فرزاد قنبری

 a study was carried out to investigate the effect of different treatment methods (chemical and biological) on chemical composition, gas production parameters and digestibility of quinoa straw in a completely randomized design.

Quinoa straw was collected from Ashkhaneh city (north Khorasan province, Iran), chopped into 2-5cm pieces and prepared for processing. The following treatments were: 1) untreated quinoa straw (control) (CON), 2) CON processed with sodium hydroxide, 3) CON processed with hydrogen peroxide, 4) CON inoculated and fermented with Bacillus Subtilis and 5) CON inoculated and fermented with Aspergillus Niger. Prior to hydrogen peroxide treatment (132 mL of 35% H2O2), samples were pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 80 g/kg DM) to attain and maintain a pH of 11.5. For biological processing, activation of lyophilized vials and preparation of starter cultures of bacteria and fungi were done in MRS-broth at 37°C and PDA at 25°C, respectively. After that, one liter of the combination of distilled water and starter culture (containing at least 105 colony forming units per milliliter of bacteria or fungi) was added to each kilogram of quinoa straw.Treated samples were then placed into plastic bags, tied up and stored under anaerobic conditions. Prior to analysis, bags were opened and air dried. Chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods of AOAC. Ruminal degradability trial was carried out using the nylon bag technique. Gas production test was used to estimate gas production parameters. In vitro digestibility of the samples was determined through the batch culture method.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between treatments in terms of chemical composition (dry matter, ash, organic matter and crude protein) (P<0.05). In this respect, the highest amount of dry matter was in the control treatment and the lowest in the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Among the chemical treatments, the treatments with sodium hydroxide had the highest and the treatments with hydrogen peroxide had the lowest values of Crude Ash. Different treatment methods had significant effect on gas production potential and rate (P <0.05). Treatments with control and fungi had the highest and sodium hydroxide treatment had the lowest gas production potential. Treatment with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide significantly increased dry matter and organic matter digestibility (P<0.05). In general, the bacteria had the lowest digestibility, partitioning factor, and microbial protein production.

Overall, the results of this study showed that treatment with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide had a greater effect on improving the nutritional value of quinoa straw.

Lipidol contains a number of active lysophospholipids, which because of its unique structure, increases the absorption of nutrients by changing the cell membrane and stimulating absorption channels. Due to the similarity of the structure of lipidol and absorption areas of the intestine, this increase in absorption takes place without spending excess energy and can facilitate the absorption process and thus reduce the feed cost. Regarding the use of lipidol supplement in the starter of suckling calves, no report was found in scientific sources. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 0.5% and 1% levels of lipidol supplementation on growth performance, blood and rumen parameters of Holstein suckling calves.

18 male calves aged 3 to 5 days (44±3 kg) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and each group was assigned to one of the treatments. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Experimental treatments included 1- basal diet (control), 2- basal diet plus 0.5% lipidol supplement, and 3- basal diet plus 1% lipidol supplement. Lipidol supplement was added daily to the milk consumed by calves. During the experiment, the amount of feed intake was determined daily. Weighing using a digital calf scale, and measuring skeletal growth indices including withers height, hip height, hip to pin distance, hip to hip distance, pin to pin distance, heart girth, and body length using meter and caliper, were done every three weeks. At the end of the experiment, 3 hours after the morning feeding, blood samples were taken to measure the plasma concentration of total protein, urea, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol (Pars Azmoon kit, auto-analyzer), and rumen fluid was collected to measure pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration (phenol hypochlorite method, spectrophotometer device). The data related to growth performance, and blood and rumen parameters were analyzed according to completely randomized design, and those related to skeletal growth indices were analyzed in accordance with the repeated measure design in SAS software.

Performance traits were not affected by the use of lipidol supplement (P>0.05). Hip height in calves receiving 1% lipidol showed a tendency to decrease compared to the control group (P=0.074). Other skeletal growth indices were not affected by the treatments (P<0.05). The use of 1% level of lipidol increased the level of total protein (P=0.041). Lipidol decreased blood urea level (P=0.050). Adversely, blood cholesterol level tended to increase due to the use of this supplement (P=0.072). The highest amount was observed at the level of 0.5% lipidol. Levels of 0.5 and 1% lipidol decreased ammonia nitrogen (P<0.0001) and pH (P=0.025) of rumen fluid compared to the control.

In general, the use of 0.5 and 1% levels of lipidol supplement did not have a significant effect on the performance of Holstein suckling calves. It is suggested that higher levels of this supplement be investigated in future studies.

Sources of protein are the most expensive part of animal feed, and every year a large amount of these sources are imported from abroad for use in animal husbandry industry. One of the important steps in reducing the cost of feed is the optimal use of available resources and the recognition of new foods and their use in animal rations. On the other hand, every year, a huge amount of agricultural product residues are obtained, which can be used in animal nutrition. Optimum use of agricultural by-products and processing industries in feeding ruminants is important from economic and environmental aspects. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a cool-season crop and one of the most important legumes, in the temperate climatic regions and it has been widely consumed as a legume or vegetable throughout the world for the purpose of both human nutrition and animal nutrition. Peas are cultivated with the aim of producing green seeds, but after harvesting the pods containing seeds, its waste can be used by ruminants as high-quality bulk feed. The by-product after the harvesting of chickpeas (green chickpeas) which can be extracted and separated manually is the parts of the stem, leaves and pods that are free of green seeds. This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect using organic acid (acetic acid) and fibrinolytic enzyme and molasses on chemical composition, fermentation characteristic, gas production and digestibility parameters of pea silage.

Whole crop pea silage was harvested and chopped with a conventional forage harvester under farm condition to length of 2-3 cm. Representative of pea forage sample was packed manually, in triplicate into plastic bags. The filled silos were stored at ambient temperature and allowed to ensile for 45 days. The following treatments were applied to the forage samples: 1) pea forage without any additives (control), 2) control + fibrinolytic enzyme(2 grams per kg of dry matter), 3) control + organic acid(2%), 4) control + molasses(8%) and 5) control + (fibrinolytic enzyme+ molasses). Additives diluted in deionized water and applied with a hand held sprayer while forage samples were stirred manually. A similar quantity of deionized water was sprayed on the control forage. After designated ensiling times, silos were opened and the ensiled forage was mixed thoroughly and then were dried at a 60°C in oven for 48 h and then ground to pass through a 2 mm screen for later analysis.

Results showed that there were significant differences among treatments on NDF, CP and pH (P>0.05). Enzyme treated silages had lowest NDF content (46.50%) compared with other treatments (P<0.05). The lowest pH was related to treatment containing molasses. silage treated with organic acid improved aerobic stability, significantly. There were significant differences among treatments on gas production parameters(P<0.05) and molasses and enzyme treated pea silage had highest and lowest gas production potential than others (199.1 and 183.3 ml/g DM, respectively). Results showed that there were no significant differences among treatments on DMD and partitioning factor (P>0.05). Organic acid treated silages had lowest effect on DMD and OMD compared with other treatments (P<0.05).

Overall, results showed that using molasses and molasses + enzyme as additive can be improwed nutritive value of pea silage better than others. Anyway, green pea forage according to the appropriate level of crude protein similar to corn forage and its silage characteristics, has the potential of silage and can be used in livestock feeding.

  It is advantageous to include as many ingredients as possible when formulating a diet for broiler chickens, because the supplementary nature of nutrients in different feedstuffs promotes the reduction of nutrient variation. The results of some experiments have shown that diet uniformity, through variance reduction for nutrients, improves broiler performance. In addition, lower variability of nutrients reduces the possibility of nutrient wastage. Also, in practical feed formulation when using of cheaper feed ingredients such as canola meal (CM) or poultry by-product meal (PBM) instead of more expensive ingredients such as soybean meal (SBM) in such a way that inclusion of them didn’t result in a lower production and quality indices thus they may result in a lower feed costs and higher economic benefit for producer. Both CM and PBM are good sources of protein for broilers and less expensive than SBM. Canola meal is a worthful feed ingredient and according to climatic condition and type of processing contains 36-39% crude protein. It may consider as a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron as well as relatively good source of methionine and lysine. Poultry by product meal can be used in poultry ration up to 6% of total feed if sanitary operations is observed. High levels of fat, moisture and feather contents are main drawbacks of PBM in the poultry rations. However, if PBM mixed with CM that has low levels of fat and moisture, a proteinous mixture will result with similar CP level to SBM and longer storage potential. Both CM and PBM have lower nutrient digestibility as crude protein, fats and trace minerals because of phytate and NSP and dietary exogenous enzymes may improve digestibility of nutrients. The results of some researches showed that Kemin multi-enzyme supplementation improved broiler performance or carcass characters. This research is carried out for study effect of different substitution of a proteinous mixture composed of CM and PBM (65%:35%) with SBM with Kemin WP multi-enzyme supplementation on production and economic performances of broiler chickens.      

 This experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement 4×2 (4 levels of proteinous mixture replaced with SBM: 0, 25, 50 and 75%×2 levels of Kemin WP multi-enzyme supplementation: 0 and 250mg/kg diet) with 8 treatments, 4 replicates of 12 pieces of Ross308 strain broiler chicks of either sex reared on 1×1.25m floor pens in a completely randomized design. Proteinous mixture was made by proper mixing of CM and PBM (65%:35). During experimental period chickens were received mash diet according to Ross308 feed specification booklet (2014) for as hatched broilers. Feed and water were prepared for broilers ad-libitum. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), production index, feed cost to gain (Rials/kg), and monetary returns (Rials/bird) were measured or calculated at different phases of growth period. At the end of growth period (42 days of age) one bird similar in body weight to average weight of each replicate was selected and sacrificed for carcass character measurements. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA procedure of SAS2003Software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level.

At shorter growth period of 1-24 days, there was a significant interaction between dietary multi-enzyme supplementation and different substitution levels of protein mixture and SBM on body weight and FCR. As, in diets without multi-enzyme supplement,75% substitution of protein mixture with SBM significantly resulted in the most decrease in body weight and increase in FCR however, in diets with enzyme supplement 50 and 75% substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM resulted in a non-significant difference in body weight and FCR of chickens. It is reported that commercial multi-enzymes in broiler diets resulted in an increase in body weight and decrease in FCR. Also, there are some evidences that the mean retention time of digesta in different parts as well as whole digestive tracts of broilers in diets with CM was significantly less than SBM diets and this may be the cause of decrease in digestion and absorption of nutrients in diets with CM. It is reported that the use of more than 6% poultry offal meal in broiler diet resulted in a lower production performance and higher FCR and the causes of these phenomena should be searched in lower quality and palatability of poultry offal meal with higher level usage in the diet. Protein mixture substituted with SBM resulted in the lower feed cost to gain. However, diets with 50 and 75% substitution levels resulted in a significant decrease in MR compared with 0 and 25% substitution levels. Different substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM had no significant effect on carcass characters, however, dietary multi-enzyme supplementation resulted in a significant higher abdominal fat percentage. Similar to these results, it is reported that multi-enzyme supplementation resulted in higher abdominal fat percentages in broiler chickens. The lipase content in multi-enzyme may cause increase in digestion, absorption and deposition of fat in the body.   

 This study results showed that 25% dietary protein mixture substitution with SBM in the broiler diet did not show significant negative impact on economic performance of broiler chickens and could potentially be used as a substitute for more expensive soybean meal protein. Also, the use of multi-enzyme supplementation in the diet restricted to the age of chickens and the quality of protein source. As considering lower growth period of 24 days and 75% substitution levels of protein mixture with SBM multi enzyme supplement may result in a better FCR. However, for production of broilers with 42 days of age multi-enzyme supplementation in the diet had no significant positive effect on broiler performance and its economic traits.

Based on the recommendations of some poultry nutrition references as National Research Council (NRC 1994), growth period of growing Japanese quails have been considered to be six weeks and only one dietary protein concentration was recommended for the entire growth period. However, the amino acid requirements of growing quails are similar to those of broilers as the percentage of the diet decreases with age, and applying one level of protein throughout the rearing period may cause deficiency or loss of amino acids compared with daily requirements. Given the high cost of protein in quail diets and the fact that few researches has been done on the effect of dietary protein levels at different phases of growth period on quail performance, this experiment was conducted to investigate different dietary regimens of protein on production and economic performances and also carcass characteristics of Japanese quails.

The experiment was carried out in a 3×3 factorial arrangement (3 protein levels: low (L)=20%, medium (M)=22% and  high (H)=24 percent in grower phase (8-21 days)× the same dietary protein levels, in finisher phase (22-42days)) with 9 treatments, 5 replicates and 8 pieces of quails per each replication. All chicks were received the same starter diet with 2900 kcal/kg Metabolizable energy and 24% crude protein (CP) from time of hatch up to 7 days of age and after that they were received dietary L×L, L×M, L×H, M×L, M×M, M×H, H×L, H×M and H×H protein programs. Production traits such as feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and production index at the whole growth period, as well as some economic traits such as feed cost per gain monetary returns per quail and also some traits related to carcass characteristics and meat quality such as edible carcass percentage, water holding capacity and oxidative spoilage index of meat were measured or calculated.

During 8-42 days of age, different dietary protein levels in growing phase had no significant effect on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). While, higher protein levels (22 and 24%) in finishing phase significantly resulted in a better weight gain, FCR and production index of quails. Protein levels in grower and finisher phases had no significant effect on monetary returns however, increase in dietary protein level in finishing phase resulted in a significant feed cost to the gain at 8-42 days. Different dietary protein programs had no significant effect on carcass part percentages, water holding capacity and oxidative rancidity of meat.

For proper performance and economic production of quails protein regimen with at least 20% protein in grower and 22% protein in finisher phases could be recommended.

Agriculture residues are of a good potential for use as the energy source in ruminant diets. Lack of nutrient balance and high lignin rate have restricted the usage of these products in ruminant diets. Nutritional value of lignocellulosic compounds can be improved with the help of proper methods of processing. This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect of chemical processing on the nutritional value of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) residues.

Grass pea residues were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 50 g/kg DM), calcium oxide (CaO, 160 g/kg DM), hydrobromic acid (Hbr, 60 ml/kg DM) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 57 ml/kg DM). Chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods of AOAC. Ruminal degradability trial was carried out using the nylon bag technique. Gas production test was used to estimate gas production parameters. In vitro digestibility of the samples was determined through the batch culture method.

Chemical processsing was effective on changing the chemical composition of residues (p<0.05). The treatments of CaO, H2O2 and NaOH increased the Ash. Except for Hbr, the other treatments reduced the amount of crude protein (CP). Chemical compounds reduced the amounts of neutral detergent fiber (NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Gas production potential (p=0.0005) and rate, and related estimated parameters were lower in treated samples than control (p<0.0001). Dry matter digestibility (DMD) in HBr and CaO treatments, and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in CaO treatment decreased compared to the control (p<0.0001). The pH of culture medium was increasd by the treatments (p<0.0001), however ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) was the same among the different treatments. The treatments of NaOH, H2O2 and HBr incresed the microbial biomass (MB) and its efficiency (p=0.0001, p=0.0018 respectively).

Overall, although processing decreased the cell wall compounds of grass pea residues, it did not have a positive effect on gas production parameters and in viro digestibility of the samples.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of processing with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 50 g/kg DM), calcium oxide (CaO, 160 g/kg DM), hydrobromic acid (HBr, 60 ml/kg DM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 57 ml/kg DM) on the nutritional value of lentil (Lens culinaris) residues. Gas production test was used to estimate the parameters of gas production in samples. In vitro digestibility of the samples was determined by the batch culture method. Processing was effective on the residue's chemical composition (P<0.05). CaO, H2O2, and NaOH treatments increased the Ash compared to the control. Crude protein (CP) decreased in the processed samples, which was the lowest in the H2O2 and CaO treatments. Treatments of H2O2 and NaOH decreased the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and increased total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy for lactation (Nel), and net energy for growth (Neg). Gas production potential and related estimated parameters were less in treated samples than in the control group (P<0.0001). Dry matter digestibility (DMD) in NaOH and CaO treatments and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in HBr and CaO treatments decreased compared to the control (P<0.0001). All treatments increased the amount of partitioning factor (PF) compared to the control (P<0.0001). The highest amount was observed in H2O2 and HBr treatments (P<0.0001). H2O2 increased the microbial biomass (MB) and its efficiency (P<0.0001). Overall, although processing improved the chemical composition of lentil residues, it did not have a positive effect on gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of the samples.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of nutrients and organic acids supplementation (Biotronic) on performance, ileum microbial populations and blood parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred broiler chicks (Cobb500 strain, of both sex) were allotted to 6 treatments and 5 replications in completely randomized design with factorial arrangement of 2×3 and 30 experimental units. Factors included two levels of organic acid supplementation (diets containing 0.1% organic acid supplementation and diets without organic acid supplementation) and three levels of nutrients (standard levels of Cobb recommendation, 2.5% and 5% below than that). The interaction between organic acid and different dietary nutrient levels was not significant in any of the traits. Using organic acids supplementation increased growth performance at first 21 days (P<0.05). Different levels of nutrients in diet had no significant effects on growth performance. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Organic acids supplementation improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05), whereas this trait was not affected by different levels of dietary nutrients. Organic acids decreased total bacteria counts of ileum (P<0.05). Microbial population was similar in different levels of nutrients group. Organic acids supplementation had no effects on blood metabolites and carcass composition of the broiler chicks. To sum up, feed formulation up to 5% less than Cobb500 broiler chicken nutrients recommendation had no negative significant effect on production performance of the chickens. Also, the use of dietary organic acid supplement resulted in an improvement in some productive traits especially in starter phase of growth period.

This study aimed to determine how delayed silo sealing at filling affects the chemical composition, fungal population, and dry matter recovery of maize silage. Whole crop maize silage was harvested and then ensiled using laboratory silos (n= 4) as 1) Control, ensiled immediately, 2) 24 hours later, and 3) 64 hours later. A 24 h aerobic exposure in fresh forage caused an increase (P<0.05) in NDF content, but 72 h aerobic exposure caused an increase (P<0.05) in dry matter and NDF content and a decrease (P<0.05) in CP content. A 72 h delay in sealing resulted in the lowest CP and the highest pH, yeast, and N-NH3 in silage. A delay in sealing caused an increase in yeast counts in silage (72 h; 3.90 vs. control; 3.05 CFU), and 72 h delayed sealing also resulted in lower (P<0.05) dry matter recovery rather than control silage (89.4% vs. 93.1% DM). Aerobic stability was adversely affected by 72 h delayed silo sealing (75.25 vs. 53.5 h). This study indicated that maize silage quality is affected by three days of delayed sealing and the fungal population and aerobic stability are affected particularly from aerobic exposure. This study indicated that maize silage quality is adversely affected by delayed sealing and aerobic exposure.

Treatment of bacterial diseases such as bovine mastitis with antibiotics has problems such as antibiotic resistance and drug residue in animal products. Essential oil of medicinal plants have antibacterial activity and are suitable alternatives. This study examined the antimicrobial activity of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Satureja hortensis (savory) essential oils on major mastitis-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Chemical compositions of essential oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of oils were determined with serial broth dilution method using autoclaved whole milk rather than synthetic broth. The effect of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of essential oils on the growth curve of tested bacteria in milk was obtained in 0, 1, 2, 4, 10, and 24 hours. Major compositions of sage and savory essential oils were carvacrol (61.01%), thymol (20.41%), 1R-α-pinene (7.88%), eucalyptol (32.45%), thymol (28.24%), and α-pinene (13.42%), respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranged 1.25-2.5% and 2.5-5% for savory, and 0.625-1.25% and 1.25-2.5% for sage, respectively. Savory and sage significantly decreased the S. aureus and S. agalactiae population in 4, 10, and 24 h (p < 0.05) and E. coli population in 10 and 24 h (p = 0.01). The sage and savory essential oils had antibacterial effects against three tested bacteria, and sage had a stronger effect than savory because of stronger antibacterial components (carvacrol and thymol). Further in vivo tests are recommended to evaluate the efficiency of these essential oils on the treatment of bovine mastitis.

There is need to investigate new and natural antibacterial agents because of various side effects of antibiotics. Essential oil of medicinal plants is one of these agents. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Satureja hortensis (savory) essential oils in comparison with Gentamicin and Amoxicillin / Clavulanate antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli. Chemical compositions of essential oils were determined by GC/MS. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of oils and the inhibition zones of oils and antibiotics were determined using serial broth dilution and disk diffusion method, respectively. The effect of MIC concentrations of oils on growth curve of bacteria were obtained at 0, 6, 10 and 24 hour. Major compositions of sage and savory oils were carvacrol (61.01%), thymol (20.41%) and eucalyptol (32.45%), thymol (28.24%), respectively. According to MIC and MBC results, the most antibacterial activity of sage was against Staphylococcus aureus (0.009% and 0.019%, respectively) and those of savory were against Streptococcus agalactiae (0.078%, 0.156%, respectively). The inhibition zone of oils had no significant difference with antibiotics and antibacterial effect of sage was more than savory. MIC concentrations of oils decreased bacterial count at 24 h. Generally, the essential oil of sage had a stronger antibacterial effect than savory because of more strong antibacterial components (carvacrol and thymol) and Antibacterial effects of two oils had no significant difference with gentamycin and amoxicillin/ clavulanate that show satisfactory antibacterial effect of oils.

Introduction[1] Forages are grown mainly for feeding livestock, especially in dairy cows, because adequate roughage is needed in diets to provide good rumen function. However, as more roughage is fed, the energy density of the diet is reduced. So, the production of high quality forage is very important for dairy producers. High quality forage has direct effects on animal production efficiency, including weight gain, milk production, and reproductive success. Producing and conserving of high quality forage is a challenge because several factors can be affected forage quality including plant species, soil fertility, maturity at harvest, and harvesting (mowing, field curing, baling or chopping) and storage methods and other factors (weeds, insects and diseases). Fiber and energy contents are the most important in forage quality measures. As the fiber level increases, the energy content generally decreases. Therefore, improving forage quality can be achieved by managing forage carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are the primary source for ruminants and contribute 60 to 70% of the net energy used for milk production and are classified as structural and non-structural. As usual, structural carbohydrates defined as neutral detergent fiber (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and portion of the pectin) and non-structural carbohydrates consist of the sugars, starches and pectin. Non-structural carbohydrates are a highly digestible energy source and together with degraded protein, are needed by the rumen for microbial growth and digestion. Plants accumulate sugars during the day via photosynthesis, but incur a net loss at night via dark respiration. This diurnal cycling reflects the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates in forages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of morning versus afternoon cutting time on chemical composition, gas production parameters and digestibility of sun-drying alfalfa, clover and barley forages. Materials and Methods About 5-7 cm above the soil stage, alfalfa, clover and barley were harvested in two times, at 06:00 AM and 18:00 PM. Whole Alfalfa and clover plants were harvested at the first bud stage of development and whole barley plant at the medium dough stage of maturity used. Their nutritive value was evaluated through the determination of chemical compositions and in vitro gas production techniques. Samples were tested in an in vitro gas production method (96 h incubation) and batch rumen culture system (24 h incubation). Rumen fluid was collected before the morning feed from three fistulated Dalagh male sheep (45 ± 1.5 kg live weight fed on a forage diet at a concentration of 40:60). In vitro gas production was measured in triplicate and for each replicate; a sample of 200 mg DM was used. The bottles were then filled with 30 ml of incubation medium that consisted of 10 ml of rumen fluid plus 20 ml of buffer solution and placed in a water bath at 39 °C. Gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Total gas values corrected for blank incubation and gas values expressed in ml g-1 of DM. The asymptotic gas production system (A) and rate of gas production (c), organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). A medium similar to one developed for gas production was used for batch rumen culture system to measure pH, and NH3-N and in vitro digestibility. The pH of the media was measured after 24 h incubation. After 24 h incubation, the contents of each glass bottle were empty, strained through four layers of cheesecloth and then 10 ml of strained rumen fluid was acidified by 10 ml of 0.2 N HCl for determination of NH3-N using the distillation method. Finally, all contents remaining in the bottles were filtered through nylon bags, oven dried at 60 °C for 48 h and analyzed for IVDMD and IVOMD. Results and Discussion Results showed that cutting time affected chemical composition of alfalfa and clover forages significantly (p < 0.05), but had not effect on barley forage. Afternoon cutting forages had lower content of NDF and ADF and higher levels of starch and WSC compared to morning cutting forages. There were no significant differences between afternoon and morning cutting forages on gas production parameters (P > 0.05). However, Afternoon cut forages had higher gas production potential than morning cutting forages. Results showed that harvest time had significant effect on DMD (66 vs 59) and OMD (64 vs 58.5) of barley forage. Although, time harvesting had no effect on MCP, EMCP and PF (P>0.05), but Afternoon cut forages had higher MCP, EMCP and PF than morning cutting forages. Conclusion Generally, it was concluded that with considered all factors that affected quality and nutritive value of forages, delaying forage harvest until late afternoon could result in improve nutritive value of forage.

Lack of nutritional resources, especially in harsh conditions, is one of the major problems in the livestock and poultry industry. North of Iran due to its rich natural resources of native tree species and shrubs (50 tree and 80 shrubs) and annually significant amount of afforestation in cities, public places and natural areas, if they managed for animal feeding, can be an appropriate option for preparing a ration to feed the animals. Despite this capability, there is little information on the nutritional value of many tree and shrub species in the northern of the country. By targeting this approach in the researches, it is possible to manage natural resources and direct forestry to specific species. In this case, an effective step will be taken to manage the country's multifunctional forestry and it is also possible to diversify the countries livestock nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, gas production parameters and detestability characteristics of leaves from several tree species used in livestock feeding in a Completely Randomized Design (7 treatments and 3 replicates).  

Samples of commonly available seven species of forest tree leaves (Siberian Elm, Lexandrian Laurel,Linden, Beech, Maple Tree, Caucasian oakand Hornbean) were collected from different locations of Shast-Klateh Forest of Golestan province, Gorgan. Gorgan is located in 36o 45´ N, 54o 21´ E. The mean annual rainfall is 649 mm. Samples were taken and air dried at 60 °C for 48 h and milled to pass a 1 and 1.5 mm screen. In this study, effects of adding polyethylene powder glycol (twice the weight of the sample, Merck, MW = 6000) was evaluated. Their nutritional value was evaluated through determination of chemical compositions and in vitro gas production techniques. Samples were tested in an in vitro gas production method (96 h incubation) and batch rumen culture system (24 h incubation). Rumen fluid was collected before the morning feed from three fistulated Dalagh male sheep (43 ± 1.5 kg live weight fed on a forage diet at a concentration of 40:60). In vitro gas production was measured in triplicate and for each replicate, a sample of 200 mg DM were used. The bottles were then filled with 30 ml of incubation medium that consisted of 10 ml of rumen fluid plus 20 ml of buffer solution and placed in a water bath at 39 °C. Gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Total gas values corrected for blank incubation and gas values expressed in ml g-1 of DM. The asymptotic gas production system (A) and rate of gas production (c), organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). A medium similar to one developed for gas production was used for batch rumen culture system to measure pH, and NH3-N and in vitro digestibility. The pH of the media was measured after 24 h incubation. After 24 h incubation, the contents of each glass bottle were empty, strained through four layers of cheesecloth and then 10 ml of strained rumen fluid was acidified by 10 ml of 0.2 N HCl for determination of NH3-N using the distillation method. Finally, all contents remaining in the bottles were filtered through nylon bags, oven dried at 60 °C for 48 h and analyzed for IVDMD and IVOMD.  

The results showed that the chemical composition of leaves of trees varied significantly among species. Maple tree had highest (1‏‏‏‏‏.27%) and Caucasian oak, Hornbean and Lexandrian Laurel had lowest (0‏‏‏‏‏.52, 0‏‏‏‏‏.56 and 0‏‏‏‏‏.58 respectively) of crude Ash content. The crude protein content of the tree leaves ranged from 7 to 18%. The highest and lowest tannin content were related to Beach tree (0‏‏‏‏‏.063 g‏‏‏‏‏/kg DM) and Caucasian oak (0‏‏‏‏‏.018 g‏‏‏‏‏/kg DM) respectively. There were significantly differences among several leaves of trees species on OMD, ME and SCFA. Addition of Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) increased potential gas production compared without PEG. The highest gas production and rate of gas production was related to Lexandrian Laurel tree without PEG (214‏‏‏‏‏/9 ml and 4‏‏‏‏‏.34 ml‏‏‏‏‏/h respectively). Portioning factor, Microbial crude protein and Gas yield decreased when used PEG.   Conclusion Generally, obtained results showed that some of the leaves of trees can be fed as supplements to low protein forage, and can alleviate feed shortage for ruminants in dry season.

Crop residues such as straws are lignocellulosic by-products which results from crop cultivation. These compounds can be used as carbohydrate and energy sources in ruminant nutrition. The presence of strong physical and chemical bonds between lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose reduces the nutritional value of these materials. Straws produced as cereal by-products are an important feedstuff for ruminants. Howere, they are not preferred by animals due to poor digestibility, low nitrogen and mineral contents. Many of the treatments were conducted to improve the nutritional value of low feed quality including physical, chemical treatments and biological treatments. Several chemical treatment methods have been developed to improve the nutritive value of low quality forages by reducing the concentration of cell walls or increasing their digestion. Alkali treatment is the most widely used method for increasing the degradation of forage cell walls and the main alkalis used are ammonia and NaOH. The underlying principle of the method is partial solubilization of hemicellulose, lignin, and silica and hydrolysis of uronic and acetic acid esters by the alkali (Chesson et al., 1983). Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of dry and wet NaOH treatment processes at improving the nutritive value of low quality forages and crop residues (Wanapat et al., 1985; Moss et al., 1990). However, the use of ammonia and other alkalis for forage improvement has been limited by their corrosive nature and the hazards they pose to humans. Recently, several studies showed that the biological treatments of crop residues to improve the accessibility of cellulosic fractions, thus improving their digestibility and feeding value have been attracting the extensive interests. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different processing methods (chemical and biological) on chemical composition, In vitro gas production parameters and digestibility of wheat straw.

wheat straw was prepared from minoodasht city. The following treatments were: 1) untreated wheat straw (control, CON), 2) CON processed with Urea, 3) CON processed with sodium hydroxide, 4) CON processed with hydrogen peroxide, 5) CON inoculated with Aspergillus niger for 21 days, 6) CON inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum for 21 days, 7) CON inoculated with Aspergillus niger for 40 days and 8) CON inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum for 40 days, in a completely randomized design. In order to processing with H2O2, first the samples pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 80 g/kg DM) to attain and maintain a pH of 11.5, then 132 ml H2O2 (purity: 35%) were added. Treated samples were then placed into plastic bags, tied up and stored under anaerobic conditions. Then the bags were opened and samples dried by exposure to air. After processing the chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods. In vitro cumulative gas production was determined using 120 ml serum bottles as described by Theodorou et al. (1994). A buffered mineral solution (Menke and Steingass 1988) was prepared and placed in a water bath at 39 ◦C under continuous flushing with CO2. Rumen fluid was collected before morning feeding from three ruminally fistulated steers fed on a forage diet at a concentration of 40:60. In vitro gas production was measured in triplicate on composite samples from the same treatment silos. For each replicate, a sample of 200 mg DM untreated and inoculated corn silage obtained from the d 45 and 90 mini silos were used. The bottles were then filled with 30 ml of incubation medium that consisted of 10 ml of rumen fluid plus 20 ml of buffer solution and placed in a water bath at 39 ◦C. Gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 16 24, 48 and 72 h. Total gas values corrected for blank incubation and gas values expressed in ml g-1 of DM. A pressure transducer and LED digital read out voltmeter were used to measure the headspace gas pressure in the culture bottles. Volumes of gas at the top of the culture bottles were transferred into a syringe by withdrawal of the syringe plunger until the pressure became zero. A medium similar to one developed for gas production was used for batch rumen culture system to measure pH, and NH3-N and in vitro digestibility. The pH of the media was measured after 24 h incubation. After 24 h incubation, the contents of each glass bottle were empty, strained through four layers of cheesecloth and then 10 ml of strained rumen fluid was acidified by 10 ml of 0.2 N HCl for determination of NH3-N using the distillation method. Finally, all contents remaining in the bottles were filtered through nylon bags, oven dried at 60 °C for 48 h and analyzed for IVDMD and IVOMD.

Results showed that there were significant differences among treatments on chemical composition (p < 0.05). The highest and the lowest DM content were related to control treatment and soaked treatments. Sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide treatment's had highest and urea treated wheat straw had lowest Ash content. Processing with two kind of fungi had no effect on chemical composition (p>0/05). Different processing methods had significant effect on potential and rate of gas production (p < 0/05). Soaked and trichodermal treated wheat straw had lowest and sodium hydroxid and hydrogen peroxide had highest gas production potential. Processing with Sodium hydroxid and hydrogen peroxide increased DM and OM digestibility significantly, Howere, Soaked wheat straw had lowest digestibility, PF and microbial crud protein.

Generally, processing with Sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide had more effect on improving the nutritional value of wheat straw.

The use of growth promoters and the strengthening of the immune system has been one of the concerns of livestock nutritionists. At first, using antibiotics was the best solution. But worries about their effects on livestock products have prompted scientists to find suitable alternatives. Probiotics as a natural product, along with some vitamins, were a good option. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotic and vitamin E+ selenium supplements on performance and some blood and ruminal parameters of Holstein calves.

Twenty-four Holstein male calves were randomly assigned to 4 treatments after weightlifting and prenatal follow-up. The calves were transferred to individual cages and fed a sufficient amount of colostrum for the first 3 days. Treatments included: 1- basal diet (starter diet + milk), 2- basal diet with Bioguil probiotic (2 g), 3- basal diet with injectable supplement of vitamin E+ selenium (0.14 ml per kg live weight), and 4- basal diet with probiotic and vitmin E + selenium. Probiotics were given daily and vitamin E+ selenium at birth and 14 days of age. The calves were fed milk twice a day. The starter was also given to them from the beginning of the second week of the experiment. The calves were weighed at the beginning of the experiment as well as once every two weeks. The amount of feed intake was calculated daily. Skeletal growth indices including body length, withers height, hip height, hip width, and heart girth were measured and recorded on the days of entering the experiment, 14, 28, 42, and 56. At 7, 21, 42 and 56 days old, blood sampling was done four hours after morning feeding by venoject tubes via jugular vein. Blood metabolites including glucose, albumin, total protein, beta hydroxyl butyric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured. The rumen fluid was collected using an esophageal catheter on days 21, 42, and 60 days to measure ammoniacal nitrogen and determine the fatty acids profile. The data were analyzed using SAS software according to MIXED procedure.

Probiotic and Vitamin E + selenium did not have any significant effect on weight gain and feed intake of calves (P >0.05). However, in calves receiving probiotic and probiotic combination with vitamin E + selenium, despite the lower initial weight, total and daily weight gain was numerically higher than control and those recipient vitamin E + selenium. The amount of feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the probiotic treatment showed a tendency to improve compared to the control (P = 0.09). Except for total protein (P= 0.002) and IgG (P=0.0004), the other blood parameters were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Probiotic, vitamin E+ selenium and their combination reduced blood protein level compared to control. In contrast, these treatments increased IgG level. Treatments had no any effect on volatile fatty acid concentration (P>0.05). However, the use of probiotics and vitamin E + selenium increased the amount of acetate and propionate numerically. The amount of ammoniacal nitrogen and pH were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05).

Probiotic treatment improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased some skeletal growth indices in dairy calves. The use of probiotics, vitamin E + selenium and their combination increased the absorption of IgG, which can lead to calf resistance to infectious diseases such as diarrhea.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect priming and inoculation with bio-fertilizers on the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of lentil. The lentil seeds to priming treatments, with two percent sodium hypochlorite disinfection solution, and cultured for 8 hours before the desired solutions (hormone gibberellic acid, and salicylic acid and distilled water) were kept. Treatments were: The first factor is the use of mycorrhizae in three levels [Non-inoculated (control), inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi species Glomus intraradices and G. mosseae]. The second factor involves priming treatments in 5 levels [Hydro-priming (using water), priming with gibberellic acid 100 ppm, Priming with salicylic acid 100 ppm, Priming with gibberellic acid 100 ppm × priming with salicylic acid 100 ppm and control (no treatment)]. The chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods. In vitro digestibility of samples was determined by the batch culture method. Results showed that there was significant difference among treatments on chemical composition. In the absence of fungus, treatment combination of two hormones had most and salicylic acid and gibberellic acid had lowest crude protein content. In this study, the lowest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content was related to treatment Glomus intraradices Glomus intraradices × salicylic acid. Results showed that pre-treatment of lentil seed with salicylic acid and combination of two hormones in drought conditions, compared with Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae, increased crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and nutrients digestibility. The highest apgas production potential (294.9 ml) and metabolizable energy (13.48 Mj/kg) were related to treatments Glomus mosseae and Glomus mosseae × gibberellic acid, respectively. Totally, the obtained results of this study showed that any treatment of crop seeds for resistance to diseases, pests and stresses such as salinity and drought, making ability of roots in the absorption of water and nutrients can affect nutritive values of their forages and other by- products.

This research was conducted in order to determine chemical composition, gas production parameters, in vitro digestibility and ruminal degradability of Acroptilon repens at different phonological stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) and its comparison with alfalfa hay and wheat straw in Completely Randomized Design. For this purpose, Acroptilon repens was prepared in three stages of growth from Quchan pastures. The chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods. The gas production test was used to estimate the gas production parameters of samples. In vitro digestibility of samples was determined by the batch culture method. Ruminal degradability trial was carried out by the nylon bag technique. The amount of Ash, crude protein (CP), Ether extract (EE), non- fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and neutral detergent soluble (NDS) at vegetative stage of Acroptilon repens were higher than wheat straw. At this phonological stage, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower than wheat straw and alfalfa hay (p<0.05). The highest and lowest values of gas production potential were related to Acroptilon repens at flowering stage and wheat straw respectively (p<0.05). Estimated parameters including metabolizable energy (ME) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) at vegetative and seeding stages of Acroptilon repens were higher than wheat straw (p<0.05), but had no significant difference with alfalfa hay. The amount of dry matter digestibility of Acroptilon repens at vegetative and seeding stages did not differ with alfalfa hay and wheat straw, but was lower at flowering stage (p<0.05). OMD, microbial biomass (MB) and its efficiency (EMB) at vegetative stage of Acroptilon repens was higher than other treatments (p<0.05). Washout fraction (a) and potentially degradable fraction (b) of Acroptilon repens in all phonological stages was higher than alfalfa hay and wheat straw, meanwhile degradability of this plant at vegetative stage was higher than other treatments (p<0.05). Based on the results of this study and considering the chemical composition and fermentation parameters, Acroptilon repens at vegetative stage had higher nutritional value.

An experiment was conducted in order to study the effects of butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed and different commercial probiotics in drinking water on performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. This experiment was carried out with 240 of Ross308 chicks in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting 2 levels of dietary butyric acid glycerides (0 and 0.2%) and 4 different probiotics in drinking water (0, 0.012% Aqua blend, 0.012% Primalac and 0.5% sour yoghurt) with 24 experimental units and 3 replicates of 10 straight-run chicks. Dietary butyric acid glycerides had no significant effects on production performance, carcass characteristics (edible carcass, breast, thighs and abdominal fat percentages) and production index of broilers (p>0.05). Different commercial probiotics in drinking water had no significant effect on feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio and production index of broilers (p>0.05) too; however, this effect was significant for edible carcass percentage (p < 0.05) as use of Primalac and sour yoghurt increased edible carcass percentage. Interaction effects between dietary butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed and different probiotics in drinking water on production performance, production index and carcass characteristics were not significant (p>0.05). Totally, inclusion of some probiotics in drinking water (Primalac and sour yoghurt) had positive effects on carcass characteristics but supplementation of butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed had no significant effects on production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens (p>0.05).

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of addition alcoholic extract of propolis and organic acid (acetic acid) on chemical composition, fermentation characteristic and gas production parameters of barley silage in a complete randomized design. Whole crop barley was harvested and chopped with a conventional forage harvester under farm condition to length of 2-3 cm. Representative of barley forage samples were packed manually, in triplicate into plastic bags and were stored at ambient temperature and allowed to ensile for 1, 3, 7, 21 and 45 days. The following treatments were applied to the forage samples: 1) barley silage without any additives (control), 2) control + alcoholic extract of propolis (500 µl/kg of fresh forage) and 3) control + acetic acid (1% of DM).Results showed that there were differences among treatments on DM content and pH (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest pH was related to barley silage treated with organic acid and control treatment, respectively. Compared with control treatment, barley silage treated with acetic acid and alcoholic extract of propolis improved (40 and 18 h, respectively) aerobic stability (p < 0.05). The fungi count was lowest in organic acid treatment on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). However, the fungi population was not observed on days 21 and 45 after ensiling in all treatments. Organic acid treated barley silage had highest gas production potential and in contrast, using alcoholic extract of propolis increased ME, OMD and SCFA content. Generally, obtained results showed that although organic acid and alcoholic extract of propolis as additives had not considerably effect on nutritive value of barley silage, but they improved aerobic stability (p < 0.05).

High producing ruminants require a significant amount of rumen escape protein. Researches have reported a correlation between increased yield and decreased ruminal degradation of crude protein (CP). Cottonseed is a common feedstuff for ruminants due to its high fiber, energy and protein. But the CP degradability of this ingredient is relatively high in the rumen. Several feed processing methods have been developed to decrease ruminal CP degradation such as heat treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat treatment on chemical composition and rumen degradation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and CP of cottonseed and its effect on Dalagh lambs growth performance.

The cottonseed used in this study was processed for 15 minutes at temperatures of 115 and 125 °C. After processing, dry matter (DM), Ash and organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were determined according to standard procedures. Degradability trial of DM and CP was done by nylon bag technique using three rumen fistulated male Dalagh sheep. In vitro digestibility and fermentation parameters were determined with batch culture method. Performance trial was performed for 56 days using 18 six- month old Dalagh sheep with a mean weight of 34.75 2 2.69 kg. The lambs were divided into 3 equal groups and each group received one of the diets contained unprocessed cottonseed and heat processed cottonseed at temperatures of 115 and 125 °C. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Performance traits including weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured. At the end of experiment, blood samples were taken from sheep to determine the osmotic fragility of red blood cells, blood parameters and hepatic enzymes. Statistical analysis of data from this experiment was performed using SAS (9.1) software and GLM procedure.

Processing had no effect on chemical composition of cottonseed (p < 0.05). Washout fraction, degradation rate of b fraction and effective degradability of DM and CP decreased by heat processing (p < 0.05). The effect of 125 ° C on reducing degradability was greater than that of 115 ° C. So that effective degradability of CP at rumen out flow rates of 2, 5 and 8 percent/h reduced from 84.88, 79.26 and 75.15 percent in control to 83.26, 75.79 and 70.81 percent and 82.32, 73.34 and 67.63 percent in samples processed with 115 and 125 °C respectively. Heat treatment had no effect on in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, partitioning factor, microbial mass production and its efficiency (P>0.05). But gas yield was decreased (P <0.05) by 125 ° C heat treatment (40.76 ml) compared to control (47.02). Heat processing had no effect on performance traits of animals (P>0.05). However, the daily weight gain in sheep fed heat treated cottonseed was significantly higher than control. Heat treated cottonseed nutrition had no effect on osmotic fragility of red blood cells, blood metabolites and hepatic enzymes.

The results of this study showed that although processing with temperatures of 115 and 125 ° C for 15 minutes reduced the effective degradability of cottonseed in the rumen, but had no effect on blood parameters and performance of lambs. Further research is needed to determine the optimum temperature and duration of application to improve the nutritional value of cotton seed.

Antibiotics have long been widely used to stimulate growth and prevent disease in animals. But, concerns about bacterial resistance and gastrointestinal malformations have prompted nutritionists to look for alternatives. Probiotics and ruminal growth promoter are among them. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that their use by ruminants has beneficial effects on the growth and microbial population balance of the rumen and will improve animal performance by improving feed conversion ratio. Calves are exposed to a variety of stressful events at birth due to defects in the immune system and underdevelopment of the digestive tract. Because of this, stimulation of rumen development, microbial population balance, and transfer of calves from the single gastric to the ruminant state are necessary. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of probiotic additive and ruminal growth promoter on feed intake, weight gain, skeletal growth indices, health, and blood metabolites of young dairy calves.

in this study, twenty four Holstein female calves immediately after birth, were used in a completely randomized design (4 treatments and 6 replicates). Calves after birth were randomly assigned into one of four treatments as follow: 1) control (milk without any probiotic or ruminal growth promoter), 2) calves receiving probiotic additive, 3) calves receiving or ruminal growth promoter and 4) calves receiving probiotic additive + ruminal growth promoter. Measurement of dry matter intake and fecal scoring were done daily. Calves were weighed once every15 days. Blood smples were taken at 21 and 45 days of age, 3 hours after morning feeding. Ruminal fluid was collected 4 hours after morning feeding on days 21 and 45 to measure pH and ammoniacal nitrogen. Skeletal growth indices were measured every 15 days up to 90 days. The data obtained from this study were analyzed according to completely randomized design and repeated measurements.

Results showed that probiotic and ruminal growth promoter supplementation had no significant effect on body weight, body weight gain changes and average body weight gain (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between control calves and those fed with probiotic and ruminal growth promoter in terms of skeletal growth indices (P>0.05). Fecal consistency score was higher in control than other treatments (P<0.05). Probiotic and ruminal growth promoter supplementation decreased ammoniacal nitrogen concentration on days of 21 and 45 (P<0.05). Treatments had no significant effect on blood concentration of glucose, cholesterol, urea and BHBA (P>0.05). However, concentration of triglyceride, total protein and albumin was different among the treatments (P<0.05).

Totally, The results of this study showed that Probiotic and ruminal growth promoter supplementation had no noticeable effect on the studied traits.

In order to evaluate the effects of using mixture of probiotic bacteria applied as a freeze dried or fresh culture on feed intake, weight gain, structural growth measurement and health, and blood metabolites, twenty four female Holstein calves were used in a completely randomized design. Calves after birth were randomly assigned into one of three treatments as follow: 1) control (without any additive), 2) calves received probiotic as a fresh culture and 3) calves received probiotic as freeze dried. Determination of starter intake and fecal scoring were done daily, and weighing and Structural growth measurements were recorded weekly. Blood samples were taken at the age of 25, 50 and 70 days old. Rumen fluid was collected 4 hours after morning feeding on 30, 60 and 70 days. The results showed that there were no differences among treatments on average weaning age and structural growth indices (p>0.05). Neither fresh culture probiotic nor freeze dried probiotic had effect on initial, final and weaning weight (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between treatments in terms of pH and ammoniacal nitrogen concentration (p>0.05). Freeze dried or fresh culture of probiotic had no significant effect (p>0.05) on blod metabolites (glucose, triglyserid, total protein, β_Hydroxybutyrate and albumin). Totally, the loss of predictable response resulted using of powder and liquid probioticson weaning calves performance can be attributed to good managerial and sanitary condition in weaning calves.

This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different physical and biological processing methods on the chemical composition, gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of barley grain in a completely randomized design (6 treatment and 3 replicates). Treatment were: un processing barley grain (control), Steam-flaked (for 3-5 minutes), yeast treated (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and steam-flaked, microwaved (850 W for 3 minutes), yeast treated and then microwaved and yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved. The chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods. Gas production test was used to estimate the parameters of gas production of samples. In vitro digestibility of the samples was determined by the batch culture method. Processing methods were effective on chemical composition of treatment. Crude protein was increased by different treatments. The highest amount was observed in yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved (14 percent). Treatments have no effect on neutral detergent fiber of barley grain. Processing decreased gas production of barley grain and lowest amount of these trait was observed in yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved (91.36 ml/200 DM). Treatment has no effect on dry matter and organic matter digestibility. Microbial mass production and its efficiency were increased by all treatments except the microwave treatment and the highest increase was seen in steam-flaked + yeast treatment (183.11 mg/g DM and 0.42 respectively). In general, the results showed that different processing methods can significantly affect the nutritional value of barley grain.

[ Endemic plants of rangelands, especially key species and palatable ones are inevitable for improvement and development of rangelands. The grazing is a critical managing factor regarding to the resources conservation and quantitative and qualitative increase of plants production at the rangeland ecosystems. Rangelands are dynamic ecosystems and changing as a result of the environmental disturbances. Sustainable utilization of rangelands is obtained when the changes become known. The increase in population over the past few decades, due to the increased demand for livestock production, has increased the number of livestock in the rangeland, and as a result, the pressure on the rangelands, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, has damaged many rangelands. After the degradation of rangelands, one-year species, non-palatable and toxic species are replaced by the high quality and palatable species and therefore the quality and quantity of forage in most of the rangelands is by no means satisfactory. Many rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions have been affected by soil erosion and dust and greasy vegetation due to the lack of vegetation. In the vast array, rangelands cultivating non-domestic species have been imported, For example, in dry and semi-arid rangelands of northern of Golestan province, imported species of Atriplex cultivate which, despite proper forage production and other benefits, has some disadvantages, including gradual increase of soil salinity, lack of plant regeneration in the years after establishment which cause metabolic disorders in animals, negative effects on native plants, parasite organisms in planting areas and the destruction of the plant due to extreme cold, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in economic costs after its destruction, as well as reducing fodder production. Therefore, in order to improve and revitalize dry and semi-arid rangelands, it is necessary to introduce, reproduce and deploy indigenous species with high adaptability and high yield.

Plant samples in different growth stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) were collected from arid and semi-arid hilly loess soil located north of Golestan province, Gonbad-e Qabus (Dashli Borun). The Gonbad-e Qabus is located (55o 12 N, 37o 16 E) and 45 m above sea level. The mean annual rainfall amount is below 450 mm and mean annual temperature is above 20 °C. Samples of Astragalus podolobus, Atriplex (A. canesences), Salsola (S. rigida), Lyceum, Artemisia sieberi were taken and air dried at 60 °C for 48 h and milled to pass a 1 and 1.5 mm screen. Their nutritive value was evaluated through determination of chemical compositions and in vitro gas production techniques. Samples were tested in an in vitro gas production method (96 h incubation) and batch rumen culture system (24 h incubation). Rumen fluid was collected before the morning feed from three fistulated Dalagh male sheep (45 ± 2.5 kg live weight fed on a forage diet at a concentration of 40:60). In vitro gas production was measured in triplicate and for each replicate, a sample of 200 mg DM were used. The bottles were then filled with 30 ml of incubation medium that consisted of 10 ml of rumen fluid plus 20 ml of buffer solution and placed in a water bath at 39 °C. Gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Total gas values corrected for blank incubation and gas values expressed in ml g-1 of DM. The asymptotic gas production system (A) and rate of gas production (c), organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). A medium similar to one developed for gas production was used for batch rumen culture system to measure pH, and NH3-N and in vitro digestibility. The pH of the media was measured after 24 h incubation. After 24 h incubation, the contents of each glass bottle were empty, strained through four layers of cheesecloth and then 10 ml of strained rumen fluid was acidified by 10 ml of 0.2 N HCl for determination of NH3-N using the distillation method. Finally, all contents remaining in the bottles were filtered through nylon bags, oven dried at 60 °C for 48 h and analyzed for IVDMD and IVOMD.

Results showed that there were significant differences among plants species for chemical composition. The OM content ranged from 63.77 to 89.33% for all species and Artemisia sieberi had highest and salsola had lowest at seedling stage. The results of the present study showed that there were significant differences among plants species on potential and rate of gas production. Artemisia sieberi and Atriplex canscens had highest potential gas production at flowering and seedling, respectively. Salsola had lowest OM digestibility, ME and ACFA concentration. There were significantly differences among different species on DM digestibilty vegetative stage and Artemisia sieberi and Atriplex had highest (58.66 %) and lowest (50 %) DM digestibilty, respectively. Salsola showed the highest value of partitioning factor at vegetative stage(7.37 mg/ml) and lycium showed the lowest value of partitioning factor at seeding stage (3.42 mg/ml).

In conclusion, results of current study showed that Astragalus podolobus has nutritive value as similar as Artemisia Sieberi. However, further investigation is needed in order to determine nutritive value of these species.