داریوش علیپور

Corn fodder with 28% DM were harvested, chopped and after applying treatments (106 cfu g-1 FM) were ensiled in 30 kg bags. The experimental treatments were: 1) Silage without microbial inoculation (control), 2) silage inoculated with Lactobacillus fermentum produced in the laboratory (Lab), 3) silage inoculated with mixture of Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Pediococcus acidilactici and Enterococcus faecium (Lab), and 4) silage inoculated with commercial bacteria containing Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum. Sixteen Holstein cows in the middle of lactation (160 ± 10 days of lactation) were used based on a 4 x 4 integrated Latin square design with periods of 21 days. The milk production of treatments was not significantly different from the control, but 3.5% fat corrected milk of cows receiving inoculated silage was more than the control. The percentages of milk fat, protein and solids- non-fat were higher in the first treatment than other groups (P<0.05). Cows fed with laboratory inoculated silages had a higher (P<0.05) DMI than control and third treatment. The digestibility of DM, CP and ADF was higher (P<0.05) in the inoculated treatments than control and the highest was related to the second treatment. The rumen ammonia nitrogen in the first and second treatments was lower (P<0.05) than control. The rumen percentage of acetate was higher (P<0.05) in control and the second treatment, and propionate was higher (P<0.05) in the inoculated treatments than control. The overall conclusion showed that the bacterial inoculation of corn silage had no significant effect on milk production, although it increased 3.5% fat corrected milk, percentages of milk fat and protein as well as digestibility of nutrients.

Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential minerals for the health and productivity of growing calves because this mineral is important for metabolism, growth, immune and defense systems, and antioxidant status. This element is also known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal agent. In addition, Zn in enzymes acts as a structural component away from the active site, a proton donor in the active site, and an atomic bridge between the substrate and the enzyme. Zn has an essential role in the regulation of many metabolic processes, and its deficiency results in low appetite and, consequently, decreased feed intake. Therefore, it is of strong interest for producers, feed manufacturers, veterinarians, and scientists. The National Research Council (2021) recommends 70 mg/kg of Zn for calves at 30 days of age while the amount of this element is commonly low in the soil of many regions of Iran. Therefore, plants that grow in these soils have a low level of Zn concentration, and when they are consumed as animal feed, can cause a wide range of complications due to Zn deficiency, among which growth abnormality is one of the most obvious signs. Zn supplementation may improve the health and performance of suckling calves. However, the use of high Zn concentrations in the diet may affect the digestion, absorption, and use of other nutrients in the diet and potentially lead to environmental pollution due to the excess excretion of Zn in feces. Thus, the use of Zn sources above bioavailability has a special place. Recently, organic and hydroxy forms of minerals in animal feed supplements have attracted substantial interest from feed manufacturers and animal producers because they have higher Zn bioavailability than inorganic salts. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn sulfate, organic Zn, and Zn hydroxychloride on performance, growth, and blood parameters in Holstein suckling calves.

This study was conducted on 40 Holstein suckling calves from 7 to 77 days of age in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had the same number of male and female calves. Treatments were 1) a basal diet without Zn supplement (containing 53.29 mg/kg of Zn DM), 2) a basal diet + 20 mg/kg of Zn DM as organic Zn, 3) a basal diet + 20 mg/kg of Zn DM as Zn hydroxychloride, and 4) a basal diet + 20 mg/kg of Zn DM as Zn sulfate. Calves were kept in individual stalls and had ad libitum access to water and a starter. During the experiment, the calves were fed with two meals of milk at 8:00 and 16:00 at the rate of 2 kg per meal. The dry matter intake, daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined in calves. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein on 7, 43, and 77 days of age almost 4-5 hours after morning feeding. The collected blood was poured into two separate tubes, one containing heparin to obtain plasma and the other without heparin to obtain serum. Plasma and serum samples were kept at −80°C until the measurement of the studied parameters. Blood concentrations of calcium and phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, creatine phosphokinase, and lipid parameters (triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein) were measured using commercial kits. A Mindray BS-800 Chemistry Analyzer - BS-800 was used to measure the amounts of Zn, Fe, and Cu in blood. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using SAS.

There were no significant differences between treatments for daily weight gain and dry matter intake at 21, 35, 45, and 63 days of age (P > 0.05). At 77 days of age, daily weight gain and feed intake in calves received Zn supplements as Zn sulfate, Zn hydroxychloride, and organic Zn were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). However, there were no  significant differences between different sources of Zn supplemented to the groups (P > 0.05). Body weight and FCR of the calves during the suckling period were not affected by Zn supplementation (P > 0.05). There were significant increases in the serum Zn and alkaline phosphatase concentrations of the calves supplemented with Zn sulfate, Zn methionine, and Zn organic compared to the control group (𝑃 < 0.05). Serum concentrations of Fe, Cu, Ca, P, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, and lipid parameters (triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein) were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). However, the superoxide dismutase activity of the Zn-supplemented groups showed a numerical increase compared to the control group (P = 0.08).

The results showed that adding 20 mg/kg of Zn DM as Zn sulfate, Zn hydroxychloride, and organic Zn increased serum Zn and alkaline phosphatase concentrations and, finally, improved dry matter intake and daily weight gain. However, there were no significant differences between the Zn-supplemented groups for serum Zn and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, dry matter intake, and daily weight gain.

Farm animals face different types of abiotic stresses due to many management activities. Stress has adverse consequences on the animal's health and welfare. Laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) in sheep is also one of the mini surgery activities that associated with the use of sedatives, catching and fettering the animal, the insertion of instruments into the abdomen, and manipulation of the reproductive tract. All these actions are stressful and may impact stress axis, hematological and biochemical alterations, antioxidant status and fertility outcome. The administration of acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex may be a useful strategy for reducing stress in sheep undergoing laparoscopic AI. In this experiment, 50 non-pregnant Afshar breed ewes, aged 3-4 years, with almost the same body weight and score, were used. The estrous cycle of the ewes was synchronized by flurogestone acetate loaded sponges and eCG hormone. At the time of sponge removal, the ewes were divided into two groups (n = 25). All of the ewes, 54 h after sponge removal, were exposed to stress caused by LAI. In the first group (treatment), with sponge removal, each ewe was received 10 ml of the Multiaminoject intramuscularly. Also, 20 min before LAI, in addition to Multiaminoject, each animal also received 0.0834 mg aspromazine (i.v) per kg of body weight. At the same time, the ewes of the second group were injected with physiological saline and were considered as control. Changes in plasma cortisol concentration and its kinetics were measured from zero (20 min before LAI) to 180 min after through serial blood sampling. Changes of hematological and biochemical parameters of jugular vein blood were evaluated 20 min before and 40 min after LAI. The plasma antioxidant status was measured at the times of sponge removal, LAI and 3 days after LAI. The pregnancy rate was recorded by ultrasound at 45 days. Laparoscopic AI induced stress response in the ewes, by that, 20 minutes after LAI, the concentration of cortisol increased significantly compared to the baseline concentration (P< 0.05). In this research, the injection of the aspromazine along with a multivitamins and amino acids complex could not inhibit the secretion of cortisol during laparoscopic surgery, and it caused the rejection of the hypothesis of this research. The reason for this discrepancy is related to the type of sedative used to reduce or eliminate pain during surgery. It has been reported that plasma cortisol response is reduced by ketoprofen and completely removed by detomidine. As a result, after LAI, the number of white blood cells and the plasma concentration of malodaldehyde increased and the hematocrit, hemoglobin and total antioxidant capacity decreased (P< 0.05), but the concentration of plasma proteins did not change (P> 0.05). Acute stressors cause a transient increase in the number of blood cells in the blood circulation. The cause of this phenomenon is the contraction of the spleen due to the stimulation of catecholamines. In addition, with the increase in cortisol secretion, blood cells are released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. In a study, the use of supplements containing various vitamins and minerals, one week before and one week after laparoscopic surgery, improved the antioxidant status of patients after surgery and the level of plasma malodaldehyde decreased significantly. The reason for not seeing a significant effect on antioxidant parameters in this research may be the type of supplement containing antioxidants and the time of its use before and after surgery. Injection of aspromazine combined with Multiaminoject increased plasma proteins and decreased the level of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (P< 0.05). Depending on its intensity and type, stress causes damage and release of tissue and liver enzymes into the blood. In a research, it was shown that the plasma concentration of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase increases due to transportation stress in pigs. The protective effects of vitamin and amino acid supplements in preventing liver damage have been reported in previous studies. The decrease in enzyme concentration after laparoscopy in the treatment receiving aspromazine and multi amino acids may be related to its protective effects. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in fertility outcomes between the two groups (P< 0.05). The pregnancy rate for the acepromazine and Multiaminoject-treated group was 50%, while the pregnancy rate for the control group was 45%. This result is probably caused by the lack of interference or partial interference of aspromazine with uterine contractions around ovulation and conception. The authors concluded that acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex, did not have a significant effect on fertility outcome, blood hematological and biochemical alterations and the oxidative stress generated by laparoscopic AI in ewes, but the severity of tissue damage reduce and plasma globulin concentration increase in response to acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex injection. It is important to note that this is just one study and that more research would be needed to confirm these findings.

Corn silage is a major source of forage for ruminants, which provides a higher energy level compared to other forages. But it is susceptible to aerobic deterioration, because yeasts utilize the lactic acid, produced by lactic acid bacteria, as a source of energy. Thus, silages become a favor environment for the growth of mold and bacteria. The susceptibility of a silage to the aerobic deterioration is an important factor since it is directly related to its quality and nutritive value. When silage is exposed to air, increase of temperature and pH may occur, resulting in soluble carbohydrates loss and fermentation of the products of microbial metabolism, reducing its quality. Aerobic stability is an important feature in the evaluation of corn silage quality. Researchers reports that the use of lactic acid bacteria can improve fermentation and aerobic stability of silage. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the chemical compositions and concentration of fermentation end products that occur in corn silages with or without microbial inoculants during aerobic exposure and to select bacterial strains that can improve the aerobic stability after silo opening. This study was conducted to select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from corn silage, the intestinal contents of broilers, laying hens, Turkey, Ostrich and assess their effects on the quality and aerobic stability of maize silage. The LAB strains were inoculated into aqueous extract obtained from maize to evaluate their production of metabolites, pH reduction and antimicrobial activity. One hundred and twenty-one strains were isolated from various sources in the Laboratory, which all isolates were considered to be LAB as determined by Gram-stain appearance, catalase test and lactic acid productivity. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence of representative strains was used to confirm the presence of the predominant groups. The sequences from the various LAB isolates showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank type strains between 99% and 100%. Five LAB strains that showed the best results were assessed in experimental silos. All treatments were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 105 days, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 8 days. Silage samples were collected at 0, 4 and 8 days after aerobic exposure to determinate the changes in the chemical compositions, products of fermentation, and to evaluate the silages microbial changes to determine the aerobic deterioration. Data in the experimental design, after opening the silos, were analyzed in a completely randomized design with nine replicates by GLM procedure of SAS software. In aerobic conditions, the data were analyzed as repeated measures in time. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design by GLM procedure of SAS software. Variance analysis and multiple comparisons of data were performed using the GLM procedure of and the means were separated by Tukey’s test. The results indicated that after 105 days of conservation, all silages had good fermentation characteristics with low pH (<3.80) and ethanol concentration and high lactic acid contents (P<0.01). A linear decrease in pH values and water-soluble carbohydrates contents were observed. Addition of lactic acid bacteria, increased acetic acid, but decreased ethanol contents of inoculated silages compared to the control (P<0.01).  Across treatments, there were significant differences in the yeast populations (P<0.01). The population of yeasts which was initially high in the fresh forage (5.57 log cfu g−1 forage) before ensiling and a drastic reduction in the numbers of yeasts was observed in all silages throughout the experiment. The addition Lactobacillus Fermentum resulted in a higher concentration of acetic acid and reduced populations of yeasts in silage compared to the other silage treatments, and a lower ethanol concentration in the silage (P<0.01). The strains tested were able to modify the fermentative and chemical parameters and the populations of yeasts of silage after aerobic exposure.  Aerobic stability of corn silages was associated with high acetic acid and reduction the populations of yeasts. all Lactobacillus strains promoted an increase in aerobic stability of silage. Addition of lactic acid bacteria, further improved silage aerobic stability with more acetic acid production and reduction the populations of yeasts (P<0.01). After 8 days of aerobic exposure, inoculated silage with Lactobacillus Fermentum remained stable, but the control silage deteriorated as indicated by a reduction in lactic acid and an increase in pH, and numbers of yeast (P<0.01). These results proved the advantage of microbial inoculation. The best Lactobacillus strains is Lactobacillus Fermentum because it provides more stable pH, production higher acetic acid, higher reduction of yeasts and filamentous fungi in maize silage, thereby decreasing the aerobic deterioration by these microorganisms. The results showed that application of inoculants is recommended because it promoted higher production of acetic acid, reducing the populations of yeast and filamentous fungi, a more stable pH and, therefore, improving the aerobic stability of silages. The best inoculation is Lactobacillus Fermentum because it provides higher reduction of yeast and filamentous fungi in maize silage, thereby decreasing the aerobic deterioration by these microorganisms. The Lactobacillus Fermentum strain show the best results in relation to silage aerobic stability.

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from gastrointestinal tract of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and assess the probiotic potential of isolates, and their effect on some performance parameters of colonies. Thus, 10 colonies out of an apiary with one hundred bee colonies were randomly selected and used for sampling. Twenty worker bees were sampled from each hive and after being transferred to the laboratory under complete comfort and ventilation conditions, their gastrointestinal tract was completely isolated under carbon dioxide flushing, and after culture in MRS medium different microbial colonies were selected. Liquid-solid periodic cultures were repeated up to 8 steps to achieve pure cultures. Finally, gram-positive, catalase and hemolysis negative samples were isolated and identified based on phylogenetic analysis. The results of identification of the isolated bacteria using 16s rRNA sequences showed that G1 isolate (MA4 strain) was 99% similar to Pediococcus acidilactica, the G2 isolate could not be sequenced due to technical problems in sending samples abroad and isolate G3 (strain MA5) was 99% similar to lactic acid pediococcus strain 8185. Finally, the strain MA14 isolated from the bee's gastrointestinal tract during the summer under anaerobic conditions was 97% similar to the HM75-1 strain Pediacocus pentosus, which was named G4. These bacteria were registered in the Gene bank (NCBI) with accession number of MW376601, MW376904, MW376896 and MW405566, respectively. In vivo studies showed the positive effects of treatment with isolates by spraying on frames and bacterial culture mixed in syrup (sugar-water) on spawning, production and hygienic behavior of bees. Comparison of treatments with Duncan's multiple range test (p≤ 5%) showed that all experimental treatments in quantitative population factors and spawning and quality were significantly different from the control treatment. However, the control treatment had a significant difference in honey reserves due to low spawning compared to experimental treatments and less nectar consumption.

The effects of lactic acid bacteria as a microbial additive on the fermentation properties of silage are mainly due to the production of beneficial metabolites that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic and destructive microorganisms. Therefore, the ability of a strain to use numerous substrates in forage plants and produced different metabolites can be useful in competition with other microorganisms. This ability can be used as a principle for selecting inoculants. Nevertheless, research has shown that published articles on inoculant selection to limit the growth of these destructive and pathogenic microorganisms are still scarce. Some researchers have reported the effects of microbial inoculants on silage fermentation. However, despite numerous articles on the effects of inoculants on silage fermentation, there is little descriptions for the systematic selection of strains. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and select strains of lactic acid bacteria with the ability to improve fermentation properties and prevent the growth of pathogenic and destructive microorganisms and evaluate the effect of inoculation of these strains on nutritional value and aerobic stability of maize silages.

This study was performed to select the lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains isolated from different sources and evaluate their effect on the quality of maize silage. Lactic acid bacteria strains were inoculated to evaluate metabolite production and pH reduction in aqueous extract obtained from maize forage. One hundred and twenty-one strains were isolated from various sources in the laboratory. All isolated strains were gram-positive, catalase-negative and mainly lactic acid-producing, which were considered lactic acid bacteria. 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis of 22 representative strains was used to confirm the presence of dominant groups. The sequences of different isolates of lactic acid bacteria had a high degree of similarity to the GeneBank type strains, which showed between 99 and 100% similarity. Four strains of lactic acid bacteria that showed the best results were evaluated in experimental silos. This experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (four strains of lactic acid bacteria and one control without inoculum) and nine replications. Inoculants were used in 106 colony forming unit/g of fresh forage to chopped maize forage, which were then ensiled for 105 days. After opening the silos, silages were sampled for analysis of chemical compositions and fermentation products.

Inoculation of lactic acid bacterial strains affected the chemical composition, fermentation properties and microbial population. Inoculation of lactic acid bacterial strains significantly affected the chemical composition and concentration of lactic and acetic acids, ethanol and 1,2-propandiol of silage. Among all treatments, silages inoculated with Lactobacillus fermentum had higher acetate concentration (p < 0.0001), but lactate concentration (p < 0.008) and yeast counts (p < 0.0001) were lower than other silages. Also, inoculation of silage with L. fermentum (strain 16) resulted in silage with higher lactic acid bacterial population and improved aerobic stability after air exposure (p < 0.0001). Silages inoculated with L. fermentum and fallowed by with L. salivarius contained the lowest number of yeasts (p < 0.0001) and filamentous fungi during fermentation. Between silages, silage inoculated with L. fermentum showed higher aerobic stability (p < 0.0001).

The pre-selection method based on the production of metabolites was efficient in selecting new inoculation strains along good correlation with experiments in laboratory silos. Inoculation of lactic acid bacterial strains in maize silage resulted in differences in nutritional value or population of pathogenic and destructive microorganisms. Strains 16 and 7, identified as Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius, were considered promising sources for use as inoculants in maize silages because they provide silages with better fermentation properties and improve aerobic stability after exposure to air.

The present experiment was designed to evaluate the efficiency of the slow-release bolus containing different selenium levels on performance and some blood and milk parameters of Lori Bakhtiari ewes. For this purpose, 45 ewes were divided into three groups (15 in each). Treatments were: 1) control ewes; 2) ewes receiving 0.2 milligrams of selenium per day; and 3) ewes receiving 0.4 mg selenium per day. On the first day of the experiment, all ewes received CIDR and the boluses were fed to the different groups on the same day. During the feeding period the ewes were grazed on the pasture. Blood samples collected from all ewes at 76 days post-mating (mid-gestation) and 30 days postpartum before going to rangeland. The results showed that birth weight, weight at two months of age, average daily gain, milk production, fat content, protein content, non-fat solids content in milk and milk selenium concentration were higher in the groups receiving selenium than the control (P<0.05). Milk production of ewes receiving 0.4 mg selenium per day was higher than those of receiving 0.2 mg selenium per day (P <0.05). Serum selenium and triiodothyronine concentration and blood glutathione peroxidase activity in ewes receiving different levels of selenium were higher than those of control (P<0.05). Overall, both levels of selenium improved the performance of the lambs and some of the blood and milk parameters of the ewes, but the use of 0.40 mg Se/day due to higher milk production is recommended.

Aflatoxins are fungal secondary metabolites negatively affecting ruminant performance; however, little information is available on their impact on rumen fermentation.

This study aimed at determining the effects of different concentrations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from Aspergillus flavus on in vitro gas production and ruminal fermentation parameters using two experiments (Exp.).

In Exp. 1, two concentration ranges (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 µg/ml of rumen inoculum as low and 0, 5, and 10 µg/ml as high concentration ranges) were used to evaluate AFB1 effect on gas production kinetics using 96-h incubations. In Exp. 2, only the high concentration range was used to investigate AFB1 effects on ruminal fermentation parameters using 24-h incubations.

In the low concentration range, the half-time of asymptotic gas production (T1/2) increased and the fractional rate of gas production (µ) decreased linearly with AFB1 dosage (P<0.05). However, in the high concentration range, the asymptotic gas production (A) and T1/2 decreased; and the lag time (L) and “µ” increased linearly (P<0.001) by increasing the concentrations of AFB1. In Exp. 2, dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) disappearance, microbial biomass (MB) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentrations were depressed, but pH and ammonia-N concentration increased (P<0.01) by increasing the concentrations of AFB1. The pattern of rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was also modified by AFB1, as the propionate proportion increased at the expense of acetate.

Aflatoxin B1 had an adverse effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters in high concentration ranges (5 and 10 µg/ml).

Considering water and land limitation in agriculture, providing some year-round feedstuffs for livestock animals is a challenge for producers. Agro-industrial co-products, which are not in completion with human food resources, can be effectively consumed by ruminant species. Tomato waste (TW) is a by-product obtained after production of tomato sauce, paste and juices in manufactures. Using some physical and chemical processing of by-products can improve their nutritive value for feeding ruminants. Autoclave and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes are of those physical and chemical processing, which have been applied for several agro-industrial co-products. This study aimed to evaluate nutritive value, nutrient digestibilities and gas production parameters of chemically (autoclave and urea treating) and enzymatically (Natuzyme®) treated TW. Material and Fresh TW were sun-dried and were stored in cold temperature until the beginning of the experiments. Experimental treatments included: control (untreated), autoclaved (120 psi for 30 min), urea (3% urea added DM basis and anaerobically stored for 28 days in room temperature), and autoclave+urea (combination of previously mentioned treatments, 0. 5% enzyme and 1% enzyme). One day before the starting of experiment, aqueous solutions of enzymes were added to the samples. For the rest of experiments, samples were ground to pass 1 mm sieve size. Chemical composition of samples (i. e. , DM, NDF, ADF, CP and ash) was determined. For in vitro gas production tests (GP), the rumen fluid was taken from three ruminally fistulated Mehraban male mature lambs. For measuring kinetic parameters of gas production, 200 mg of samples were incubated in glass syringes containing 30 ml buffered-ruminal fluid for 144 hours. The cumulative produced gas was recorded at different times of incubation. The gas production data were fitted to exponential equation of GP= A (1-e-c(t-L) ); where GP is gas production at different times of incubation, A is asymptotic gas production (ml/200 mg DM), c is rate of gas production (/h), t is time of incubation and L is lag time (h). For measuring digestibility parameters, 500 mg of samples in glass syringes contained 40 ml buffered ruminal fluid were incubated at 39 °C for 24 hours. Volume of GP, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility, partitioning factor (PF) and microbial biomass were determined after termination of incubation. All the in vitro gas production trials were carried out in three runs. Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design using Proc GLM of SAS software. The differences among treatments were evaluated using Duncan's multiple range test. The highest amount of NDF, ADF and ash were observed in control treatment, while the highest CP was recorded with the treatment of 3% urea. The lower cell wall content in treated TW could be due to the role of urea and enzymes in breaking the links between cellulose and lignin. The treatment of 1% urea had the highest increment in comparison with control which is likely because of the activity of added enzymes in increasing fermentation of TW cell wall. The lower GP of 3% urea and autoclave+urea among all treatments can be due to the negative effect of ammonia on both direct GP from microorganisms activities and indirect GP from buffering of produced volatile fatty acids during fermentation. Also, the highest values of L were observed in 3% urea and autoclave+urea groups. The treatments were significantly different in dry matter  digestibility and OMD of which control had the lowest value. This could be due to the higher percentage of cell wall in control TW and the negative relation of cell wall with digestibility. The treatment of 1% enzyme and control showed the highest and lowest MB, respectively (P<0. 05). The higher MB in treated TW shows that processing had increased the availability of growth required factors for microorganisms. The PF were higher in urea, autoclave+urea and 1% enzyme groups (P<0. 05). The higher value for this parameter shows that degraded organic matter is more directed towards microbial biomass production rather than production of volatile fatty acids. The treatment of 1% enzyme had the highest value of ME, while control showed the lowest value (9. 57 vs. 9. 30 MJ/kg DM, respectively). Considering the obtained data related to dry matter digestibility, NDF, PF and chemical compositions of different treatments, it is concluded that the administration of 3% urea and using Natuzyme® at the level of 1% of DM improved the nutritive value of TW. Further research is needed to study the effect of using TW in performance of productive ruminants.

Mesquite is the dominant flora of southern Iran. Whole pod contains capsule and some seeds which its color, after ripen, is yellow and contains considerable protein and carbohydrate. One of the most important usage of this pod is as animal feed, because the ripen pod is palatable and has high nutritional value. This study was conducted to evaluate chemical composition, ruminal fermentation and digestibility of different parts of mesquite plant as a completely randomized design.
Mesquite pod was collected from different areas of Hormozgan province. Whole pod, husk and seed were grounded separately. Chemical composition of different parts of mesquite pod (dry matter, organic matter, ash, ether extract, crude protein, non fiber carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin) was separately determined. In vitro gas production test (IVGPT) was conducted at two parts. For this purpose, rumen fluid was obtained from three fistulated rams before the morning feeding. The rams were fed twice daily with a diet containing alfalfa hay and commercial concentrate to meet their requirements. The collected ruminal fluid was pooled in a flask and was transported under anaerobic conditions to the laboratory. Rumen fluid was filtered through four layers cheesecloth and then mixed continuously with CO2 and maintained at 39 o C before the usage. After pre-incubation, the rumen fluid was mixed with buffered mineral solution at the ratio of 1:2 rumen fluid to mineral buffer (V/V). At first part of IVGPT to evaluate kinetics of ruminal fermentation at different incubation time (120 hours), 200 mg of dried and grounded sample was transfer to glass syringe. Syringes were filled with 30 ml of medium (consisting of 10 ml of rumen fluid and 20 ml of buffer solution). The values of produced gas at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after incubation time were determined. At second part of IVGPT, 500 mg sample with 40 ml medium incubated for 24 hour and amount of produced gas, apparent dry matter digestibility, true organic matter digestibility and partitioning factor of samples were measured. Total gas production of each syringe (at first and second parts of IVGPT) was corrected for blank which contained only rumen fluid. Two stages in vitro digestibility was done. Different parts of protein in whole pod and husk were estimated based on CNCPS method.
Results showed that there were significant differences for chemical compositions of different parts of mesquite pod except for dry matter (DM) and acid detergent fiber (P

This study was conducted to compare effect of different nitrogen sources on the rate of release, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility in Mehraban male lambs. Digestibility parameters and nitrogen balance were measured in 15 Mehraban male lambs. The experiment lasted 21 days including 16 days of adaptation and five days for sample collection. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Diets were included concentrate, mineral and vitamin supplements plus: 1) wheat straw and soybean meal, 2) wheat straw and urea, 3) wheat straw and Optigen® (a commercial slow-release urea supplement) and 4) wheat straw and slow-release urea produced in laboratory. Before beginning the in vivo experiment, release rate of slow-release urea sources in water and also rumen disappearance was measured. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter did not affect by treatments, whereas the digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly different in the treatments containing slow-release urea supplement in comparison of soybean meal treatment (P

The aim of this experiment was consider of effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) by different levels of sunflower meal (SFM) supplemented with protease enzyme on intestinal microflora, gizzard and cecum digeta pH and internal body organs characteristics in laying hens. In total, one hundred and twenty white Bovans laying hens were used from 77 to 86 weeks of age. This experiment including 6 treatments, 5 replicates and 4 hens in each. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) as a factorial management 3×2 (0, 45 and 90% sunflower meal replaced by SBM) and protease enzyme (0 and 200 g/ton). Digesta cecum was taken for measurement of intestinal microflora of birds (lactic acid producing bacteria and Escherichia coli) at 86 weeks of age. Then, pH of the gizzard and cecum digesta and internal body organs characteristics were measured. Population of lactic acid producing bacteria and Escherichia coli, and gizzard and cecum pH were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Duodenum length significantly increased by 45% replacing of SFM in the diet than other treatments (P

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional value of tomato pulp (TP) and pistachio hull (PH) treated by pleurotussajorcajo fungi. The treatments for TP were control (not incubated), positive control (incubated without inoculation), treated with mycelium and treated with spawn, and for PH were control (not incubated), positive control (incubated without inoculation) and treated with spawn. Twenty five grams per each two above-mentioned samples and three replicates of each treatments were poured into the glass flask and after sterilizing were kept inside an incubator at 25 °C for three weeks. Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design. Dry matter, ash and crude protein concentrations from TP were 95.27, 2.40 and 12.81 percent and from PH were 94.63, 9.33 and 7.81 percent, respectively. Processing with fungi led to increase these components in both of two samples (P

The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of lactic acid utilizing bacteria and evaluation of their potential to control ruminal acidosis in vitro. Rumen fluid was collected from three Holstein cow and Isolation was performed using aspecific medium. Characterization of isolates was evaluated based on the shape and gram staining, indole production, catalase activity and fermentation of some sugars. Identification of isolates was done using the nucleotide sequencing. The results of sequencing showed that the isolates had the most similarity with Megasphaera elsdenii DSM20460. In the next step, effect of isolates on reduction of lactic acid and control of pH was examined. One gram of easily fermentable feed and 10 ml rumen fluid added to glass vials and inoculated with two doses of each isolate (5.0 and 1 ml) then, incubated for 6h. Gas production, pH and lactic acid for each sample were measured. Use of bacteria decreased lactic acid concentration and increased gas production and pH (p

This experiment was conducted to consider of sunflower meal (SFM) levels and protease enzyme on performance, egg quality traits and intestinal morphology of laying hens from 78 to 86 weeks of age. In total, one hundred and twenty white Bovans laying hens were used in 6 treatments, 5 replicates and 4 hens in each in a factorial arrangement 3×2 by completely randomized design (CRD). The experimental treatments contain 3 levels (0, 6.78 and 13.56% SFM) and 2 levels of protease enzyme (0 and 200 g/ton). Results have shown that second level of SFM (6.78%) in the diet increased egg production than control treatment (P

Introduction Using agricultural-industrial waste is one way to overcome the shortage of animal feed. Potato is one of the most important products in the world after rice, wheat and maize. Potato pulp is a by-product which remains after extraction of starch, and can be used as animal feed. Because of the high moisture content of the potato pulp, silage is the best way to maintain it. However, its high moisture content leads to inappropriate ensilage. Adding of moisture absorbents (MA) not only reduce the effluents, but also improve the silage quality. Materials with high content of cell wall are suitable candidates to be used as MA. Agro-industrial co-products including raisin wastes and pomegranate seed pulp have high cell wall and no report was found for their usage as MA. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different absorbents on potato pulp silage fermentation quality.
Materials and Methods Fresh potato pulp was obtained from Alvand potato processing company (Hamedan, Iran). After transfer, the potato pulps were immediately ensiled with MAs including wheat bran, raisin pedicles, rejected raisins, pomegranate peel, wheat straw and raisin rachis. The treatments were: 100% potato pulp (control), 80% potato pulp and 20% wheat bran, 80% potato pulp and 20% raisin pedicles, 71% potato pulp and 29% rejected raisin, 80% potato pulp and 20% pomegranate peel, 80% potato pulp and 20% wheat straw and 80% potato pulp and 20% rachis. After 74 days, the silos were opened for investigation. Chemical composition (i.e., dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, Fleig point, pH and lactic acid concentration) were determined. In vitro gas production was used to assess fermentation parameters of treatments. Therefore, volume of gas production after 24 hours of incubation, rate of gas production, asymptotic gas production, lag phase, organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, partitioning factor, microbial biomass and short chain fatty acid concentration were determined. All measurements were carried out with four replications. Statistical analysis was carried out in completely randomized design using SAS (version 9.2).
Results and Discussion Results showed that the addition of absorbent to potato pulp silage significantly (P˂0.05) increased dry matter, content of the cell wall, organic matter and Fleig point in some treatments. Fleig point is an indicator of silage quality. The treatment including rejected raisin showed the highest value of Fleig point (139.8 vs. 55.53 for control). The lowest ammonia concentrations were detected in treatments containing rachis, pedicles and pomegranate peels which can be attributed to the presence of tannin in these absorbents. Tannins reduce the proteolysis that lowers the ammonia concentration. The concentrations of lactic acid were higher in rejected raisin (3.734 g lactic acid/ kg DM) and pomegranate seed pulp (3.612 g lactic acid/kg DM) and the minimum value was observed in control (0.471 g lactic acid/ kg DM). The higher concentration of lactic acid shows the better quality of silage and among other fatty acids has the greater effect on pH of silage. Addition of different absorbents reduced true organic matter digestibility. Apparent organic matter digestibly was not consistent with reported value for true organic matter digestibility. This could be due to the method of measuring of former. In this method the residue is contaminated with microbial debris which overestimates the organic matter digestibility. After 144 hours of incubation gas production was reduced in treatments with absorbents. Rate of gas production in silage with rejected raisin was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than other treatments. Lag time observed only in control and wheat bran treatments, whereas the lag time in other treatment was zero. Partitioning factor in raisin pedicles, pomegranate peel and raisin rachis was higher than other treatments (3.05, 3.35 and 3.01). The higher value of partitioning factor shows the better quality of feedstuff and reveals that more fermented organic matter directed towards microbial biomass rather than production of volatile fatty acids.
Conclusion Because of high moisture content of potato pulp, it is suggested to ensiling this by-product for using as ruminant feedstuff. In this study, rejected raisin was the best moisture absorbent. The results showed that treatments containing rejected raisin, pomegranate peel, pedicles and rachis were suitable absorbent in ensilage process because of lower pH, higher lactic acid production and better quality of silage, respectively.

Selenium has a special place in the natural antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of cell structures.
This experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of different sources of selenium on blood parameters and antioxidant response in Holstein dairy cows fed fat rich diets.
Twelve Holstein cows with average milk production of 40±4kg were used in merged incomplete Latin squares design with 4 treatments and 3 repeats in each treatment. The experiment was designed and conducted in 3 periods of 28 days and 4 treatments including; group 1 (basal diet containing 20% cottonseed meal, without selenium supplement), group 2 (basal diet 0.3 ppm inorganic selenium, as sodium selenite), group 3 (basal diet.3 ppm organic selenium, as selenised yeast) and group 4 (basal diet.3 ppm selenium, as nano selenium). At the first and last days of each period, blood samples were collected and milk production was also recorded.
The results showed that however adding different selenium sources to the diets had no effect on dry mater intake; it increased milk and 4% FCM production. Selenium supplementation did not affect blood glucose concentration, urinary nitrogen, ceratenin, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations of dairy cows. Selenium supplementaition, specialy organic and nano selenium, significantly decreased concentration of serum fat metabolites and activity of Alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate Amino Transferase activity (p Overall results of the present study showed that supplementation of 0.3 ppm selenium to the diet containing high level of unsaturated fat decreased concentration of serum harmful fats and increased antioxidant capacity of serum which is reflected in improved milk production of the cows.

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of fennel by product (FBP) on productive performance of growing lamb and in vitro gas production parameters, using 20 Afshari×Chal male lambs (BW = 49 ± 0.24 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Experimental treatments consisted of diets including of 0, 3, 6 and 9% of FBP (dry matter basis). Dietary treatments had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) (P>0.05). Daily weight gain was higher in lambs fed control and 6% FBP diets (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was higher in lambs with diet of 9% FBP compared to the others (P<0.05). Potential of gas production, fermentation rate, nutrient digestibility and partitioning factor were not affected by the experimental diets (P>0.05). The highest gas volume and microbial biomass were observed in the diet containing 6% of FBP and control diet after 24 h of incubation, respectively (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, addition of 6% of FBP to the diet improved feed conversion ratio and daily body weight gain of growing lambs although had no difference with control treatment.

Sheep adapted to consume tannins rich feeds such as oak leaf (OL) appear to develop defensive mechanisms by their ruminal bacteria against these polyphenols. The capabilities of ruminal isolated tannins resistant bacteria from these animals to ferment a tanniniferous feed (i.e., pistachio hulls, (PH) which were incubated with rumen fluid from Holstein dairy cows was assessed. Six g positive cocci were isolated from the rumen of sheep and the 16s rRNA gene sequences showed them to be closely related to Streptococcus gallolyticus. In three runs of in vitro gas production (GP), the effect of two of the isolates incubated with bufferedruminal fluid of Holstein cow and PH was evaluated. The GP was recorded from 1 to 96 h of incubation. Incubating either of the isolates with PH caused a significantly higher in vitro gas production, estimated parameters, in vitro organic matter disappearance, metabolisable energy and volatile fatty acids than those without any isolate. The improvement in the ruminal parameters when either of the isolates was used suggested the possible presence of isolated tannins-resistant bacteria (Streptococcus gallolyticus sp.),however, in vivo studies must be conducted to confirm the in vitro results.

The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition, tannin content, in vitro gas production kinetics, in vitro dry matter and NDF digestibility and microbial biomass production of dried and ensiled pomegranate peel (PP; in four replicates). The crude protein, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in ensiled pomegranate peel (51, 48.4, 292.9 and 173.7, g/kg DM, respectively) were higher than the dried one(36.5, 37.5, 221.9 and 150.2 g/kg DM, respectively; P<0.05), whereas non-fiber carbohydrates (580 VS. 688.9 g kg- DM) were lower in pomegranate peel silages (P<0.05). Ensiling decreased the total phenolics (191.17 VS. 255.3 g of tannic acid equivalents kg-1 DM), total tannins (162.4 VS.219 g of tannic acid equivalents kg-1 DM) and non-tannin phenols (29.3 VS. 36.2 g of tannic acid equivalents kg-1 DM), pH (3.69 vs. 3.92) and water soluble carbohydrates (24.6 vs. 34.5), but increased the buffering capacity (12.73 vs. 8.79 meq-1 L), ammonia concentration (97 vs. 52 g kg-1 total N) and lactic acid (42.7 vs. 0.162 g kg-1DM) in pomegranate peel (P<0.05). The gas production, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acids concentration (0.723 vs. 1.023 mmol) in dried PP were higher than those of ensiled PP (P<0.05). The in vitro fiber digestibility, partitioning factor, microbial biomass production, efficiency of microbial biomass production and ruminal ammonia concentration were higher in pomegranate peel (P<0.05). Although ensiling to some extent decreased phenolic contents, but did not improve the nutritive value of PP in comparison with drying.

This experiment was conducted to compare the effect of free and sustained release thymol on rumen fermentation characteristics, microbial protein and some plasma metabolites. Six ruminally cannulated sheep were used in a 3×3 merged Latin square design. Treatments were (a) basal diet+ 250 mg free Thymol, (b) basal diet+ 250 mg slow relrase Thymol and (c) control (basal diet without Thymol). The experiment consisted of three 14-d periods with 10 d adaptation and 4 d sampling. At sampling period, the feces were collected and at the end of each period blood sampling and rumen fluid collection were made at different times. The measured traits were: Feed digestability, NNH3, plasma and glucose concentration, ruminal pH, microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. Dry matter intake (985.5 g and 917.5 g per day, respectively), crude protein digestibility (82.7% and 85.6%, respectively) and plasma glucose (114.8 mg/dL and 108 mg/dL, respectively) were increased by free and sustained release thymol consumption (P<0.05). Plasma urea concentration, microbial protein synthesis and N-NH3 were decreased in 5 and 7 hours after feeding (P<0.05). Number of diplodinia was 0.38 105 in diet with free thymol and this number was lower than those in other two treatments (P<0.05). Thymol consumption improved the efficiency of dietary protein utilization by decreasing N-NH3 and increased level of plasma glucose showed a positive effect on energy utilization of animal.

The current experiment was carried out to investigate the possible effects of replacing alfalfa by dried de-oiled Savory (Satureja khuzistanica; DDS) at the levels of 0، 25، 50، 75 and 100 percent in finishing diets of Mehraban lambs on kinetics of gas production in vitro. The experimental diets contained 20% alfalfa and 80% of concentrate on dry matter basis. Replacing alfalfa by DDS had no significant effect on gas production at different incubation times as well as on kinetics of gas production including asymptotic of gas production (A)، fraction rate of gas production (C) and half time of gas production (t1/2) (P>0. 05). Concentration of ammonia was significantly decreased when alfalfa was replaced by DDS in the diets (P<0. 05). Experimental diets did not have significant effect on total volatile fatty acids. Although apparent in vitro dry matter digestibility was significantly decreased (P<0. 05) when alfalfa was replaced by dried DDS at the levels of 75 and 100%، true dry matter digestibility remained unaffected. Replacing alfalfa by DDS up to 75% tended to increase microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of MBP. The results of current study showed that inclusion of DDS in finishing diet of lambs could reduce ammonia production; thereby improve nitrogen utilization without having any adverse effect on digestibility of dry matter.