وحید واحدی

The aim of the current study was to improve the reproductive performance and birth weight of lambs using vitamin E and selenium (Ese) injection in estrus-synchronized Moghani ewes. In this research, a total of 200 Moghani ewes were divided into two groups in a completely randomized design. In the control group, only estrus synchronization was performed, but the second group was received two intramuscular injections of Ese (5 ml) on the days of sponging and sponge removal. Synchronization of estrus was done by inserting intravaginal sponges for 14 days followed by 400 IU eCG at sponge withdrawal. Two days after sponge withdrawal, ewes were joined with fertile rams. Twenty ewes from each group were selected randomly and their blood was sampled. The first and second blood samplings were done before inserting intravaginal sponges and three weeks after ram exposure, respectively. Then, some blood plasma metabolites were determined. After parturition, reproductive traits were calculated in each group. According to the results, lambing rate, fecundity rate, lamb production efficiency and twinning rate were higher in Ese group (88, 111, 126.1, 21.6 respectively) compared to control (73, 84, 112.3, 12.3 respectively). The birth weight of lambs did not significantly differ between the groups. Glucose and cholesterol concentration of blood were significantly higher in group receiving Ese three weeks after mating. In conclusion Ese injection improved the reproduction performance in Moghani ewes.

Sex-sorted semen is an important technology in cattle breeding. Without the widespread use of sexed semen, the major part of genetic development occurs through the selection of males in dairy herds. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of using sexed semen in embryo transfer program economically. Six strategies were compared based on economic value (EV). Visual basic 6 and Excel software were applied for calculations. In strategy 1, 5% of heifers were considered as donors and were inseminated by sexed semen. In strategy 2, 5% of heifers and cows were donors and were inseminated by sexed semen. In strategy 3, the number of heifer and cow donors, was similar to strategy 2 but conventional semen was used for all donors. The number of heifer and cow donors in strategy 4 was similar to strategy 2 but sexed semen was used for heifer donors and conventional semen for cow donors. In strategy 5, 10% of heifers were considered as donors and were inseminated by sexed semen. Strategy 6 was similar to strategy 5 but conventional semen was used for all donors. According to the results, among these strategies, the EVs of strategies 1 and 5 were higher than other strategies. It showed that using sexed sorted semen for insemination of superovulated heifers would result in higher EV. The lowest EV was related to the strategy that used sexed semen for all donors, including heifers and cows. The main reason is the low number of transferable embryos after using sexed semen in donor cows. The Results showed that the use of sexed semen in the embryo transfer technique for heifers is more effective than its use in cows.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may negatively affect cognitive functions, such as memory. This paper proposes a way of evaluating the impact of microwave S-band electromagnetic waves on the head layers and hippocampus using COMSOL Multiphysics.

This study investigated the bioelectric properties of software-implemented biological tissues and the creation of EMFs in the S-band on the hippocampus.

These EMFs heat the hippocampus but are not enough to impact activity or cognition (memory). The temperature of hippocampus tissue increases by 0.0001 to 0.016°C when exposed to fields of 20 to 120V/m intensity. The specific absorption rate varied from 18×10-3 to 22×10-2 W/kg.

Therefore, the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic waves on cognitive disorders are likely linked to their interaction with brain waves.

 Before weaning, dairy calves are susceptible to many pathogens and nutritional problems. For several years antibiotics have been used to overcome these problems also to obtain economic benefits in terms of improved calves performance and reduced medication costs. However, the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is in question because of antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. In an effort to replace antibiotics from animal feeds, many additives have been proposed. Probiotic, prebiotics and Organic and inorganic mineral salts are examples of these additives. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates which are not metabolized in the small intestine and fermented in large intestine. Mannan oligosaccharides and β-glucan are prebiotics which derived from saccharomyeces cereviciae cell wall and are able to block fimbriae of patho genic bacteria, and thus prevent their adhesion to the mucous epithelium. The administration of prebiotic to calves can decrease coliform population of large intestine and colon of calves. More recently, prebiotics have been shown to have immune-enhancing characteristics Also, Copper is a microelement that is present in many important processes in the body and plays a vital role. Copper deficiency in some parts of the world is a major problem in ruminants. For this reason, dietary supplements are commonly used to regulate the diet of calf to compensate for copper deficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of copper nanoxide and prebiotics on blood cell count and growth performance in Holstein suckling calves.

Twenty-eight Holstein calves with an average age of 1 to 8 days and an average weight of 39±1 kg were used in a factorial experiment as a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 7 replications. Experimental treatments include: 1) Basal diet without additives, 2) Basic diet with 4 gr of prebiotic per day, 3) Basic diet with 15 ppm nanoparticles of copper per day, 4) Basic diet + 4 gr of prebiotic + 15 ppm nanoparticles of copper per day. The diet containing feed and milk was given two times a day i.e. in the morning (8:00 am) and evening (18:00 pm). Water was offered adlibitum. Whole blood samples were collected from jugular veins on d 60, approximately 3 h after the morning feeding. Samples were sent to the laboratory under refrigeration (4°C) till analyzed for WBC count, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte concentration.Results and Discussion The results showed that the copper nanoxide, prebiotics and the interaction of copper nanoxide and prebiotics could not affect the final weight of suckling calves. The results showed that feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of suckling calves were not significantly affected by supplementation of prebiotic and copper nanoxide in the diet during the first, second month and experimental period. Also, Body length, Wither height and Heart girth of Holstein suckling calves were not affected by copper nanoparticles and prebiotics supplementation. Prebiotic, copper nanoxide and their interaction had no significant effect on white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit. In contrast, copper nanoxide and prebiotics significantly increased the neutrophil percentage (P <0.05).

has shown that probiotic consumption had no significant effect on functional parameters of Baluch sheep including final weight, daily gain, feed intake and dietary intake. However the result of the other study suggests that prebiotic can be supplemented to the calves for better performance. In contrary to the results of the present study, other researchers have indicated that copper nanoparticles could improve growth performance and modulate intestinal microflora and intestinalmucosal morphology in weaned piglets. In the study addition of pro- prebiotic and symbiotic to the whole milk of dairy female calves increased average daily gain but dry matter intake and blood parameters related to immune system and cell-mediated immune response were not affected. However, when a combination of probiotic and prebiotic added to the milk a better improvement in average daily gain was observed. A study reported that haematological traits (WBC count, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte and hemoglobin) were unaffected by prebiotic and synbiotic in weaned pigs. However, the other study showed that immune parameters such as lymphocytes, leukocyte and neutrophils tended to increase in supplementation of symbiotic.

In general, results of this experiment indicated that using prebiotics and copper nanoxide did not improve growth performance and blood cell count except neutrophil percentage.

Maintaining fertility in frozen sperm is very important. To investigate the effect of Artemisia (Artemisia incana) extract on sperm cryopservability of Moghani ram spermatozoa, different levels of the plant extract (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ml per deciliter) were added after extraction to diluted semen with an extender containing citrate buffer. After chilling, the semen was packaged in 0.5 ml straws and stored inside the liquid nitrogen until the evaluation of qualitative properties. This experiment was designed with 4 replications (with 10 straws in each replicate) per experimental group. Evaluation of sperm viability using eosin-nigrosine staining showed that adding 4 ml of Artemisia extract per deciliter to sheep sperm diluent had a positive effect on sperm viability. Similarly, the HOST test (hypoosmotic swelling test) to examine the integrity of the plasma membrane showed that the treatment had the highest membrane integrity (P<0.05). The highest and lowest Total Motility (TM) was observed in experimental groups 4 and 10 ml of extract in diluted semen, respectively (P<0.05). Examination of peroxidative damage by measuring malondialdehyde showed the lowest amount of malondialdehyde production was seen in the treatment with 12 mg of extract per deciliter diluent that was significantly different from other experimental groups (P<0.05). According to the results of the present experiment, it seems that the use of 4 ml Artemisia extract per deciliter of the diluent has positive effects on the quality of sperm after freezing.

The aim of this study was the comparison of two protocols of estrus synchronization in two natural climates and heat stress condition on reproductive performance and concentration of plasma estrogen and progesterone hormones in Holstein dairy cows. One hundred and ten multiparous Holstein dairy cows (28 kg average daily milk yield and parity one to four calved) were randomly assigned to two protocolgroups: 1) Double-Ovsynch (DO; n=60), the cows received GnRH-7d-PGF2α-2d-GnRH and Ovsynch (GnRH-7d- PGF2α-56h-GnRH-16h- AI) was initiated 7 d later; 2) Presynch-Ovsynch (PO; n=50), the cows received PGF2α-14d-PGF2α and Ovsynch was initiated 12 d later. The both of the protocols were done in two seasons of summer and winter. The calving rate in cows that were synchronized at winter season was greater than cows synchronized in summer (36.4 vs 18.2%; P= 0.04). Mean of the number of insemination to conception was lower in cows that synchronized in winter compared to cows synchronized in summer (1.46 vs 1.74; P= 0.02). Mean of measured estrogen and progesterone hormones concentrations was higher in cows that synchronized in winter compared to summer (P < 0.05). Overall, mean of reproductive traits and hormones concentration is higher in cows that synchronized in winter than in summer and the protocol of estrus synchronization had no effect on reproductive performance.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of L-methionine and L-lysine supplementation on population growth, honey bee (Apis mellifera Meda) Queen egg laying, brood rearing and honey production. This study started in 17 May to 1 July continued for 45 days in Ardabil province. For this experiment, 48 hives was chosen and colonies equalized for environment condition, population, honey and pollen store and same sister queens. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 12 replicates. The experimental treatments were: 1) control group (sugar syrup without amino acid supplementation) and treatments 2, 3 and 4 were fed with sugar syrup with Methionine, Lysine and Lysine and Methionine mix, respectively. The results showed that, in first and second periods, highest population was observed in Met/Lys treatment (P > 0.05). In fourth and mean of periods, the highest populations of colonies were belonging to the Met/Lys group (12.6 and 9.42 frame, respectively) and the lowest population (10.4 and 8.19 frame, respectively) was belonging to the control. In all of periods, Laying performance of queens was increased significantly by feeding Met/Lys compared to the control (P < 0. 05). For brood rearing and honey production, the best performance was obtained by colonies supplemented with Met/Lys treatment as well. In overall, our study confirms the positive effectiveness of feeding Met/Lys on population size, laying performance of queens and honey production.

The Artificial insemination technique is based on sperm cryopreservation that induces irreversible damages to sperm (Purdy 2006), which may result in loss of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and ultimately male fertility (Baghshahi et al. 2014). Physical and chemical damages during cryopreservation are associated with significant amounts of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation of the phospholipids in the membrane by free radicals (Chatterjee et al. 2001). The removal of ROS is catalyzed by antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Numerous non-enzymatic defenses (vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione (GSH)) are also employed to provide protection. An imbalance between free radical production and their removal results with ageing allowing progressive damage to occur. Therefore, for protecting the sperm against oxidative damage, numerous researchers have investigated the effects of a various synthetic and natural antioxidants on spermatozoa during cryopreservation processes (Malo et al. 2010). Various plant products contain antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, xanthons, phenolics, lignans and terpenoids. For this reason, there is a growing interest in using them as natural antioxidants. Several studies have shown that the use of herbal antioxidants during the freezing-thawing process of sperm had positive effects on sperm quality (Daghigh Kia et al. 2016; Vahedi et al. 2018). The herb of costmary (Tanacetum balsamita L.) contains phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids (Shahhoseini et al. 2019). It has been shown that costmary exhibit antioxidant effects due to phenolic compounds (Bączek et al. 2017).

The aim of current study was to evaluate the effect of Costmary extract as a natural antioxidant on post-thawed ram sperm quality.

This study was performed at the Iranian Moghani sheep Breeding Center located in Jafarabad city, Province Ardebil, Iran. Four mature and fertile rams (3-4 years old, mean live weight of 70±4.2 kg), were used in this study. Ejaculates were collected twice a week for 8 weeks by an artificial vagina (42-43°C). Only samples containing spermatozoa with greater than 70% motility were accepted for experiment. To eliminate individual differences, semen samples were pooled and processed for extending. The pooled ejaculate was diluted (37 ◦C) using egg yolk-citrate extender containing different concentrations of Tanacetum balsamita extract (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 mL/dL). Diluted semen samples were aspirated into 0.25 ml straws and equilibrated at 4°C for 3 h. After equilibration, the straws were placed on liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor for 8 min, then plunged into liquid nitrogen, and stored in a liquid nitrogen tank until thawed and used for evaluation of sperm parameters. The frozen straws were thawed individually in a water bath (37 ◦C) for 30 s for evaluation. A computer-assisted sperm analysis (HFT CASA, Hooshmand Fanavar Tehran Co, Iran) was used to analyze sperm motility and velocity characteristics. Sperm viability was assessed using a modification of the eosin-nigrosin staining method described by Evans and Maxwell (1987). Sperm membrane functionality was evaluated using the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) (Revell and Mrode, 1994). For the assessment of the sperm morphology abnormalities, at least three drops of each sample were added to Eppendorf tubes containing 1 ml of Hancock solution (62.5 ml formalin (37%), 150 ml sodium saline solution, 150 ml buffer solution and 500 ml bi-distilled water). The prepared slides were assessed by phase-contrast microscopy using a 400× magnification. All data were analyzed by completely randomized design using the GLM procedure of SAS version 9.1 (SAS Institute, 2004).

Samples cryopreserved in 8 and 12 mL/dL Tanacetum balsamita extract had higher total motility and progressive motility compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The percentage of VSL, VCL and VAP were higher (p < 0.05) in the extender containing 8 and 12 mL/dL extract compared to control and 16 mL/dL groups. LIN parameter was higher (p < 0.05) in 8 mL/dL compared to 16 mL/dL extract (46.83±3.82 vs. 40.52±3.23). For parameter STR, the highest value (p < 0.05) was observed at 8 and 12 mL/dL of extract (81.09±7.56% and 80.27±7.18%, respectively). The highest (p < 0.05) percentage of sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity were observed in groups containing 8 and 12 mL/dL extract. Percentage of acrosome abnormality was higher (p < 0.05) in 12 mL/dL extract groups (21.25%) compared to control and 2 mL/dL extract groups (26.70% and 27.23%, respectively). Some studies have reported that herbal antioxidants reduce the free radicals following the freeze–thawing process (Ashrafi et al. 2013). In the present study, treatment of costmary extract resulted in a significant improvement in motility parameters, viability and membrane integrity of frozen-thawed ram sperm. The main constituents found in the herb of costmary extract are polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids (Faraloni, 2018). Among flavonoids there are mainly glycosides of luteolin, apigenin and quercetin while phenolic acids are represented mainly by chlorogenic, caffeic and dicaffeoylquinic acids. The attacks of ROS during cryopreservation lead to reduction of oxygen and it is related to lipids peroxidation of the sperm membranes that destroys the structure of the lipid matrix. Flavonoids increase membranes integrity by preventing of free radicals production and lipid peroxidation in the membrane that induce oxidative damage to the membrane components (Daghigh Kia et al. 2016). Therefore, costmary extract may play a protective role against oxidative damage and scavenge produced free radicals from cells.

In conclusion, this study showed that supplementation of extender with 12 mL/dL Tanacetum balsamita L. extract has a beneficial effect on the quality of frozen-thawed ram semen.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Bitter Orange blossom powder (BOBP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broiler chickens under heat stress condition. A total of 200 one day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) randomly were divided into five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 10 birds each. The experimental treatments including control (basal diet), the basal diet with Neomycin (0.2% of v diet) and 3 levels of BOBP (0.5, 1 and 2% of diet). Birds submitted to heat stress (32±2ºC from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM) from 15 to 42 d of age. Blood samples were taken from 8 birds per treatment at the end of experiment. The results showed that, average mortality was significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatments groups (3.75%) than in the control group (22.5%). The diet supplemented with BOBP had no effects on feed intake and weight gain of chicks during different periods (P>0.05). In the grower phase (11-24 d), the lowest fed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in 0.5% BOBP, which were significantly different from 2% treatment (P<0.05). Birds receiving diet supplemented with 1% BOBP revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower blood glucose compared to the control group (211 vs 225.8 mg/dl). LDL level was lower (p < 0.05) in 2% BOBP treatment (57.4 mL/dL) compared to 0.5% (69.6 mg/dl). The feeding of BOBP did not induce any significant effect on the whole carcass, breast, drumstick and internal organs weight of broiler chickens (P<0.05). In conclusion, BOBP may be effective in attenuating heat stress effects due to its illustrated antioxidant effects.

Mastitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease, which can impose extra costs on dairy industry worldwide. Genetic and some environmental factors, have fundamental impacts on this this disease and the resistance against that. TLR4 protein is an extracellular receptor that detects pathogens and stimulates the immune system to respond. This study aimed to identify the polymorphism in exon 3 of the TLR4 gene and investigation the association with the somatic cell count in the milk of Holstein cattle of Moghan agro-industry and livestock company. In this study, 200 Holstein cows were used as two groups (number of each = 100) with low (50000 -150000 cell/ml) and high (> 200000 cell/ml) somatic cell count. The sequencing of exon 3 and mapping it to reference sequence led to the identification of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), the substitution of C nucleotide (frequency equal to 0.145) with T nucleotide (frequency equal to 0.855), that replaced isoleucine with threonine. Statistical analysis revealed that milk of cows with CC genotype had significantly fewer somatic cells than the other two genotypes (p < 0.05). Due to the significant association between identified SNP in exon 3 of the TLR4 gene and somatic cell count in milk, it appears that this gene could be a suitable candidate for breeding programs to increase resistance to mastitis.

The present study aimed to characterize the effect of dietary Ca-salts of palm oil (PO) and fish oil (FO) on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of growing lambs. The lambs (n=20; IBW=32.7±2.8 kg, 4-5 month-old) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (10 lambs/treatment) based on IBW and kept individual pens. Lambs were offered one of two diets, 1) control (2.5% PO) and 2) 2.5% FO for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured. All data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design using the general linear model procedure of SAS. Results showed that Ca-salts of PO and FO did not affect animal performance, carcass traits, and chemical composition of Longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM). Also, shear force, cooking loose, and drip loose percentage of LDM did not affect by treatments. Feeding FO increased odor score (6.13 vs. 5.06) and decreased overall acceptability of meat (4.21 vs. 5.41) compared to PO (P<0.05), while the other sensory characteristics of meat (tenderness, flavor, and juiciness) were not affected by treatments. In conclusion, the feeding of 2.5% Ca-salts of FO increased the fishy odor in the lamb meat according to the sensory panel without changing the performance and carcass characteristics.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Propolis on growth performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broilerchickens in response to heat stress condition. A total of 160 one day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four treatmentgroups in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 10 birds each. The experimental treatments including: 1) control (basal diet), 2) thebasal diet with Neomycin (200 g/ton), 3) 150 mg/kg Propolis, 4) 200 mg/kg Propolis in diet. Birds submitted to heat stress (32±2ºC from 10.00 AMto 6.00 PM) from 15 to 42 d of age. The results showed that, average mortality was lower in Propolis groups than in the control group (P < 0.05).None of the feed intake data was influenced by treatments during different periods. Birds receiving diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg Propolis had asignificantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight compared to the control group at the finisher feeding phase and whole period. In the finisher phase andwhole period, the lowest (P < 0.05) fed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in chickens fed 200 mg/kg Propolis. Cholesterol and LDL level werelower in chickens fed diet with Propolis compared to control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of Propolis at a rate of 200 mg/kg to the diet couldreduce the negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens.

This experiment was performed to evaluate the different ratios of organic and inorganic Iodine (0:100, 25:100, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0) on the performance, blood parameters and serum thyroid hormones in broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments were tested in 5 replicate pens. The results showed that there was no significant difference between treatments in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The highest concentrations of T3, TSH and TRH were detected in 75% organic Iodine treatment (p < 0.05). The diet contained 100% organic Iodine was highest concentrations of tetraiodothyronine (T4) among treatments (p < 0.05). In blood serum, chicks fed with a diet containing 75% organic Iodine treatment were found to have the highest levels of glucose, total protein, nitrogen urea and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the concentration of creatinine and uric acid blood. Generally, according to the results of this experiment, the replacement of mineral supplement with organic supplementation of iodine without negative effects, affected on blood parameters and concentration of thyroid hormones, so that the highest concentration in treatment of 75%organic iodine + 25% inorganic iodide was observed.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Carob seedextract as natural antioxidant on quality cryopreserved Farahani rams breeding sperm.

In this study semen was collected from five mature ram (weight: 60±5 kg) twice a week using an artificial vagina and the ejaculates were pooled in order to eliminate the individual effect of rams. Different levels of carob seed extracts (0, 0/05, 0/1, 0/15 and 0/2 mL) were added to diluent based tris-egg yolk. After cooling, filling and sealing of the samples, they were frozen and with nitrogen vapor and immersed in liquid nitrogen and were stored until evaluation time. Thereafter and after thawing and incubation for5 min, sperm quality parameters includingmotility, progressive motility, viability (Nigrosine–eosin staining), membrane integrity with Hypoosmotic (Host) and morphology abnormality (Hancock test).

Results indicated that the level of 0/05 mL carob seedextract significantly improved some parameters including motility, viability, plasma membrane and morphology integrity compared to control (P<0.01).

Results indicated that so added 0/05 of carob seed extract peel to Tris based extender was beneficial in storage in sperm Farahani ram breeding after freeze-thawing.

According to EAU 2018 guidelines, TURBT is the gold standard method for diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder tumor. It has been reported that in 50% of cases no detrusor was found in the specimen. The aim of this study is to compare presence of detrusor in specimens taken by conventional and en-bloc method.

From September 2017 to September 2018, 60 patients with solitary papillary tumor sized less than 3 cm, and no prior history of bladder cancer, randomly divided into two groups: Conventional TURBT and en-bloc TURBT with monopolar hook. Mean operation time, perforation rate, and presence of detrusor muscle were compared between two groups.

Mean operation time in en-bloc TURBT was 15.46 ± 3.52 minutes and in conventional TURBT was 20.6 ± 5.04 minutes. The mean operation time was significantly different between the two groups. No clinical bladder perforation was seen in the two groups. In 28 cases (93.3%) of en-bloc group the detrusor was seen in pathologic reports while presence of detrusor in pathology report was positive in 25 cases (83.3%) of the conventional group, this difference was not statistically significant.

En-bloc TURBT with monopolar hook was as effective as conventional method with no increase in bladder perforation, and due to lower operation time it is a better option than conventional TURBT.

In this study, the effect of diatary supplementation of gpape pomace poweder (GP) was investigated on semen quality, serum testosterone levels and fertility of rossters in a broiler breeder stock. A total of 240 hens and 24 cocks at 31 weeks of age from Ross 308 strain were divided randomely into three experimental groups with 10 replicate within each (8 hens and 1 cock in each replicated).  From week 32 to week 41, birds in the control group were given the standard basal diet, but in the treatment groups fed the basal diet supplemented with either 1.5 or 3% of dried grape pomece on dry matter basis. At the end of experiment (week 41) some of the semen quality parameters, serum testosterone levels and the amount of hatchability was investigated in each experimental group. The results indicated that supplementation of grape pomace  had no significant effect on semen volume and sperm concentration of cocks (P>0.05). Sperm motility, progresive motility and viability was higher significantly in the roosters receiving 1.5 or 3% diatary GP compared to the control (P<0.05), but sperm morphology and plasma membrane integrity were not affected by dietary treatment. Moereover, 3% GP supplementation effectively (P<0.05) increased serum testosterone levels and hatchability percentage compared to the control group. In conclusion, the diatary addition of  antioxidant fibers such as GP may improve rooster semen quality and concequently hatchability in the broiler breeder stocks.

Conservation of indigenous animal is one of the main goals of animal breeding and identification of genetic structure of population is the basis for breed conservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic structure and the genetic relationship between native horses’ in Ardabil Province using mitochondrial D-loop region. Blood samples were collected from 100 horses. Total DNA was extracted and 430 bp of D-Loop region (hyper variable) were amplified and sequenced using Sanger sequencing method. The analysis of data led to identify 48 polymorphic sites that create 52 haplotypes. The plotted phylogenic tree for haplotypes of Iranian native horses is placed in the 9 haplogroups including A, B, C, G, I, L, M, P and Q. Genetic and haplotype diversity values were 0.0241 and 0.877, respectively. Tajima D was calculated -0.571 which was not significant (p>0.1). Results of this study indicated that the maternal line of Ardabil horses had high genetic diversity.

The aim of current study was to evaluate the effect of Mentha piperita extract as a natural antioxidant on quality of frozen-thawed ram sperm. In this study, four Moghani ram were used for semen collection twice a week. Then semen samples were pooled and diluted with extenders supplemented with different concentrations of Mentha piperita extracts (0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mL per dL diluent solutions). Following cooling and freezing, semen samples were stored in liquid nitrogen until evaluation. After thawing, the sperm dynamic parameters were evaluated using CASA system. The results showed that the addition of 4 and 8ml/dl extracts resulted in higher (p < 0.05) percentages of total motility compared to control. Addition of 4 ml/dl extract improved progressive motility compared to control group and higher levels of extract groups (P <0.05). The percentages of LIN, STR and VSL were higher (P<0.05) in the extender containing 8 mL/dL extract. Addition of 4 and 8 mL/dL extract to the extender significantly (P<0.05) improved VCL and VAP parameters. Addition of 4 and 8ml/dl extract improved the percentage of viability and sperm plasma membrane integrity compared to control (P <0.05). Sperm morphology was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of extender with Mentha piperita L. extract improves post-thawed ram sperm quality in a dose dependent manner.

The aim of this study was to determine effect of in ovo injection of nanoparticles of zinc oxide on hatching, growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chicks after hatching. In total, 324 fresh hatching eggs were randomly distributed into six treatment groups of 54 eggs per treatment with three replicates of 18 eggs each, and injections were performed on day 15 of incubation. The treatments were sham, positive control injection of 60 ml of distilled water and in ovo injection 4 levels (15, 30, 60 and 120 ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticles into site of the embryo in amniotic fluid sac. The results showed that in ovo injection of nano zinc oxide did not affect chicks feed intake in total rearing period (P>0.05). Also, there were no significant in ovo injection different levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles on body weight, and average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in the three periods, 1-10, 11- 42 days and total rearing period among treatments. In ovo injection of 15, 30 and 60 ppm of nano- zinc oxide did not affect the percentage of hatching compared to the control group. While the injection of 120 ppm in fertile eggs reduced the percentage of chicken intake compared to the control group, positive and negative (P <0.05). The results showed that in-ovo injection of 15, 30 and 120 ppm nano zinc oxide did not have a significant effect on the weight of hatched chicks compared to control group. However, The results showed that groups receiving levels 60 ppm zinc oxide nanoparticles had significant increase on body weight of the hatched chicks compared with the positive control group (P <0.05). In-ovo injection of different levels of nano- zinc oxide had no effect on carcass weight, heart weight, bursa of fabricius weight and spleen weight. The results of this study suggest that in-ovo injection zinc oxide nanoparticles on day 15 of incubation fertilized eggs could not improve feed intake, feed conversion ratio, hatching percentage and carcass yield of broiler chickens.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of in-ovo injection of oil-extracted propolis on the growth performance and immune status of broiler chicks (Ross 308) after hatching. A total of 324 fresh hatching eggs were randomly distributed into six treatment groups of 54 eggs per treatment with three replicates of 18 eggs each. Treatments included sham as negative control (without injection), positive control with sterile water injection, and in ovo injection 4 levels (150, 300, 600 and 1200 ppm) of oil- extracted propolis solution prepared in 60 ml of sterile water, one ml into site of the embryo in sac of amniotic fluid into eggs at the 15th day of incubation. The results showed that propolis extract injected into eggs at day 15 of incubation did not show effect on hatchability, body weight and weight of the hatched chicks hatched egg weight (p>0.05). But in eggs, which injected 1200 ppm of oil-extracted propolis, the ratio of the weight of hatched chicks to egg weight was more numerically than the control group. Ovo injection levels of oil-extracted propolis were no significant on feed intake, body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in total rearing periods among treatments. The results obtained of the antibodies produced by the injection of SRBC at 28 days showed that groups receiving levels 300, 600 and 1200 ppm oil-extracted propolis and positive control had a tendency to decrease in antibodies produced in compared with the negative control group (P

The second element trace mineral in the body, which is stored in the body as well as regulator feed intake. In many of the vital functions of the body, including growth, building hormones, vitamins and enzymes plays a role and where involved is necessary in animal diets. Because the animal's body cannot take much more of this element in the body thereby providing a daily basis through the diet can be effective. Also, the most common combination of zinc element is its oxide form (ZnO), which is preferred for two reasons, one that has the highest concentration of zinc, and the other is that it is absorbed high in the body and is also better tolerated by the target tissues. Recently, Nano-zinc oxide has attracted much attention in animal nutrition studies. Different nanoparticles are new forms of materials with high biologic properties and low toxicity, which seem to have high potential for passing through physiological barriers and access to specific target tissues. The use of antioxidants, such as Nano-zinc oxide, can be important in reducing the production of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nano-zinc oxide on performance, growth and blood parameters in Holstein suckling calves.
The Zinc Oxide nanoparticles were purchased from Iranian agent of US Research Nanomaterial, Inc. Port Co., Ltd., USA. The sizes of elemental ZnO particles ranged from 10 to 30 nm, stock: US3590, in the form of white powder and Purity: 99%, APS: 10-30 nm, Color: white, Crystal Phase: single crystal, Morphology: nearly spherical, SSA: 20-60 m2/g, True Density: 5.606 g/cm3. In this study 24 Holstein calves with a mean age of 1 - 10 and an average weight of 38±2 were selected from pars Agro-Industrial and Animal Husbandry dairy herd to determine the effects of supplementation nano-zinc oxide on performance, blood parameters and some serum enzymes of them. Three levels 0 (control), 30 and 60 of the Nano-zinc oxide were added to the calves starter concentrate as mg / kg of dry matter. Calves were allotted to the experimental groups randomly and based on their age and weight to have similar age and weight average among the group. The calves were housed in individual pens and fed with whole milk approximately at 10% of birth weight and they had free access to the feed starter and water. Milk was offered in two equal meals daily at 08:00 and 19:00. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on the 30 and 70 day of the trial (4 h after the morning feeding) by heparinised venoject tubes, centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 15 min at 4 °C, and collected plasma was immediately transported to the laboratory and frozen at −20 °C until analysis. Blood concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, urea, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin and total antioxidant activity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase were measured using the commercial kits. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. For variables measured over time (average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio), time was added to the model as a repeated factor.
The results showed that the use of different levels Nano-zinc oxide had no significant effect on feed intake and feed conversion ratio, whereas on the experimental diet supplement Nano-zinc oxide suckling calves did show significant effect on final weight, weight gain. The significant difference was not observed between the concentration of blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, urea, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin and total antioxidant activity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase except superoxide dismutase). The results showed that supplementing with 60 ppm Nano-zinc oxide significant was increased in the concentration or activity of blood superoxide dismutase compared to the control group. Dietary nano-zinc oxide supplementation on Holstein calves compared to the control group increased concentrations of superoxide dismutase. Zinc-dependent antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase reduces the activity of this enzyme in the membrane of cells, including red blood cells, leading to increased damage of oxidative stress.
The results of this study showed that supplementation of Nano-zinc oxide in the diet improved the body weight, daily gain and superoxide dismutase concentration in Holstein suckling calf. In general it can be concluded that the use of zinc to form nanoparticles had no effect on performance and blood parameters. Thus, nano-zinc oxide supplementation in suckling calf starter diet can effectively help to cope with the stress.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of ajwain essential oil (EO) and Zilmax® (Zilpaterol hydrochloride) on growth performance and some blood parameters associated with cold stress in male chicks belong to paternal line of Arian broiler chickens. Cold environmental temperatures tend to increase blood triiodothyronine (T3) levels, required for the generation of additional metabolic heat to maintain body temperature in colder environments. The subsequent increase in basal metabolic rate results in an increase in oxygen demand and the heart attempts to maintain oxygen supply to the organs and muscles, thus chronically leading to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS), right ventricular hypertrophy, ascites and eventually death (Gupta 2011). According to Currie (1999) the main reasons of the etiology of ascites could be classified as: pulmonary hypertension, cardiac pathologies, and cellular damage due to oxidative stress caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Enkvetchakul et al. (1993) verified that chickens with ascites suffered from high oxidative stress. Therefore, ROS production is increased during hypoxia and ascites (Dawson et al., 1993). As a result of oxidative stress, major antioxidants, such as glutathione, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid are reduced in the liver and the lungs of broilers with PHS (Bottje and Wideman 1995). Vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants have beneficial effects as they scavenge free radicals (Gupta, 2011, Ruiz -Feria, 2009) .
It has been reported that supplementation of vitamin C (Nemati et al. 2017) in diet of broilers and herbal essential oils as natural antioxidants in the diet of laying hens (Torki et al., 2015) under cold stress conditions resulted improved performance parameters (body weight and feed conversion ratio). Ascites related traits (low red blood cell count, hematocrit, T3, heart weights and high T4) were also improved due to antioxidant (Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C) supplementation in the diet of broiler chickens (Nemati et al. 2017).
Various β-adrenergic agonists have been shown to be capable of improving weight gain when added to the feed of various domestic species (Malucelli et al., 1994). Moreover it was eported that, the use of clenbuterol at 0.25 ppm to reduce mortality due to the ascites syndrome in broilers (Ocampu et al. 1998) .We hypothesized that dietary addition of C. copticum and Zilpaterol hydrochloride in chicks diet could attenuate cold stress effects with respect to mortality, serum enzyme activity and plasma levels of thyroid hormones.
Material and A total of 196 day-old male chicks were purchased from Babolkenar Arian Line Breeding Center, Babolkenar, Iran. Birds were divided into cold and normal temperature groups after rearing until 13 d. Four dietary treatments (basal diet, dietary addition of ajwain EO at 150 and 450 ppm and zilmax® at 1.6 ppm) each with corresponding replicates (24 replicate; n=192; one male chick in each individual cage as a replicate) were fed to chicks at two different thermal programming environment at the grower phase. At the end of the grower phase, cold thermal program was stopped and ambient temperature became the same and normal through the finisher phase for all chicks. This study was done according to a Complete Randomized Design with 8 treatments. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were measured at the end of each rearing phase. At the end of experiment (42 days of age), eight birds per treatment were sacrificed, and their RV: TV ratios calculated. At 13, 29 and 36 days of age four birds of each treatment were randomly taken for blood collection from wing vein and the assay of serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and thyroid hormones levels using commercial kits. Heterophyl to lymphocyte ratio as a measure of stress and hematocrit as a measure of PHS were also assessed in blood samples.
Dietary addition of 150 ppm ajwain EO decreased body weight gain (P≤0.05) but has no significant effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chicks at growing phase (P>0.05), and did not affect overall performance at the end of the experiment as well. The main effect of cold exposure was significant (P The use of zilpaterol hydrochloride at 0.3 ppm, in the diet did not affect significantly daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and had no ascites attenuating effects on paternal line of broiler breeders. Dietary supplementation of ajwain essential also did not affect significantly performance of birds, but may be effective in attenuating cold stress due to its illustrated antioxidant (according to MDA concentration) and anti-stress effects (Decreasing effect on H:L ratio and some enzymatic assays) at the present study. Further research in still required to confirm this hypothesis.

Increment of ovulation rate in farm animals improves reproductive performance through increasing in litter size and fecundity rate. Estrus synchronization or the induction of estrus is a valuable management tool for increasing the pregnancy rate in goats. Stimulation of ovulation using different methods can improves reproduction performance by increasing the proportion of goats having twin ovulations and thereby increase kidding percentage (Khaldari 2008; Rahman et al. 2008). It has been suggested to use new reproductive approaches such as controlling and synchronizing of estrus and using hormones by applied Artificial Insemination (AI) to increase prolificacy leading to gain practical and economical advantages. Recently, Progesterone or its analogues is generally used to synchronize estrous during the breeding and non-breeding season. Administration of gonadotropins such as equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) after stopping progesterone treatment, causes an increase in rate of ovulation (Lopez-Sebastian et al. 2007). Also using Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) with eCG leads to a raise in ovulation rate and litter size in different goats breed (Akifcam and Kuran 2003). The objective of this study was to improve the reproductive performance using GnRH and eCG administration in breeding season.
Material and The experiment was carried out on 150 mature (2–5 years of age), non-lactating does with a body weight varying between 37 and 39 kg. The current study was performed in the natural breeding season under natural photoperiod environment. Synchronization of estrus was done by inserting intravaginal sponges containing 40 mg flugestone acetate (FGA, Chrono-Gest, Intervet International B.V., Holland) for 16 days. Goats were randomly assigned to three groups. The control group (T1) exposed to Khalkhali bucks without any treatments for mating after sponge removal. Goats in second (T2) and Third (T3) groups were injected intramuscularly 400 IU eCG (Serogonadotropin®, Biowet S.A., Poland) and 400 IU eCG with 50 mg GnRH (Vetocept®, Aboureyhan Co., Karaj, Iran) respectively in sponge removal time. Then the does were mated naturally with Khalkhali bucks. Five fertile Khalkhali bucks were introduced to each group twice a day, starting about 24 h after CIDR withdrawal, and left with them for estrus detection and natural mating. Does were observed continuously for 3 h when bucks were introduced to them and their mating were recorded. The date of birth, numbers of kids born per does and weight of each kid were recorded at kidding time. Reproductive parameters, including pregnancy rate, kidding rate, fecundity rate, twinning rate was determined as well. Blood was sampled from the external jugular vein into heparinized test tubes. The first blood samples were collected before inserting intravaginal sponges, the second, 7 days after inserting sponges and the third, one day after intravaginal sponge withdrawal. Samples were immediately transferred to the lab and centrifuged in the tubes for 15 min at 1000 ×g to separate the plasma. Plasma samples were stored at −20 ◦C for less than 2 months until analyzed for estrogen and progesterone concentrations. All assays were carried out in duplicate. The reproductive parameters were analyzed by ProcGenmod using SAS 9.2 in completelyrandomized design. The means of all reproductive traits were compared by using Chi-Square test. Born weight of kids and hormone concentration data were analyzed using the General Linear Models procedure of SAS and P 0.05) in breeding season. Control group had lower fecundity rate (106%) than the treatment groups (158% and 188 % in second and third groups respectively). Lambing rate in 1 to 3 treatments were calculated 113, 175 and 177% respectively that the treatment groups had higher (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma estrogen and progesterone concentrations between treatments as well (P>0.05). eCG has biological activity of FSH and LH hormones and luteinizing effect of eCG promotes the maturation of follicle that lead to increase the production of estrogen hormone. Estrogen is effective in causing the estrous cycle (Godfery et al. 1997). Results of the current study showed that the injection of 400 IU eCG after sponge removal had no effect on kidding rate and pregnancy rate. But Zaiem et al (1996) observed that the goats treated with eCG had a higher pregnancy rate compared to the control group. Although some studies have reported that administration of eCG can improve the kidding rate and pregnancy rate in breeding season (Kermani Moakhar et al. 2012) as well as non-breeding season (Husein and Ababneh 2008). On the other hand, some studies reported that eCG has negative effects on pregnancy rate (Zeleke et al. 2005; Menchaca and Rubianes 2004). In the current study, treatment with eCG and eCGᩴ increased twinning rate. This result agrees with those reported by Ali et al (2007). Zarkawi et al (1999) reported that using eCG at CIDR withdrawal increased twinning rate from 7% in control group to 30% in treatment group. Also they observed no significant difference in twinning rates for high eCG doses. In another study using eCG in breeding season led to significant increase in twinning rate (61.9% vs 29.2%), lambing rate (86.2% vs 68.6%) and fecundity rate (127.6% vs 71.4%) compared with the control group (Koyuncu and Ozis Altıcekic 2010). These results were similar to the findings in the present study. There was no significant difference in weight of kids at kidding between treatments groups and control and this result shows that weight of kids was not affected by hormones treatments.
In conclusion, using of synthetic hormone caused improvement of reproductive efficiency of Khalkhali goat in breeding season.

The objective of this study was to investigate effect of different time of GnRH administration and CIDR insert after artificial insemination (AI) on fetus Loss, AI interval and conception rate in Holstein dairy cows. Multiparous high-yield dairy cows (> 30 Kg/d, n= 550) were randomly assigned into five groups. Groups were: 1- GnRH injection on day 5 after AI, 2- GnRH injection on day 11 after AI, 3- GnRH injection on day 13 after AI, 4- GnRH injection on day 5 and 11 after AI and 4- Controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices were inserted on day 5 after AI and removed on day 14 after AI. Ultrasonography were used for consider ovary status and pregnancy diagnosis at d 32 after AI. Pregnancy was characterized by the presence of an embryo, corpus luteum and fluid in uterus horn. Cows diagnosed pregnant at 32 d were re-examined at 70 d after AI to confirm pregnancy. Pregnancy loss was considered to have occurred when a cow was diagnosed pregnant at 32 d after TAI and not pregnant at 70 d. Results showed percentage of cows that showed estrus at 19-24 d after AI was lowest in G5,11 (20.0 %) cows compared to GnRH injection on day 5 after AI (31.5 %), GnRH injection on day 11 after AI (25.7 %), GnRH injection on day 13 after AI (26.5 %) and CIDR group (32.7 %, P = 0.04). Percentage of cows that did not show estrus until day 34 after AI was lowest in CIDR group (20.6 %, P= 0.01) but there was no difference between other groups (average 42.6 %, P = 0.65). A greater (P = 0.01) percentage of cows that received GnRH injection on day 5 and 11 after AI were pregnant at 32 d (50.0) and 70 d (46.2 %) after AI compared to other groups. Pregnancy loss was lowest in CIDR group (P = 0.04). In conclusion GnRH injection on day 5 and 11 after AI compared to other methods improved pregnancy rates.

Myostatin (MSTN) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily (TGFβ) and is an important negative regulator of muscle growth in vertebrates. In this study, a partial sequence of MSTN gene (intron 1), in the camel population of Iran, was evaluated. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms and one insertion or deletion (InDell) were identified in intron 1 of the myostatin gene, using sequencing method. The mutations caused, two substitutions including C to T and T to C in positions 16 and 136, respectively and one InDell of T in position 218. The mutations observed in three positions of intron 1, created three different haplotypes. These haplotypes were shared among Bacterianus and Dromedaries camel populations with no haplotype restricted to a specific region or a single camel breed. Tajima D were positive for all populations except Trod station, but it wasn’t significant.