زربخت انصاری پیرسرایی

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the cold period on female Chukar partridges and its impact on reproductive traits and hematological parameters. A total of 104 adult breeding partridges were used in this study. The experimental treatments included a control group (without cold exposure) and a cold-exposed group. The research was carried out over 3 weeks in a completely randomized design with five repetitions in the control group and five repetitions in the cold-exposed group. The evaluation of reproductive parameters was performed at the end of the period, and the evaluation of hematological parameters was conducted once a week in three phases. The results of the analysis of reproductive indices showed that the cold period did not significantly differ in terms of egg production rate, fertility rate, and hatching rate compared to the control group (P>0.05). The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly increased in different phases of the winter period compared to the control group (P<0.05). The total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, and hemoglobin levels after cold exposure in different blood sampling phases showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). The findings of this study showed that cold exposure had a stimulating effect on the immune response, leading to a decrease in lymphocyte count and an increase in heterophil count. It is suggested that cold exposure may enhance immune responses and reduce egg production rates in Chukar partridges, possibly resulting in reproductive performance disorders.

Heat stress as one of the most challenging environmental stresses can growth performance. Broilers are sensitive to heat stress due to the lack of sweat glands. The temperature range for most poultry species is between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius. Heat stress reduces welfare, growth performance, high mortality and large economic losses changes in carcass composition, lipid profile and lipolytic capacity are high under heat stress conditions because heat stress causes significant increases in catabolic and stress hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, and glucagon). Jestrbesk et al. (2017) reported that heat stress increases the activity of fatty acid synthetase (which converts malonyl-CoA to acyl-ACP and acyl-ACP to myristat or palmitate), acetyl cocarboxylase (which it converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA) and acyl-coasynthetase (which converts myristate to myristate-CoA and palmitate to palmitate-CoA). Liver and adipose tissue are rich in fatty acid synthase, but more than 90% of fatty acid is synthesized in the liver of broiler chickens, and adipose tissue is only responsible for storage (Ijiri et al. 2016). Heat stress, through the increase of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue of animals, increases the capacity to harvest and store intestinal and liver-derived triglyceride in adipose tissue (Lu et al. 2007).

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of mild and chronic heat stress on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, meat quality and relative expression of broiler fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase genes. For this purpose, 150 one-day-old male broilers of Ross 308 strain in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (normal temperature (according to the recommendation of Ross 308 strain), mild stress (27 °C) and chronic stress (32 °C), 5 replicates and 10 birds were kept in each replication from 1 to 42 days. The diet was based on corn and soybean meal and formulated according Ross (308) requirements for three period of starter (1-10 d), growth (11-24 d) and finisher (25-42 d) days. Body weight gain and feed intake was measured periodically and calculated during the whole experiment on a pen basis, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated subsequently. At day 42 of age, two birds per pen were randomly selected, weighed, and slaughtered. After slaughter, percentage of carcass, breast, thigh, abdominal fat, pancreas, liver, heart, bursa of fabricius and spleen were calculated as a ratio of the live weight. To determine the meat quality, 50g of left breast muscle was collected in plastic bags and stored at a negative temperature of 20°C. Meat quality parameters including water holding capacity, moisture, ash, pH, fat, protein, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant activity were measured. Data were analyzed using the general Linear Model procedures of SAS 9.1. When the analysis of variance was significant, Duncan's multiple-range test was used to separate the means. Statements of statistical significance were based on P<0.05.

The results showed that the weight gain of chicks under chronic heat stress in the final period (25 to 42 days) and the whole period (1 to 42 days) was lower than chickens under normal temperature (P <0.05). Exposure to chronic heat stress significantly increased the relative weight of abdominal fat, plasma glucose and triglycerides, and malondialdehyde of broiler breast meat (P <0.05).In agreement with the present result, El-Husseiny and Krieger (1980) also reported that the abdominal fat of broiler chickens under 32 degrees Celsius temperature was more than that of chickens raised at 22 degrees Celsius. Mujahid et al. (2007) stated that heat stress increases plasma levels of fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol. The increase of these parameters is probably due to the release of glucocorticoids and the movement of fats, especially triglycerides from the tissues. In agreement with the present result, Lu et al. (2017) reported an increase in the level of malondialdehyde in the breast meat of broilers exposed to chronic heat stress. Heat stress leads to the creation of oxidative stress by increasing the production of free radicals, and the oxidative stress created during heat stress causes an increase in the level of malondialdehyde in skeletal muscles (Vosough-Ghanbari et al. 2010).Chronic heat stress also increased the relative expression of broiler lipoprotein lipase gene in broiler chickens (P <0.05). The relative expression of fatty acid synthase gene also increased significantly in the liver of birds exposed to mild and chronic heat stress (P <0.05). Fatty acid synthase is the limiting enzyme in last step of the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids in animals and the catalysis of acetyl-CoA and malonyll-CoA to fatty acids (Smith 2003). Fatty acid synthesized by liver are incorporated into triacyllglycerols and transported as very low- density lipoproteins (VLDL), which provide this key energy source for other tissues for immediate use or provides storage (Flees et al. 2017).Studies suggest that under stress conditions, high levels of corticosterone and plasma insulin can increase the expression level of LXRa mRNA, which in turn activates the expression of liver SREBp-LC mRNA (Janowski et al. 1999). Therefore, LXRa and SREBp-LC can activate the transfer of key genes required for fat synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase and acetyl cocarboxylase (Demeure et al. 2009). Lu et al. (2007) stated that chronic heat stress negatively affects fat storage and meat quality in broiler chickens, and through the increase of lipoprotein lipase in the adipose tissue of animals, it increases the capacity of harvesting and storing intestinal and liver-derived triglycerides in fat tissue.

In general, exposure to chronic heat stress further decreased yield and increased carcass fat and increased the relative expression of fatty acid synthase genes in the liver and lipoprotein lipase in the breast.

The use of dairy by-products as a new feed source in order to reduce the costs of raising livestock is very important. Whey powder is a residual cheese or casein, which is one of the animal proteins used in the human food chain. It is also a feed source of protein and contains some useful minerals. Whey can be used in the diet of livestock due to its proper nutrient balance. Also, the fact that whey can reduce the consumption of concentrate without any negative effect on daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, so the purpose of this study was performed to investigate the effect of using different levels of whey powder in diet on growth performances traits, apparent digestibility of nutrients and some blood parameters in fattening male crossed Zell lambs.

To perform this study, 24 mixed fattening Zell lambs were examined with a means age of 4.5±0.52 months and a means initial weight of 24±2 kg in a completely randomized design for 90 days. Experimental treatments included control treatment (without adding whey powder in the diet) and treatments containing 1.5, 3 and 4.5% whey powder in the diet. Chemical analysis of whey powder used included pH, 6.8 to 5.8, protein 12.5%, lactose 64%, fat 1.5%, moisture 4.5%. Whey powder used in the study was given to the experimental animals at different levels after mixing with the diet. The daily diet was given as a TMR to the animal twice and the amount consumed was recorded. Live weight measurement was performed every 14 days with 12 hours of feed and water deprivation. Measurement of the apparent digestibility of nutrients in the last days of the experiment as well as the study of carcass traits and blood parameters were performed on day 90 of the experiment.

The growth performance results of experimental lambs showed that there was a significant difference in end weight, DMI and daily weight gain between experimental treatments (P <0.05); So that the highest final weight and daily weight gain was observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey and the highest dry matter intake was observed in the treatment containing 3% whey. The results of apparent digestibility of nutrients showed that there was a significant difference in apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and NDF between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The highest apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey and the highest apparent digestibility of NDF was observed in the treatment containing 3% whey. The results of some blood parameters showed that there was a significant difference in the concentration of glucose, triglyceride, HDL and BUN between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The results of quantitative traits of carcasses of fattening lambs showed that there was a significant difference in hot carcass weight, hot carcass percentage, cold carcass weight, cold carcass percentage, thigh percentage and shoulder percentage between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The results of qualitative traits of carcasses of fattening lambs showed that there was a significant difference in the rate of TBARS of the straight muscle 48 hours after slaughter between experimental treatments (P <0.05).

The overall result of the present study showed that the weight at the end of the fattening period, dry matter intake and also the apparent digestibility of nutrients were significantly improved by consuming 3 and 4.5% levels of whey powder. There was a higher carcass percentage and improvement in valuable carcass parts in the treatment containing 3% whey powder.

In the poultry industry, the heat stress caused by high environmental temperature has a negative influence on broiler chicken performance and has become a major challenge. Transcriptome profile analysis of the data and identification of patterns of differential gene expression in related tissues can be involved in the discovery of molecular mechanisms resistant to heat stress. The main purpose of this study was to use transcriptome profiles of three tissues brain, liver, and leg muscle of two groups of the control and heat stress broiler chickens to identify candidate genes associated with heat stress. By the analysis of microarray data to express the gene differences, 657 significant genes (P<0.05) were extracted, which a total of 94 genes showed significant expression differences (FDR < 0.05, Fold change > ± 2). Then, by studying the ontology of the relevant genes resulting from data analysis and literature mining as well as the reconstructed protein-protein interaction network, hub genes including NSDHL, DHCR24, LSS, FDPS, PCK1, ACTA1, HSP90AA1, HSPA2, HSPB1, HSF1, CRYAB, APOB, and IL6 were identified. Annotation results of these genes indicated that they have a role in the main process of metabolic and signaling pathways related to the ion transport system, steroid, antibodies, cholesterol biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, immune system function, and various signaling pathways such as MAP kinase, RET, and ERK. Overall, the present study can provide new insights into evidence of the pathways activated by these genes to identify effective genes and a better understanding of biological processes related to heat stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on production performance and egg yolk fatty acid profile in broiler hens during three periods of 28 days. Number 200 pieces of Ross 308 broiler chicken with 45 weeks of age and in a completely random factorial design (2×4) including 2 levels of ginger (zero and 1.5%) and two levels of flax (zero, 1, 2 and 3%) in 8 experimental treatments 5 replications of 5 hens per replication were performed. Only in the period of 28 to 56 and 56 to 84 days, egg production was affected by ginger powder and flax oil and their mutual effects (P<0.05). In the whole period, only ginger powder and the mutual effects of ginger powder and flax oil increased egg production (P<0.05). In none of the periods, linseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger powder and linseed oil had no effect on egg weight (P>0.05), and only the effects of ginger powder in the period 56 to 84 days were significant, which caused a decrease in egg weight (P<0.05). Egg mass measurement was affected by ginger powder and linseed oil and their simultaneous effects only in the period of 28 to 56 and 56 to 84 days and the whole period (P<0.05). Consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger powder and flaxseed oil at the same time led to a significant increase in egg yolk fatty acids and a significant decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 (P<0.05). In general, supplementing the diet of mother hens with 1.5% level of ginger and 2% level of linseed oil has a positive effect on production performance and egg yolk fatty acid profile.

Heat stress is one of the serious issue in poultry industry which causes significant economic losses. Decreasing feed consumption, increasing excretion and decreasing the bioavailability of nutrients during heat stress reduces the performance and immune response. Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and animals that plays a role in improving the antioxidant status and the immune system and inflammatory response. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of different selenium sources [2-hydroxy-4- methyl seleno butanoic acid, selenomethionine and sodium selenite) on performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant and immune response and blood characteristics in broiler under heat stress condition.

This experiment was conducted in a completely random designs with 240 Arbor Acres (Male) broilers chicks. Chicks were randomly distributed in 4 treatments and 6 replicates (10 chicks in each replicate). The experimental treatments include that: (1) basal diet + 0.3 mg 2-hydroxy-4- methyl seleno butanoic acid; (2) basal diet + 0.3 mg selenomethionine per kilogram of diet; (3) basal diet + 0.3 mg sodium selenite per kilogram of diet; (4) The basal diet that did not have any additives. The birds were kept at 32-340C (10.00 to 16.00; for 6 hours) from 22 to 42 days.

The results of this experiment showed that feed intake, body weight gains and feed conservation ratio were not affected by the experimental diets. The use of different sources of selenium had no significant effect on blood biochemical factors in broiler chickens under heat stress. dding selenium source with 0.3 mg/kg 2-hydroxy-4- methyl seleno butanoic acid significantly affected immunoglobulin G in comparison to other treatments. Diets containing selenium sources significantly increased the relative weight of the spleen compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). The treatments of 2-hydroxy-4- methyl seleno butanoic acid and selenomethionine significantly decreased liver weight percent. The concentration of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in blood were significantly increased by selenium sources in different treatments.

The use of selenium source improved the immune system and blood antioxidant status in broiler chickens.

Reproductive efficiency and egg production are decreased in aged birds, which are economically significant. The current study was aimed to compare the different ages of laying Japanese quails on egg quality characteristics, blood parameter and liver histology.

A total number of 180 laying Japanese quail were purchased from three commercial flocks with different ages studied for one week after four weeks of habituation. Birds were assigned into three age groups, young (11 weeks), adult (26 weeks) and old (45 weeks) with five replications (9 birds per replication). During of experiment, feedlot performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. In the end of study, ten quail per treatment were randomly selected and dissected. Following this time, blood and liver samples were collected for evaluating blood biochemical parameters (triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very lowdensity lipoprotein (VLDL), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and liver histology. The liver tissue was processed with hematoxylin-eosin after processing.

The findings showed that in old quails, a decreased the percentage of egg production and egg mass, and an increased the food conversion ratio and consumed feed per dozen eggs compared with other two groups (P<0.05). In adult and young quails had lower egg weigh, egg Length and width, yolk diameter, yolk weight, yolk percentage and albumen height than old group and Yolk index, albumen and shell percentage had higher (p<0.005). Old quails had higher Haugh unit and Shell weight than adult quails(p<0.005). In different age groups, Shape index, yolk height, egg white weight, and shell thickness were not significantly different. In adult quails Triglyceride and VLDL were higher than the other two groups (P<0.05). Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were the highest in the adult group and the lowest in the old group (P<0.05). Old quails had more liver tissue damage than young quails.

In general, although the egg quality characteristics of Japanese quails increase with age, production performance decreased along with the decrease of blood lipid metabolites and the increase of liver damage.

Introduction : 

One of the valuable unconventional foods is whey powder, which is a by-product of cheese production. Whey powder is used as an important source of energy and protein in animal nutrition. By reviewing the composition of whey powder based on dry matter and comparing it with the needs of livestock, its nutritional value can be understood. Whey powder as a feedstuff also has properties of a prebiotic; it contains a significant amount of lactose that is not absorbed to a large extent, but is fermented and converted to lactic acid and volatile fatty acids, which may stimulate the establishment of lactobacilli in the small intestine. Whey powder in animal feed, in addition to preventing environmental problems, reduces feed costs and improves yield. Adding whey powder to this juice probably improves and increases the weight of animals fed with whey powder by stimulating the microorganisms of the digestive system and as a result, by better synthesizing the required nutrients and improving the absorption of nutrients from the digestive system. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of whey powder on growth performance, fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology, degradability and microbial protein biosynthesis in fattening Zell lambs.

In the first experiment, ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were measured with nylon bag technique using three fistulated Zell sheep with mean weight of about 40 kg and mean age of about 10 months. In this experiment, nylon bags made of polyester (Dacron) with a pore diameter of 45 ± 5 micrometers and dimensions of 9 ×7 cm were used. Incubation time in rumen consisted of 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96. In the second experiment, the effect of different levels of whey powder on fermentation parameters, ruminal morphology and microbial protein biosynthesis, an experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) with four diets containing zero, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 % whey powder on 24 male lambs with initial mean weight of 24± 2 kg and mean age of 4.5±0.52 months for 90 days was performed. Every day, a certain amount of feed in the form of TMR was weighed for each experimental treatment and was provided to the experimental lambs at 8 am and 5 pm. To determine the daily weight gain of the experimental lambs, weighing was done with a digital metal scale every 14 days until the end of the 90th day of the experiment. Data obtained were analyzed by statistical software SAS (version 1.9). Comparison of experimental treatment means was done using Duncan's multi-range test at a significance level of 0.05.

A significant difference was observed for final weight, dry matter consumption and daily weight gain among the experimental treatments, and the highest values ​​were found in the 4.5% whey powder treatment. Significant differences were observed in pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid among the experimental treatments. Specifically, the treatment with 4.5% whey powder exhibited the highest levels of fermentation parameters. Additionally, the 4.5% whey powder treatment showed the highest population of total bacteria at 2 and 4 hours after feeding, as well as the highest protozoa population at 4 hours after feeding. Moreover, the 4.5% whey powder treatment demonstrated the highest thickness, height, and density of villi compared to the other experimental treatments. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the degradability parameters of dry matter and crude protein among the experimental treatments. In particular, the soluble, degradable, and effective rumen degradability in passage rate constant parts exhibited significant differences. The amount of gas produced from the fermentable part also showed a significant difference between the experimental treatments. The control treatment showed the lowest amount of gas produced from the fermentable part, which was significantly lower than the other treatments. However, no significant difference was observed between the experimental treatments in other parameters of gas production.
The highest amount of microbial protein production was observed in the treatment of 3% whey powder.

The consumption of higher levels of whey powder at a maximum of 4.5% in the diet of fattening lambs improved the growth performance and some ruminal indices and decomposability of dry matter and crude protein.

Methionine is the first limiting amino acid in the poultry diet, and it plays essential roles in energy production and protein synthesis, increasing the growth performance of broiler chickens. This trial was conducted to compare the effect of L- and DL-Methionine on hatchability, productive performance and biochemistry of some blood parameters of broiler chicken from 1 to 7 day of age. On days 16 of incubation, 800 fertile egg (Ross 308) were randomly divided between 8 treatments (and 4 replicates) including 3 levels of L-Methionine (10, 20 and 30 mg), 3 levels of DL-Methionine (10, 20 and 30 mg) and two control treatments including negative (no injection) and positive (injection of 200 microliters of saline) control. Results showed that all treatments significantly (p<0.05) decreased the hatchability, without no effect on chick weight, chick to egg weight ratio and feed intake from 1 to 7 days of age. Birds received 30 mg L-Methionine showed the best BWG (27.3 g) and FCR (0.62). Likewise, 30 mg L-Methionine increased the carcass to live weight ratio (50.5) significantly (p<0.04). The applied treatments compare to the negative control group significantly (P<0.04) decreased triglyceride content of serum in the chickens. In general, the results of this research showed that injection of 30 mg of L-methionine compared to DL-methionine can lead to increased performance and improved carcass ratio in 7 days.

In conjunction with the increase in PoPulation and the need to Produce more food, Pesticides have been used to control and eliminate Pests in livestock and agricultural Products. Regrettably, the excessive use of Pesticides causes damage to the environment, Plants, animals, water, and soil. The Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentrations of RounduP herbicide as a widely used and common agricultural Pesticide in in vitro maturation of goat oocytes.

To PrePare goat oocytes, ovaries were PrePared from a slaughterhouse and transPorted to the laboratory into the flask containing warm saline (30-34oC). Oocyte cumulus comPlexes (COC) were removed from small antral follicles (2-6 mm) with the slicing method and transferred to a maturation medium whit different concentration of RounduP. COC was Placed in a maturation medium for 24 hours and reached metaPhase stage II (nuclear maturation). The exPeriment was examined in a comPletely randomized design with 4 treatments included: control, 187.5 μM, 375 μM, and 750 μM of the rounduP.

This study showed that the addition of different concentrations of the herbicide RounduP significantly decreased the maturation rate of goat oocytes than the control treatment (P < 0.05). Also, the addition of different concentrations of RounduP in the goat maturation medium reduced the steroidogenic gene exPression in cumulus cells comPared to the control treatment. However, RounduP did not have a considerable influence on DNA methylation in the Promoter site of the StAR gene.

The efficacy of the treatment with a dose of 187.5 μM of the rounduP in reducing the relative exPression of StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19 genes was higher than the 375 μM, which could be as a consequence of the fact that hormone disruPters (environmental Pollutants) have strong biological effects in low concentrations, but in high concentrations, they have weak or no biological effects.

One of the major problems of mother herd industry is the accumulation of abdominal fats and increasing plasma fat index by furthering production period. These changes predispose chickens and roosters to metabolic diseases and fertility issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on fat metabolism, lipid profiles and liver enzymes of broilers.

we used 72 pieces of Ross 308 broiler mother rooster by 45 weeks of age, in a completely randomized factorial design (4×2) including 2 levels of ginger powder (consisting 0 & 1.5 percent of ratio), 4 levels of flaxseed oil. (0, 1, 2 and 3percent of ratio) as long as 10 weeks in 8 experimental treatments with 3 replicate and 3 roosters per replication.

The results of present study revealed that consumption of ginger powder and flaxseed oil significantly reduced the triglyceride and plasma cholesterol concentrations in broiler compared to the control group (p<0.05).  Also, interactions of different levels of ginger powder and flaxseed oil on triglyceride and total plasma were significant (p<0.05). Consumption ginger powder significantly reduced low-density lipoproteins and increased high-density lipoproteins of blood plasma (p<0.05), while flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil had a significant effect on low density lipoproteins (LDL). And did not have any significant effect on high density lipoproteins (HDL) (p<0.05).  The Glucose concentration didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and also the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil (p<0.05). Using 1.5% of ginger powder in diet decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05), while using flaxseed oil and simultaneous consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger powder had no significant effect on aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05). The main effect of ginger powder, flaxseed oil and the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil in reducing plasma alanine aminotransferase were also significant (p<0.05). Liver weight, relative liver weight and abdominal fat weight, relative weight of abdominal fat weight didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger and flax (p<0.05).

Based on the results of the present study, supplementation of the mother rooster diet simultaneously with a level of 1.5% ginger powder and the level of 2% flaxseed oil had positive effect on lipid profile and liver enzymes.

Since the phenomenon of inflammation is considered as one of the significant challenges in different sectors of the livestock industry, so this study aims to evaluate the inflammatory strategy of Theophylline (a Phosphodiesterase, PDE inhibitor) on some production characteristics in laying hens at the late period of egg production (The severity of chronic ovarian inflammation increases due to consecutive ovulation in older laying hens), egg quality characteristics and histological evaluations of infundibulum were performed.

The study was conducted in a completely randomized design, over a period of 4 weeks, using 24 laying hens of W-36 line strains (older than 90 weeks). The birds were randomly divided into two treatments (including a level with a concentration of 3 mg perlive body weight as orally and a control treatment) with 3 replications per treatment and 4 birds per replication. Percentage of oviposition, mean egg weight and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Eggs were collected randomly and weekly and the ratio of shell weight to egg weight, egg shell thickness, egg specific gravity, units and yolk index were measured. Blood were sampled from wing vain to measure glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol. At the end of the study period, the chickens were dissected and the appearance of the ovaries and ovarian tumors were assessed. Also, after evaluating the appearance of the follicles, tissue was sampled from the area closest to the infundibulum to the ovary.

The results showed that despite being none significant result in body weight and daily food intake (p>0.05), usage of PDE inhibitor Theophylline caused to increase in pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (F1) (p≤0.05). Among the quality characteristics of eggs as an indicator of anti-inflammatory effects on oviduct function, egg white height, egg height and shell thickness in birds under the influence of theophylline increased significantly (p<0.05). theophylline supplementation increased blood triglycerides in treated birds (p<0.05). The ratio of control treatment, the use of theophylline could improve the histological anti-inflammatory properties of oviduct by increasing the stability of the epithelial cilia of infundibulum.

The supplementation of PDE inhibitor Theophylline could improve some of the production characteristics and improve some egg quality indicators due to its anti-inflammatory effects in oviduct.

Stress, as a response to adverse stimuli, is difficult to define and understand mostly due to its nebulous perception. As Selye (1976) pointed out, “stress is the nonspecific response of the body to meet any demand”, whereas stressor is defined as “an agent that produces stress at any time”. Hence, stress represents the reaction of the animal organism (i.e., a biological response) to stimuli that disturb its normal physiological equilibrium or homeostasis. Thanks to their antioxidants, nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties silver nanoparticles are used in many developed countries (Bhanja et al 2015). The list potential applications of nanotechnology are very wide and diverse, but it is undoubtedly one of its most valuable applications in the development of therapeutic and pharmaceutical cases. Also, the use of silver nanoparticles in the treatment of deadly diseases like avian influenza supports further research on biological systems (Xiang et al 2011). Among inorganic materials, metal oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, MgO CaO, and Ag are of particular interest because they are stable in hard conditions and generally considered to be safe substances for humans and animals.

A total number of 592 eggs with an average weight of 50 g were purchased from a commercial Hubbard F15 broiler breeder flock aged 50 wk. The eggs, allotted to 4 treatments of 4 replicates with 37 eggs each, were set on the same floor to provide similar incubation conditions. Treatments including 2 doses of silver nanoparticles (20 and 40 mg) was injected via the egg holes using 1 mL insulin syringes equipped with disposable needles (21 gauge). The control group did not receive any treatment, and the sham control was injected with 1 ml phosphate-buffered saline (Triplett et al 2018). The injection holes were immediately covered using paraffin. At the end of d 18 of incubation, the eggs were transferred to the hatching cabinet. On the 21d of incubation, the hatched chicks were taken out of the incubator and after counting (checking for hatching) and weighting, half of the chicks were killed on the same day to check Hemoral immunity (G and M),white blood cell count and study of the desired genes (TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β). Among other chickens, those that were more uniform in weight with the desired treatment were transferred to the breeding period for 42 day and again in 4 treatments (treatments applied during incubation) and 4 replications with 20 broilers per replication. During 42 day, broilers were provided with unlimited water and food. To induce oxidative stress during the breeding period, 500 μg/kg live weight Salmonella lipopolysaccharide injected at 12, 24 and 48 hours before killed (Xi et al 2000).

While ovo injection, silver nanoparticles was significantly decreased hatchability in comparison to the control group (P<0/05). In line with our results (Goel et al 2017) found that the hatchability of the eggs injected with nanoparticles was significantly lower than the control group. The reason can be attributed to the smaller size of younger embryos at the 7th ED, injection method, location injection, injection depth, injection time, genetics, hen age, egg size and hatching conditions (Sun et al 2018; Pilarski et al 2005). In case of ovo injection of 20 and 40 mg silver nanoparticles, significantly increased carcass percentage compared to the control group at hatching and post-hatch period, respectively (P<0/05). (Bhanja et al 2015; Pineda et al 2012) proved that silver nanoparticles had positive effects on embryo weight. Due to the significant amount of antioxidant in the silver nanoparticles inside the egg and its antioxidant effect on energy efficiency during embryonic life, silver nanoparticles receiving groups had a higher body weight at hatching time. Higher birth weight makes it possible to increase feed intake and weight gain in these treatments.Upon ovo administration of 20 mg silver nanoparticles, spleen was increased significantly compared to the control group at hatching period (P<0/05). This is in line with a previous study of Goal et al (2017), who observed higher liver and spleen weights in 40 mg/kg silver nanoparticles group. The development of B and T lymphocytes initiates during embryogenesis in the bursa of Fabricius and thymus, respectively, and matures in the spleen until post-hatch (Erf 1997). These organs play an important role in imparting immunity. The cells produced in these organs differentiate into cellular immunity and humoral immunity, thus imparting immunity against different pathogens. Therefore, increased liver and spleen weight indicates a better immunological health status of in ovo silver nanoparticles supplemented birds. Ovo treatments did not affect the concentrations of immunoglobulin (IgG), (IgM), WBC counts and H/L ratio (P>0/05). Our results are consistent with previous studies of Pineda et al (2012) who showed the concentration of IgG and IgM were not affected by ovo injection of 10 and 20mg/kg silver nanoparticles. (Salari et al 2016; Saki and Salari 2015) showed silver nanoparticles increased in serum IgM and IgE, and increased in blood neutrophilic granulocytes. Rezaei Zarchi et al (2012) reported, feeding the rats for 28 days at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg / kg of silver nanoparticles had no significant effect on WBC and H/L. Differences in results may be due to differences in injection method, location injection, injection depth, injection time, genetics, hen age, egg size and hatching conditions. In comparison with the control and 40 mg silver nanoparticles group at hatching, there was significant up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β gene expression in 20 mg silver nanoparticles injected embryos,. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key cytokine involved in inflammation and immunity and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 induces the final maturation of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells, thereby increasing the secretion of immunoglobulins (Balkwill 2009; Mosmann 1989). Silver nanoparticles can interact with the immune system by binding and reacting with cells or proteins, thereby modulating the immune response. In the present study, higher expression of TNF-α gene in the livers was observed in ovo injected silver nanoparticles embryos. These findings also support earlier studies by Khan et al (2013), who showed the gene expression of IL-6 and TNF-𝛼 were affected by 50nm GNPs in the kidneys of rats. Also Vadalasetty et al (2018) reported that expression of TNF-α and NF-kB at mRNA were significantly up-regulated in the 50ppm silver nanoparticles group.

The results of this study suggest that silver nanoparticles improve the immune response of broilers by improving growth and increasing the relative expression of genes involved in immune function.

One of the goals of the poultry industry is to select animals that increased growth rate and also muscle mass while maintaining meat quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate performance, some meat quality characteristics and genes expression associated with growth (IGF-I, IGF-II, TGF-β1, Myostatin) in three strains of Arian, Ross and Cobb.

To do this research 150 one day old (male and female) broiler chicks of Arian, Ross and Cobb strains were categorized in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five replicates and 10 observations per replicate. The function, some physical characteristics of meat and the relative expression of their genes were investigated. Strains types had significant effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR).

In the whole of rearing period, the lowest FCR was for Ross strain and the highest was for Cobb strain. TPA test of breast showed that hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness in Arian, Ross and Cobb strains were significantly different. Maximum hardness and chewiness were for Arian and Cobb strains and maximum cohesiveness was for Ross strain. There were no significant differences between strains for adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess. TPA test of thigh showed that, hardness, chewiness and gumminess were not significantly different, but cohesiveness, adhesiveness and springiness were significantly different between strains. Maximum cohesiveness and springiness were observed in Arian strain and maximum adhesiveness was for Ross strain. Breast and thigh pressure test of three strains showed that hardness and deformation of hardness were not significantly different. IGF-I and IGF-II relative genes expression of breast meat had no significant difference between strains. TGF-β1 and myostatin relative genes expression were significantly different and the Cobb strain had the highest relative gene expression of TGF-β1. Also IGF-I and IGF-II relative genes expression had no significant difference in liver.

Given the individual advantages of each strain in some traits, more research is needed with specialized diets for each strain to be able to comment conclusively on the superiority of their traits.

Low-consumption minerals, such as iron, are essential for embryonic growth and development and post-hatch growth. Therefore, to achieve the best quality of embryonic and chick growth, it is useful to study these minerals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of optimized nano-scale zero-valent iron on optimal embryonic growth, hatching rate, chick quality, and carcass characteristics.

In the present study, 500 eggs of 308 strains, after numbering and weighing, were placed in a completely randomized design with four treatments, five replicates and 25 eggs per each replicate. Treatments were: 1- Control one (without injection); 2- Control two (injection of ethanol, ascorbic acid and starch); 3- Injection of 2500 ppm nano zero-valent iron; 4- Injection of 5000 ppm nano zero-valent iron. The volume of injection was 50 μl and into the yolk. Then, the eggs were placed in the incubator (37.5 C and 61% humidity). At the end of the incubation period, the percentage of hatching and the quality of the chicks were checked. Infertile eggs and the eggs with a dead embryo were also transferred to the laboratory for examination of embryonic mortality. The hatched chicks were transferred to the farm and, after seven days of rearing, were weighed and blood taken from their hearts to measure some blood parameters. From each treatment, nine birds were selected and slaughtered to study carcass characteristics (drumstick, breast, liver, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum). Data were analyzed using the general Linear Model procedures of SAS 9.1.

The results showed that nano-scale zero-valent iron injection decreased hatching rate, but did not affect the quality of the chicks and also, liver and duodenum weights increased significantly (P<0.05). Blood glucose concentration showed a significant increase compared to control groups (P<0.05). Other parameters were not affected by the experimental treatments.

According to the findings of this study, it is recommended that injections below 2500 ppm be injected and examined, and these results can be a reason for the high concentration of injectable concentrations and their adverse effects.

Current investigation was performed to study the effect of Propylthiouracil on immune cell count and antibody production in Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters with a total of 66 birds in complete randomized design during primary and booster vaccination. The birds were randomly allocated in two experimental groups including replication in each. All chickens were reared in the same condition according to the breeder's management guide for entire 18-wk duration (control group) or up to the point of dietary treatment with Propylthiouracil (0.1% w: w) for 6 weeks through 6 to 12 wk of age (Hypothyroidism group). Birds of both experimental groups were vaccinated at age 9 and 15 wk with using of Bronchitis vaccine Nobilis 4/91 (Intervet, Netherland) in drinking water and then were bled at age 12 and 18 wk. Consumption of Propylthiouracil decrease serum thyroxin (tetraiodothyronine), triiodothyronine and production of antibody hypothyroid group versus control group at age of 12 wk (P<0.05) but there were no differences between experiential groups at age 18 wk (P>0.05). Study of total cell count showed induction of hypothyroidism lead to lower total white cell count and percentage of lymphocyte cell in hypothyroid group versus control group after primary vaccination at age of 12 wk (P<0.05) but there were not significant difference between both experimental group following booster vaccination at age 18 wk (P>0.05). It seems supplementation of feed with Propyl-2-thiouracil and consequent hypothyroidism leads to higher immune response while populations of blood cells had decreased.

To study the effect of in ovo injection of silver nanoparticles on immune system function and some blood parameters in broiler chickens under oxidative stress condition. 560 Fertile eggs allocated to 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 35 eggs in each. Experimental treatments included: 1) positive control (injection of 1 mL of physiological serum), 2) negative control (no injection of physiological serum), 3) injection of 20 mg nanoparticles of silver per egg and 4) injection of 40 mg nanoparticles of silver per egg. The injection was performed on day 7 of incubation. For oxidative stress, birds received 500 micrograms of lipopolysaccharide per kilogram of body weight at three times (12, 24, and 48 h before slaughter), through intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that silver nanoparticles improved the weight of chickens during breeding (p<0.05). Silver nanoparticles have significantly increased the weight of lymphatic organs (p<0.05). The group receiving 40 mg of silver nanoparticles showed the highest weight of lymphatic organs. Blood cholesterol in experimental treatments showed a significant difference (p<0.05). Negative control treatment showed the highest level of blood cholesterol compere to positive control and silver nanoparticles (p<0.05). TNF-α and TGF-β showed a significant difference experimental treatments so that the group receiving 40 mg of silver nanoparticles showed the highest level of gene expression (p<0.05). From this study, it is clear that silver nanoparticles improve the immune response of broilers by improving weight, lowering cholesterol and increasing the level of expression of immune and growth factor genes.

Application of antibiotics causes two major health problems, including antibiotic residues in body tissues and animal products and the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. On the other hand, antibiotics improve growth, feed efficiency and control infectious diseases. Following the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth stimulants in the poultry industry, the EU has been paying more attention to non-antibiotic growth-promoting compounds since 2006, including organic acids, probiotics and herbs. Previous studies have shown that in many oils of dark plants Mentha pipperita, thymol, carvacrol, menthol and in some cases paracetamol are the most important components of growth improvement, their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. kefir is also a natural probiotic. The fermenting agent of kefir milk is kefir seeds, which contain casein and the species Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus and others. Diets containing Mentha pipperita, by improving the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and reducing the population of harmful microbes, can create better conditions for the use of final feed products and thus improve the growth and better performance of chickens. In studies, the positive effects of kefir on the performance and biochemical parameters of broiler blood have been reported.

This study was conducted in the animal husbandry research station of Khuzestan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this study, four hundred one-day-old Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replications and 25 observations per replication for 35 days. The experiment was performed. Treatments are: Treatment 1) Basic diet + drinking water (control group), Treatment 2) Basic diet + drinking water + 0.5% Mentha pipperita extract, Treatment 3) Basic diet + drinking water + kefir milk 2%, Treatment 4) Basic diet + drinking water + Mentha pipperita extract 0.5% + kefir milk are 2%. The weight of quails was measured at the end of each week and the feed consumed was determined. The average of daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At the end of the fifth week, from each replicate, two quails with a weight close to the average were selected and slaughtered.  Breast and thigh meat samples were used to measure pH, water holding capacity and meat moisture content. Also, at the end of the fifth week, two samples were randomly selected from each replicate and blood was taken from their wing vein to measure blood parameters, thyroid hormones and testosterone.

The addition of mint and kefir extract significantly increased the weight of Japanese quails. The highest weight gain in the third and fourth weeks was observed in treatments 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In a study that investigated the effect of kefir on broiler performance, it was shown that the use of kefir as a natural probiotic causes significant weight gain, which is consistent with the present results. Mentha pipperita essential oil and kefir have been reported to improve feed conversion ratio and stimulate digestion in broilers. Kefir added to broiler drinking water has been reported to increase body weight, increase daily weight, reduce daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and improve performance. Mentha pipperita lowers blood cholesterol levels by liver or intestinal cells. Peppermint also accelerates LDL catabolism by increasing liver LDL receptors. In addition, Mentha pipperita inhibits the activity of the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increases the beta oxidation of fatty acids, thereby effectively reducing fat storage. The concentration of thyroid hormones was not affected by the treatments. In some studies, thyroid hormone concentrations increase with nutrition of mint and kefir. Testosterone concentrations were significantly affected by experimental treatments. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are the most important factors affecting the reproductive system. So far, the effect of many different plant extracts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis has been investigated. Plant extracts such as marjoram and ginger have been reported to increase testosterone, LH and sometimes FSH, and play an effective role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Peppermint, with its special chemical composition, can stimulate the signaling pathways of sex steroid production in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The effect of experimental treatments on pH and moisture of breast and thigh meat and their water holding capacity was not significant.

According to this study and economic considerations, it seems that the combined use of 2% kefir and 0.5% Mentha pipperita in drinking water can improve the performance and also modulate lipid profiles in Japanese quails, as well as increase reproductive performance in males.

Stresses such as climatic, environmental, nutritional, social and psychological stresses have negative effect on animal welfare, performance and immunological parameters. Following the increase in consumption of poultry products and the widespread production of these products, stressors can have a negative impact on the production and health of chickens, thereby affecting human nutrition. Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental conditions affecting commercial poultry. Compared with other species of domestic animals, broiler chickens are more sensitive to high ambient temperatures. High temperature imposes severe stress on birds and leads to important economic losses in the poultry industry. Heat stress is one of the most serious problems for poultry industry, and is results in poor welfare, low performance, inferior meat quality, and high mortality. High ambient temperature is a major problem in many parts of the world such as Iran, especially during summer. Exposure to high temperature has been reported to cause undesirable changes in growth rate, meat yield and breast protein content of broilers. In ovo administration of L-Leucine on embryonic day (ED) 7 has caused the hypothermia at hatching, and thermotolerance in young broiler chicks under heat stress. Branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, potentially activate the mTOR signaling pathway and activate protein synthesis by initiating translation. As an essential amino acid, leucine has certain biological properties, such as providing energy, regulating protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, adjusting immune function and mRNA translational origination (by activating the mTOR signaling pathway). Leucine inhibits the expression of lipogenic enzymes (fatty acid synthetase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase) in adipose cells and enhances muscle fatty acid oxidation (Sun and Zemel 2007). Therefore, considering the role of leucine in activating the mTOR signaling pathway and the metabolism of protein and fat, it is expected that leucine will improve the performance and quality of meat in broiler chickens under heat stress.

Two hundred, one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were obtained from a commercial hatchery. The birds were initially weighed, so that the pens had similar initial weight distribution and were randomly assigned to five experimental treatments, with five replicates of 8 chicks each. Experimental diets were the control diet (corn-soybeanbased diet), control diet + 0.1% leucine, control diet + 0.2% leucine, control diet + 0.3% leucine and control diet + 0.4% leucine. lighting program was used according to the guidelines of the Ross 308. Environmental temperature was maintained at 32 ± 1°C the whole period experiment. The diet was based on corn and soybean meal and formulated according Ross (308) requirements for three period of starter (1-10 d), growth (11-24 d) and finisher (25-42 d) days. Body weight gain and feed intake was measured periodically and calculated during the whole experiment on a pen basis, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated subsequently. At day 42 of age, two birds per pen were randomly selected, weighed, and slaughtered. After slaughter, percentage of carcass, breast, thigh, abdominal fat, pancreas, liver, heart, bursa of fabricius and spleen were calculated as a ratio of the live weight. To determine the meat quality, 50g of left breast muscle was collected in plastic bags and stored at a negative temperature of 20°C. Meat quality parameters including water holding capacity, moisture, ash, pH, fat, protein, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant activity were measured. Data were analyzed using the general Linear Model procedures of SAS 9.1. When the analysis of variance was significant, Duncan's multiple-range test was used to separate the means. Statements of statistical significance were based on P<0.05.

There was no significant difference between feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of experimental diets (P>0.05). According to the present results, Erwan et al. (2009) reported that adding 0.5% and 0.67% leucine to the diet containing 20% crude protein had a significant effect on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Moreover, relative weights of the different organs and the carcass components (except the abdominal fat) were not affected by the dietary treatments. Abdominal fat of 0.1 and 0.2% leucine fed birds was significantly lower than that of the control birds (P<0.05).Addition of dietary 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% leucine levels resulted in a lower breast fat as compared to 0.4% leucine and control diet fed birds (P<0.05).Possibly leucine increases fat metabolism of adipocytes by increasing fat flow to skeletal muscle and therefore increases the energy substrate to support leucine-stimulated protein synthesis which results in decreased abdominal fat weight. Breast meat protein of 0.4% leucine fed birds was significantly higher than that of control chicks (P<0.05). The enzymatic activities responsible for the metabolism of branched amino acids are found mainly in the skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, but less so in the liver. Thus, branched amino acids do not break down directly in the liver and most are available for metabolism in skeletal muscle and other tissues. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for blood levels of glucose, triglycerides, total protein, uric acid and cholesterol (P>0.05).The use of dietary leucine had no effect on breast meat malondialdehyde and total antioxidant activity of broiler chickens (P>0.05).

According to the results of current experiment, dietary leucine supplementation in the diet of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions had no effect on performance of broiler chickens. Leucine supplementation at low levels (0.1 and 0.2%) reduces the meat fat but higher levels of leucine (0.4 %) is needed to stimulate the protein synthesis.

Effect of Basil powder and extract on yield and carcass characteristics, relative expression of heat shock protein gene (HSP70) and someblood parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress using 160 Ross 308 one-day-old broiler chicks in a completely randomized designwith 5 treatments and 4 replications (8 chickens per replication), was evaluated for 42 days. Treatments included: 1- Basic diet (control), 2-Basic diet+ Vitamin C (250 mg per kg of grain), 3- Basic diet + 25 mg of Basil powder (per kg of grain), 4- Basic diet +50 mg of Basilpowder (per kg of grain), 5- The use of Basil extract (1 ml/liter water). Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcasscharacteristics, blood parameters and relative expression of HSP70 gene in blood were measured. The effects of treatments on bloodparameters and carcass characteristics were not significant. Relative expression of the HSP70 gene in the blood was significantly reduced inall treatments compared to the control (P<0.05). Based on the results, basil powder and extract reduce the negative effects of heat stress inbroilers, so their use in broiler diets is recommended to prevent heat stress.

In order to investigate the effect of royal jelly on the reproductive characteristics of Mazandaran native breeder hens, a study was conducted in completely randomized design with four treatments (zero, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg Royal jelly /kg BW), three replications and ten hens in each replicate. There was no significant difference in hatching rate between royal jelly and control treatments (p<0.05). Triglyceride and VLDL concentrations were significantly higher in the 0.5 and 1 mg treatment compared to the 1.5 mg of royal jelly and control treatments (p<0.05). Body weight in the treatment of 1 mg of royal jelly showed a significant increase compared to the control treatment (p<0.05). The weight of collected eggs in the week after royal jelly injection, was significantly increased in the 1 mg treatment compared to the control and 0.5 mg treatments (p<0.05). Egg width increased in the 0.5 mg treatment compared to the control treatment in the first week of injection and also in the 1.5 mg treatment compared to the control and 0.5 mg royal jelly treatments in the second week of injection (p<0.05). Egg shape index significantly increased in the 0.5 mg treatment compared to the 1.5 mg of royal jelly and the control treatments (p<0.05). According to the results, royal jelly injection can affect the characteristics of the egg. For better results, it is necessary to consider higher levels of royal jelly as well as increase the duration of injection.

In this research, the effect of feeding coQ10 and omega 3 fatty acids on testicular histology and relative expression of TGF-4 & StAR genes in Hubbard roosters was investigated. Forty-eight roosters, at fifty weeks age, were randomly divided into four groups and were subjected to the basal diet supplemented with omega-3 (30gr), coQ10 (400mg) and omega-3+ coQ10 (30gr+400mg) per day for eight successive weeks.At the end of the trial, all birds were killed and two samples were collected from the same testicle one of which was processed for histology, whereas another was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen to assess relative gene expression. Results showed that seminiferous tubule diameters of experimental groups were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, leydig cell numbers and sertoli cellswere not significantly affected. The relative expression of TGF-4 genes were significantly decreased in three groups compared to control (P<0.05). Birds fed coQ10 and omega-3 had significantly higher StAR transcript level compared to other groups (P<0.05). Results of the present study showed that addition of a mixture of coQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids to rooster`s feed, lead to improvement in testicular histology and genes expression related to spermatogenesis.

The objective of this was to consider relationship between heat shock proteins (HSP) with early embryo loss and pregnancy loss in Holstein dairy cows during summer season. Thirsty-two Holstein cows (with milk production> 30 Kg/d and 3.3±1.7 in parity) were selected. All cows were synchronized by G7G heat synchronization protocol. Blood samples were collected from all cows at d 16 after timed artificial insemination (TAI) to measure ISG15 gene expression. According to ISG15 results, 16 cows showed early embryo loss, then HSP gene family (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP 90) were compared between healthy cows and those with early embryo loss using t-test. Beta-actin gene was used as a housekeeping gene to compare results. Results showed ISG15 gene expression were greater in pregnant cows compared to early embryo loss (6.6 fold). Among HSP family gene considered in present study, HSP27 and HSP60 gene expression were similar between groups (p < 0.05). HSP40, HSP70 and HSP 90 genes expression were lower in pregnant cows compared to early embryo loss (4.7, 3.6 and 5.2 fold, respectively). In conclusion present study results showed among HSP family, there was an association among HSP40, HSP70 and HSP 90 genes expression and early embryo loss.

The design of this study was done to investigate the effects of inhibiting the activity of beta-adrenergic receptors by supplementation of different concentrations of propranolol (as a none-selective inhibitor of beta- adrenergic receptors) on some of the performance characteristics in laying hens at the end of the economic production period and the qualitative traits of eggs. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design, over a 26-day period, using 64 laying hens (90 weeks’ age) included 4 treatments (including control treatment and propranolol treatment with concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg Per kilogram of live body weight) with 4 repetitions and each repetition consisted of 4 birds, and some of the performance characteristics, follicular size (F1-F5) and egg quality were measured and calculated. The data obtained from the performance characteristics show that the usage of all concentrations of this inhibitor causes the significant increase in the laying percentage, improvement of feed conversion ratio. Propranolol also significantly increased feed intake and F1 follicle size at a concentration of 3 mg. Regarding the qualitative parameters of eggs, the usage of this inhibitor causes the significant increase in the thickness of the egg shell, the significant increase in the shell weight and ratio of the shell to the total weight of the eggs and the improvement of the Hue index in concentrations of 2 and 3 mg propranolol in treated birds. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of different concentrations of propranolol in this study has been capable of improving some of the performance and qualitative characteristics of eggs in laying hens at the end of the production period.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Bitter Orange blossom powder (BOBP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broiler chickens under heat stress condition. A total of 200 one day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) randomly were divided into five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 10 birds each. The experimental treatments including control (basal diet), the basal diet with Neomycin (0.2% of v diet) and 3 levels of BOBP (0.5, 1 and 2% of diet). Birds submitted to heat stress (32±2ºC from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM) from 15 to 42 d of age. Blood samples were taken from 8 birds per treatment at the end of experiment. The results showed that, average mortality was significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatments groups (3.75%) than in the control group (22.5%). The diet supplemented with BOBP had no effects on feed intake and weight gain of chicks during different periods (P>0.05). In the grower phase (11-24 d), the lowest fed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in 0.5% BOBP, which were significantly different from 2% treatment (P<0.05). Birds receiving diet supplemented with 1% BOBP revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower blood glucose compared to the control group (211 vs 225.8 mg/dl). LDL level was lower (p < 0.05) in 2% BOBP treatment (57.4 mL/dL) compared to 0.5% (69.6 mg/dl). The feeding of BOBP did not induce any significant effect on the whole carcass, breast, drumstick and internal organs weight of broiler chickens (P<0.05). In conclusion, BOBP may be effective in attenuating heat stress effects due to its illustrated antioxidant effects.