مرتضی مموئی

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of injection of PMSG and GnRH hormones on reproductive performance of Arabi ewes in the breeding season. 75 ewes were divided into 5 groups. The first group had no estrus synchronization program and no hormonal injection (control). Vaginal progesterone sponge (MAP) was inserted into other groups for 14 days. Simultaneously with the withdrawal of sponge, they were treated with: 1- injection of 500 IU of PMSG, 2- injection of 100 micrograms of GnRH, 3- injection of 500 IU of PMSG plus 100 micrograms of GnRH and 4- without injection (MAP only). One healthy and fertile Arabi ram was assigned to each of the 5 ewes. Estrous behavior of ewes was recorded for 7 days. The estrous response, return to estrus, pregnancy length, lambing rate, prolificacy rate, fecundity rate and the ratio of the birth of male and female lambs, were not affected by treatments. Injection of PMSG and GnRH were able to reduce the time of estrus onset coMAPred to sponge treatment alone (P<0.05). The birth weight and weight of 30, 60 and 90 days in lambs, although were affected by the treatments (P<0.05), but no obvious effect of hormone injection was observed on these parameters. In general, the injection of PMSG and GnRH in the estrus synchronization program of Arabi ewes, although was an effective method in estrus onset time, but could not have a significant effect on the other reproductive performances of the animal during the breeding season.

The aim of present study was to evaluation the effect of different levels of soybean lecithin in tris extender replaced with egg yolk on semen quality parameters of Arabic ram after freeze-thawing process. For this purpose, the experiment with numbers of 8 adult and healthy Arabic rams with an average weight of 75 ± 5 kg were used in a completely randomized design. Semen samples were collected using electro ejaculator. Semen samples were mixed and after dilution, were divided in to 5 experimental groups. Treatments were increasing levels of soybean lecithin (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 percent) and egg yolk (15 percent) in tris base extender and 5 percent of glycerol. The 5 numbers of 0.5 ml straws from each treatment were filled. The straws were equivalence for 2 hours in 5˚C and then freezed. After 2 weeks, straws were thawed at 37˚C. Qualitative parameters of spermatozoa including the motility, viability, morphological abnormalities, membrane integrity and the pH of semen were evaluated. The resulted of this experiment showed that extender containing 1.5 percent of soybean lecithin significantly improved total motility and progressive motility, viability, morphological abnormalities and membrane integrity of Arabic ram spermatozoa compared to the other levels of lecithin as well as egg yolk (P<0.05). The most improvement have been observed at the 1.5 % soybean lecithin. Therefore, this level can be used in tris extender for maintaining of Arabic ram spermatozoa in freeze condition.

The aim of this study was the effect of adding different levels of vitamin C (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mg / ml) after freezing in semen diluent on the quality parameters of Najdi goat sperm.

Semen samples were collected twice a week from 4 male goats with an average weight of 50± 5 kg by electroojaculator. The sperm samples after cryopreservation were analyzed for sperm motility and velocity characteristics using computerized sperm analysis system (CASA), percentage of sperm survival and abnormal sperm, membrane health and antioxidant capacity.

The results showed that the levels of 3 and 4.5 mg of vitamin C in diluent of goat sperm containing improved total motility, progressive motility and percentage of sperm survival in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). In sperm membrane health, the level of 3 mg of vitamin C was significantly different from the control and the level of 1.5 mg of vitamin C (P <0.05); But there was no significant difference with levels of 4.5 and 6 mg of vitamin C. The percentage of abnormal sperm was not affected by different levels of vitamin C (P <0.05). Sperm antioxidant capacity at the levels of 4.5 and 6 mg of vitamin C, had the highest value and had a significant difference compared to the control treatment (P <0.05).

According to the results of this study, adding 3 and 4.5 mg levels of vitamin C to Tris diluent Najdi goat sperm improves sperm quality parameters and sperm antioxidant capacity after freezing.

Growth, defined as changes of body weight over time, is an economically important trait in sheep that directly determines meat production.Increase in live weight or dimension against age has been described as growth. Changes in live weight or dimension for a period of time are explained by the growth curves. Animal breeders are interested in the genotypic and phenotypic relationships during all phases of growth. Knowledge of genotypic and phenotypic relationships among live weights, degree of maturity and growth rate during all phases of growth is necessary to formulate breeding programs to improve lifetime efficiency.  Growth models are mathematical functions which are applied for describing the growth pattern. Understanding, estimating, and capturing the defining characteristics of growth processes are key components of developmental research. The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters for growth traits in Zandi sheep, by determining the most appropriate animal models to be fitted. In addition, genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations between traits were estimated.

The data used in this study were obtained from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran. The data were screened several times to remove the defective and out of range records. Growth curve parameters used in study were asymptomatic mature weight (A), Growth rate (B) and maturity rate (K). The procedure of SAS software was used for studying of fix effects. Based on body weight at different ages and using different initial values, each of the growth curve parameters was estimated using SAS software version 9.1 and NLIN procedure. Estimation of (co)variance components of growth curve parameters was conducted using Bayesian approach implemented in MTGSAM and Wombat software. The number of Gibbs sampling rounds used was 200,000 rounds.  Ten percent of these numbers (20,000 rounds) was burn-in. The convergence criterion for stopping repetitions in this analysis was also considered as 10 decimals (10-10). Sampling intervals of 200 and Gouss- Seidel 10000 repetitions were considered. In order to find the best model incorporating the constant and random effects affecting each of the parameters of the growth pattern, the following models, with and without regard to maternal effects including maternal additive genetic effects and permanent maternal environmental effects in the model (Meyer’s models) were tested.

 Environmental factors such as year of birth and sex of lamb showed significant influence on growth curve parameters (A, B and k) in Zandi sheep. Estimates of direct heritability is based on best models using REML and Bayesian methods for A, B and K were 0.064 and 0.14, 0.17and 0.16, 0.16and 0.18 respectively. Maternal heritability was in range of 0.006 - 0.08 and Proportion of environmental variance to phenotypic variance in range of 0.03 - 0.05 parameters growth curve. Among the growth curve parameters, only A and k have biological interpretation and therefore, relationship between them may provide necessary conclusions. Estimates of direct genetic correlation between growth curve parameters were 0.323, -0.429 and 0.803 between A-B, A-K and B-K, respectively. The positive and high genetic correlation between A and B parameters is evident as expected for common genetic and physiological mechanisms controlling these traits. Positive genetic correlation between these traits suggests that selection in one parameter of the growth curve would also improve the other parameter. Residual correlations between growth curve parameters varied form −0.296 (between A-K) to 0.732 (between B-K). Phenotypic correlations between growth curve parameters varied form −0.184 (between A-K) to 0.743 (between B-K). The phenotypic and genetic antagonism between A and k indicates that rapid reduction in growth rate after inflexion point results in lower mature weights. This finding would be helpful for improving selection by identifying the animal who reaches inflexion point earlier and attend higher mature weights later.

 Current genetic estimates for growth curve parameters in Zandi sheep could be applied in designing selection program in this breed. The low estimates of heritability for A, B and K parameters could be assigned to the high phenotypic variance arising from large environmental variation. This therefore implies that much of the improvement in these growth curve parameters could be obtained by improvement of environment rather than genetic selection. It is important to provide good environmental conditions along with optimal management strategies in the flock to achieve a desired shape of growth curve through changing the parameters of model.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood plasma leptin and progesterone concentrations in pre and post sexual maturity in Najdi female calves. For this purpose 7 female Najdi calves of Shushtar Breeding Station of Najdi cattle with average ages of 8 months and the average weight is 85/00±9/72 were used. For determination of the leptin and progesterone concentrations, multiple sampling before and after sexual maturity were performed. The results of this study indicate that in female Najdi calves, 13-16 month with 137.81±13.5 kg body weight was considered the age of sexual maturity. No significant correlation was found between plasma leptin and progesterone concentrations before (r=0.082, p>0.05) and after sexual maturity (r =0.096, p>0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation (r=0.73, p<0.01) between leptin concentration and body weight. Significantly positive correlation (r=0.84, p<0.01) were found between plasma leptin and age. The significantly positive correlation between plasma progesterone concentration and age (r=0.45, p<0.01) as well as body weight (r=0.44, p<0.01) were observed. In conclusion, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between leptin and progesterone concentration, but there was a positive correlation between leptin, progesterone and body weight and bud age of Najdi female calves.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using hydroalcoholic sage extract after experimental copper poisoning on performance and blood metabolites of Japanese quail, in a completely randomized design with 320 one-day old Japanese quails in 4 treatments with4 replicates and 20 birds per each replicate. Experimental treatments were: 1) control (basal diet), 2) basal diet + 750 mg/kg copper sulfate, 3) basal diet + 10 g/kg sage extract and 4) basal diet with 750 mg/kg copper sulfate and 10 g/kg of sage extract. The feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly and calculated for starter, grower and whole periods. The results of this experiment showed that in starter period, FI was highest in control group compared to other treatments (P <0.05). In the starter and total periods, the average BWG of birds that received diet contained copper was significantly lower than birds in control and the birds that received diets supplemented with sage extract (P <0.05). In the starter period, the FCR was improved when diets supplemented with sage extract in comparison with the birds that received copper (P <0.05). Higher levels of blood glucose and triglyceride and lower levels of HDL and LDL were observed in birds receiving copper in their diet (P <0.05). The results of this experiment showed that supplementation Japanese quail’s diet with sage extract can improve BWG and FCR in starter period, and it may alleviate harmful effect of copper poisoning.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma leptin and blood testosterone concentration before and after puberty. Eight male Najdi calves with mean age of 7 months were used for this purpose. Blood samples were taken three times before and after reaching puberty. At each sampling period, a blood sample was collected to determine the plasma concentration of leptin from all 8 consecutive and 6 consecutive blood samples and at 20 min intervals from 4 animals to determine the plasma level of testosterone. The results of this study showed that the age of puberty in the Najdi race was 13-15 months old and the average weight was 120.08 ± 36.91 kg. Plasma leptin concentration was negatively correlated with testosterone (P <0.05, r = -0.43), age (P <0.01, r = -0.77), body weight (P <0.01, -0.39), testicular environment (r = -0.62, P <0.01) and testicular height (r = -0.72, P <0.01). In general, it can be concluded that with the onset of puberty and the increase in testosterone concentration, leptin concentration decreased due to the negative effect of testosterone on the production of leptin hormone in the body.

Zinc, insulin, and leptin play an important role in energy metabolism. Zn increases appetite. Increased serum Zn concentration increases leptin and insulin concentrations. However, leptin and insulin decrease appetite. Regarding the importance of serum levels of metabolites associated with food intake, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of high levels of zinc supplementation and its effect on leptin and insulin and metabolic-related metabolites such as NEFA and BHBA. The diet of Holstein cows as a control group contains 75 and 150 mg/kg and second treatment 110 and 250 mg/kg Zn before and after parturition respectively. Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and the only difference was the proportion of Zn. Blood samples collected via tail vein of 24 cows per treatment on days -25, -5, 7, and 21 relatives to parturition. Serum concentrations of Zn, leptin, insulin, glucose, NEFA, and BHBA were measured. High level of Zn in the diet increased the serum concentration of Zn, leptin, and insulin before and after parturition but the concentration of glucose was constant. NEFA concentration affected by Zn level and increased but BHBA decreased on the 7th day of postpartum. In all probability, increase in serum Zn concentration caused to increase leptin and insulin level, and increased insulin signaling pathway enhances ‘ob’ gene expression. Due to insulin resistance in the transition period and increased leptin level because of increase in Zn concentration in blood, serum concentration of NEFA increased. Reduction in BHBA concentration was due to increase in insulin concentration and a greater consumption of triglycerides in the liver. In conclusion, increased level of Zn in diet caused to increase its serum concentration and consequently increased leptin, insulin and NEFA concentration in serum before and after parturition.

Selenium is an essential nutrient that play a very important role in the body and is an antioxidant.  The biological role of selenium is based on its effects on the structure of many selenoproteins. This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of nano-selenium nutritional supplementation on blood and semen glutathione peroxidase activity in Khuzestan Arabian rams. In this experiment, twelve Arabian rams with an average weight of 73±3 kg and two to four years old were used. Animals were divided into three groups; the control group (without nano-Selenium) and two experimental groups that received the 0.4 and 0.8 mg nano-selenium per kg dry matter, respectively. The results showed that selenium concentrations in blood and semen increased in treatment 0.4 compared to the control, which was significantly increased in the blood. Blood and semen selenium concentrations in group 0.8 were significantly higher than group 0.4 and control. The blood and semen glutathione peroxidase activity significantly increased in treatment 0.4 compared to control and in treatment 0.8 compared to the control and treatment 0.4. Finally, it was concluded that Nano-selenium supplementation increases the blood and semen glutathione peroxidase activity of Arabian rams and treatment 0.8 showed the best results.

The objective of this study was to investigate the additive effect of 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 on the productive and egg quality characteristics in Japanese quail. 320 adult Japanese quail were used. Experiment was done in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 16 quails in each replicate (12 female and 4 male birds) for 42 days. After 2 weeks of treatments, the productive characteristics of birds were recorded weekly for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment, 5 eggs were selected randomly from each replication and egg quality traits were examined. Feed conversion ratio and also some egg quality parameters including eggshell weight, egg width and diameter of thin albumen were influenced by levels of vitamin D3 (p<0.05). Although the egg quality parameters had no significant difference with control, but the egg shell weight and egg width percent were increased with increase the levels of vitami D3 from 4000 (15.90 and 2.67, respectively) to 8000 (14.41 and 2.51, respectively) IU/kg (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio in 4000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 (3.68) was significantly lower than the control (4.22) (p<0.05). The other egg quality characteristic as well as feed intake, percentage of egg production and egg weight were not affected by treatments (p<0.05). The results of this study show the improvement of feed conversion and eggshell weight and egg width in Japanese quail's, especially at the level of 4000 IU/kg of vitamin D.

Mineral elements for various activities such as biochemical, productive and reproductive functions of animals are necessary and their concentration in the body of animals, under the influence of soil and plants will be different in each region.

The aim of present experiment was determination of concentration of macro and micro minerals in blood of gazing camel in the pastures of Khuzestan.

Eighty-eight camels under 11 classes, according to age and physiological situation in Hoveyzeh, Jofeir and Abadan-Khoramshahr regions were investigated during the autumn and winter grazing seasons.

Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and iron in serum of all class of camels were in the optimal range, compared to the critical level. The concentrations of camels blood Zn and Cu were under critical level, so they were deficient, the P was near the deficiency threshold. Concentration of Mn was low.

Therefore, as important roles of minerals in improvement of production and reproductive situations of camels in these regions, the mineral status of feedlot must be improved by proper mineral supplementation, the results of present experiment could be useful.

The presence of vitamin D3 in eggs is important for calcium metabolism of embryo and its development. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary vitamin D3 levels of 0, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 IU/Kg on reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail. 320 adult Japanese quails were used in a randomized complete block design with five treatments, four replicates containing 12 females and four male birds in each replicate. After six weeks of feeding with experimental diets, 40 eggs from each replicate were transferred to a hatchery machine. After incubation, reproductive parameters were investigated. On day 42 of the experiment, two male and female birds from each replicate were selected to measure the blood sere testosterone and estrogen levels. Fertility, total hatch and weight of hatching chicks were not affected by vitamin D3 (P>0.05). The lowest (79.75%) and the highest (90.53%) hatch of fertile eggs were recorded in diets without vitamin and containing 1000 IU/Kg of vitamin, respectively (P<0.05). The highest early and total embryonic mortality were related to zero level of vitamin and the lowest losses were belonged to 1000 IU/Kg of vitamin. The mid and late embryonic mortalities were not influenced by treatments (P>0.05). The morphometric characteristics of reproductive system in both sexes and blood sera estrogen level in female birds were not differ (P>0.05). The highest sera testosterone concentration (11.05 ng/ml) was observed in 1000 IU/Kg of vitamin (P<0.05). In conclusion, the use of 1000 IU/Kg of vitamin D3 in Japanese quail diet is recommended for the best reproductive performance.

During the semen storage, oxidative damage is one of the major causes of reduced motility and fertility of spermatozoa. Therefore, antioxidants such as zinc and vitamin C in seminal plasma may be have the important effects on reduce the lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa by prevent the destroy effect of ROS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of vitamin C and zinc in tris extender on spermatozoa characteristics of Arabi ram in liquid condition by 3×3×4 factorial arrangement with the use of completely randomized design. Treatments were included the levels of vitamin C (0, 150 and 300 μg/ml), zinc (0, 90 and 180 μg/ml) and storage periods of diluted semen (0, 2, 4 and 8 hours) in refrigerator temperature. Semen was collected weekly from 8 Arabic rams with 2-3 years old in breeding season and mixed together. The mixed semen was divided in to 9 parts and after dilution with tris, vitamin C and zinc levels were added. Spermatozoa characteristics include the progressive motility, viability and morphological defect rates were evaluated in various times of semen storage period. The effects of vitamin C, zinc and storage periods of semen on spermatozoa progressive motility, viability and morphological defect rates were significant (P<0.05). Also, comparison the means by Duncan test revealed that the highest motility and viability rates and lowest morphological defect rates were observed in zero levels of vitamin C and zinc (P<0.05). Therefore, vitamin C and zinc have no improved effects on motility, viability and morphological defect rates of spermatozoa in liquid storage condition of Arabian ram.

Red meat is one of the best dietary sources of fat and protein for humans. The fatty acid composition of meat has long been studied, but still receives a lot of attention in research because of its implications for human health. Besides a lower total fat intake, human nutritionists are recommending a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and especially of n-3 fatty acids at the expense of n-6 fatty acids. Numerous animal feeding trials have been carried out using different species and breeds aiming at bringing the polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of meat closer to the recommended value (>0.7), as well as for the n-6/n-3 ratio (<5). Sugar beet pulp (SBP) contains 70% carbohydrates mainly as neutral detergent soluble fiber, which has high water-binding capacity and a slow fermentation rate in rumen compared to the barley grain. Replacing barley with SBP may overcome digestive disorders such as acidosis problem and lead to the utilization of dietary energy towards animal growth, carcass gain, and muscle intramuscular fat deposition. On the other hand, feeds containing fats and oils are being used in animal diets to increase energy density and to manipulate intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition of the meat. Canola seed contains approximately 40 to 43 % oil in which oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid contribute to 61, 20 and 10%, respectively. High fat content of canola seed makes it an attractive feedstuff to improve energy density of diets for finishing lambs grown in dry regions, where pasture availability is low. To our knowledge, information containing the effects of SBP as a slow fermentable carbohydrate source with an inclusion of roasted canola seed on growth performance and meat quality characteristics of fattening lambs is not investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects SBP with or without RCS in a high concentrate diet on performance and muscle composition of Arabian fattening lambs. This experiment was approved by the Animal Care and Ethics Committee of Ramin University of Livestock Research. In this study, twenty-four Arabian male lambs, 4 months old, (23.7±2.5 kg; mean initial BW±SD) were kept in individualcages (1.4×1.2 m). The fattening period was 99 d including 14 d as adaptation period. At the start of the adaptation period, all the animals were treated for external and internal parasites and vaccinated against enterotoxaemia. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments included 1) starch, 2) starch with roasted canol seeds, 3) Neutral detergent soluble fiber and 4) Neutral detergent soluble fiber with roasted canola seed. The diets were offered to animals to meet the requirements of growth rate at 250 g/day according to National Research Council (NRC, 2007). Lambs were weighed weekly throughout the experimental period prior to the morning feeding. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the ratio between average daily intake and average daily gain. Average daily gain was calculated for each sheep from regression analysis of live weight vs. time from day 1 to 99 of each treatment. At the end of the trial, all the animals were slaughtered according to Halal method. Samples from Longissimus dorsi (LD) between 5th and 6th ribs trimmed of all external subcutaneous fat were collected. These were used to determine moisture, crude protein, fat, and ash contents of meat according to Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC, 2006). Lightness (L*), rednes (a*), and yellowness (b*) of meat samples were measured using a Minolta CR-300 colorimeter in the CIE L*a*b*. Hue angle (H*) was calculated as tan−1 (b*/a*) × (180/π) and Chroma (C*) as (a*2+b*2)1/2. The colorimeter was set for using the illuminant A and 10° standard observers. About 50 g of the LD muscle between 6th to 9th ribs were taken for determination of fatty acid profiles. Muscle lipids were extracted as described by Folch et al. (1957), using dichloromethane and methanol (2:1 vol/vol), instead of chloroform and methanol (2:1 vol/vol), and were methylated according to Metcalfe and Schmitz (1961). The transmethylated samples were analyzed by a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector and a capillary column measuring 100 m in length × 0.25 mm i.e., with a thickness of 0.20 mm. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Also, tridecanoic acid (C13:0) was used as internal standard. The initial temperature of the oven was 70 °C and was increased by 10 °C/min to 175 °C, where it was maintained for 25 min. The temperature was then increased by 7 °C/min to 220 °C, where it was maintained for 10 min, followed by another increase by 10 °C/min to 230 °C, where it remained for 4 min. The temperature of the injector was 280 °C, and the temperature of the detector was 300 °C. Identification of the fatty acids was carried out by comparison of the retention times with standards of fatty acids from butter, and the percentage of fatty acids was obtained by means of Chromquest 5.5 software. Performance data were analyzed completely random design with repeated measurement PROC MIXED and compound symmetry model. Meat Characteristics data were as a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement using PROC GLM in SAS software. Partial replacement of starch with soluble fiber significantly increased performance concentration of capric, c17:0 anteiso and behenic acid and significantly reduced lauric, heptadecanoic, oleic, linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acids of longissimus dorsi (P<0.05). Addition of roasted canola seed to diets increased performance (average 288 g vs. 262 g) and reduced the concentration of isopalmitic and behenic acid and significantly increased concentration of Lauric, Myristic, Anteiso-pentadecanoic, Pentadecenoic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Stearic, Vaccenic, Conjugated linoleic, Oleic, α-Linolenic, γ-Linolenic, Gondoic, Docosatetraenoic, h-γ-Linolenic, Arachidonic, Eicosapentaenoic, Nervonic, Docosapentaenoic, Docosahexaenoic acids and the total concentration of unsaturated fatty acids with one or polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern longissimus dorsi (p<0.05). Canola seed addition significantly increased n-6/n-3 and p/s ratio (P<0.05). Replacement of starch with soluble fiber significantly decreased and fat addition significantly increased meat cholesterol concentratin (P<0.05). The results showed that the use of canola seeds by changing the indicators of unsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 to omega-3 ratios reform and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids
can improve the quality and quantity of meat.

Inroduction & Objective: During the semen storage, oxidative damages by oxidation are the major causes of decrease in sperm quality.The aim of this study was toevaluate the effect of different levels of cysteine supplemented into the diluent on semen characteristics of Arabi ram in liquid condition under 5 . Semen sampleswere collected weekly from 10 Arabi rams for 8 weeks and mixed. After dilution, samples were divided into 5 parts and received the levels of cysteine (5, 10, 15 and 20 mmol).During the storage (1, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h), semen quality parameters were evaluated. In all times of semen storage,sperm membrane integrity rate in cysteine treatments was improved(P<0.05). 24 and 36 h after semen storage, spermatozoa viability in 5, 10 and 15 mmol of cysteine was increased (P<0.05). In 36 h and 48 h, 5 and 10 mmol of cysteine reduced the spermatozoa defect rate(P<0.05). In 48 h of storage, progressive motility and viability rates of spermatozoa in 5-15 mmol of cysteine increased(P<0.05). The highest total antioxidant capacity of semenal plasma for times 1 and 24 h of semen storage was observed in 15 and 20 mmol of cysteine (P<0.05). In conclusion, with increasing the storage period of Arabi ram semen, the lower levels of cysteine (lower than 15mM), improved the most of spermatozoaqualitycharacteristics. But, the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma was increased in higher levels of cysteine (15 and 20 mmol).

Halophytic plants constitute a significant part of the local flora in arid and semiarid regions. Native sheep, goats and camels graze these forages. The Suaeda fruticosa, Seidlitzia rosmarinus and Atriplex leucoclada that are belonging to the chenopodiaceae family, have considerable forage potential in the arid and semiarid rangelands. Overall, these plants are tolerant to drought, and used to reclaim degraded rangeland. In addition, they reduce ground water salinity and improve condition and structure of soil. Meanwhile, there are some secondary metabolites in halophytic plants like condense tannin that effect on consume and performance of the animals. Characteristic of a pasture, climatic conditions the pasture, range management, time of grazing in the pasture, animal characteristics and method of study are factors that all or some can influence yield, chemical compositions and rumen degradability of Halophytic plants. There are a few reports about the nutrition value of Atriplex spp., Seidlitzia spp. and suaeda spp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate of chemical composition and nutrients degradability of these halophyte plants for dromedary camels.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. Two female camels (about four years old) with rumen fistula were used in present experiment. The plants sampling were conducted from three regions of Jofer, Howayzeh and road of Abadan-Khorramshahr on the Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran, an area of approximately 60 Km in diameter. All ranges in term of topography have plain shape, without stone and deep canyons, and with high levels of underground water. The soil of these ranges has salinity characteristic and clay constitution. The study regions climate typified that of south Khuzestan. Annual mean temperature is 24.9°C with average minimum and maximum temperatures ranging from 2.6°C in January to 42°C in August. Precipitation averaged 224 mm per day.  The study area had a fair diversity of vegetation types. Four types of these plants named Atriplex leucoclada (AL), Suaeda fruticosa (SF), Seidlitzia rosmarinus (SR) were evaluated individually or in different mixture in completely randomized design. Treatments were, T1, 33.5% AL + 66.5% SR; T2, 100% AL; T3, 66.5% AL + 33.5% SF; T4, 66.5% AL + 33.5% SR; T5, 100% SR; T6, 33.5% AL + 66.5% SF; T7, 66.5% SR + 33.5% SF; T8, 66.5% SF + 33.5% SR; T9, 100% SF. Dry matter (DM), crude protein CP, ether extract (EE), ash, NDF, ADF, lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), neutral detergent soluble fiber (NDSF), total 80% ethanol-soluble carbohydrate (TESC), organic acids, starch and in situ degradability of DM, OM, NDF, CP of each plants were measured.    Atriplex leucoclada had the highest hemicellulose, NDF and organic matter among three halophyte plants. The highest concentrations of tannin and oxalate and organic acids were related to Seidlitzia rosmarinus. The SR and AL had respectively highest and lowest dry matter (DM) degradability and effective degradability (ED) (P<0.05). There was not any difference between Seidlitzia rosmarinus and mixture of Seidlitzia rosmarinus + Suaeda fruticose (Treat 7 and 8). Briefly, according to the results of this section, replacement the high levels of Seidlitzia rosmarinus instead of Suaeda fruticose, increase the dry matter degradability more effectiveness than low levels of that. Organic matter degradability of the SR and SF was significantly higher than the AL (P<0.05). The T7 and T2 treatments had the highest and lowest NDF degradability among others, respectively (P<0.05). Crude protein degradability was highest in the treat containing 66.5% SR+33.5% AL (T1), and AL treat had lowest in situ CP degradability percentage. The results were shown that CP degradation rate was faster than DM, OM and NDF in the initial incubation times. It was concluded that according to DM, OM and NDF degradability, the best plant mix for better feeding of grazing camels are treatments T5, T7 and T8 (without AL); but as protein degradability and chemical composition data, the treatments containing AL (T1, T3, T4 andT6, excepted T2) were the best mix. Therefore, it seems that one of the strategies for improving the digestibility of halophyte plants in camels is mixing these plants with each other, which according to the results of the present experiment, a combination of AL with SR or SF may be caused to more ruminal degradability in feeding of grazing camel and rehabilitation of rangelands.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding zinc (zinc oxide) and vit E (α-tocopherol acetate) on antioxidant enzyme, sexual hormone and some biochemical parameters of Japanese quails. A total of 960 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 70 d of age were housed in cages and randomly allocated to 10 treatments. Each treatment comprised 4 replicates of 24 birds (sixteen females and eight males). A 5 × 2 factorial arrangement with five levels of Zn include: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg /kg of diet and two levels of dietary Vit E (0 and 40 IU/kg of diet) was used in a completely randomized block design, by using a corn- soybean meal basal diet. Water and feed were supplied on an ad libitum basis during the 10 –wk trial. Results indicated that supplemented zinc significantly increased activity superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxides enzyme, also activity enzymes glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxides and total antioxidant increased with added Vit E but superoxide dismutase didn’t influence. Level of testosterone and estrogen hormones significantly increased by supplement Zn. Level of cholesterol by added Zn and also level triglyceride and cholesterol by supplement Vit E decreased. Results this experiment indicted supplementation zinc and Vit E effective on antioxidant enzyme, sexual hormone and some biochemical parameters

Semen collection evaluation and addition of preservatives to increase storage period of sperm are essential for successful artificial insemination. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is becoming more important because of new clinical requirements and current clinical practice. Although frozen-thawed semen has great practical benefits for reproduction, it is widely reported that the cryopreservation process involving cooling, freezing, and thawing induces serious detrimental changes in sperm functions. The viability, motility and membrane integrity of mammalian spermatozoa decrease during the cryopreservation process. Many studies exist as regards the effects of antioxidants on the cryopreservation aimed at improving the quality of post-thaw semen. Antioxidant molecules could decrease the impact of oxidative stress and therefore improve Sperm quality following the freeze–thawing process. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a derivative of tryptophan, is mainly synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland during the night in reaction to changes in light levels. Melatonin can stimulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GSH-Px. melatonin scavenges a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in vivo and in vitro, signifying it has a powerful non-enzymatic antioxidant property. It has been shown that the spermatozoa undergo a freeze–thawing process produced high concentrations of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects different levels of melatonin supplementation (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mM/ml) in extender on semen characteristics the Arabic ram after freezing-thawing. This research was performed at Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan in the fall in 2015. Semen samples were collected from 6 Arabic ram with an average weight 73 ± 3 kg by electro ejaculator twice a week. Sperm samples motility were assessed by Computer Aided
Sperm Analysis (CASA) after freezing and thawing. The pH, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, membrane integrity and total antioxidant capacity were also assessed after freezing-thawing process. Pearson correlation test was used to assess correlation of melatonin with routine sperm parameters (pH, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, membrane integrity and total antioxidant apacity of plasma). Data analysis was performed using SAS software. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results and Discussion the Results of this experiment showed that the diluent of ram semen containing 0.5 mM/ml of melatonin improved the motility, membrane integrity and viability of Arabic ram spermatozoa compared to the control. The total antioxidant capacity was highest in diluent contained whit 1 mM/ml of melatonin. The effect of melatonin on the pH of semen at all levels was not significant. Cryopreservation causes an irreversible damage to enzymatic activity and sperm organelles leading to a reduction in the sperm kinetic parameters. Composition of extender may also affect the freeze ability of spermatozoa and their fertilizing ability. Many studies reported that melatonin has beneficial effects on preservation of mammalian sperm function and improves the microscopic parameters of spermatozoa. Melatonin supplementation to ram semen freezing extender protected spermatozoa from the cryopreservation injuries, as proved by post-thaw viability, motility, intracellular ATP concentrations, DNA integrity, and fertilizing ability. It is suggested that melatonin stimulates the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In consequence, melatonin reduces the number of free radicals, ROS, and also may increases the production of molecules protecting sperm cells against oxidative stress. As a conclusion, supplementation of melatonin in the freezing medium can counteract the adverse effects of the freeze–thawing process on the motility, viability, normal morphology and plasma membrane integrity in ram spermatozoa. The results were suggested that the protective effects of melatonin on spermatozoa were associated with a reduction in LPO as a consequence of increasing the TAC and antioxidant enzymes activity. Cryopreservation of sperm is an applicable technique in infertility management but it may influence the post-thaw qualities of sperm, including morphology, motility, viability and DNA integrity. In this research, we show that supplementation of cryopreservation extenders with melatonin provide a cryoprotective effect on pH, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, membrane integrity and total antioxidant capacity. Overall addition of 0.5 mM/ml of melatonin to the extender improved the most of spermatozoa quality characteristics as well as total antioxidant capacity of semen after freezing-thawing process in Arabic ram. In the current study, we observed no correlation between melatonin and pH, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, membrane integrity and total antioxidant capacity of plasma.

In present experiment fermantability of three halophyte species including: Atriplex leucoclada (AL), Suaeda fruticosa (SF) and Seidlitzia rosmarinus (SR) in the form of individually or mixed as 0.0, 33.5 66.5 and 100% with each other (9 diets), were evaluated using a compelet randomized design. These halophyte species were collected from southern rangelands of Khuzestan province during autumn and winter grazing season. The diets were different regarding the rate and amount of gas producedtion (P

Le zinc est un minéral essentiel étant considéré comme un oligo-élément dans la nutrition animale, étant donné son rôle dans les voies biologiques enzymatiques. L’objectif de cette étude était d’étudier l’effet de l’administration orale des naoparticules d’oxyde de zinc (ZnONPs) sur les paramètres antioxydants du liquide séminal, ainsi que sur les propriétés quantitative et qualitative du sperme du mouton arabe en-dehors de la saison de reproduction. Un total de 12 moutons arabes adultes a été sélectionné de façon aléatoire pour recevoir l’une des 3 concentrations de ZnONPs (control; 0, groupe 1; 40 ppm and groupe 2; 80 ppm). Nos résultats ont démontré l’effet stimulant de l’administration des différents taux de zinc sur l’activité de l’enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) ainsi que sur la capacité antioxydante totale (TAC) du liquide séminal, ces paramétres montrant une augmentation significative comparé au groupe control (P

Increase in blood Zn bioavailability improves production and immune system. Due to the relation among zinc, leptin and immune system, this trial conducted to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation more than NRC recommendation on serum concentration of zinc and leptin in late gestation cows and its consequent colostral IgG and also its passive transfer to newborn calves, calves serum total protein and health scores.

This trial was conducted from 25 days before expected parturition day to 30 days after calving. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows by mean of 3.1 and 2.9 lactation for control and high zinc level treatment respectively, fed diets containing 75 and 150 mg/kg of dry mater Zn. Feeding was once a day at 09:00. Diets were isocalorie and isonitrogenous and the only difference was the proportion of Zn. Blood samples were taken from cows tail vein to determine Zn and leptin concentrations on -25 and -5 days relative to estimated parturition time. Immediately postcalving, calves were weighed and removed from the dam to prevent nursing and cows were moved to a maternity barn, milked, and a colostrum sample was collected. Calves fed colostrum of their own dam and a sample of colostrum used to determine concentration of IgG. Calves jugular vein used for blood sampling to test seral IgG and total protein twenty-four hour after birth. Individual animal health score (nasal, eye and ear, fecal, cough and rectal temperature) were assigned (using a calf health-scoring system developed by the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison) to calves for 30 days.

Using 150 mg/kg of Zn in the diet increased seral Zn and leptin 5 days before calving compared with control (P<0.05). Colostral IgG and also calves seral IgG and total protein increased by consuming high level of Zn. Positive correlation was observed between colostral and calves seral IgG. Calves health scores had no significant difference between treatments.

Probably supplementation of high level of Zn in late gestation diets, by increasing in dams seral Zn and leptin, improves calves immune system.

Using 150 mg/kg of Zn in the diet increased seral Zn and leptin 5 days before calving compared with control (P<0.05). Colostral IgG and also calves seral IgG and total protein increased by consuming high level of Zn. Positive correlation was observed between colostral and calves seral IgG. Calves health scores had no significant difference between treatments.

Probably supplementation of high level of Zn in late gestation diets, by increasing in dams seral Zn and leptin, improves calves immune system

The aim of present experiment was to measure endogenous urinary purine derivatives using feed restriction method, as well as to determine the effect of 4 levels feeding on microbial protein synthesis. The present experiments was conducted by four camels about 326 Kg body weight. The camels were fed by different level of Atriplex leucoclada (AL), including maintenance, 1.25, 1.5 times of maintenance, and ad libitum in Latin square design, and their microbial protein synthesis measure with urinary purine derivatives. In the first experiment, the amount of purine derivatives at fifth day of starvation period, as index for endogenous excretion of urinary purine derivatives determined equal to 14.0 mmol/day. The allantoin was the main urinary purine derivatives excretion in all three starvation period. Urinary excretion of the allantoin decreased with decreasing the level of feeding intake (P