05) whereas Zn supplementation increased FI (P<0.05). The addition of 50 ppm Zn increased serum P concentration (P<0.05) and dietary treatments had no effect on antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (P>0.05). The lowest blood heterophil (H) and the highest lymphocyte (L) percentages and lowest H:L ratio were observed in birds fed with the diet containing a standard Ca-P with 70 ppm Zn supplementation (P<0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on bone length, thickness and breaking strength (P>0.05). Tibia and fibula ash decreased by feeding lower Ca-P than the standard diet (P<0.05). It is concluded that low Ca-P diets did not have a detrimental effect on performance or blood and bone parameters and that Zn supplementation did not improve those parameters when feed was low in Ca-P. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
28 - Influences of Switch Trimming on Cleanliness and Udder Health in Dairy Cattle
ع. بهاری پ. زمانی ح. محمدی م. یاوریThe periodic trimming of the long hairs growing at the distal end of the tail -switch trimming- is humane alternative of tail docking. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of switch trimming on somatic cell count (SCC), California mastitis test (CMT) MoreThe periodic trimming of the long hairs growing at the distal end of the tail -switch trimming- is humane alternative of tail docking. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of switch trimming on somatic cell count (SCC), California mastitis test (CMT) and udder cleanliness of lactating cows in a free-stall dairy farm. In the present study, 219 healthy, pregnant Holstein cows were enrolled. All cows were randomly allocated to either trimmed (T) (n=107) or control (C) groups (n=112) prior to entering the calving pen. The long hair in the tail switch of the cows enrolled in group T was removed completely by a hair clipper machine, while the tail hair of the animals enrolled in group C remained intact. After two months, all studied cows were evaluated for udder cleanliness and health. Udder cleanliness scores (UCS) were significantly associated with switch trimming of the tail (P=0.0129). Both trimmed and control cows showed significant difference in UCS of 2 and 3 (P≤0.05), though the difference in other UCS was not significant. No significant difference (P=0.41) in SCC between groups was identified. Comparing the CMT scores of front, rear, or all udder quarters showed that the frequency of a CMT score of 0 in group T was significantly higher than in group C (P≤0.05). Reversely, the frequencies of Trace and 2 scores of CMT for rear and all udder quarters in the control group were significantly higher than the group T (P<0.05). The results of this study show that switch trimming may be suggested to improve cleanliness and udder health of dairy cows in free-stall housing systems. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
29 - Serological and Molecular Detection of Akabane Virus in Iran
غ.ع. کجوری ز. داوودی ح. ممتازThe present study was conducted on sixty healthy female domestic ruminants that suffered from still births or abortion, to find sero-positive cases and also to determine the probable role of uterine tissue in diagnosis of akabane viral infection and viral persistency. B MoreThe present study was conducted on sixty healthy female domestic ruminants that suffered from still births or abortion, to find sero-positive cases and also to determine the probable role of uterine tissue in diagnosis of akabane viral infection and viral persistency. Because of this, a serological test (ELISA) and molecular (RT-PCR) diagnostic methods were used to find the seropositive cases and also the presence of the akabane viral genome in uterine samples. Among 2400 head, sixty female animals (20 cattle, 20 sheep and 20 goats) with a history of still births or abortion (suspected group) and sixty healthy ones (control group) were selected and referred to the slaughter house for further evaluations. Blood and uterine body samples were taken and stored at -20 and -70 ˚C, respectively. At the beginning of the experiment all serum samples were tested for brucellosis and 3 sheep of the suspected group and 1 sheep of the control group were positive. The remaining samples were selected for further study. Results of ELISA showed that among 17 suspected sheep only one of them was positive for akabane virus and among 20 suspected goats only three of them were inconclusive. It’s notable that no positive or inconclusive cases were found in suspected cattle and also the control group. The prevalence rate of akabane virus antibody among 57 suspected animals was 1.75 percent. RT-PCR assay was conducted on uterine tissues from the suspected animals and results showed that all samples were free of the akabane genome. According to the obtained results the presence of antibody against akabane virus in suspected sheep and goats was proven or substantiated for the first time in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
30 - Effect of Different Harvesting Techniques on the Recovery and Quality of Bovine Cumulus Oocyte Complexes
اس.اچ. بهلولی اس. بزگلو اف. سدنThis study investigated the effect of different harvesting techniques on the recovery rate and quality of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and their subsequent developmental competence including in vitro maturation, fertilization and blastocyst formation. The COCs MoreThis study investigated the effect of different harvesting techniques on the recovery rate and quality of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and their subsequent developmental competence including in vitro maturation, fertilization and blastocyst formation. The COCs were retrieved from slaughter ovaries using aspiration, slicing, or aspiration followed by slicing. The COCs were examined microscopically then classed as A (at least three layers of cumulus), B (two layers of cumulus), C (one layer of cumulus, or degraded cytoplasm) or D (abnormal). The retrieved COCs yields per ovary differed (P≤0.05) between aspiration (2.31±0.21), slicing (6.65±1.65) and aspiration followed by slicing (3.72±1.43). Differences in quality of collected COCs were observed for categories A, B and C but not for category D. Oocyte diameter and in vitro developmental competence did not differ between the retrieving methods. In conclusion, aspiration can recover moderate numbers of oocytes ovary and about half of them can not be retrieved by this method. Therefore when oocyte number is important, aspiration should be avoided and ovaries should be sliced. Manuscript profile
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