سید عبدالله حسینی

In the past, the use of valine (L-Val) in broiler feeds was limited due to its high price and relatively low availability. However, L-Val is becoming more available for the feed industry, resulting in a more viable price, leading to its inclusion in feed formulas. Moreover, to decrease the dietary content of crude protein, the use of L-Val in broiler diets is becoming more attractive. Arian broiler is one of the meat strains that originated in Iran and considering that several decades have passed since the arrival of the Arian line in our country. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out continuous nutritional experiments to more accurately meet the requirement of Arian broiler with regard to optimizing growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass efficiency by increasing the density of nutrients such as amino acids (AA). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different ratios of dietary valine-to lysine on growth performance, blood parameters, immune system, carcass characteristics and economic indicators in Arian broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted for 40 days with three satges: starter (0-14 days old), growth (15-25 days old) and finisher (26-40 days old). In this study, a total of 500 Arian strain day old broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replicates and 20 birds per each. Feed intake and body weight were measured at the end of each rearing periods and FCR was calculated. The experimental groups included: first group: control (-75; 75% ratio of valine to lysine without using synthetic L-Val), second group: +80 (ratio of 80% valine to lysine using synthetic L-Val), third group: +85 (ratio of 85% valine to lysine using synthetic L-Val), fourth group: -80 (ratio of 80% valine to lysine without using synthetic L-Val and fifth group: -85 (ratio of 85% valine to lysine without using synthetic L-Val). At 40 days of age, six birds from each replicate were randomly selected, weighed, and killed).

Results and Disscution: 

Results showed that diets with ratios of -80 and -85% valine amino acid increased body weight at the age of 0 to 42 days (P<0.05). The diets with a ratios of -85% valine amino acid increased feed intake during the total period of experiment (P<0.05). The intake of diets with ratios of -80 and -85% valine amino acid improved FCR and decreased abdominal fat (P<0.05). The level of albumen and total protein in control treatment were higher than in all experimental groups (P<0.05). Significant differences were not observed in relative size of spleen and bursa of fabricius, antibody titer against Newcastle disease and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio between experimental groups.

The results showed that feeding a diet containing -85% valine amino acid was more obvious on performance in the entire rearing periods, and also will improve serum lipid parameters, reduce fat storage in the abdominal area and increase profitability. Finally, the economic calculations of the project showed that it is possible to use the advantage of using synthetic valine amino acid in ration of Arian broilers.

 Opportunistic pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Blastocystis, etc. cause various gastrointestinal and non-digestive diseases in people with HIV. These symptoms are especially severe in people with HIV who have a CD4 count of less than 200. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in people living with HIV in Tabriz.

 This cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed on137 people with HIV referred to Behavioral Disease Counseling Centers in Tabriz, 2019-2021. Then, after receiving written consent, fecal samples were collected and evaluated for the detection of parasitic infections using direct methods, Ziehl-Neelsen and Trichrome Weber stain.

 A total of 137 stool samples were collected, including 93 males and 44 females. Most of them were in the age range of 20-60 years. The overall frequency of parasitic infections was 57.7% and the highest prevalence was related to Blastocystis 24.1% and Cryptosporidium 14.6%.

 Due to the relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections, especially Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium in people with HIV in Tabriz, which can endanger the health of these patients, essential interventions, including personal hygiene training to control and prevent infection with these pathogens, seem to be necessary.

Vitamins play an important role in improving the performance, immune system, and growth of birds. In recent years, due to the increase of the price of synthetic vitamin supplements and also due to the limitation of the use of commercial antioxidants, plant-based antioxidant sources have been considered in the poultry industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of herbal vitamin E supplements on production traits, humoral immune responses, and some blood parameters of broiler chickens.

In a completely randomized design 480 Arian broiler chickens (one-day-old, mixed sexes) were allocated to four treatments, four replicates, and 30 birds in each replicate. Experimental treatments included: 1. basal diet (Contains 25 IU of synthetic vitamin E), 2. basal diet + 25 IU synthetic vitamin E, 3. basal diet + 50 mg herbal vitamin E supplement, and 4. basal diet + 100 mg herbal vitamin E Supplement. In this experiment, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. On day 40, two birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed, and killed, and then the entire empty carcass and parts of the carcass including breast, thigh, neck back, and wings, abdominal fat, and some organs including heart and spleen were weighed. One day 40 days, to measure the concentration of total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes, blood was collected from each replicate of 4 birds. On day 33 to measure antibody titer against Newcastle disease and influenza, 1 ml SRBC was injected into 4 birds in each repetition.

  The results showed that the experimental treatments had no effects on feed intake, body weight, and FCR. Also, carcass characteristics including carcass percentage, breast, thigh, back, and neck percentage, abdominal fat, heart, spleen, and blood parameters were not affected by experimental treatments. Antibody titer against sheep red blood cell injection had no significant effect.

In total, according to the recommendation of commercial strains, the requirement of vitamin E is 50 IU, therefore in case of providing 25 IU of synthetic vitamin E in the diet, it is possible to provide the rest of the need up to 50 IU by using the herbal vitamin E supplement (at the rate of 50 mg per kilogram of feed) considering there are economic considerations.

In the past, vitamins were considered as unknown growth factors, but during the twentieth century, their structure and nature were gradually discovered. These compounds are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tissues and general health of the body. Broiler chickens are unable to synthesize vitamins (except vitamin C) or have the ability to make limited amounts of them (group B and K2). For this reason, vitamins should be added to broiler feed as a supplement. Vitamins interact with other nutrients in various ways. The main reference for vitamin requirements in broilers is the National Research Council (NRC, 1994). The recommended amounts ensure conditions where there are no severe deficiencies. Applying the NRC recommendations cannot guarantee the genetic potential of today's birds. Because these values were taken from old studies and using pure feeds in laboratory conditions. Due to the dependence of Iran's poultry industry on the import of vitamins, unfortunately, in recent years, few studies have been conducted in the country on the appropriate pattern of adding vitamins to the diet of broiler chickens. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the lower levels than the recommendation of the Ross 308 strain catalog (Aviagen, 2019) as the dominant strain of the country and to propose an optimal model for different regions that does not have a negative effect on the performance and safety traits and to reduce the need to import this strain. It will also follow the products.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal pattern of vitamin supplementation in diets based on corn, wheat waste and soybean meal on production traits, carcass characteristics and immune responses of broilers from 1 to 42 days of age in Fars province. A total of 500 Ross 308 broilers with similar mean weight (mixed sex) were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications and 20 chickens per replication. Experimental treatments included five levels of vitamin supplementation: 1) control (100% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog), 2) 90% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog, 3) 80% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog, 4) 70% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog and 5) 60% of the recommended values of Ross 308, 2019 strain catalog. At the end of each period, the feed consumption and body weight of the birds were recorded with a digital scale with an accuracy of ±0.01. At the age of 39 days, blood was drawn from the vein under the wing of two birds from each experimental unit, with a syringe containing EDTA anticoagulant, and the blood sample was quickly transferred to the laboratory in a flask containing ice for differential counting of white blood cells. At the end of the 42nd day of rearing, two birds from each experimental unit were slaughtered to measure the relative weight percentage of carcass components. To measure the humoral immune response, the injection of 0.5 ml sheep antigen (SRBC) at the age of 21 days was used. CBH skin hypersensitivity test was also used to measure cellular immune response.

The highest and lowest mean body weight gain and feed intake belonged to the vitamin pattern of 100 and 60% of the recommendation of Ross 308 strain, respectively (P<0.01). The best feed conversion ratio and production index belonged to the vitamin pattern up to 90% of the Ross strain recommendation (P<0.01). The highest and lowest percentages of pectoralis muscle (22.2% and 19.2%) were related to the pattern of 100 and 60% of vitamin supplementation recommended by the Ross strain (P<0.01). The effect of reducing vitamin supplementation on cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH), serum antibody level against SRBC and percentage of heterophils, lymphocytes and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was not significant.

There was no significant difference between the functional indices and most importantly the production index of treatment 1 (100% vitamin pattern) and treatment 2 (90% vitamin pattern). Carcass traits and indicators related to humoral and cellular immune systems did not show significant differences too. As a result, a 10% reduction in the level of vitamin supplementation compared to the recommended level of the Ross 308 catalog is possible and suggested for raising broiler chickens. The final result is that in the breeding conditions of Fars province poultry farms, it is possible to reduce the level of vitamin supplements in diets containing wheat waste up to 90% of the recommendation of Ross 308 strain compared to the control diet.

In order to estimate the optimum dietary digestible arginine to lysine ratio for starter period at a high altitude (2100 m), 420 day-old Arian broiler chicks (210 male and 210 female) were used in a completely randomized design with seven treatments of six replicates. From 1 to 7 days of age, all chicks were fed with a standard diet. Dietary treatments with seven digestible arginine to lysine ratios (0.83, 0.93, 1.03, 1.13, 1.24, 1.34 and 1.44) were formulated and fed from 7 to 14 days of age. On day 14, feed intake and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. The optimum ratio of arginine to lysine for BWG and FCR were estimated using quadratic regression (QR), linear broken line (BL), and quadratic broken line (BQ) models. The optimum ratios for BWG using QR, BL, and BQ models were estimated as 1.21, 1.08, and 1.22 (R2: 0.75, 0.70, and 0.69) respectively. Also, the optimum ratios for FCR using QR, BL, and BQ models were estimated as 1.22, 1.13, and 1.19 (R2: 0.77, 0.78, and 0.71) respectively. According to the obtained coefficients of determination (R2), it is concluded that in this study, the RQ model has more accurately estimated the arginine to lysine ratio for both BWG and FCR. Using this model, the obtained optimum ratio for both BWG and FCR in high altitudes is about 1.22 which is considerably more than the recommended ratio by the strain catalogue (1.08).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using normal and nanoencapsulated of lavender and chicory essential oils on performance, carcass characteristics and humoral immunity of broilers. A total of 1050 one-day-old chickens (mixed male and female in equal proportions) of Ross 308 strain were used in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments, 5 replicates and 30 chickens per replicate. Experimental treatments include: 1) basal diet without additives (control), 2 and 3) basal diet containing 100 g / ton of chicory and lavender essential oil, respectively, 4 and 5) basal diet containing 100 g / ton of chicory and lavender nanoencapsulated essential oil, respectively. 6) The basal diet contained 100 grams per ton of chicory essential oil and 100 grams per ton of lavender essential oil and 7) The basal diet contained 100 grams per ton of chicory nanoencapsulated essential oil and 100 grams per ton of lavender nanoencapsulated essential oil. At 42 days of age, highest body weight, production index, carcass percentage, relative breast weight and antibody titer in response to injection of sheep red blood cells, immunoglobulin G and M, as well as the lowest feed intake and feed conversion ratio were observed in the group fed with chicory and lavender nanoencapsulated essential oils (P<0.05). Based on the results, the simultaneous addition of 100 g / ton of chicory and lavender nanoencapsulated essential oils in the diet of broilers is recommended.

 Optimal nutrition occurs only when poultry efficiently use the nutrients in the feed for growth, health, reproduction and survival. Vitamins should be present in sufficient amounts in the diet due to their vital functions in the animal's metabolism and the optimal utilization of other nutrients.

Five hundred one-day-old 308 Ross strain chicks (male and female) were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 5 replications and 20 chicks per replication. Dietary treatmets are included five levels of vitamin supplementation: 1) control (100% recommended values of strain Ross 308 catalog), 2 to 5) 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% recommended values. During the 42 days of the experimental period, performance was recorded at the end of each period (ages 10, 24 and 42 days). Evaluation of humoral immune response was performed using SRBC injection at 35 days of age. Cellular immune response was assessed at 37 days of age by hypersensitivity test. At 42 days of age, ten birds per treatment were bled to count white blood cells and then the birds were slaughtered, and the relative weights of different parts of the carcass were measured.

The suggested level of 80% vitamin supplement had no significant effect on performance including feed intake, FCR, survival percentage and production index (p<0.05). By reducing the level of vitamin supplement, the length of jejunum and the percentage of wings and spleen decreased in the experimental treatments (p<0.05), but the percentage of carcass and other components were not affected (p>0.05). Antibody titer in response to SRBC injection, cellular immune response and the number of white blood cells were not affected in level of 80% vitamin supplement, although the level of 80% vitamin supplement significantly reduced IgG titer and heterophil percentage (p<0.05).

In general, the results showed that it is possible to reduce the level of vitamins in the diet of broiler chickens by 20% without negatively affecting the performance and responses of cellular and humoral immunity.

An experiment was conducted to determine the optimal dietary level of wheat middlings for Arian commercial strain broilers. One thousand and fifty hundred Arian broiler chickens (a mixture of two sexes) were reared from 5 to 49 days old in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 10 replicates and 30 birds in each replicate. Experimental treatments included zero (control), 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% levels of wheat middlings in the diet. Wheat middlings reduced the feed cost per kilogram of live weight of broilers at 49 days of age; these reductions at levels of 37.5 and 50% were about 9 and 11%, respectively, and were significant compared to the control. The multi-attribute decision making (MADM) method was applied to determine the optimal level of wheat middlings in the diet. Based on the scoring obtained from this method, the group of birds receiving 37.5% of wheat middlings gained the highest score (72.92) and the groups receiving 25, 50, 12.5 and 0% wheat middlings were in the next ranks (72.58, 72.52, 63.98 and 17.41), respectively. In the end, the optimal level of dietary wheat middlings inclusion to achieve the highest management score obtained by the MADM method was determined to be 34.7%.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding different levels of a domestically produced synbiotic to drinking water on production traits, carcass characteristics and the small intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens. Four hundred one-day-old Ross 308 broilers (a mixture of two sexes with equal proportion) were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 5 replicates, and of 20 birds per each replicate. Experimental treatments included adding levels: zero (control), 50, 100 and 150 g of synbiotic (Biopoul) per 1000 liters of drinking water. At 42 days of age, the addition of 50 or 100 g of synbiotic per 1000 liters of drinking water significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The increase of production index in the group receiving 100 g of Biopoul compared to the control showed a tendency (P = 0.08). Biopoul in the levels of 50, 100 and 150 g increased the total number of lactobacilli and decreased the number of yeasts and molds, coliforms and total gram-negative bacteria in the ileum compared to the control (P<0.05). According to the obtained results, the use of 100 g of synbiotic Biopoul per 1000 liters of drinking water of broiler chickens can improve the production index while helping to balance the small intestinal microbial population.

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of dietary inclusion of ASRI1 and ASRI2 commercial toxin binders and probiotic on performance, immunity, and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diets. A total number of 420 1-d-old broiler chicks with initial weight of 42±3, were assigned to 7 treatments with 5 replications (n=12). Experimental treatments included 1) non-aflatoxin contaminated diets (NC), 2) aflatoxin-contaminated diet (PC), 3) PC diet containing probiotic, 4) PC diet containing ASRI1 toxin binder, 5) PC diet containing ASRI2 toxin binder, 6) PC diet containing probiotic+ASRI1 toxin binder, and 7) PC diet containing probiotic+ASRI2 toxin binder. Performance, absorption index, intestinal microbial population, immunity index and survivability percentage were recorded and used as indexes for the comparison of the treatments. Multi-index decision management method was used to select the best treatment and decision about probiotic and toxin binder use. Based on the scoring obtained by this method, treatments of 1, 7, 6, 5, 3, 4 and 2 obtained the scores of 0.6264, 0.55674, 0.5118, 0.4171, 0.22244 and 0.0221, respectively. Based on Multi-index decision management method method, weight gain and production index had most role and the best response was observed in broiler chicks fed with probiotic and toxin binder (ASRI2). Therefore, a combination of probiotic and toxin binder (ASRI2) is recommended as a strategy for improving productive and performance traits of broiler chicks infected with aflatoxin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with bindii (Tribulus Terrestris), carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and ginger (Zingiber Officinale) on semen quality and fertility potential of rooster breeders. In this experiment, 30 roosters were assigned into 6 equal groups and fed the following diets during 30 days: 1) the base diet, 2) diet containing bindii, 3) diet containing carob, 4) diet containing ginger, 5) diet containing bindii and ginger, 6) diet containing bindii and carob. Semen samples were collected via abdominal massage once a week and the following parameters were evaluated: semen volume, number of spermatozoa, sperm motility, membrane integrity, morphology, viability and fertility potential. In result, diet supplementation with herbal additives in treatments received groups improved sperm quality and fertility potential compared to control group (P≤0.05). In conclusion, using herbal additives in rooster diet could be an effective method to improve rooster sperm quality and fertility potential.

In this research the effect of Bioplus B2 probiotic and galactooligosaccharide prebiotic (GOS) on performance, egg quality, and some bloodparameters of commercial laying hens were investigated in a sample of 216 hy-line laying hens (w36) with the same average weight aging 50to 62 weeks for a period of 12 weeks in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 6 replications and 6 hens per each replication inthe cage system. Experimental treatments included 1) without additives (as control), 2) diets containing 0.1% Bioplus B2 probiotic, 3) to 6)diets; containing, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.20 % of galactooligosaccharides prebiotic, respectively. The results indicated that both egg weightand mass was increased significantly (P<0.05) in the Bioplus B2 probiotic treatment. Egg production percentage, feed intake and feedconversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments. Using galactooligosaccharide at the levels of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 percentimproved dry eggshell weight significantly while the levels of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.2 percent increased eggshell weight per unit area compared tothe control (P<0.05). Total protein and albumin of serum increased in the Bioplus B2 treatment (P<0.05). Using Bioplus B2 probiotic and0.15% galactooligosaccharide significantly decreased blood cholesterol level (P<0.05). In general, the results showed that the using ofprebiotic galactooligosaccharide at the level of 0.15 % increases the weight of eggshell per unit area, decreases the blood serum cholesterol,and improves some performance traits compared to control group, therefore it can be used instead of probiotic Bioplus B2.

In order to investigate the effect of different levels of hydrolyzed feather powder on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments, six replications and 26 birds per replicate from 15 to 42 days of age. Experimental treatments included: diet without hydrolyzed feather powder (control), and diets containing one, two, and three percent of hydrolyzed feather powder. The results of this experiment showed that the use of hydrolyzed feather powder up to level of three percent had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, livability and production index compared to control group. The use of hydrolyzed powder in diet significantly reduced the cost of feed per kg of live body weight (P<0.01). Blood parameters such as albumin, globulin, total protein, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)- cholesterol and triglycerides were not affected by hydrolyzed feather meal levels. Ileal protein digestibility of hydrolyzed feather powder was measured 75.17%. Totally, due to the lower feed cost per kg of obtained live body weight and the ability of hydrolyzed feather powder to provide part of dietary protein, the use of three percent hydrolyzed feather powder in broilers diet is recommended.

Giardia and Blastocystis are common parasites of humans with a wide range of hosts. The aim of this study was to identify the genotypes of Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis in individuals attending Bavi health centers in Khuzestan province, Iran.

In this study, 30 positive stool samples of Giardia and Blastocystis were collected from individuals attending Bavi health centers in 2019-2020. Then DNA extraction was performed on fecal samples. PCR was performed using GDH gene for Giardia and 18S rRNA region for Blastocystis and PCR products were drawn to determine sequence type and phylogenetic tree.

Sequence analysis was performed on PCR products from Giardia based on amplification of GDH gene. Based on the results of DNA sequence, all identified samples belonged to assemblage BIV. Sequence analysis was performed on PCR products from Blastocystis according to amplification of 18S rRNA gene and all identified samples belonged to ST3 subtype.

The study showed that the predominant genotype of Giardia in Bavi was BIV which indicates a zoonotic cycle in this region. In addition, the predominant subtype of blastocystis was previously reported in this region (ST3) often seen in human-to-human transmission cycle, although there have been reports of animal-to-human cycle. Therefore, alongside health measures to control these two parasites in this area, molecular epidemiology studies in local animals is necessary to determine the zoonotic transmission of Giardia and Blastocystis parasites in this region.

Camel breeding is common in East of Iran due to its semi-arid climate and desert conditions. It transmits some diseases to other ruminants and humans due to carrying common blood parasites between humans and animals. This work aimed at studying the presence of Trypanosoma and Piroplasmida (Babesia and Theileria) species in camels in South Khorasan province using parasitological and molecular methods.

In this study, blood samples were taken from 200 camels in South Khorasan that were randomly selected in 2020. Then, thick and thin smear were prepared from the samples and stained with Giemsa staining technique and examined under a light microscope. For molecular detection of Trypanosoma, Theileria and Babesia, specific primers of each genus were used.

Microscopic examination showed that out of 200 blood samples, 8 samples (4%) were infected with Trypanosoma and no samples were infected with Theileria and Babesia. According to molecular experiments, six samples (3%) had DNA of Trypanosoma evansi and five samples (2.5%) were found with Trypanosoma brucei DNA. But the DNA of Theileria and Babesia were not observed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sample isolated in the present study had a high genetic affinity with genotype A of Trypanosoma evansi.

To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the prevalence of Surra in South Khorasan province. The presence of Trypanosoma in the blood of camels in this region signifies the need for a careful monitoring system and evaluation studies as a prerequisite for controlling blood parasitic diseases in camels in South Khorasan.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of toxin binders and prebiotics on growth performance, intestinal microbial population, stress andantioxidant indexes of broiler chicks fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. In this study, 600 1-d-old mixed broiler chicks (Ross 308) wereinvestigated in 10 treatments with 6 replications and 10 chicks per replication. Experimental treatments included: Negative controls un-supplementedand supplemented with ASRI1 and ASRI2 toxin binders and prebiotic and positive groups un-supplemented and supplemented with ASRI1 andASRI2 toxin binders and prebiotic, ASRI1 +prebiotic and ASRI2 +prebiotic. Growth performance, stress indexes of heterophile, lymphocyte,bacterial population and stress indexes of super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) wereinvestigated. Dietary inclusion of aflatoxin into diet increased heterophile, heterophile:lymphocyte ratio and decreased lymphocyte (P<0.05), but toxinbinders and prebiotic alleviated effects of aflatoxin on heterophile and lymphpocyte. Thepopulation of E. coli and lactobacilli were significantlyhigher and lower in positive control compared to negative control (P < 0.05). The results also showed that the serum concentrations of antioxidantenzymes were significantly lower in negative control compared to positive control (P < 0.05). In sum, aflatoxin showed negative effects on growthperformance, intestinal microbial populations, stress and antioxidant indexes but toxin binders and prebiotic decreased its negative effects andinclusion of ASRI1(3kg/ton) was better than other toxin binders.

The limitation of feed sources in Iran and all over the world has increased attentions to use alternative feedstuffs. Insect production is one the recommended approaches to improve food security for human and animals. Insects are rapidly grown and proliferated and because of being cold-blooded have appropriate feed conversion ratio. They also can convert agricultural residues into biomass contained proper value of energy and protein. This article has been focused on introduction of some insects used in poultry neutrino (including cricket, mealworm, black soldier fly larva, house fly larva, grasshopper) and earthworm, followed by reviewing the poultry nutritionist’s results about them, and ended up with pointing the challenges regarding to the extension of insect usage in poultry nutrition. The results of the researches indicated the appropriate levels of crude protein (42.1-63.3%) and metabolizable energy (3833-3298 kcal/kg) in evaluated insects or larva and the possibility of using them in poultry feed (commonly 5% of diet). Regarding the challenges of insect production and usage, some points which need especial attention are included: developing legal instructions for authorizing insect production and usage, choosing safe and proper insect species, type of litter and substrate of feeding, the chitin content of exoskeleton, as well as appropriate marketing and cultural education of the poultry farmers and human consumers of the poultry products.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of source and level of manganese, zinc and copper utilization on growth performance of Cobb 500 commercial broiler using completely randomized design with 7 treatments, 4 replications and 20 chicks per experimental unit. The chicks were reared in the same conditions during production period. The multiple attribute decision making management method was used to select the best treatment and to decide on the source and level of manganese, zinc and copper. Based on the obtained rankings, the treatment containing manganese, zinc and copper in the form of organic with internal origin and supply of 100 percent of the requirement had the highest score when compared with other groups. The treatment containing manganese, zinc and copper in the form of organic with external origin and supply of 50 percent of the requirement and negative control treatment showed the weakest performance. Based on the results, it is recommended to use the organic form of manganese, zinc and copper with internal origin as an approach to meet the broiler requirements for increasing growth performance and reducing the need for import of these elements into the external organic form.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of anti-stress feed additive containing probiotic Protexin®, vitamin C and betaine in three commercial broiler strains on immune responses, some blood parameters and oxidative stability of breast muscle under heat stress conditions. A total of 720 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design as a 2×3 factorial arrangement consisting 2 levels of additive (with and without) and three broiler strains (Arbor Acres, Ross 308 and Cobb 500) with 6 treatments, 4 replicates and 30 birds in each replicate. The birds were exposed to heat stress (37 °C) for 8 hours daily from 22 to 42 days of age. In addition of performance parameters, humoral immune response was measured by intravenous administration of 5% sheep red blood cell (SRBC) suspension and primary and secondary antibody titers were determined. At 42 day of age, blood samples were collected to measure blood serum parameters including total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL. The heterophile to lymphocyte ratio and also glutathione peroxidase and super oxide dismutase enzyme activities were evaluated at 42 day of age. Among the evaluated parameters, only LDL concentration was affected by experimental strains (p < 0.05) and the minimum serum LDL concentration was observed in Arbor Acres strain. Generally, the strain and feed additive used in this experiment had no significant effect on immune response and breast muscle oxidative stability of heat-stressed broilers.

Introduction:

products such as sugar beet pulp and various types of brans are rich sources of fibers, each with different percentages of soluble and insoluble fibers. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) has a long rectum (about 8 meters) that occupies about 57 % of the length of its gastrointestinal tract, but in the broiler chicken the rectum is only about 3 % of gut tract. The microorganisms in the ostrich's large intestine can digest 38% of cellulose and 68% of hemicellulose. The dietary fiber is divided into two types of water-soluble and water-insoluble. The water-insoluble fibers are including cellulose, lignin and a part of hemicellulose. Due to the higher passage rate of the digestive tract, they are less fermentable than soluble fibers. Water-soluble fibers are mainly including pectin, gum, and mucilage. Soluble fibers reduce the contact of enzymes with digesta, due to increase viscosity, thereby reducing digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the fact that the effect of soluble and insoluble fibers in the digestive tract is different from each other and so far no research has been done on the effect of fiber source in ostriches. This study was aimed to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients of diets containing two fiber sources soluble and insoluble in ostrich chicks.     

Materials and Methods :

In order to evaluate the feasibility of using the higher levels of soluble and insoluble fibers in ostrich’s diet, this experiment was undertaken using 30 ostrich chicks in a completely randomize design with 5 treatments and 6 replicates in each treatments (one bird in each replicate) in three periods; prestarter (1- 2 months), starter (2- 4 months) and grower (4-6 months). The experimental treatments were as follows: 1-Control diet with standard fiber level, 2- Treatment contains 2% more soluble fiber than control (sugar beet pulp as the source of soluble fiber), 3- Treatment contains 4% more soluble fiber than control (Sugar beet pulp as a source of soluble fiber), 4- Treatment contains 2% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber) and 5- Treatment contains 4% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber). A total 30 ostrich chicks were reared at an average weight of 3082± 202.37 grams in cages. In order to determine the digestibility of nutrients, AME and AMEn, the total excreta were collected. Nutrients contents of feed and excreta were measured according to AOAC (1997) methods. The raw energy of feed and excreta was measured by the calorimeter bomb apparatus. Megazim kit was used to measure the total dietary fiber (AOAC Official Method 991.43). The amount of soluble fiber was calculated by subtracting the insoluble fiber from total dietary fiber. Data were analyzed using SAS software (2002) using mixed procedure for repeated measurements with a significance level of 0.05 by Tukey Cramer method.

Results and Discussion:

 Data showed that fiber source had no effect on nutrient digestibility. Ostrich rectum is longer than its small intestine (the rectum occupies 57% of the digestive tract and small intestine occupies 29% of the digestive tract) and a good place to ferment the plant fibers. Fiber digestive bacteria such as fibrobacter succinogenes and ruminococcus flavafaciens in ostrich's ceca and other fermenter bacteria in the ostrich's rectum enable it to have the proper ability to utilize fiber sources. Since the beginning of the experiment was from the age of one month, ostrich chicks had sufficient ability to use different fiber sources. The difference in the rate of digestive contents through the consumption of soluble or insoluble fiber sources had no significant effect on digestibility of nutrients. Soluble and insoluble fibers digestibility and ash digestibility increased with ageing (p < 0.0001). As birds age increase the bacterial activity increase in the rectum and ceca. There was no significant difference in AME in treatments that had more soluble fiber compared with the control group, but AME and AMEn increased significantly with increasing insoluble fiber compared to treatments that had more soluble fiber (p < 0.0001). Which is probably related to the effect of insoluble fiber in the small intestine. Insoluble fiber diets improve the efficiency of nutrients utilization due to increasing the villi height to crypt depth ratio, therefore increased AME and AMEn. The differences in AME and AMEn with consumption of insoluble fiber source in comparison with other treatments are related to the greater effect of different fiber sources on the small intestine. Insoluble fiber decreases the viscosity of digestive contents and increases the effect of digestive enzymes secreted from intestinal cells (such as alpha amylase) and improve the digestion of starch and other nutrients and increase the energy obtaining from the diet by the ostriches. AMEn significantly increased with aging that may due to the increase of the activity of older birds, increase the energy required for maintenance and activity and hence more consumption of energy by the bird. The microbial population of the cecum and colon of the ostrich (from 3 weeks onwards) is similar to the rumen, which has the ability to ferment the fiber and produce volatile fatty acids, which these volatile fatty acids provide part of the metabolizable energy.

Conclusion :

According to the results of this study, a suitable range for soluble and insoluble fibers in ostriches diets from one to two months old were suggested to be 7.5 to 11.5 percent and 16 to 20 percent, at the age of 2 to 4 months 7.6 to 11.6 percent and 20 to 24 percent and at the age of 4 to 6 months 8.25 to 12.25 percent and 25.5 to 29.5 percent, respectively.

Corn and its byproducts are of the most important products used in livestock and poultry nutrition to supply energy. In order to investigate the effect of different levels of corn germ (high-oil content) on performance and immunological indices of broiler chickens, an experiment were conducted in a completely randomized design with 5 experimental groups, 5 replicates and 30 birds per each experimental unit from 14 to 42 days of age. Experimental groups were included birds received levels of zero (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 percentage of corn germ in diet., Birds received 10% corn germ in diet showed highest live body weight compared to others on days 21 and 28. On day 42, effects of corn germ level on live body weight, production index and feed cost per kilogram of live body weight was significant (p < 0.05). Lowest production index was observed in group received 20% corn germ (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in feed intake and intestinal morphological indices including villus length, villus width, crypt depth, villus length to crypt depth ratio between experimental groups. Also, Effects of different levels of corn germ on antibody titers against sheep red blood cell (SRBC), IgM, IgG and white blood cells differentiations were not significant. Based on the obtained result about feed cost per kilogram of live body weight, corn germ can be included in broiler diets up to level of 10 percent during days 15 to 42.