فهرست مطالب مهدی گنجخانلو

Selenium, as an essential dietary trace element, has an important biological role in the health and growth performance of cows and dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing mineral selenium supplement with nano selenium particles in the feeding of suckling calves and its impacts on the growth performance and skeletal structure of suckling calves. The number of 32 newborn Holstein calves with an average body weight of 37.85 ± 4.35 kg in the form of a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (eight calves in each treatment) for 83 days according to the supplemental consumption of milk or drinking water with sources different selenium were placed. Treatments include: 1) inorganic selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with sodium selenite, 2) low level of nano selenium: providing 0.15 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium, 3) Medium level of nano-selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium, 4) High level of nano-selenium: providing 0.45 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium. . The results showed that supplementing milk with selenium nanoparticles did not affect the performance of calves during the pre-weaning period, but significantly improved it after weaning compared to calves fed sodium selenite. So the daily gain and feed efficiency in the second period increased secondarily (p < 0.01) and the medium level was the highest

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing mineral selenium supplement with nano-selenium particles in feeding infant calves and its effects on nutrient digestibility and, rumen fermentation characteristics. The number of 32 newborn Holstein calves with an average body weight of 37.85 ± 4.35 kg in the form of a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (eight calves in each treatment) for 83 days according to the supplemental consumption of milk or drinking water with sources different selenium were placed. Treatments include: 1) mineral selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with sodium selenite source, 2) Low level of nano selenium: providing 0.15 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium source, 3 (Medium level of nano-selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium source, 4) High level of nano-selenium: providing 0.45 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium source. The results showed that improve the digestibility of protein and insoluble fibers in neutral detergent with nano-selenium. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration in calves fed with rations supplemented with nano-selenium tended to decrease (p = 0.08) in a quadratic way, and its average level was the lowest. Acetate concentration for calves fed nano-selenium decreased (p < 0.01), while propionate concentration increased (p < 0.05) for calves fed nano-selenium. The results of this study showed that nano-selenium was effective in improving feed digestibility.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietry cation-anion difference (DCAD) levels and crossbreeding on carcass characteristics of lambs. In this study, 30 Lori Bakhtiari and  first generation Lori Bakhtiari × Romanov × Pakistani lambs (50% Lori Bakhtiari, 25% Romanov, 25% Pakistani)  with an average age of 90±10 days and an average weight of 33±1.5 kg were divided into two groups of 15 lambs, each group was fed with a different level of DCAD. Carcass weight, carcass yield, viscera weight, cross-sectional area of Longissimus muscle and carcass length did not show any significant difference between purebred and crossbreds and also between diets. Crossbreeding also significantly increased the weight of valuable and salable carcass parts (P<0.05). However, according to our findings, no difference was observed in terms of weight of salable carcass parts between anionic and cationic treatmentsgenotype and DCAD did not have any significant effect on the composition of carcass fatty acids. The meat shear force of Lori Bakhtiari × Romanov × Pakistani lambs compare to Lori Bakhtiari  lambs and anionic diet compare to cationinc diet was lower (P<0.05). Lori Bakhtiari lambs had a higher mean in brightness index and Longissimus muscle redness than Lori Bakhtiari × Romanov × Pakistani lambs (P<0.05). Therefore, anionic diets and Crossbreeding can be considered as effective ways to increase the quality and crispiness of sheep meat.

Maintaining sperm quality and reducing contaminants will ensure the success of fertilization. The presence of bacterial contamination in the reproductive system of animals and their transfer to the semen causes a decrease in sperm quality and problems of disease transmission through inseminated. During the process of freezing and thawing, cold shock as well as environmental microbial pollution causes sperm quality to decrease. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, in addition to increasing the antioxidant capacity, also have antibacterial effects. The sperm membrane of ruminants are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and Zinc is as a cofactor of biological antioxidant biomolecules that suggested zinc increases protecting cell membrane and other inside organelles. Conventional chemical methods are expensive and require the use of chemical compounds/ solvents as reducing agents, which are toxic and as a risk factor for environment. Green chemistry reduces the risk of pollution at the source level, and instead of producing waste, it can use waste materials as a source of producing nanoparticles. This technology focuses on selecting reactions (for example biological molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carbonyl and protein compounds) that are compatible with the environment. In this research, green zinc oxide (gZnO) nanoparticles are produced from saffron petals. Sperms were collected from 6 Afshari rams and after checking and confirming the quality, the sperms were mixed together in a 4x4 factorial design with 4 levels of antibiotics (0, 50, 75 and 100) recommended percentage and 4 levels of gZnO (0, 7.5, 10 and 12.5) μg/ml were added to the each diluent and entered to the freezing process. In order to check the quality of sperm after freezing CASA system were used. Membrane functionality was measured using osmotic method. The total microbial load was estimated using the colony count on blood-agar medium method. The results showed that 12.5 µg/ml level of gZnO nanoparticles becomes destructive and reduced quality of sperm, but the lower levels of gZnO significantly (P<0.05) increased the quality of sperm motility.  Rapid progressive motility, progressive motility and total motility were significantly increased at 7.5 and 10 μg/L levels compared to other levels (P<0.05).  Also, the addition of 7.5 μg/ml of gZnO significantly improved the membrane integrity performance compared to other levels (P<0.05). Antibiotic and gZnO significantly decreased microbial loaded (P<0.01). The strong positive correlation between zinc and both total motility and progressive motility is attributed to zinc's high antioxidant power. Zinc reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting sperm cells from damage. Zinc nanoparticles stabilize the peroxidation of membrane lipids and increase the mitochondrial and functional activity of sperm without having a negative effect on sperm motility parameters. Concentrations higher than 10 μg/ml of gZnO nanoparticles had toxic effects on sperm, which has been noted by other researchers. The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles reduces the amount of antibiotics needed in the production and processing of frozen sperm, reduces the cytotoxicity of both substances, greatly reduces the amount of antibiotic consumption, and increases the antimicrobial effects. The synergistic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and antibiotics have recently been given great importance, and in various researches, conjugated antibiotics have been invented. It was shown that the combination of zinc oxide nanoparticles and ampicillin increased the antibiotic power six times and greatly reduced the need for antibiotics.The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles to the diluent caused a significant increase in the quality of frozen-thawed sperm, so that the levels of 7.5 and 10 mg/μL had the greatest improvement in quality after freezing and thawing. The use of concentrations of 7.5 and 10 μg/ml of gZnO nanoparticles along with reducing the consumption of antibiotics to half of the recommended amount has increased the quality of frozen sperm after thawing, reduced antibiotic resistance and finally reduced purchase cost of antibiotics in sperm production centers. studies show that the use of nanoparticles and antibiotics together not only reduced the toxicity of both substances on human cells, but also increased the effectiveness of antibiotics effects. Even the simultaneous use of nanoparticles and antibiotics caused the reversal of antibiotic resistance. Nanoparticles increase the antibiotic concentration at the site of antibiotic-bacterial activity and increase the binding of the antibiotic with the microorganism.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing mineral selenium supplements with nano selenium particles in the feeding of dairy calves and its effects on blood metabolites, and improving the growth performance and skeletal structure of infant calves. The number of 32 newborn Holstein calves with an average body weight of 37.85 ± 4.35 kg in the form of a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (eight calves in each treatment) for 83 days according to the supplemental consumption of milk or drinking water with sources Different selenium were placed. Treatments include: 1) inorganic selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with sodium selenite, 2) low level of nano selenium: providing 0.15 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium, 3 (Medium level of nano-selenium: providing 0.3 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium, 4) High level of nano-selenium: providing 0.45 mg of selenium per kilogram of dry matter with nanoparticles prepared from selenium. The results showed that the calves that received nano selenium had no significant difference in the parameters of aspartate transferase and alanine transaminase compared to sodium selenite. The concentration of glutathione peroxidase in 42 days in nano selenium treatments increased and malondialdehyde decreased linearly significantly compared to mineral selenium (P=0.03). The results of this study showed that nano selenium was effective in improving the antioxidant status of calf blood during post-weaning.

Based on current knowledge, it has been proven that many edible ingredients in addition to meeting the needs of creatures, in terms of energy and protein, contain compounds that affect cellular actions and intracellular signaling pathways and can temporarily or permanently change the function of the cell. The use of molecular biology tools and genetic research defines the mechanisms through which gene expression is affected by food, and conversely, these genes also affect the absorption of food, metabolism, and excretion. From the point of view of nutrigenomics, dietary nutrients are signals that are received by sensitive cell systems and can affect the expression of genes and proteins and the production of metabolites. Nutritional manipulations and strategies are key tools to influence ruminant production. Fatty acids act on the nucleus by binding to and regulating the activity of specific nuclear receptors or transcription factors, thus playing a central role in regulating the expression of genes involved in fatty acid uptake by muscle cells. Interactions between diet nutrients and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism have many possibilities regarding the deposition of fatty acids in the tissue. The study of gene expression has enabled clarification of the mode of fatty acid metabolism in muscle and the accumulation of intramuscular fat or marbling and the role of the genes that promote fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial respiration in the liver muscle and adipose tissue. Polyunsaturated fatty acids with multiple double bonds (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids with one double bond (MUFA) have received much attention in the last decade, and their health benefits are increasingly evident. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of using calcium salts of fish oil, olive oil, and saturated fat on the expression of some genes related to fat metabolism in Lori Bakhtiari×Romanov fattening lambs.
This study was carried out at the educational research station of the Department of Animal Science of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran. 49 male lambs aged four to five months with an average initial weight of 29.97 ± 0.88 kg were divided into seven groups of seven lambs in a completely randomized design. The experiment consisted of seven treatments with a basic diet as follows: 1) Basic diet without fat powder (control), 2 and 3) Basic diet with calcium salt of fish oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) in the amount of 2% dry matter of the diet for 90 and 45 days, respectively, 4 and 5) Basic diet with calcium salt of olive oil (rich in omega-9 fatty acids) at the rate of 2% dry matter of the diet for 90 and 45 days, respectively, 6 and 7) Basic diet with saturated fat powder in the amount of 2% dry matter of the diet for 90 and 45 days, respectively. Rations were adjusted based on the NRC Sheep and Goat and using the fifth version of CNCPS (The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) software so that they are the same in terms of energy and protein. Twenty-eight lambs were slaughtered and a liver sample was taken for nutrigenomics studies. Total RNA was extracted from liver tissue samples using the RNA extraction kit produced by Dena Bio Asia Company (Mashhad) and according to the protocol provided with the kit. The expression of four main genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver tissue was investigated to provide comprehensive information on the effects of omega-3, omega-9 fatty acids, and saturated fat at the molecular level.
The results showed that feeding with calcium salts of fish oil, olive oil, and saturated fat, both in the whole 90 days or the last 45 days of the fattening period, had no significant effect on the expression of FADS1 and FADS2 genes in liver tissue compared to the control group. However, the use of calcium salts of fish and olive oils in periods of 90 and 45 days significantly increased the hepatic mRNA expression of the CPT1 gene (P=0.001) and ACOX1 gene mRNA expression in liver tissue compared to control and saturated fat treatments (P=0.002). The CPT1 enzyme is responsible for a mitochondrial transport system and plays a key role in controlling the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and stimulating mitochondrial β-oxidation.
The results of this study showed that diet supplementation with calcium salts of fish and olive unsaturated fatty acids, regardless of the period of consumption, increased the expression of genes involved in the lipolysis of liver tissue fats of lambs.

Crossbreeding is a common method for exploiting genetic differences between different breeds of a species, during which offspring are usually obtained from two pure breeds through mating, which are expected to have parental traits. to improve, which includes productive traits and traits related to the health and survival of the animal that each of the parents may have superiority in one of these traits, therefore, hybridization with the aim of combining the superiority of parental traits and improving them in the results It takes place. In sheep, cross-breeding is a well-known method to improve production, including meat, milk, wool, and reproduction. Depending on the parent breeds and their purity percentage, different results may be observed in the offspring. On the other hand, food ration is a determining factor in the manifestation of the genetic power of livestock, and in the meantime, the anion-cation balance of the diet (DCAB) plays an important role by affecting the acid-base balance and homeostasis of the body. Since maintaining the acid and base balance of the body is related to the maintenance of the animal and is preferable to reproduction, lactation and growth, therefore the performance of the animal is significantly affected by the change in the acid and base balance. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the difference of diet anion-cation on performance, blood and digestion parameters and rumen parameters.

In this study, 30 Lori Bakhtiari and Lori Bakhtiari × Romanov × Pakistani lambs with an average age of 90 ± 10 days and an average weight of 32.9 ± 1.5 and 32.25 ± 1.5 kg respectively used. The lambs were placed in two racial groups in the form of a 2x2 factorial design and with two levels of anion-cation difference (DCAD) of -100 and 100 milliequivalents per kilogram of dry matter for 90 days. The whole fattening period was 84 days and anionic diet was used in the last 14 days of the period.

Based on the results of this study, dry matter consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by breed. However, dry matter consumption decreased in lambs that consumed anionic diet (P<0.003). Also, blood parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, ammonia nitrogen concentration and rumen fluid pH were not affected by diet and breed.

The results of this study indicate that the mixing of Lori Bakhtiari breed with foreign breeds has no effect on its fattening characteristics, and the use of anionic ration, along with its potential benefits, can lead to a reduction in dry matter consumption, so according to the results This research suggests that anionic or cationic rations can be used for fattening animals with various purposes without significant effect on growth performance and digestibility of nutrients as well as parameters related to rumen fluid

In order to determine the effects of sodium acetate and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on dry matter consumed, feed digestibility, milk yield and milk fat profile, 33 Holstein cows several calving times during days 5-31 after calving in a completely randomized design with Three treatments and 11 replications were used. The experimental diets included 1- basic diet (control), 2- diet containing 300 gr of sodium acetate , 3- diet containing 100 gr of CLA. Daily dry matter intake and milk production, body weight and body condition score were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. milk samples were taken at regular intervals to determine the amount of milk compounds. Also, on the last day, a sample was taken to determine the profile of fatty acids. Dry matter intake was not significant among dietary treatment (P>0.05). Milk production was increased by supplementing diets with sodium acetate (3.16 kg/d) and CLA (2.46 kg/d) compared to control treatment. CLA supplementing decreased milk fat content significantly and sodium acetate increased it. The yield and content of milk protein and lactose were not significantly different between the treatments. With the consumption of sodium acetate, the amount of milk fat and milk production increased, as probably the hypothesis that sodium acetate is lipogenic for adipose tissue was ignored and Acetate partition nutriunt toward milk fat production. CLA consumtion, negative energy balance did not change between as spared energy partition toward more milk yield. The use of CLA could be beneficial for the health of consumers by increasing the trans-10-cis-12 CLA isomer transfer to milk and reducing thrombogenic and atherogenic indicators.

Interaction effect between dietary energy density and feed bunk space on ruminal and blood parameters were investigated using 40 Holstein heifers as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Heifers with average age12 to 16 months and weight 363.4±32.8 were received two different diet in energy level (low and high) into two different feed bunk in size (24 and 48 cm). Treatments included: 1) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with low level of energy, 2) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with high level of energy, 3) Large feed bunk space (48 cm) with low level of energy and 4) Large feed bunk space (48 cm) with high level of energy. Results revealed that dietary energy was an important factor affecting on total ruminal VFA concentration compared with feed bunk space. Ruminal concentrations of acetate and propionate; and also total VFA concentration were significantly increased in heifers fed low energy levels in comparison with those fed diets contain high energy level. The main reason was attributed to higher dry matter intake and higher nutrient digestibility, especially DM and NDF, in heifers received low dietary energy than high dietary energy.

Fourteen dairy heifers with an average age of 12-16 months and an average weight of 363 ± 32.8 kg were stratified into 4 groups of 10 in a 2 × 2 factorial, completely randomized design with four treatments and four stall. The experiment period was 100 days. Two levels of energy were adjusted in formulating diets. A diet was formulated according to NRC (2001) requirements as high energy diet (1.32 Mcal/kg DM). For low energy diet, it was diluted by rice hull and wheat bran to meet 90% of NRC (2001) requirements for energy (1.20 Mcal/kg DM). The diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Treatments included: 1- Small space with low level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; 2- Small space with high level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy; 3- Large space with low level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; and 4- Large space with high level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy. Animals were weighed at the bigining and end of experiment. Sampling from feed and orts was carried out at 30, 45, 60 and 70 days. The dry matter intake was daily recorded. Feces samples were taken on days 30, 60 and 90 and dried at 70 ° C for 72 h. Total tract digestibility coefficients were calculated based on the relative concentrations of nutrients and AIA as an internal marker in the feed and feces. Rumen sampling was performed 4 h after morning feeding at the end day of experiment using an oral stomach tube and vaccume pumpe. The ruminal pH was recorded immediately and then rumen liquor was filtered through four layers of muslin cloth and then 2 ml aliquots of filtered liquor was added into tubes containg 40 µl H2SO4 50% and stored at -20 ̊C. Ammonia concentration was determined by Broderick and Kang (1980) and volatile fatty acids was measured using gas chromatography according to Ottensin and Batler (1971). On day 86 blood samples were taken from heifer’s coccygeal vain. Plasma metabolits was measured by Pars Azmoon kits using an autoanalyser. Chemical analysis of sample done according to AOAC (1990). Data were analyzed as a complete factorial design with 2 levels of feed bunk space and 2 levels of dietary energy levels design using the GLM procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC).

The results revealed that the dietary energy level factor had a more decisive role in the final concentration of volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid compared to the feed bunk length factor. However, the concentration of acetate, propionate and consequently, total volatile fatty acids for treatments with low energy levels were significantly higher compared to treatments with high energy levels and the reason can be higher dry matter consumption and also higher digestibility of nutrients, especially DM and NDF in treatments containing lower compared to higher energy levels. Plasma glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly higher for high energy level treatments compared to low energy level treatments (Table 4). Past studies have shown that propionate is transported from the rumen to the liver after uptake, converted to glucose during the course of gluconeogenesis, and then enters the bloodstream (Daniel and Resende Júnior 2012). In the present study, the results showed the higher the animals' intake of unstructured carbohydrate diets (including starch from cereal grains), the higher their blood glucose concentration. The increase in glucose is due to the increased production of propionate in the rumen as a result of the fermentation of cereal starch (Daniel and Resende Júnior 2012). Therefore, in the present study, the high concentration of glucose in diets containing high energy density compared to diets containing low energy density can be related to the higher concentration of non-fiber carbohydrates. According to the findings of the present study, lower energy levels and larger manger space can lead to improved ruminal parameters and physicochemical properties of feces in growing heifers. Finally, the finding of the current study could be used as a guide to better management of dairy heifers. Keywords: Blood parameters, Diet energy density, Fecal properties, Feed bunk space, Holstein heifers and Ruminal fermentation parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, water consuming pattern, digestibility, and carcass traits of Lori-Bakhtiari (LORI) and Romanov-Lori-Bakhtiari (CROSSbred) lambs under water restriction conditions. Twenty lambs (10 heads per genotype) with an average weight of 31±2.5 and an age of 8±2 months were used in four treatments with 5 replications in each in a completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial. Water-restricted (WR) lambs had free access to water for only one hour a day. All lambs were slaughtered after six weeks. Feed intake, daily weight gain and final weight were not affected by genotype and access to water, while water intake (p=0.001) and water to feed ratio (p=0.02) were significantly dropped with water restriction. Water-restricted lambs consumed almost 90 percent of their water intake in the first five minutes. Nutrients digestibility was not affected by the treatments, but the amount of fecal dry matter was significantly high in water restricted groups (p=0.03). Carcass weight and yield were not affected by the treatments, but the percentage and weight of tails in the CROSSbred lambs were lower (p≤0.0001), but part of this decrease was compensated by higher fat thickness (p=0.05) and visceral fat (p=0.03).  The overall results of this study showed that genotype and water restriction did not significantly affect growth performance, so CROSSbred lambs can be used in water restricted area.

The growing trend of production and consumption of goat milk and its products in the modern dairy industry requires improving milk production and composition by nutritional methods. Optimal imbalance of biodegradable and non-biodegradable protein in ruminants can limit microbial protein production, nitrogen utilization efficiency, fiber digestion, and access to optimal amino acid levels in the small intestine. Supplementation of protein sources with low degradability improves nitrogen utilization efficiency and optimal amino acid pattern at the surface of the small intestine. Microbial amino acids meet the animal's need if the animal is in a state of maintenance or minimal growth, while to achieve maximum growth or production the need must be met by non-biodegradable protein in the rumen. Maximum production requires sufficient amounts of essential amino acids, so to support the physiological and production needs of livestock, the use of protected amino acid supplements in the rumen is recommended. Protected amino acids lysine and methionine are more commonly known as milk-limiting amino acids, and methionine also plays a unique role as a starting amino acid in protein synthesis. This study was performed to evaluate the protected methionine and its effects on milk production and composition in Alpine dairy goats.

The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with at least 15 replications per treatment, so that 45 Alpine lactating goats with 200 lactation days for 4 weeks, randomly were allocated for three experimental diets included: 1- Basal diet plus 2 g of commercially protected methionine 2- Control (basal diet without protected methionine) 3- Basal diet plus 2 g of protected methionine synthesized in vitro.

The results showed that methionine coating significantly reduced the degradability of methionine in the rumen (p <0.001). Also, the effect of experimental treatments on milk production and composition as well as blood parameters such as albumin, cholesterol, total protein, glucose and triglyceride was not significant in lactating goats (p> 0.05).

using protected methionine can significantly reduce the degradability of methionine in the rumen but may has no effect on milk production and composition as well as blood parameters in dairy goats at farm situation, Of course more studies and data are needed.

The objective of this study was to compare two estrus induction protocols in Shal ewes (Iranian native breed) during the non-breeding season using progesterone injections and an intravaginal sponge. Non pregnant ewes (n=180), considering their age and BCS were stratified randomly into two groups: progesterone injection (n=54; age: 33.0±3.21 months; BCS, 2.5±0.11) and vaginal sponge (n: 54; age: 37.5±3.58; BCS: 2.6±0.11). The progesterone injection group received four consecutive injections of progesterone (50 mg, SC), 3 days apart. Ewes in the sponge group received an intravaginal sponge (40 mg Flugestone acetate) for 14 days. An intramuscular injection of eCG (300 IU) was given concurrent with sponge withdrawal or 48 hrs after the last progesterone injection. Twelve hours after eCG, estrus was detected by rams equipped with harnesses. Laparoscopic AI was performed 50-56 hrs after eCG injection by fresh semen (100×106 sperm in 0.2 ml per uterine horn). Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal ultrasonography, 35 days after insemination. The incidence of estrus (74.1%) was greater in the sponge group than injection group (38.9%). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of time to estrus and time to AI after eCG injection. There was no differences between the two groups in the interval from estrus to AI, fertility, prolificacy, and fecundity. Fertility was greater in ewes that were inseminated within 24 hrs after estrous detection in the progesterone injected group (76.2%) compared to the sponge group (42.5%). In summary, due to the similarity in fecundity, as the final indicator of reproductive performance, and less cost, availability and no intervention of reproductive tract, progesterone injection method could be advised for inducing estrus in ewes during the non-breeding season.

Red meat supply chains are of special importance because they are one of the most important consumable materials in the basket households. This chain can be examined from various aspects; one of the most important of which is the red meat production ring. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the position of traditional livestock keepers in the red meat supply chain (Case study: the southwestern skirt of Zagros). In order to achieve the overall goal of the study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used. In the quantitative phase of the research, using proportional sampling method (multi-stage classes), information was collected from traditional sheep and goat livestock keepers. In the quality phase, using Delphi and SWOT methods, deep and extensive quality information was extracted from red meat supply chain specialists (including livestock experts of Jihad Keshavarzi). The results of the study showed that traditional livestock keepers are in a very critical economic (27.8 out of 100) and social (35.5 out of 100) situation. Finally, among the strategies developed, the highest attractiveness was related to "knowledge-based development and injection of information and technology to increase the quality and productivity of red meat production through useing scientific and modern methods" and the lowest attractiveness was related to "reducing the risk of red meat production through expanding livestock keepers and livestock insurance with appropriate and reasonable support conditions."

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium acetate and conjugated linoleic acid on dry matter intake, body weight, activity of liver enzymes and blood metabolites in fresh cows.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of sodium acetate and conjugated linoleic acid on dry matter intake, body weight, liver enzyme activity, milk production and blood metabolites in newborn cows. Materials and Methods In this study, 24 Holstein cows with an average initial weight of 601.47±13 kg and a body condition score of 3.64±0.21 were used for 25 days during days 5-30 postpartum. This experiment was performed in 3 treatments and 8 replications in a completely randomized design by comparing the means by the mean least squares method at a significance level of 0.05. Treatments include 1- control with a source of calcium salt of palm fat, 2- Diet containing 300 g of sodium acetate supplement, 3- Diet containing 100 g of conjugated linoleic acid supplement (50% cis-9 trans-11CLA, 50% trans-10 cis-12 CLA) was. Dry matter intake and milk production were recorded daily, body weight and body condition score at the beginning and end of the experiment. Blood samples were also taken on days 5, 7, 14, 20, 25. The cows were milked in three meals of morning, evening and night, and the record of each meal was recorded. In order to measure milk composition, milk samples were taken on days 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20 and 25 after calving.

The results showed that the mean body weight, body condition score and dry matter intake were not significantly different between treatments. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was not affected by the treatments. Also, no significant differences were observed for triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, total plasma protein and blood urea nitrogen between treatments. Plasma glucose concentration was significantly different between treatments (p<0.05), however, CLA and sodium acetate significantly increased and decreased compared to the control) (p<0.05. Sodium acetate significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase compared to control and CLA treatment (p<0.05). Daily milk, corrected milk production of 3.5% fat and milk fat percentage were significantly different between treatments, and sodium acetate and CLA treatments significantly increased and decreased milk fat percentage, respectively, compared to the control (0.05). Also, milk fat production increased with sodium acetate compared to control and decreased with CLA (p <0.05).

By consuming CLA due to the reduction of milk fat, the amount of blood glucose increased, as a result of which the intensity of the negative energy balance decreased, which in turn reduced the damage to the liver cells. Sodium acetate also improves energy levels, possibly due to the supply of acetate for milk fat synthesis. It can be concluded that adding sodium acetate is the best way to have a healthy liver along with increasing milk production and milk fat after birth.

Replacement heifers represent the future potential of the dairy industry; as such, the feeding strategy for dairy heifers is to rear these animals at a minimum economic and environmental cost without reducing their future lactation performance (Hoffman et al., 2007). The main concern for heifer rearing industry is typically the energy densities of the diet exceeding the requirements of heifers, and subsequently, increase weight gains and lead to over-conditioning (Hoffman et al., 2008). The limited space is another concern for farmers in which feed bunks are limited and animals have to compete to meet their nutrient requirements. We hypothesized that feeding a ration diluted by wheat bran and rice hull in different feed bunk spaces would allow dairy heifers to compete and control their ad libitum intakes, and to meet their nutrient requirements for maintenance and target growth rates. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigation of interaction effects of dietary energy density and feed bunk space on performance and nutrient digestibility in Holstein heifers.

Four primiparous and 4 multiparous mid lactation dairy cows were stratified by pre-experimental milk yield (23.5 ± 2.3 kg/d), protein yield (0.75 ± 0.066 kg/d), parity, and days in lactation (121 ± 10 d) into 4 groups of 2 in a 2 × 2 factorial, Latin square design (n = 8) to assess the effect of forage source and a supplementary methionine hydroxy analog on nitrogen (N) balance where low crude protein (CP) diets (13.3%) are offered. Fourteen dairy heifers with an average age of 12-16 months and an average weight of 363 ± 32.8 kg were stratified into 4 groups of 10 in a 2 × 2 factorial, completely randomized design with four treatments and four stall. The experiment period was 100 days. Two levels of energy were adjusted in formulating diets. A diet was formulated according to NRC (2001) requirements as high energy diet (1.32 Mcal/kg DM). For low energy diet, it was diluted by rice hull and wheat bran to meet 90% of NRC (2001) requirements for energy (1.20 Mcal/kg DM). The diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Treatments included: 1- Small space with low level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; 2- Small space with high level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy; 3- Large space with low level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; and 4- Large space with high level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy. Sampling from feed and orts was carried out at 30, 45, 60 and 70 days. The dry matter intake was daily recorded. Feces samples were taken on days 30, 60 and 90 and dried at 70 ° C for 72 h. Total tract digestibility coefficients were calculated based on the relative concentrations of nutrients and AIA as an internal marker in the feed and feces. Chemical analysis of sample was done according to AOAC (1990). Data were analyzed as a complete factorial design with 2 levels of feed bunk space and 2 levels of dietary energy levels design using the GLM procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC).

Dry matter intake was higher for heifers fed diet with low energy (P

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of feeding a glucogenic diet on the somatotropic axis of early lactation Holstein dairy cows. Sixteen fresh cows were used in a completely randomized design with two treatments and eight replicates in each treat. In the treatment of glucogenic diet, cows received 600 g of encasulated glucose daily as top dressed. In the control treatment, the cows received daily the same amount of glucose and coating material (mainly fat). Experimental diets were fed from day 4 to 30 after calving. Milk production and dry matter intake were recorded daily. Blood samples collected on days 4, 15 and 29 after parturition from coccygeal vein. The results show that there is no significant difference between treatments in terms of milk yield, energy corrected milk yield, 3.5% fat corrected milk yield, dry matter intake and blood glucose concentration. The glucogenic diet caused a significant increase in blood insulin (P<0.05) and a numerical increase in blood IGF-1 (P<0.15). Cows that received control diet showed a significant decrease in IGF-1 concentration (P<0.05) but no significant decrease was observed for cows received diet containing glucogenic supplement. The results of this study showed that feeding a glucogenic supplements can affect the somatotropic axis of early cows and cause an increase glucose turnover and blood insulin and relative improvement of blood IGF-1 levels.

This experiment was performed to investigate the effect of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids calcium salts (omega-3 and omega-9) on fattening performance, carcass traits and some blood biochemical properties of Lori Bakhtiari × Romanov male lambs.

49 male lambs with 29.97± 0.88 kg initial weight were divided into 7 equal groups, randomly. Lambs were fed individually with the following experimental diets: 1) Basal diet without fat powder (control), 2) Basal diet with fish oil calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 90 days, 3) Basal diet with fish oil calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 45 days, 4) Basal diet with olive oil calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 90 days, 5) Basal diet with olive oil calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 45 days, 6) Basal diet with saturated fat calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 90 days and 7) Basal diet with saturated fat calcium salts (2% of diet DM) for 45 days. Daily feed intake of lambs was recorded and lambs body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of the lambs. Then 28 lambs were weighed and slaughtered and were measured the weights of different parts of the lambs carcass.

Totally, feeding with calcium salts of fish oil, olive oil and saturated fats significantly increased daily weight gain and reduced the lambs feed conversion ratio compared to control group (p= 0.04). But had no significant effect on dry matter intake of the Lambs. Feeding with saturated and unsaturated calcium salts had no significant effect on serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Serum high density lipoproteins (HDL) were higher among the fat treatments than control treatment, but no significant difference was observed between fat treatments. The level of serum low density lipoproteins (LDL) when using of unsaturated fatty acids for 45 and 90 days was significantly lower than the using of saturated fat and control (p= 0.01). Lambs treated with fat powder had higher carcass yields than the control group. Feeding on fish and olive oil calcium salts reduced abdominal fat and kidneys around fat of lambs (p= 0.03).

Totally, results of this study showed that diet supplementation with fish and olive unsaturated fatty acids calcium salts increases the fattening performance and productivity of lambs.

As protein is the most expensive ingredient in feedstuffs, stable dairy farming is achieved with feeding high quality diets with balanced amino acids in diet. Present study was done to evaluate the effect of adding amino acids in starter with moderate crude protein and to compare it with high protein starter without amino acid. To do this, 48 males and females Holstein dairy calves were studied from 3 until 70 days of age. Experimental diets included: (1) 18% CP in starter with 20% more methionine and lysine, (2) 18% CP in starter with 20% more lysine and methionine and 10% more threonine, (3) 18% CP in starter with 20% more lysine, methionine and threonine and (4) 22% CP in starter without amino acids. During whole period and before weaning, calves in treatment 1 had higher starter intake. Calves fed with higher crude protein, had higher feed conversion ratio. Daily weight gain and final weight was not different between treatments. Experimental diets had no   significantly effect on blood parameters. Only at the end of experiment, calves fed with higher crude protein without amino acids, had higher BUN. Calves fed with 20 percent more lysine, methionine and threonine (diet 3), had fewer bouts of diarrhea and body temperature. Overall, the results of the present study showed that adding lysine, methionine and threonine amino acids, did not have significant effects on growth performance and immunity blood parameters. However, starter diet with moderate crude protein level, utilized more efficiently than starter with higher crude protein level.

Crossbreeding of fat-tailed native sheep with well known high performance thin-tailed sheep is currently widely used as a rapid solution to enhance production and reproduction, and reduction of fat-tail of native sheep. Nevertheless, comparison studies about native and crossbred animal performance in different environment is necessary for sheep husbandry industry.

This study was performed in the summer using 20 Lori-Bakhtiari (Lori) and 20 Lori-Bakhtiari×Romanov (F1) (Cross) sheep with an average weight of 31.6±2.5 kg in eight treatment with five-repetition for each in a completely randomized design with 2×2×2 factorial array including breed (Lori and Cross), water (free water and water restriction), and food (free food and food restriction). Unrestricted animals had free access to water and food, while water-restricted animals had free access to water for only one hour a day, and food-restricted animals were fed only with 0.45 to 0.65 percent of their body weight. After six weeks of treatments, lambs slaughtered and carcass traits were measured.

Food restriction has widely affected the measured traits in comparsion to water and breed and significantly reduced rectal temperature, respiratory rate, water intake, final weight, carcass weight, Carcass cuts and internal organ weight, fat-tail, visceral fat, total body fat, testis weight and volume (p≤0.01), while increased the water-to-feed ratio and carcass yield without fat-tail (p≤0.007). Water restriction had lesser effects and caused a significant increase in the difference between the maximum and minimum rectal temperature in each period (p<0.05), and decrease in water consumption (p=0.0001), but had no effect on other functional, physiological, and carcass traits. Crossbreeding also significantly reduced fat-tail and total carcass (p˂0.0001), and increased visceral fat, carcass yield without fat-tail, the proportion of carcass cuts, and testis weight and volume (p≤0.01), but had no effect on other traits.

In general, in normal food conditions (regardless the type of access to water) crossbreed animals performed better than Lori, but there is no differencess between them in severe food restriction. Therefore, it could be concluded that in all conditions F1 generation could make the carcass healthier and reduce the generation interval due to less carcass fat and faster maturation.

Increasing glucose supply in the small intestine may be effective in improving the physiological status of dairy cows, and it is hypothesized that glucose supply in the small intestine increases whole body glucose supply and then improves the liver function of dairy cows during the early lactation. The aim of the present experiment is to produce a Rumen-Protected Glucose product and evaluation its effects on milk production and dry matter intake of fresh Holstein dairy cows.

In this study, the matrix and true encapsulation method was used to produce Rumen-Protected Glucose. Hydrogenated fat was used as the matrix for matrix encapsulation. For the true encapsulation coating method, the dextrose powder was first converted into 1-3 mm granules and then completely coated. In order to evaluate the rumen degradability of encapsulated glucose, three cows with ruminal cannula were used. In order to investigate the effects of produced Rumen-Protected Glucose, 16 fresh cows were used in a completely randomized design with two treatments and 8 cows in each treat. The diets of both treatments were exactly the same, except that the cows in Rumen-Protected Glucose treat received 600 g of Rumen-Protected Glucose daily as top dresesd, and the cows in control treat received the same amount of coating material and dextrose. Rumen-Protected Glucose was fed from day 4 to 30 after calving. The cows were kept in individual boxes and milk production and dry matter intake were recorded daily.

Matrix encapsulation failed to adequately protect glucose from rumen degradation. Using the true encapsulation method, a Rumen-Protected Glucose source with suitable degradation resistance (approximately 50% passing) and high intestinal digestibility (95% intestinal digestion) with a ratio of 70% active ingredient and 30% coating material was produced. Feeding 600 g of Rumen-Protected Glucose had no significant effect on dry matter intake (17.76 kg/day in Rumen-Protected Glucose treatment and 17.43 kg/day in control treatment; P>0.48) and milk production (33.58 kg/day in Rumen-Protected Glucose treatment and 33.95 kg/day in control treatment; P> 0.78). The effect of time on milk production was significant in both treatments (P < 0.005). However, the effect of time on dry matter consumption was not significant (P>0.31). Milk fat was increased in cows received Rumen-Protected Glucose (4.94% in Rumen-Protected Glucose treatment and 4.29% in control treatment, P< 0.033).

A source of Rumen-Protected Glucose with suitable degradation resistance (about 50% passing) and high intestinal digestibility (95% intestinal digestion) was produced. Feedig of Rumen-Protected Glucose to fresh dairy cows improved their glycogenic status and reduced nutrient transfer for milk production.

An experiment was performed to investigate the effects of using saturated and unsaturated fatty acids calcium salts on the production performance and some physiological traits of finishing lambs fattened under heat stress condition. Thirty-two cross bred Lori-BakhtiariÍRomanov lambs were randomly divided into 4 groups. Lambs were fed individually with the following experimental diets for 6 weeks (early July to mid-August): 1) Basal diet without supplemental fat (control), 2) Basal diet supplemented with 2% (on DM basis) of fish oil calcium salt, 3) Basal diet supplemented with 2% (on DM basis) of olive oil calcium salt and 4) Basal diet supplemented with 2% (on DM basis) of saturated fat calcium salt. Daily feed intake was recorded and lambs body weight was measured weekly. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were measured once per week. Using calcium salts of fish oil, olive oil and saturated fats in the diet significantly increased daily weight gain and reduced the lambs feed conversion ratio compared to control group (P≤ 0.05), but had no effect on dry matter intake of the Lambs. Regardless of fatty acid origin, supplementing lambs with calcium salts of fatty acids, reduced rectal temperature and respiration rate of lambs exposed to heat stress, compared to control group (P≤ 0.01). Also, using calcium salts of Fish oil, olive oil and saturated fat had no effect on DM, CP and EE digestibility, however, EE digestibility was higher in lambs consumed fat-supplemented diets than the control group. NDF digestibility was significantly higher in the control group lambs than the other groups. The results of this study showed that diet supplementation with calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids of fish and olives and saturated fatty acids, improved the production performance of finishing lambs exposed to heat stress. No difference was detected between fat supplements with different fatty acid patterns, in this investigation.

Forty Holstein heifers with an average age of 12-16 months (363.4 ± 32.8 kg BW) were used in a 2×2 factorial design, in which 10 heifers were allocated to four stalls. The current experiment prolonged 100 days with 10 days for adaptation period and 90 days for sampling period. The rations in this experiment had the same forage/concentrate ratio and the only difference was in the amount of dietary energy density and feed bunk space. Treatments included: 1) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with low level of energy, 2) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with high level of energy, 3) Large feed bunk space (48 cm) with low level of energy and 4) Large feed bunk space (48 cm)  with high level of energy. The results showed that meal frequency was affected by diet energy density as mentioned parameter was higher for treatments with low energy density in comparison with high energy density. Also, feed bunk space had significant effect on heifer feeding behavior through motivating of competition for feeding. As, the meal frequency (#/day) was higher and meal size (kg/meal) was lower for small feed bunk space in comparision with the large feed bunk space. The results clearly showed that feed bunk space is the key factor to motivate competition behavior of feeding in heifres.

The purpose of this study was to compare feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in Lori-bakhtiari and Romanov-Lori bakhtiari crossbred male lambs. In this opinion, 14 Lori bakhtiari and 14 Romanov- Lori bakhtiari male lambs were selected and their feedlot performance was studied in a completely random design during 100 days of trial. Lambs were fed by a total mixed ration (TMR) with forage to concentrate ratio of 30:70 in diets. Feed intake was recorded daily and the lambs were weighted monthly. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and carcass analysis was done. The results of feedlot performances showed that crossbreeding had no significant effect on dry matter intake, final live weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Studying the carcass characteristics showed that crossbreeding had no significant effect on the warm carcass weight, empty rumen, lung and liver percent and carcass length (p>0.05), but the percent of heart, kidney and the internal fat weight were significantly affected by crossbreeding (p<0.05). The effect of genotype on the longissimus dorsi muscle area was significant also (p<0.05). Crossbreeding had a significant effect on the percentage of shank, round, brisket, flank and sirioin (P<0.05) and increased them. In general, although the effect of crossbreeding was not significant on the feedlot performance parameters, but improved the proportion of carcass components.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of zinc from different sources on hematological parameters of blood and immune response in early lactation of dairy cows. Thirty multiparous dairy cows randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments in a complete randomized design. All cattle were fed a low Zn diet for 42 days prior to assignment to dietary treatments as a depletion phase. Treatments consisted of: 1) control (no supplement Zn), 2) Zn glycine complex (ZnGly), 3) Zn hydroxychloride complex (ZnHcl), 4) Zn oxide (ZnO), 5) Zn sulfate (ZnSO4). The Zn sources were added to provide 1500 mg/head/day of supplemental Zn. The result indicated that glucose, AST and ALT were not different between treatments. Zinc supplementation increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity in compare of control. The results indicated that Ca, P, Fe, and Cu were not affected by treatments. The used of different sources of zinc significantly increased serum zinc in compare control group. The used of zinc had not significantly effect on hematology of blood. Also, Swelling response following intradermal injection of phytohemoagglutinin was not affected by zinc sources. Therefore, the results of present study indicated that although used of 1500 mg/day/head zinc from different sources increased serum zinc, had not significantly onimmune response in dairy cattle.

Supplying the needs of dairy cows in the early lactation period that have low dry matter intake and high protein requirements is important. Methyl groups are not synthesized in the body of living organisms, but are supplied through feed sources such as betaine, choline, pyridoxine and methionine. Of the three sources (choline, betaine, and methionine) that have the methyl group in their structure, only betaine can be directly involved as a methyl group donor in the transmission cycle of this group in the liver, and many key bodily functions such as Growth, liver safety (effective role in fat metabolism and liver protection) and lactation are affected, so in the present study, the nutritional effects of protected betaine at one level and unprotected at two levels on bovine plasma parameters Holstein Dairy Cows was examined.

To Investigate the nutritional effects of protected and unprotected betaine on plasma parameters of dairy cows, 40 Holstein dairy cows (Average production 38 ± 2.1 kg and lactation days 5 to 35 days) with history of at least two deliveries were randomly used in 5 eight -head treatments. The experiment lasted one month (the first 14 days of the adaptation period and the next 16 days of the main experiment period). Experimental diets included: 1- control diet 2- diet containing 50 g of unprotected Betaine supplement 3- Diet containing 50 g of externally produced protected Betaine supplement 4- Diet containing 100 g of unprotected Betaine supplement; 5- Diet containing 50 g of protected Betaine produced. The cows received a perfectly mixed base diet containing the above Betaine additives. In two promises (10 am and 10 pm). The amount of dry matter consumed for each treatment was measured daily and Blood samples were also taken at the beginning and end of the experiment. Analysis of feed consumption data and plasma parameters were performed by SAS software and Mixed procedure.

In this experiment, no significant difference (P>0.05) in the amount of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was observed between the experimental groups. The amount of non-esterified fatty acids (0.576 mm/l) and beta-hydroxy butyrate (0.428 mm/l) in the group receiving protected betaine production was lower than the other groups and their difference was significant at the level of P=0.0001 In addition, the amount of liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (5.11 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (56.1 IU/L) and alkaline phosphatase (0.396 IU/L) in the five treatment decreased compared to other groups and at the level (P <0.05) Became meaningful.

The results of the present experiment showed that there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the amount of non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxy butyrate and the amount of plasma liver enzymes due to the consumption of protected betaine produced compared to the control group in dairy cows. therefore, the use of 50 g of protected betaine produced in the early stages of lactation is recommended.