محسن محمدی ساعی

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae extract with sodium bentonite on the performance, immune responses and blood parameters of broiler chickens fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diet. The experiment was conducted using 384 chicken pieces in a completely random design and were divided into 6 experimental groups in 4 repetitions and 16 pieces in each repetition. Experimental rations include: 1- negative control treatment (rations without aflatoxin); 2- Positive control treatment (rations contaminated with 0.5 mg/kg of aflatoxin); 3- Healthy diet + Chlorella vulgaris extract (0.4 g/kg feed); 4- Contaminated diet + chlorella extract (0.4 g/kg of feed); 5- Healthy diet + sodium bentonite (2 grams per kilogram of feed); 6- Contaminated diet + sodium bentonite (2 grams per kilogram of feed). In this study, functional parameters, hematological and immune parameters were determined. The results of the research showed that the addition of bentonite and chlorella food supplements to the basic diet in the final period did not affect weight gain and feed consumption, but in the initial period of growth and the whole period improved weight gain and feed consumption compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the control treatment and the aflatoxin treatment in any of the experimental periods in the field of food conversion coefficient (p < 0.05). Chickens fed with 0.4 g/kg of chlorella had the best performance in terms of blood biochemical metabolites compared to other experimental treatments. Adding chlorella supplement to the food diet compared to the control diet showed a positive and significant effect on the antibody titer and the relative weight of the lymphatic organs (p < 0.05), but bentonite did not showe a significant difference with the control in the spleen, thymus, and bursa.

Algae, having a high level of antioxidants, can affect the antioxidant status and the health of birds. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Algasan® on blood biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of Japanese quail. For this purpose, A total of 204 three-day-old female quail chickens were randomly allocated in a completely randomized design with four treatments and three repetitions and kept until the age of 38 days. Treatments included a control diet or with 1, 2, and 3 g/kg (A1, A2, and A3) Algasan®, respectively. At the age of 38 days, blood samples were collected of two quails from each replicate to assess blood parameters and antioxidant status. Data were analyzed by the GLM procedure of SAS software and means were compared by Tukey's test. The results showed that serum glucose concentration in the A3 treatment (410.63 mg/dL), was significantly different from its concentration in control treatments (359.17 mg/dL) and A1 treatment (38 351.0 mg/dL) (P<0.05). The amount of cholesterol in the control treatment (201.63 mg/dL) was higher than the A3 treatment (151.33 mg/dL) (P<0.05), but the amount of HDL in the control treatment (40.00 mg/dL) was lower than A3 treatment (58.25 mg/dL) (P<0.05). The levels of serum enzymes and plasma antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant status and malondialdehyde were not affected. In general, the results exhibited that in the natural conditions of Japanese quail breeding, dietary Algasan® supplementation at the level of 0.3% improved some blood parameters, but did not change the antioxidant status of the plasma.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Algae on performance and meat quality in Japanese quail. For this purpose, the numbers of 306 pieces of 3-days age of Japanese quail were used in a completely randomized design by; 6 experimental treatments, 3 replicates and 17 chickens per replication. The experimental treatments comprised different levels of Algae as; T1: no Algae (control group), T2; 0.05 %, T3: 0.1 %, T4: 0.15%, T5: 0.20 %and T5: 0.25% of this Algae was added to the basic diet. In addition to measuring yield performance at 35 days of age, 4 pieces of quail in both sexes (males and females) were randomly selected and slaughtered from each replicate for evaluation of meat quality. Our results showed that the effect of different levels of Algae in quail’s diets doesn’t have any significant effect on average body weight gaining, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and live weights (p > 0.05). Feeding different levels of Algae had significant effect on carcass weight (p < 0.05). Also, feeding other levels of Algae had significant effect on carcass yield rate (p < 0.05). Although, there was no significant difference between all treatments for meat malondialdehyde index (p > 0.05) But, it had significant effect on meat pH, water holding capacity and blood loss percentage between treatments (p < 0.05). In general, the results revealed that using Algae at level of % 0.1 of the diet could be effective for improving performance and meat quality in Japanese quail.

This research was conducted with the aim of studying the effect of vitamin E and the type of dietary fat on the growth performance and qualitative traits of meat of Japanese quail. The experiment was conducted with 320 one-day-old quails in the form of a completely randomized design with 20 experimental units including 5 treatments, 4 repetitions and 16 quail chicks (male and female) in each repetition. Experimental treatments include: 1. basic diet without vitamins and fat (control), 2. Basic diet containing 2% soybean oil, 3. Basic diet containing 2% tallow oil, 4. Basic diet containing 2% soybean oil and 200 mg/kg vitamin E 5. The basic diet contained 2% tallow oil and 200 mg/kg of vitamin E. The weight of the quails was measured at the end of each week and the feed consumed in each week was determined. On day 35, two birds were selected and slaughtered from each experimental unit and thigh and breast meat samples from both birds were used to evaluate meat quality parameters. The results showed that in the first and second week, fat and vitamin E did not affect the weight of the birds (p > 0.05). In the third, fourth and fifth week and the whole period, the level of 2% tallow oil and 200 mg of vitamin E caused an increase in the weight of the birds compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). In the third, fourth and fifth weeks, the lowest feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were observed in birds that received 2% level of tallow oil and soybean oil along with 200 mg of vitamin E. The effect of experimental treatments on pH, humidity, storage capacity and Malon dialdehyde was not significant (p > 0.05). In general, the use of 2% tallow oil along with 200 mg/kg of vitamin E in the diet of birds improved the growth performance.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fodder beet on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of fattening male lambs. 32 fattening male lambs with an initial weight of 28.05 ± 0.25 kg by using a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four blocks for 84 days were fed with experimental diets including control (zero), 10, 20 and 30% fodder beet with the ratio 60% of the concentrate and 40% of the fodder as total mixed ration twice a day. During the experiment period, there was no significant difference in the weight of the lambs among the control group and the groups in which different levels of fodder beet were used in their diets. There was no significant difference in average daily gain among all groups except for the lambs fed with 20% fodder beet diet. In the group that received 30% fodder beet, the feed intake (DM/d) was the lowest compared to other groups (P<0.05). No significant difference in the feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups was observed. There was no difference in slaughter weight, empty-body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, carcass traits and carcass dressing percentage of lambs among different groups (P>0.05). The experimental treatments had no effect on the biochemical characteristics of lambs blood, but fodder beet intake increased blood hemoglobin (P<0.05). Based on the results, fodder beet up to 30% could be used in fattening lamb diets without negative effect on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters.

 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.

Evaluation of the efficiency of broier farms can better identify the position of the units and increase the awareness of policy makers and planners as well as investors in this type of activity in the agricultural sector for decision-making principles or fix the problems. Broiler breeding in Lorestan province was the growth of relatively well in terms of employment and provision of livestock products required province despite the problems caused by lack of planning, inadequate support services, uncoordinated and executive programs and relative lack of credit facilities assigned to this sector in the past two decades (DAPI of Lorestan Province, 2018). The percentage of broiler farmers in Lorestan province was 2.5% of the total country in 2017 year,. 420 broiler farmers activated ,annually with capacity of 13 million broilers in the province of Lorestan in 2017 year. In Khorramabad city, there were 129 broiler units with a capacity of 556130 broilers in 2017. This year the production of poultry meat was 12989 tons (Statistics of Agricultural Jihad, 2018). Efficiency is one of the most important tools in analyzing the production conditions of economic units. The types of efficiencies investigated include technical, allocative, economic and scale efficiency. Technical performance efficiency represents the unit's ability to achieve the maximum possible return on resources used. Efficiency analysis is used to identify opportunities for increased production and as a complement to the set of policies adopted (Farrel 1957). ccording to the studies, estimating the efficiency and identifying the causes of inefficiency of broiler farms have a great effect on yield increase and have a significant role in reducing the cost of production units and the optimal allocation of production factors. So far no comprehensive study has been conducted to calculate and evaluate the technical efficiency of poultry farms in Khorramabad city. It is necessary to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of breeding, nutrition and reproduction management of broiler farms in Khorramabad city which can be a deterrent to production. Therefore, any action in this field can lead to increased production and economic prosperity in this profession. Therefore, in this regard, the present study investigated the efficiency of these units in Khorramabad city. In this study, it was tried to evaluate the conditions of production of broiler units in Khorramabad city by applying technical efficiency and the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method.

In order to investigate the management and efficiency of broiler units and production function of these units, this study was conducted at Khorramabad city in 2017 year. The data collection methods were face to face interview and questionnaires. stionnaire questions were about factors affecting production such as capital, cost of feed, one day-old chickens, health, labor force, management issues, inputs including vaccine, health, energy, bedding, labour force, feed, production and income of broiler units and etc. in this farms. The number of samples was calculated based on Cochran formula 97 broiler farms. For this purpose, to random sampling, questionnaires 97 broiler farms were completed in the city of Khorramabad. The Least Squares Restricted Fisher test, in which the Cobb-Douglas production function as Restricted model and the transendental production function as Unrestricted model, was tested as follows (Gujarati 2003). The production function determined with Cobb Douglas functions and the technical efficiency were estimated by the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method. Cobb-Douglas frontier production function of the form used is as follows: LnYi=β0+ β1lnX1i+ β2lnX2i+ β3lnX3i+ β4lnX4i+ βlnX5i + β6lnX6i +β7lnX7i +Ui . The data on production functions and coefficients maximum likelihood method (ML) were estimated by SPSS 20 and Frontier 4.1 softwares, respectively.

In terms of the cost of inputs in broier farms, the cost of feed intake (62.1%), purchase of one-day-old chicks (16.3%), fuel and electricity costs (9.7%), labor costs (4.5%), medicine and treatment (4.2%) and miscellaneous expenses (2.3%). The highest and lowest technical efficiency of broiler breeding units were 100% and 25.9%, respectively, and their average efficiency was 67.8%, which was average efficiency (Table 1). The technical efficiency of 40.2% of these units (39 units) was less than 60% (Table 2). The difference between the best production unit and the average units was 32.2%. If this difference was reduced to zero by increasing the average technical efficiency of production units, the production rate can be increased by 32.2% using existing technology and specific factors. The technical efficiency difference between the best and worst producers was about 74.1%, indicating that there was a significant difference between the broiler breeders in the province in terms of management.The highest and lowest allocative efficiency of the study population was 100% and 16.7%, respectively, and the mean was 59.4%. The range of economic efficiency changes was the best and worst productive unit (81.4%), indicating that there was a significant difference between this units in terms of economic efficiency.The results of production function showed that the variables of number of breeding chicks in year, the amount of feed intake and fuel consumption and electricity had a positive and significant effect on meat production (P<0.01). Among all variables, the amount of feed intake with a coefficient (0.472) had the greatest effect on chicken meat production. otal elasticity of production that is in fact the sum of the coefficients of the independent variables, the show returns to scale. The coefficients were statistically significant equal to one. In other words, the returns to scale are constant among the broiler farms in Khorramabad city, and the production inputs will increase by the same proportion as total production increases.

The results showed that most broiler farms had a low efficiency and profitability. Most of these broiler farms are vulnerable to bankruptcy due to lack of compliance with economic principles in management. In general, maintaining the relative stability of feed price, familiarizing the farmers with the principles of rationing and improving the conditions of broiler units such as nutrition management, breeding and health, is necessary to increase the efficiency and production in broiler units in Khorramabad city.

To investigate the effect of different levels of Algasan pigment on the performance and meat quality of Ja[amease quail, 204 bird at day three of age, were randomly divided into four groups in three replications. Treatments included control diet (without pigment) or with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% (A1, A2, and A3) Algasan, respectively. In addition to recording performance data, at day 38 of age, two male quail were randomly selected from each exprimental unit to evaluate meat quality. Data were analyzed by SAS software and means were compared by Duncan test. The effect of different levels of pigment in quail diets on mean body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and live weight were not significant. But the highest carcass weight was observed in A1 treatment (118.33 g), the highest carcass yield in A3 treatment (73.36%), the highest light density in A1 treatment (2.029, 1.268, and 2.249%), and the highest water holding capacity in A3 treatment (4.720) (P≤0.05). The lowest meat pH, drip loss, and cooking loss showed in control (6.342), A2 (13.055%), and A3 (19.985%) treatments, respectively (P≤0.05). In general, Algasan pigment might be effective in improving some parameters of the performance and quality of quail meat.

Enriching the fatty acid composition of poultry meat is an important issue. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Algasan pigment on the fatty acids profile of Japanese quail meat with four treatments, three replicates, and 17 chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets include: 1- Basic diet (control), 2- Basic diet + 0.1% Algasan (A1), 3- Basic diet + 0.2% Algasan (A2), 4- Basic diet + 0.3 % Algasan (A3). At 38 days of age, two male quails were randomly selected from each replicate to determine the fatty acid profiles of the meat. The data were analyzed by SAS software and the mean squares of the parameters were compared by Tukey test. The results showed that the control treatment had the highest percentage of myristoleic acid (0.245), oleic acid (0.260), and trans linoleic acid (0.150), A1 treatment had the highest percentage of heptadecanoic acid (0.160), oleic acid (35.350) and total fatty acids with an unsaturated bond (43.035) and the lowest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids (30.060), A2 treatment had the highest echosamenoic acid (0.185), cis linoleic acid (30.185), omega-6 fatty acids (32.485) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (33.100) and A3 treatment had the most trans linolenic acid (0.200) (P≤0.05). In general, the results of the present study show that Algasan pigment at the level of 0.1% of the diet can be effective in improving the fatty acids profile of quail meat.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Chromochloris zofingiensis and Spirulina platensis extract on productive performance, blood parameters and antioxidant status in broiler chicken. A total of 400 male broiler chickens (Ross 308 strain) were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments with four replicates and 20 chicks per each. The broilers were fed a standard diet supplemented with Chromochloris zofingiensis and Spirulina platensis extract (0, 0.2, and 0.4 percent) from 1 to 42 days. Results showed that adding of Spirulina platensis extract (0.4 percent) in broiler's diet significantly increased production index from 1 to 14 days old (P<0.05). Supplementing with Chromochloris zofingiensis extract (0.2 percent) resulted in significant increases in the production index from 29 to 42 days old (P<0.05). The highest content of production index was observed in group supplemented with Spirulina platensis (0.4 percent) from 1 to 21 days old (P<0.05). The highest content of breast meat was observed in group supplemented with Chromochloris zofingiensis extract (0.2 percent) (P<0.05). The serum concentration of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and HDL were not influenced by dietary levels of Chromochloris zofingiensis and Spirulina platensis extract. Supplementation of Chromochloris zofingiensis extract significantly decreased the serum concentrations of LDL (P<0.05). Dietary levels of Chromochloris zofingiensis and Spirulina platensis extract showed no effect on serum malondialdehyde level. In conclusion, diet supplementation with Chromochloris zofingiensis (0.2%) and Spirulina platensis (0.4%) extract improved production index and carcass quality in broilers.

Compensatory growth is actually a physiological process in which the animal's potential, after a period of dietary restriction, can be exploited to increase growth and growth efficiency during the free feeding period (Hornick et al 2000). Compensatory growth is widely used today in various countries. Another specific management approach (short-term strategies) in lamb fattening is appropriate weight at the beginning of fattening (Santos Silva et al 2002). The benefits of applying a compensatory growth mechanism during the breeding period can be improved feed efficiency during the compensatory growth period (Abouhif et al 2013 and Sami et al 2016), reduced feed cost throughout the breeding period, also improved weight gain during the breeding period (Clark et al 2007; Abuhif et a l 2015) and reduced energy maintenance needs (Kamalzadeh et al 2009; Shadnosh et al 2011). Considering the feedlot of 320,000 fattening lambs in Lorestan province per year and the possibility of using feed restriction to promote the use of compensatory growth in lamb fattening, the project was carried out aims to investigate the possibility of process changing the growth rate, fattening and physical and chemical composition of carcass lambs Lori breed by short-term strategies of feed restriction.This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different weight start of feed restriction on growth performance and carcass lambs traits Lori breed lambs.

Fifty four male Lori lambs with a mean live weight of 26 kg were selected for the experiment. Treatments were consisted of 6 feed restriction treatments (60,80%) and ad libitum(fattening diet without restriction) for two weights (30 and 35 kg). At the beginning of expriment, 54 experimental lambs were fed the same diet.After a 14 day pre-feed restriction period, a group of 27 individuals that had reached an average weight of 30 kg were separated from the rest and subjected to feed restraint treatments. The remaining 27 lambs were fed the former diet for 35 days until reaching a weight of 35 kg. Upon reaching this group, an average of 35 kg dietary restriction was applied.The feed restriction period for both groups was 30 and 35 kg for 35 days. Then the 30 kg group for 49 days and the 35 kg group for 28 days until the end of the fattening period were re-fed the control diet (fattening ration without restriction and ad libitum). At the end of experiment, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and feed intake were calculated and then three lambs were slathered from each treatment. Carcass characteristics were calculated with the cost of production per kg of weight gain, carcass and lean meat. Analysis were done by repeated measurements basis on a completely randomized design with a mixed model procedure. Comparison of mean treatments was performed by Tukey test. The statistical model was as follows:Yijk= μ + Ti+ Dk + Aij+ (T*D)ik + εijk.

The results of Table 2 showed that the effect of the experimental diets had no significant effect on all the traits of lambs weighing 30 and 35 kg over the pre-feed restriction period. Results showed that there were significant difference between the final weight of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (P<0.05). At the end of the re-feeding, no significant differences were observed among the control treatment (30 and 35kg) with 60 and 80% feed restriction groups. In the present study, at the beginning of the re-feeding period in the respective treatments, the daily weight gain in the feed restriction treatments was significantly higher than the control groups at 30 and 35 kg. There were significant difference among intake dry matter of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (P<0.05). At the end of compensatory growth, there was observed no significant difference between control and restriction groups. During the re-feeding period, feed conversion ratio was lower in feed restriction treatments compared to control treatment (30 and 35 kg). Compensated feeding reduced FCR in lambs with prior feed restriction compared to control. The results showed that feed efficiency and feed intake needed to maintain live weight are affected by the animal feeding program. Results of physical composition of carcass during re-feeding showed that the average of most carcass traits in the control treatment (30 and 35kg) and 80% of feed restriction treatment for 30kg lambs had no significant difference and were higher than other groups. Also in the compensatory growth experiment, there was no significant difference between the number of empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weight sa well as dressing percentage due to no difference in the final live weight between the 30 and 35 kg control groups with 80% feed intake. Another study in other ruminants was consistent with feed restriction and compensatory growth.Meanwhile, the fat tail weight and percentage and total carcass fat were higher in the control treatment (30 and 35kg) than in all control groups. The results showed that the percentage of carcass lean meat in the compensatory groups was higher than the control treatments. This study showed that lambs with 80% feed restriction for 30kg lambs due to higher weight gain and FCR were more favorable in terms of fattening condition than control lambs who consumed feed during whole period. Also, this treatment was the total carcass fat percentage lower and lean meat higher and ultimately, the production costs per kg carcass and lean meat were lower than other treatments.

In order to investigate the efficiency of farms and the rainbow trout production function, the study was carried out at rainbow trout breeding farms in Alshtar city in Lorestan province during 2017. The data collection method was interviews and questionnaires. Data on production functions were estimated by Cobb Douglas functions and technical efficiency by deterministic parametric frontier (DPF) analysis method. The average technical, allocative and economic efficiency was 62.1%, 57.7% and 54.6%, respectively, that indicating significant potential of the units in increasing their efficiencies. The results of trout production function showed that the amount of feed intake and the area of fish farm with elasticity coefficients (0.369 and 0.270) had the most effect on trout production (P<0.01). The results showed that most trout breeding farms in Alshater due to lack of observance of economic principles in management, lack of knowledge of the factors affecting the production had low efficiency and profitability. In general, according to the results, there was a considerable gap between the units studied in Al-Shater city in terms of economic performance. This is due to the lack of attention to management issues in choosing the right combination of inputs (low allocative efficiency), respectively. Therefore, improving the conditions of breeding units, including nutrition and hygiene, is necessary to increase the efficiency and production of fish farms units in Alshtar.

This study was carried out in order to investigate the management and efficiency of dairy farms units and milk production function, in 121 units of dairy farm in Lorestan province at the year 2017. The Required data was collected with field survey and face to face interview method. Data of production function were estimated using corrected ordinary least squares (COLS) Method by Cobb Douglas functions. Also, technical efficiency was estimated by deterministic parametric frontier (DPF). In terms of dairy farms units cost, feed costs accounted for 65.5 %, labor costs 16.16 %, health care and insemination 9.9 %, and 9.1% other costs (including the cost of losses, location and maintenance of dry cows). The average technical, allocative, economic efficiency of the units were 64.3, 52.4 and 44.3% respectively, that showed the significant potential of these units in increasing their productivity. Based on this results farms were not desirable condition in terms of economic efficiency, similar with allocation efficiency in contrast to the technical efficiency. The results showed that dairy cattle units were not efficient 75.7 percent economically in Lorestan province and failed to optimally and effectively minimizing inputs cost. Milk production function results showed that consumption of alfalfa, corn silage, concentrates, artificial insemination number a positive and very significant effect (P<0.05)  and number of workers, hygiene and health costs also fuel and electricity consumption had a positive and significant effect on milk yield (P<0.05). The results of milk production function showed that the importance of increasing each unit of the concentrate (0.352) in increasing milk production was more than other inputs. Generally, the majority of dairy farms due to lack of observance of economic principles in the management of inputs had a low allocation and economic efficiency. Finally, according to the obtained results, it is necessary to implement the guaranteed milk price and maintain the relative stability of forage and concentrate prices in increasing milk production of dairy farms units in Lorestan province.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the starvation intensity and period compensatory growth on the carcass characteristics and meat chemical composition of the lambs of Lori sheep breeds. Fifty-four male Lori lambs were selected. The experimental factors were for the starvation period at two levels (35 and 45 days) and the starvation intensity with three levels (ad libitum, 80%, and 60%) which was based on a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design (2×3) with three replications. At the end of the experiment, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, and feed intake were calculated. Furthermore, the carcass characteristics, the cost of production per kg of gain carcass and lean meat were calculated. The percentage of dry matter, ash, crude fat, and crude protein were determined for the meat chemical composition.  Results showed that there was a significant difference among average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio the feed restriction period (p < 0.05). At the end of compensatory growth, restricted groups with 35 days of starvation gained more ADG than other treatments (p < 0.05). During the compensatory growth period, FCR in the feed restriction treatments decreased compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). The results of carcass traits in the feed restriction period showed that the most carcass traits in the control treatments were higher than the restriction groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the fat tail weight and percentage and total carcass fat were higher in the control treatment were higher than all restriction groups. In this case, the food restriction groups of 35 and 45 days of starvation had the highest lean meat during the period of restriction and compensatory growth. The study showed that the lambs under 60 percent feed restriction with 35 days of starvation were preferable due to higher ADG, better FCR, and more suitable carcass traits, as well as the higher percentage of lean meat than other treatments.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of canola seed (raw and roasted) and diet concentrate levels on growth performance and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcass of Lori male lambs. A total of 54 male 30±0.86kg lambs were selected for the experiment. Treatments consisted of two levels of canola seed (raw and roasted) and three levels of concentrate (60, 70 and 80%). The experiment was conducted as factorial with completely randomized design (2 × 3) with three replicates (each replicate containing 3 lambs). The effect of canola seed (raw and roasted) and diet concentrate level on weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significant (P<0.05). The most daily gain and the bet feed conversion ratio were 230g and 5.52 in lambs fed with roasted canola seed and 70% concentrate, respectively.  The canola seed (raw and roasted) and diet concentrate had a significant effect on lean meat percentage, total carcass fat percentage and cold and hot carcass percentage (P<0.05). The highest carcass yield, cold carcass weight, carcass and meat percentage were related to lamb fed with roasted canola seed and 70% concentrate (P<0.05). The production cost per kg of live weight, cost per kg of carcass and lean meat in lambs fed roasted canola seed and 70% concentrate were lower than other treatments. The results showed that the qualitative characteristics including pH, chemical composition and color of meat were not affected by diets.  The results of this study showed that the treatment of roasted canola seeds and 70% concentrate was superior to other treatments due to higher performance characteristics and better carcass traits.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of replacement sainfoin forage with alfalfa in dietary concentrate level on growth performance and quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Lori male lambs. Accordingly, 54 male of Lori lamb with a mean live weight of 30 kg were selected. Treatments included two levels of forage (alfalfa and sainfoin) and three levels of concentrate (60, 70 and 80%). The experiment was conducted as factorial with completely randomized design (3×2) with three replications (replication each consist of three lamb). The results showed the most daily gain and the best feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, the percentage of lean meat were related to lambs fed with sainfoin and 70% concentrate. The production cost per kilogram of carcass and lean meat of lambs fed sainfoin and 70% concentrate were lower than other treatments. The qualitative properties such as pH, chemical composition and meat color were not affected by exrimental diets. In general, the results this research showed that using from sainfoin forage and 70% concentrate can be effect on performance and carcass characteristics of Lori male lambs.

This experiment was conducted with the aim of the effects of pellet and mash feed on the production index, intestinal morphology characteristics, index of ascites, quality and microbial count of litter in broiler chickens using three diets of pellet, mash, mash+pellet on broiler performance. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates during 42 days. The measured traits included production index, intestinal morphology traits, ascites, hematocrit percentage, litter moisture and nitrogen content and microbial count of litter. In the whole of the total period, the results showed that the highest production indexes were pellet and pellet+mash treatments. The results of the morphological traits of the intestine showed that pellet and pellet+mash treatments had the highest ratio of villus height to the crypt depth in jejunum and the lowest level of mash treatment was observed. The results showed that the high ratio of villus height to the crypt depth in jejunum resulting from the use of pellet and pellet+mash ration due to production index was improved. The consumption of mash and pellet+mash treatments in the first three weeks reduced ascites significantly and increased with the prolonged feeding period of the pellet diet. The pellet+mash and all-flour treatments had the lowest amount of moisture content and nitrogen content, and as a result, the microbial count of litter was lower than that of pellet treatment. The pellet+mash treatment had the lowest index of ascites (32.62%) and less hematocrit (36%). The final result was that the use of pellet+mash treatment had the highest production index and the most suitable litter quality and the lowest ascites and microbial count compared to the full pellet diet in broiler chickens.

This study was carried with aim to investigate the restriction of feed, compensatory growth and the effect of probiotic (Bacilact) on growth performance, food productivity, survival and carcass composition of rainbow trout. Experiment was performed using a completely randomized design with three treatments consist of without hungry and basilicate treatment, feed restriction treatments with and without Bacilact during 2 weeks. The treatments were fed in re-feeding phase, to satiety for 4 weeks. The number150 of rainbow trout larva were fed with an average weight of 21.20 ± 1.31 g with the experimental treatments during 42 days breeding period. The results showed that the effect of treatments on weight and length growth, feed conversion ratio, daily growth ratio, specific growth ratio, survival rate, condition factor and survival rate were significant (P<0.05). Also, the effect of treatments on FER, PER, protein and fat percent carcass was significant (P<0.05). The diet containing probiotic with Bacilact compared to without Bacilact group improved the survival rate of rainbow trout. Regarding the higher SGR, the results showed that compensatory growth process in fish with 2 weeks of starvation and re-feeding with Bacilact is more than re-feeding without Bacilact. In conclusion, this study showed that probiotic (Bacilact) had a positive effect on growth and nutritional factors as well carcass composition in comparison to re-feeding without Bacilact in rainbow trout.

Effect of probiotic Bioplas 2B was tested on morphologic and cecal microbial populations in quails. Experimental treatments included control; 30 mg/kg antibiotic; 0.1% probiotic; 0.05% probiotic. 320 one-day quail with four experimental treatments in four replications were used in a completely randomized design. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in quails fed with 0.05% probiotic and the worst FCR was obtained in quails of the control group which had a significant difference compared with other treatments (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in duodenal villi length (P<0.05). The highest values of crypt depth and thickness in fed birds were 0.1% probiotics, which, in contrast to 0.05% probiotic treatment, were significantly different from other treatments (P <0.05). The lowest depth and thickness of the crypt was also observed in the antibiotic treatment. The results of jejunal morphology showed that the use of probiotic treatment improved the vili length, villi thickness, crypt depth and crypt thickness compared to the control and antibiotic treatments (P<0.05). The probiotic treatment also improved the length of the villi and thickness compared to the control treatment. The probiotic treatment also improved the crypt depth and the thickness of the ileum fraction compared to the antibiotic treatment (P<0.05). In addition, the results of cecal microbial population showed that 0.1% probiotic treatment and control treatment increased Lactobacillus population and E. coli and total bacteria compared to other treatments. The results of the present study showed that probiotic supplementation significantly improved the morphology and microbial conditions of intestine in quails and can be a good alternative to antibiotics.

Compensatory growth is the overweight that is achieved by providing the animal with access to adequate food after a period of nutritional restriction. Therefore, a livestock that is affected by a period of feed restriction after re-feeding, especially at the beginning of this period, has less maintenance requirements compared to a livestock that has not been affected by the feed restriction period. Considering the feedlot of 320,000 fattening lambs in Lorestan province per year and the possibility of using feed restriction to promote the use of compensatory growth in lamb fattening, the project was carried out aims to investigate the possibility of process changing the growth rate, fattening and physical and chemical composition of carcass lambs Lori breed by short-term strategies of feed restriction.

Twenty male Lori lambs with a mean live weight of 30±1.45 kg were selected for the experiment. The four experimental diets included 1) the control group (fattening diet without restriction and ad libitum); 2) 80% ad libitum group 3) 70% ad libitum group 4) 60% ad libitum group. At the end of experiment, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and feed intake were calculated and then three lambs were slathered from each treatment. Carcass characteristics were calculated with the cost of production per kg of weight gain, carcass and lean meat. Percentage of dry matter, ash, crude fat and crude protein were determined for meat chemical composition. Performance data, carcass traits and chemical composition of carcass were completely randomized design with four replications (each replication including six lambs and three for carcass traits and carcass chemical composition) by analysis of covariance means of mixed model procedure. Comparison of mean treatments was performed by Tukey test.

Results showed that there were significant difference between the final weight of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (p < 0.05). At the end of the re-feeding, no significant differences were observed among the control treatment with 70% and 80% feed restriction groups (P>0.05). There were significant difference among intake dry matter of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (p < 0.05). At the end of compensatory growth, no significant difference was observed between control and restraint groups. During the re-feeding period, feed conversion ratio was lower in feed restraint treatments compared to control treatment. Feed efficiency was similar to feed conversion during feed restriction and re-feeding period in the experimental groups. Results of physical composition of carcass during re-feeding showed that the average of most carcass traits in control and 80% of feed restriction treatments had no significant difference and were higher than 70 and 60% of feed restriction. Meanwhile, the fat tail weight and percentage and total carcass fat were higher in the control group than in all control groups. The results showed that the percentage of cold carcass lean meat in the compensatory groups was higher than the control treatment. Percentage of carcass chemicals in feed restriction period showed that dry matter, percentage of crude protein and fat in control treatment were higher than feed restriction treatments and there were significant difference among treatments (P <0.05). The percentage of crude protein in the re-feeding period was higher than the control group.

This study showed that lambs with 80% restriction of feed due to higher weight gain, feed conversion ratio were more favorable in terms of fattening condition than control lambs who consumed feed during whole period. Also, this treatment was the total carcass fat percentage lower and lean meat higher and ultimately, the production costs per kg carcass and lean meat were lower than other treatments.

This study was conducted to evaluate the production conditions of beekeeping units and determine the efficiency of the units, estimating the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) of the apiaries in Khorramabad city and evaluating the management and honey production function of these units. This study was carried out in 116 farmsteads in Khorramabad city during 2017. The data collection method was face to face interviews and questionnaires. Data on production functions were estimated by Cobb Douglas functions and technical efficiency by Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method. The results showed that per capita honey production per hive in Khorramabad city was 8.23 kg. In terms of the cost of inputs were in beekeeping, the cost of renting a garden and ranch 16.28%, the work and keeping of bees 15.05%, of sugar 24.92%, the migration 22.07%, the cost of buying wax 17.52%, the cost of medicine and treatment 1.19% and miscellaneous expenses 2.97%, respectively. The average technical, allocative and economic efficiency was 62.1, 57.7 and 54.6%, respectively, that indicating significant potential of the units in increasing their efficiencies. The results of honey production function showed that the number of migrations per year and the amount of consuming sugar in the apiaries with the coefficients (0.347 and 0.322) had the highest effect on honey production (P<0.01). The results showed that most apiaries in Khorramabad city due to lack of observance of economic principles in management, lack of knowledge of the factors affecting the production had low efficiency. Among beneficiaries of the three technical efficiency, allocative and economic efficiency were for economic efficiency major difference. Generally, in order to develop the beekeeping industry in further, the implementation of the honey guaranteed rate, the relative stability of sugar price, the creation of more security at the colony's premises, the availability of more bank credits, the formation of beekeepers guild, the creation of domestic markets and exports for beekeepers and production insurance is needed.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary acidification supplement on performance and biochemical parameters of quail chicks. Four hundred one-day old Japanese quail chicks (mixed sexes) were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments. Each treatment group consisted of 5 replicates of 20 birds. Treatments included 1- basal diet (control group), 2- basal diet+300 mg / kg virginiamycin, 3- basal diet+ 0.2% Bio acid ultra, 4- basal diet+ 0.4% Bio acid ultra. The results showed that the highest and lowest feed intake was observed in control treatment and antibiotic treatment, respectively. There was a significant difference between treatments (P <0.05). The highest weight gain was observed in the group containing 0.4% of acid, which did not show any significant difference with other treatments except control group (P> 0.05). There was no significant difference between the birds receiving acid and the birds receiving antibiotic in terms of feed conversion ratio, and the worst feed conversion ratio was observed in the control treatment. The highest amount of triglyceride and low density lipoprotein was found in control treatment, which had a significant difference with other treatments (P <0.05). Birds fed with acid or antibiotics had the lowest values for these two parameters. There was a significant difference between treatments for liver enzymes, so that the highest amount was observed in control treatment and the lowest in acid and antibiotic treatments. Overall, the results showed that Bio-acid ultra could be used as an alternative to antibiotics in quail diet and of course, 0.4% had better results.

The aims of the present study were to estimate economic values and to determine breeding goals of functional traits of Lori sheep in the rural development system with two strategies, one lambing per year and three births in two years. For this purpose, functional parameters, management and economics of 32 flocks (according to Cochran's sample size formula) under the cover of a livestock breeding plan with a capacity of 3000 generative ewes from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed for two production cycles using a bio-economic model. The performance data were obtained from Animal Breeding Center of Iran and management and economic data were collected through preparation of a questionnaire and interviews with farmers. The results showed profit per head of ewe in the strategy of one lambing per year and three births in two years was 1723376 and 3429140, respectively. In both strategies, feeding considered more than 75 percent of total costs and the sales of meat with 98.5% had the highest percentage of total costs and revenues. In addition, in both strategies, relative economic coefficient of the number of lambs born per ewe had the highest relative economic value and wool produced for per ewe had the lowest relative economic value. Litter size and conception rate were the most important traits in the breeding objective for ewe in village system. Birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and survival at 3 and 12 months of age were the most important traits in the breeding objective for ewe lamb in village system. The strategy of three lambings in two years was superior to one lambing per year strategy due to the increase in the number of lambs for consumer sales.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Myrtle essential oil (MEO) on intestinal morphology, antibody titres and blood parameters of broiler chicks. A total of 180 Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to 5 dietary treatments with 3 replicates of 12 birds each. The experimental diets consisted of diet free of antibiotics (control diet), supplemented diets with MEO at levels of 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, as well as flavomycin antibiotic at 450 mg / kg. The results showed that supplementation of MEO and antibiotic compared to the control group significantly prolonged the height of the villus height and lower the epithelial thickness of the small intestine at the age of 42 days (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between different treatments in relation to the width of the villus and the villus height to crypt depth ratio. The highest antibody titer against influenza and Newcastle disease was observed in chicks fed 500 mg/kg MEO (p<0.05). The effect of different levels of essential oil on hepatic enzymes including AST, ALT and ALP was not significant (p> 0.05). Overall, the results show that the supplementation of MEO diets in improved intestinal morphology and increased antibody titers, especially at a level of 500 mg / kg, which could be considered as an antibiotic alternative.