محمد بوجارپور

 Ruminants require roughage in their diets to maximize production and to maintain health by sustaining a stable environment in the rumen. There is a need to identify local plants that can offer high quality forage to local ruminants. P. ferulacea (family: Umbelliferae) is a valuable forage grass found in high mountain areas of South-east Iran. Local farmers cut and wilt the plant, prior to feeding it to sheep.Sheep are selective and spend a lot of time selecting and sorting feed materials. Domestic livestock are herbivores that evolved to eat a wide array of vegetal species and typically select a diverse diet even when their nutritional requirements can be met by ingesting a single feed. A free-choice feeding method partially mimics nature and facilitates selection based on nutrient requirements that fluctuate along with feed quality and availability. Also, this method requires less use of manpower and equipment.The information available regarding the effects of ad libitum supply of concentrate and the possibility of free-choice provision of forage in lambs is very limited. Also, limited data is available concerning nutritional behaviors of lambs fed high-concentrate diets, and this information is even more limited in terms of providing feed-choice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of free-choice provision of two forage sources including alfalfa and P. ferulacea in addition to concentrate on digestibility and behavior of Arabian lambs.

A total of 18 male lambs of Arabic breed with an average of 90 ± 8 (SD) days of age and body weight of 19 ± 3 (SD) kg were used in the study in a completely randomized design for 45 days. Lambs were housed individually in pens (1.3 m×1.5 m) in an open shed building. Cages were separated by a metal fence with a bar design that allowed contact between animals. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental diets including free choice between; 1- alfalfa hay and concentrate, 2- P. ferulacea and concentrate, and 3- alfalfa, P. ferulacea and concentrate. The lambs were fed the total mixed rations ad libitum once daily at 0800 h and had free access to fresh water at all times.Essential oils of P. ferulacea were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Samples taken for DM and chemical analysis were oven-dried at 55 °C for 48 h and then ground to pass through a 1- mm screen. Chemical analyses were performed in duplicate. Feed offered and refusal of each lamb were recorded daily. Digestibility was measured by total collection of feces during a 5-d period. The behavior of lambs was recorded with nine video cameras that were connected to a digital video recorder. Video recordings continuously observed visually for each lamb over a 48-h period. Recorded activities were registered together with their beginning and ending times. Data for each activity are reported as the total time, expressed in minutes, in which the lamb maintained this specific activity. Chewing behavior was divided into eating and ruminating.Intake and digestibility data were analyzed using a GLM procedure of SAS 9.2. Multiple mean comparison were carried out using Tukey's test. Animal behavior from video recordings was analyzed using a GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Comparison. For the different statistical tests, significance was declared at P<0.05.

The compounds of α-bisabolol, β-Pinene, α-Pinene and δ-3-carene had the highest amounts among P. ferulacea essential oils. Free-choice provision of two forages increased dry matter intake and the proportion of consumed forage compared to other treatments. Forbes and Provenza (22) reported that in free-choice provision between forage and concentrate, ruminants allocate about 20% of the dry matter intake to forage. This finding is in an agreement with observed ratio of forage consumption in treatments with one forage source but is less than the observed value in the treatment with free access to two forages (36.2%). Among the mechanisms that may be involved in this increase is the greater diversity of forages that act as a stimulus for its consumption. Lambs consumed P. ferulacea as the only forage source showed higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF compared to other treatments. Low lignin content of P. ferulacea compared to alfalfa is one of the main reasons for its higher digestibility. Lambs receiving P. ferulacea as the only source of forage had the lowest time spent eating per day compared to the other treatments. When animals were given a choice between alfalfa and P. ferulacea, the time spent eating increased significantly compared to P. ferulacea alone. Lambs that had access to two sources of forage had the lowest feeding time per gram of NDF and ADF compared to other treatments. This decrease could be due to the higher consumption of dry matter as well as NDF and ADF in this treatment compared to other treatments. Lambs that had access to two forage sources spent more time ruminating compared to the alfalfa recipient treatment. The highest duration of rumination per gram of NDF and ADF was observed in P. ferulacea treatment as the only source of forage. It has been shown that the chewing per gram of forage NDF is higher in animals with lower NDF intake (4). In this regard, Grant (24) suggested that there is an adaptive mechanism when consuming low-forage diets by increasing chewing per gram of forage NDF. Non-nutritional behaviors including self grooming, licking and biting fixed objects and laying time were not affected by treatments.

Providing two forage sources instead of one source, led to an increase in dry matter intake. The higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF in the treatment of P. ferulacea compared to alfalfa indicates the high nutritional value of this forage. Due to the limited information available on free concentrate supply and the lack of examination of rumen and liver health indicators in the present study, any practical conclusion regarding ad libitum concentrate intake requires further research.

The current study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of soybean hull on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters of broiler chickens from the age of 1 to 42 days. A total of 240 day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) which were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 12 birds in each replicate. Experimental treatments were control diet and diets containing 2.5, 5 and 7.5% of soybean hull. Results of present study showed that, adding the soybean hull decreased linearly and quadratically (P<0.05) the average daily feed intake (ADFI) at starter, grower and the whole period, Inclusion of soybean hull in broilers diets reduced quadratically (P=0.02130) the average daily weight gain (ADWG) at starter period. The addition of soybean hull at grower period and the whole of period improved linearly and quadratically. (P<0.05) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Supplementing 5 percent of soybean hull in broilers diet significantly (P<0.05) increased the production efficiency factor (PEF) compared with the control diet. None of the carcass characteristics of broiler chickens were affected by experimental treatments (P>0.05). Also, different levels of soybean hull had no significant effect on blood parameters (P>0.05). The concentrations of Alanine aminotransferase in broiler chickens fed 2.5% soybean hull was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.01).  In general, the results of present study indicated that due to the positive impact of soybean hull on conversion ratio and production efficiency factor, it can be used up to 5% in broiler diets.

This study was conducted to determine threonine requirement of Arian 386 broiler chickens at finisher period (days 22 to 42), using performance, immunity and blood parameters responses in a completely randomized design with six levels of threonine (0.66, 0.76, 0.86, 0.96, 1.06 and 1.16%), five replicates and 20 birds per each replicate. Requirement was determined by broken line method. Average daily feed intake was not affected by dietary level of threonine during days 22 to 42. Average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens fed the level of 0.66% threonine were respectively lower and higher compared to the other groups. The serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, total protein, LDL and globulin were not affected by different levels of threonine. The serum concentration of uric acid was reduced in birds received 0.96% threonine comparing the other groups and serum HDL level was increased in birds fed with 0.66 and 0.76% threonine. Number of white and red blood cells, percentage of hematocrit, heterophil, lymphocyte, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, titer of antibody including IgG, IgM and total antibody in response to SRBC injection were not affected by different levels of threonine. Considering serum uric acid and HDL, threonine requirement during finisher period were estimated 1.058 and 0.995%, respectively. Totally, range of 0.9-1.0% can be suggested for threonine requirement of Arian 386 broiler chickens in finisher period (days 22 to 42).

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of processing date palm leaves with urea and enzyme on digestibility, rumination and some blood and rumen parameters of Arabian sheep. In this research, 16 Arabian sheep with an average age of 8 months and weight 28 ± 1.5 kg were used. The ratio of concentrate/forage in the treatments was 50:50. Treatments were including 1) diet contains wheat straw (control), 2) diet contains crude date palm leaves, 3) diet contains crude date palm leaves+ 3 g/kg Natuzyme enzyme and 4) diet contains date palm leaves processed with 4 % urea. In this experiment it is considered 21 days for adaptation and 14 days for sampling. At the end of the experiment, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior and blood and rumen parameters were determined and the obtained data were analyzed in completely randomized design. Results showed feed intake, digestibility of dry matter and organic matter and blood cholesterol level were not influenced by experimental diets (P>0.05). However, digestibility of NDF and ADF, blood glucose and urea and ruminal ammonia concentration significantly increased in sheep fed with date palm leaves processed with urea (P

Barley cultivars contain different anti-nutritional factors that have negative effects on the intestinal ecosystem and reduce blood cholesterol concentration. This study aimed to determine the effect of processing barley cultivars on the intestinal morphology, enzyme activity and volatile fatty acids of the small intestine and serum lipid levels of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out using a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. Factors were barley cultivars (Fajr, Reyhaneh, and Yosef), diet form (mash or pellet) and enzyme level (0 and 0.05 g/kg dry matter). Around 927 one day of old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned into 12 treatments, 3 replicates and 27 chickens in each replicate. Pancreatic amylase, lipase enzyme activity and digesta pH are affected by main (except for cultivar) and interaction effects (P< 0.05). Feed Processing (pelleting, adding enzyme or combination of pelleting and enzyme) of barley cultivars, especially diets containing Ryhaneh barley cultivar reduced digesta viscosity and increased the concentration of volatile fatty acids and relative percentage of acetic acid and butyric acid (P<0.05). Diets containing Fajr barley cultivars, enzyme or pelleted diets significantly decreased blood glucose, cholesterol and HDL concentration (P<0.05). Due to lower amount of soluble NSP compared with the other barley cultivars, Ryhaneh cultivar resulted in a better response to processing as well as enzyme addition, and improved the morphological characteristics of the small intestine

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of pelleted diets containing different levels of sugarcane Vinasses on dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), digestibility and ruminal parameters in male lambs using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications. The experimental diets were containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% levels of sugarcane Vinasses in DM instead of sugarcane molasses. The experiment lasted for 25 days, including 15 days of adaptation and 10 days for sampling. No significant differences were observed for digestion of DM in response to vinasse addition (P>0.05). Digestibility of crude protein at the level of 20% Vinasses was lower than that of other groups (P<0.05). Ether extract digestibility decreased at the level of 10% Vinasses compared to control, and increased in other diets (P<0.05). Digestibility of NDF at level of 15% Vinasses was higher than that of other levels (P<0.05). The amount of acetate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids was decreased by increasing the level of Vinasses (P<0.05). In total, sugarcane vinasse can be substituted for molasses without any adverse effect on digestibility and ruminal fermentation up to 15% of DM in Lorry-Bakhtiari male lambs diet and preventing its release to the environment. However, in order to make a more correct conclusion, we must consider the efficiency of animal growth and the economic efficiency of the inclusion of sugarcane vinasse in the diet.

This research was conducted to study the effects of physical form of total mixed ration (in Block and Mash form) in sheep nutrition. In a 2×2 change-over design with two treatments and 5 replicates, 10 Shal lambs with average initial weight of about 31 kg were fed for two periods and 22 days per period. An unique ration (to supply fattening lambs) was formulated and prepared in TMR, then it was shared out in two parts where one part processed in Densified Block Ration (DBR) and the other part fed as mash TMR form. Results showed that the dry matter, organic matter and nutrients intake were increased when the animals received DBR compared to the mash TMR (P

The aim of present experiment was to investigate the buffering capacity of some buffers or alkalizers, their effect on digestion and fermentation of high concentration diets. The concentration of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 g in 100 ml from different buffers and alkalizing agents including: sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, sodium bentonite, zeolite and combined buffer (0.75% sodium bicarbonate 0.75% sodium sesquicarbonate) was used. The initial pH of the buffer solution, the amount of consumed hydrochloric acid for abrupt changes of pH to 5.2 or below it, and the final pH was registered. The lowest amount of the hydrochloric acid was consumed for solutions containing sodium bentonite, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate and control for suddently dropping their pH; and highest amount by sodium sesquicarbonate, combined buffer and sodium bicarbonate, respectively. The zeolite buffer also indicated a proper resistance to pH changes and did not have a significant difference with the combined buffer or sodium bicarbonate buffer. The treatments in gas production were included: control or basal diet without buffer, and amounts of 0.5 to 2% sodium bicarbonate, 0.5 to 2% sodium sesquicarbonate, 0.5% sodium bentonite, 2% magnesium carbonate, 1.5, 2 and 2.5% of zeolite and combined buffer, which were added to basal diet. The highest produced gas was in the sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, combined buffers and zeolite. Therefore, sodium sesquicarbonate, combined buffers, sodium bicarbonate and zeolite had the best position respectively, which were evaluated as suitable buffers for using in diets containing high concentration ingredients for feeding the ruminant animals.

In this experiment, the effect of oak kernel on digestibility, rumen fermentation and some blood parameters of Arabi sheep and Najdi goat were investigated. In this research, oak kernel (63 %) was used for feeding six Arabi sheep and six Najd goats with the mean live weight of 50±3 Kg for 28 days, and digestibility and fermentation, rumination and some blood parameters were measured. Obtained data were analyzed in split plots design. The results showed that dry matter intake and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were not affected by treatment and type of livestock. Regardless of the type of livestock, dry matter intake and crude protein digestibility in control treatment was significantly higher and regardless of the type of treatment, the digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre of goat was higher than sheep (P

This study was conducted to compare the nutritive value of molasses and vinasses by in vitro gas production technique using rumen fluid collected from three fistulated mature male sheep. The experiment used the completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replications. Rumen fluid was collected from three fistulated mature male sheep.The experimental diets included: diet 1) basal diet 20% molasses 0% vinasses (control), diet 2) basal diet 15% molasses % vinasses, diet 3) basal diet 10% molasses 10% vinasses, diet 4) basal diet 5% molasses 15% vinasses, and diet 5) basal diet 0% molasses 20% vinasses. Potential of gas production, rate of gas production, metabolizable energy, digestibilityof organic matter and short-chain fatty acids from molasses were more than those from vinasses (P

This experiment with aim to determine the effect of the tannins in dry land and irrigated sainfoin forage treated by water or urea on gas production (GP) parameters, in vitro fermentation characteristics and microbial population was carried out. Treatments were consist of untreated irrigated sainfoin (UNIS), untreated dry land sainfoin (UNDS), irrigated sainfoin by water (ISTW),dryland sainfoin treated by water (DSTW), irrigated sainfoin treated by urea (ISTU) and dry land sainfoin treated by urea (DSTU). Data of GP method were analyzed by Repeated Measurement and data other analyzed with CRD design. The results showed that treated by water or urea was due to reduce dry matter (DM). The most crude protein (CP) was relation to treated by urea (14.25%). The effect of treated by water or urea had the most decreasing of total phenolic compounds, total and condensed tannin in irrigated sainfoin (P

To evaluate the effect of different levels of wild pistachio leaves on liver enzymes, bloodparameters and performance indicators of broiler chickens, 192 one-day old Ross 308 broiler chickens in the completely randomized design, including 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 chicks (both sexes), per experimentalunits were used. The experimental treatments includedrationscontaining levelsofzero (control), 1, 2, and 3 percent of wild pistachio leaf powder. The results of this experiment showed that effect of wild pistachio leaf on feed intake and daily gain significantly reduced compared to control treatment in the initial period (P˂0.05), but feed intake and daily gain were not significant in the growth period and total period.The feedconversion ratio was not significantly affected (P > 0.05). The effect of experimental treatments was not significant on AST and ALT, but the ALP enzyme was significantly reduced by the experimental treatments (P˂0.05). The amount of glucose, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol of serum were not significantly affected. The effect of experimental treatments on triglyceride and LDL cholesterol serum reduction was significant (P˂0.05). According to the results, wild pistachio leaf can be used as an additive plant with reducing feature on liver enzymes and triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in poultry diets.

Present experiment was conducted to compare the performance of Romanov×Lori Bakhtiari crossbred (F1) and Lori Bakhtiari male lambs. Fifteen lambs (initial body weight of 20±1 kg) from each group were fed ad libitum by a balanced diet, and weightd at the end of fattening period and at 15-days intervals. Average daily gain, daily feed intake, diet digestibility, rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen, blood glucose and urea nitrogen were determined. Chewing activity was studied during 24 h. At the end of fattening period, three lambs from each group were slaughtered, and the hot carcass and offal weights and were measured. Dry matter (58.79 vs. 62.35 %) and acid detergent fiber (35.84 vs. 39.92 %) digestibility in crossbred lambs were less than Lori-Bakhtiari sheep (P

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical form, barley variety and enzyme addition on Ileal digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and energy efficiency of broiler chickens.The experiment was carried using a factorial experiment with a completely randomized desiegn. Factors were barley varity (Fajr, Reyhaneh, and Yosef), diet form (mash or pellet) and enzyme level (0 and 0/05 g/kg dry matter). Here 927 one day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to 12 treatments, 3 replicates and 27 chickens in each replicate. The results of experiment indicated that the digestibility of nutrients, AME, apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and energy efficiencies (NE/AMEn) affected by barley variety (p 005), NE, AME and AMEn (p

To investigation the effect of different levels of the threonine amino acid on performance and immune response of Arian strain broiler chickens in the first period (1 to 21 days), an experiment was conducted by using 600 broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 5 replications and 30 birds per each experimental unit (rep). Experimental treatments were consisting of 0.66, 0.76, 0.86, 0.96, 1.06 and 1.16 percent of threonine amino acid. To prevent the inhibitory effects of other amino acids, amino acids levels were adjusted higher than the recommendations. Factors measured were including daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and immune response. The results showed that yield and immune response in a non-linear responded to increased levels of threonine. So that the daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and immunoglobulin M showed a significant difference (p0.05).

A 3*2*2 factorial experiment with a completely randomized design in 12 treatments, 3 replicates and 27 chickens in each replicates was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical form, barley variety and enzyme addition on growth performance; carcass characteristics and immune system response of broiler chickens with use of 927 one day of old Ross 308 broiler chickens. .Main effects and levels of Factors were barley varity (Fajr, Reyhaneh, and Yosef), diet form (mash or pellet) and enzyme level (0 and 0/05 g/kg dry matter).Results showed that feed intake and growth rate are affected by main effects and interaction effects over the entire raising period (P 0.05) but increased levels of IgG with the addition of enzymes to the diet(P

Siris including plenty leave, high nitrogen and calcium and can be used as livestock feed.
The aim of this experiment was to investigate chemical composition and parameters of rumen degradation and post-ruminal disappearance of siris leave, flower and pods in ruminants.
Chemical composition was measured using standard methods and parameters of rumen degradation were determined using in situ technique. Post-ruminal disappearance of protein for diets containing different levels of siris leave, flower and pods as replacement of alfalfa were determined.
Protein content of leave (22.4%), flowers (22.75%) and siris pods (17.73%) was more than alfalfa protein (17%). Fraction a (rapidly degradable), b (slowly degradable) and c (constant rate of degradable) of dry matter were 0.33 %, 0.37 % and 0.05 %/h for leave, 0.45 %, 0.44 % and 0.03 %/h for flower and 0.37 %, 0.18 % and 0.1 %/h for pods, respectively. The highest fraction (a) of protein was for siris flower (80.48 %) and lowest was for alfalfa (23.17 %). The highest fraction (b) and (c) of protein in alfalfa (58.75 % and 0.13 %, respectively) and lowest fraction (b) of protein was for the siris pods (13.54 %). The results showed that diets containing 25 (39.20 %, 45.18%) and 100% siris leave (20.38, 51.81%) and diets containing 75 and 100 % siris flower (27.92 %, 52.84 %) had highest RDP and RUP, and content of RDP were significantly increased in compared with control diet (P Therefore, because of proper chemical composition and rumen degradation and post-ruminal disappearance of leave, flower and pods in siris can be used in ruminant nutrition, but it needs to further studies.

This experiment was carried out the aim of the effect of sainfoin forage and forage:concentrate ratios on feed intake, nitrogen balance,ruminal biohydrogenation and milk fatty acid profile in dairy ewes using of eight Lori breed ewes according to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were adjusted from one to four according to forage:concentrate ratios of 35:65 with and without sainfoin and 65:35 with and without sainfoin. Dry matter intake was not significant among experimental diets. Retention of N was higher in ewes that receiveddiets consist of forage:concentrate ratios of 35:65 with sainfoin and 65:35 with and without sainfoin (P

Sainfoin is a perennial forage plant belonging to the legume family, cultivated in both rainfed farming and irrigated area for grazing and hay production for the feeding of livestock. The present experiment was conducted to determine chemical composition, total phenolic compounds and tannin, nutrients degradability and digestibility of two type sainfoin, cultivar rainfed and irrigated conditions sainfoin forage, in sheep.
There was six treatments, consisted of untreated irrigated sainfoin (UNIS), untreated rainfed sainfoin (UNDS), irrigated sainfoin by water (ISTW), rainfed sainfoin treated by water (DSTW), irrigated sainfoin treated by urea (ISTU) and rainfed sainfoin treated by urea (DSTU). Data of chemical composition, total phenolic compounds, total and condensed tannin and degradability were analyzed based on completely randomized design and digestibility were analyzed with using a latin square (change over) design. as well data of pH and N-NH3 with repeated measurements on time.
Among treatment, the highest crude protein content (14.25%) was related to irrigated sainfoin treated by urea (ISTU). The highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, total tannin and condensed tannin was for rainfed sainfoin (5.58, 5.36 and 3.35%, respectively). Therefore, Treatment by water or urea in irrigated sainfoin compared to non-treated irrigated sainfoin, and rainfed sainfoin treated by water or urea, was the highest percent of the reduction in phenolic compounds, total tannin and condensed tannin. Treatment by water or urea resulted to increased of DM digestibility. The water treatment increased effective degradability (ED) of DM in irrigated sainfoin compared with other treatments. The ISTW treatment had higher degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than other treatments. Treatment by water and urea lead to increasing the ED of sainfoin nutrients.
Generally, the results showed that using water or urea for the treatment of sainfoin was a suitable method for decreasing or elimination of tannin undesirable effects.