فرزاد میرزایی آقجه قشلاق

The limitation of animal feed resources has increased the tendency to use agricultural residues such as straws in feeding ruminants. It has been reported that livestock production decreases when using low-quality crop residues due to the low palatability, energy level and protein of these feed materials. In other hand, high consumption of straws decreases ruminant's performance because of feed intake restriction, low digestibility and the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as silica, tannin and lignin in straws. The use of fibrolytic enzymes of foreign origin increases the usability of forage, which results in increased production. One of the most important methods of processing wooden materials is the use of chemicals, especially alkaline materials, especially urea. Adding molasses as an energy-generating part and urea as a non-protein nitrogen source simultaneously provides the rumen microorganisms with a source of energy and protein. In general, the addition of enzymes to the diet is used for the purpose of supplementing and compensating the defects of the enzyme system of the ruminant’s digestive system, removing anti-nutritional substances and increasing the availability of nutrients in the animal body. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of processing chickpea straw with urea, molasses and enzymes on chemical composition, ruminal and intestinal digestibility, gas production and disappearance under laboratory conditions. So that the results of this research can be optimally used in animal nutrition.

This research was conducted on processed chickpea straw with urea, molasses and, enzyme source of fungal cellulase and rumen liquid. The tested feed material was chickpea straw, which was processed with urea, molasses and enzymes. Enzymes included fungal cellulase and rumen liquid. The tested feed ingredients were ground using a special mill with a sieve with 2 ml pores and then sieved using a 50 micrometer sieve to remove particles smaller than 50 micrometers.To perform the gas test, first, the sample of the tested feed (chickpea straw enriched with urea, molasses and enzyme) was ground with a 1 mm grid. Measurements of chemical composition and gas production were carried out by standard methods and the determination of the digestibility of samples was done with Daisy ǁ device and Gargalo's three-step method. After performing the initial calculations and collecting all the data, statistical analysis of the data was done using the SAS statistical software in the form of a completely random design and a 4x4 factorial experiment with the GLM procedure.

According to the results, processing chickpea straw with urea, molasses, and enzymes increased the percentage of dry matter and the amount of crude protein in the treatments. However, it decreased the percentage of cell wall and cell wall without hemicellulose. The processing of chickpea straw with urea, rumen liquid and a mixture of two enzymes and the combination of all three enzymes with a level of 4% molasses increases the digestibility of dry matter in the total digestive system, and the addition of molasses and the combination of rumen liquid and a mixture of two enzymes with different levels of molasses were increased the digestibility of crude protein in the rumen (P<0.05). Adding all three enzymes to chickpea straw at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours, but with rumen juice from 12 to 96 hours, has led to an increase in gas production. The combination of molasses levels of 2 and 4% with a mixture of two enzymes increased gas production in all hours of incubation (P<0.05). The average constant rate of disappearance and gas production potential of chickpea straw was significantly different among all treatments (P < 0.05). The results showed that molasses and enzyme increased the constant rate of disappearance and 4% molasses and enzyme increased the gas production potential. The combination of molasses with fungal cellulase and the mixture of two enzymes decreased the constant rate of disappearance and gas production potential. The average laboratory digestibility of organic matter, metabolizable energy, lactation energy and short chain fatty acids were significant in all chickpea straw treatments (P < 0.05).

In general, based on the obtained results, the use of urea, molasses, and enzyme sources including fungal cellulase and rumen liquid has successfully increased the nutritional value, gas production parameters, and digestibility of chickpea straw. Among the experimental treatments, processing chickpea straw with 3.5% urea, 4% molasses, and fungal cellulase enzyme improved the nutritional value the most. Further animal experiments are needed to confirm these results. More research is required in the field of using agricultural waste in animal nutrition.

Moghani sheep, one of the dominant meat breeds among Iranian sheep, is known for its good body size, resistance to changes in weather conditions, and capacity to produce heavy-weight lambs. The Romanov breed is known worldwide for its early sexual maturity, long breeding season, and high productivity. Among high-yielding breeds, the Romanov breed achieves higher twinning and fertility, higher weight of ewes, optimal shelf life of lambs, and heavier final weight of lambs. During past years, increasing productivity of Iranian native sheep breeds, including the Moghani breed, has been implemented through cross-breeding with high-yielding foreign breeds such as the Romanov breed to improve growth and twining rates and reduce size of the fat-tail. Crossbreeding is a way to improve poor production and reproductive characteristics of livestock. Due to the lack of information regarding the fattening performance and carcass characteristics of the Romanov-Moghani crossbreeds, the aim of this study was to investigate the fattening performance carcass characteristics, blood parameters, feed intake and digestibility of Moghani and Romanov-Moghani crossbreed fattening lambs under diets with different energy levels. This research was conducted using 24 male lambs (10 Moghani lambs and 10 Romanov-Moghani cross-bred lambs) as a factorial design with 4 experimental groups and 6 replications (lambs) in each group. The duration of the experiment was 75 days. The experimental groups in this research include: 1) Moghani lambs fed low energy diet, 2) Moghani lambs fed high energy diet, 3) Romanov-Moghani lambs fed low energy diet, 4) Romanov-Moghani lambs fed high energy diet. A rumen-protected energy powder (Energizer RP-10, IFFCO, Johor, Malaysia) was used to increase the energy level in high-energy diets. Fattening performance was measured by weighing the lambs every two weeks. At the end of the experiment, all the lambs were slaughtered and the carcass characteristics, including hot carcass percentage, cold carcass percentage, tail percentage, and back fat thickness were measured. After 24 hours of storage in 4ºC, back-fat thickness between the 14th and 13th vertebras were measured with a digital caliper. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein of all lambs 3 hours after feed consumption, and the samples were immediately centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 15 minutes then the plasma samples were frozen at -20 ºC till analysis day determining concentrations of blood parameters including glucose, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, and globulin were determined using commercial kits and spectrophotometer. All the data were analyzed in the form of a completely random design and factorial experiment using the GLM method for statistical analysis. The results showed that Moghani lambs had significantly more tail percentage and lower tailless carcass percentage than Romanov-Moghani mixed lambs. Feeding a diet with a higher level of energy by feeding protected rumen fat decreased the percentage of the tail and increased the percentage of the carcass without the tail. Moghani lambs fed with high-energy diet had the highest back fat thickness compared to all groups. On the other hand, the average daily weight gain was only influenced by the energy level of the diet. Based on the results, Romanov-Moghani crossbred lambs had a higher weight gain than Moghani lambs, and feeding fat supplement improved livestock performance. Due to the fact that no significant difference was observed in the feed consumption of lambs due to fat supplement feeding, therefore, the better fattening performance of lambs in the groups fed with fat supplement can be attributed to the increase in energy intake in these animals as well as the higher efficiency of the metabolic energy conversion of fats compared to carbohydrates (McDonald et al., 2012). Based on the obtained results, Romanov-Moghani cross-bred lambs had a higher weight gain than pure lambs, and also fat supplement feeding improved the performance of livestock. Therefore, crossbreeding fat-tailed Moghani breed with a tailless breed such as Romanov can be considered as an efficient method to reduce carcass tail percentage and improve carcass yield. On the other hand, providing energy in the form of fat may also result in a relative decrease in the tail percentage. In general, the results of this experiment indicated that crossbreeding fat-tailed Moghani breed with a tailless breed like Romanov can be considered as an efficient method to reduce tail percentage and improve carcass yield. On the other hand, providing energy in the form of fat may also lead to a relative decrease in tail percentage.

One of the important by-products is the pomegranate pulps which is pulp left after pomegranate juice. The presence of significant amounts of biologically active compounds such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, and tannins in pomegranate fruit ensures its high nutritional value. Pomegranate peel is a part of the fruit that has very high antioxidant properties and contains high amounts of polyphenols such as tannins. There have been numerous reports of the negative effects of tannins on consumer animals. One of the compounds that can bind to tannins and reduce their harmful effects is the tannase enzyme. So, this study aimed to investigate the effects of using different levels of pomegranate pulp without or in combination with tannase enzyme in the diet of fattening lambs on performance, nutrient digestibility, and some blood parameters. After preparing pomegranate pulp, drying it, and preparing tannase enzyme, 25 male Moghani lambs with an average weight of 30±2 kg and the average age is about 7 months, were used in four treatments in a completely randomized design. experimental treatments include 1- control, 2- 2.5% pomegranate pulp powder, 3- 5% pomegranate pulp powder, 4- 2.5% pomegranate pulp powder + 0.05 % dry matter of tannase enzyme 5- 5% pomegranate pulp powder + 0.05 % dry matter of tannase enzyme. During the experimental period, the performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were measured. The concentration of blood parameters and the activity of liver enzymes containing ALP, ALT, and AST in the blood of lambs were determined. The Data obtained were analyzed using SAS (9/1) statistical software. The experimental treatments demonstrated no significant impact on the weight gain and feed intake of the lambs. However, when examining the amount of feed consumption and daily feed consumption, higher values were observed during the second 30 days of the rearing period in comparison to the initial 30 days.While nutrient digestibility remained largely unaffected, a notable trend in the digestibility of dry matter was observed. Further comparisons between treatments revealed a higher digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash in the group receiving 2.5% pomegranate pomace. These findings provide insights into the potential influence of pomegranate pomace supplementation on specific aspects of nutrient utilization in lamb diets. Fat in the treatment of 2.5% pomace with enzyme and digestibility of crude protein was higher in the treatment of 5% pomace with the enzyme. The comparison of different pomace levels showed that the use of high levels of pomegranate pomace (5%) increased blood glucose and the lowest blood urea concentration was obtained by feeding 5% pomace. The lowest concentrations of HDL and LDL in the blood also belonged to the control treatment. The use of tannase enzymes in the diet also increased the concentration of glucose parameters and decreased blood urea. The highest amount of glucose of the studied lambs were observed in the first thirty days of sampling. In the present study, the use of pomegranate pomace increased glucose in both rearing periods and decreased blood triglyceride levels in the second rearing period. Alanine phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity was significant in the second period, the breeding period (P<0.05). The highest level of activity of this enzyme was observed in the blood of lambs fed with 2.5% of dung. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was not significant between sampling periods (P<0.05). Feeding different levels of pomegranate pomace powder with or without tannase enzyme had no significant effect on blood malondialdehyde concentration as an antioxidant index of the blood of fattening lambs. However, the comparison between the experimental treatments showed that the highest level of this index was found in the blood samples obtained from lambs fed with a diet containing 5% of pomegranate pomace powder + 0.05% of the dry matter of the tannase enzyme diet. The inclusion of different levels of pomegranate pomace in the diet led to a significant difference in the activity of the alanine phosphatase enzyme among the experimental treatments (P<0.05) and increased blood glucose (P<0.05). None of the functional parameters, including weight gain, and feed consumption, were affected by the use of pomegranate pulp with or without tannase enzyme during the entire experimental period. However, the food conversion coefficient improved in the treatments containing pomegranate pomace with tannin enzyme. The highest amount of antioxidant index related to the diet containing 5% of pomegranate pomace powder + 0.05% of the diet's dry matter was tannase enzyme. Therefore, the level of 5% of pomegranate pomace along with the tannase enzyme increases animal health and improves animal growth performance.

The lamb rearing system in the pasture can provide a better growth rate when the diet is accompanied by concentrate supplements. Supplementary feeding can compensate the limitation of natural feed by replacing part of pasture fodder with concentrate especially in low rainfall seasons. However, availability and high costs of concentrate diets have caused their limited use by many small farmers. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplement on weight gain, growth performance, blood parameters and grazing behavior of weaned Ghezel lambs under grazing conditions.

This experiment was conducted by using 32 male Ghezel lamb (average weight = 29±2.7) in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental treatments were 1) a control treatment consisting of free access to pasture grazing, 2) free access to pasture grazing with 150 g of concentrate supplement per day per head, 3) free access to pasture grazing with 250 g of concentrate supplement per day per head and 4) free access to pasture grazing with 350 g of concentrate supplement per day per head. In order to determine the daily weight gain, the lambs were weighed at the beginning and end of the period in the morning before the start of grazing. The grazing behavior of lambs in the pasture were recorded by direct observation every 10 minutes during access to the pasture. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken at noon from jagular vein and the samples were evaluated to determine glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglyceride. Feces samples were collected using special fabric bags that were tied to the animal's tail.

The results of the present study showed that concentrate supplement improved the daily weight gain, but no significant difference was observed between different levels of feeding with concentrate supplement. Among growth traits, body length and body height were significantly affected by experimental treatments. The amount of time lambs spent grazing in the pasture was not affected by feeding with different levels of concentrate supplementation. Supplemental feeding of concentrate increased the digestibility of organic matter. Changes in blood glucose of lambs during the experimental period were significant between the control group and the groups receiving the supplemental concentrate. Net profit per lamb also increased due to feeding with concentrate supplement.

The results of the present study showed that feeding Ghezel lambs with concentrate supplement in pasture conditions caused a significant increase in growth performance and it will be economical due to more net profit. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to feed at least 150 grams to 350 grams of concentrate supplement daily when rearing Ghezel lambs in pasture grazing conditions

Animal nutritionists are looking for alternative compounds with the ability to improve the fermentation process. Probiotics and medicinal plants can be mentioned among these alternative compounds. Yarrow and ginger can be mentioned among medicinal plants that have antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yarrow and ginger powder on the digestibility and gas production of sainfoin and alfalfa hay in laboratory conditions.

For this purpose, the in vitro digestibility of sainfoin and alfalfa hay and a mixture of 50% alfalfa and 50% sainfoin were measured due to the use of yarrow and ginger powder by Tilley and Terry's modified Holden method. So that different levels of yarrow and ginger powder at three levels of zero, 1.5 and 3% were added to 100 ml syringes containing alfalfa, sainfoin, and a mixture of alfalfa and sainfoin, and the amount of gas produced by incubating the syringes at times 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of measurement and the resulting data were analyzed in a completely randomized design.

The results showed that the addition of 3% of ginger and Yarrow powder in sainfoin hay increased the digestibility of dry matter from 55.71 to 68.76 and 74.65% (P=0.0458), the digestibility of organic matter in dry matter from 52.62 to 64.95 and 62.09 percent (P=0.0468) and metabolizable energy increased from 8.42 to 10.39 and 9.93 MJ kg-1 DM (P=0.0489) by Holden's method, respectively. While the use of ginger and yarrow powder did not have a significant effect on the digestibility of organic matter, the digestibility of organic matter in dry matter and metabolizable energy of alfalfa and alfalfa- sainfoin mixture. The results related to the digestibility according to the McNiven method showed that the addition of 1.5 and 3% of yarrow and ginger powder in sainfoin and alfalfa hay could reduce the amount of gas production at times 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours of incubation. However, the addition of yarrow and ginger powder to alfalfa- sainfoin mixture did not have a significant effect on the amount of gas produced. The results of the gas test method showed that the addition of 1.5% and 3% of yarrow and ginger in sainfoin and alfalfa hay reduced the digestibility of organic matter, total short chain fatty acids and metabolizable energy compared to the control group. Among these, 3% of ginger has the most significant reducing effect on the digestibility of organic matter from 67.80 to 50.14 and 45.99% (P=0.0092), total short chain fatty acids from 1.77 to 0.76 and 0.66 milli moles (p=0.0183) and metabolizable energy from 9.88 to 7.47 and 6.79 MJ kg-1 DM (P=0.0167) respectively in sainfoin hay. Also, this similar decreasing trend continued in alfalfa hay for the nutritional parameters of the gas test. A mixture of alfalfa and sainfoin was not affected by the addition of different levels of yarrow and ginger.

It is concluded that the addition of 1.5 and 3% levels of yarrow and ginger powder in sainfoin and alfalfa hay could not improve the amount of gas production.

Ensuring the availability of high-quality forage and a balanced diet is essential for cost-effective milk and meat production in buffaloes. In Iran, limited forage supply, poor access to forage, and imbalanced diets are major constraints that negatively impact buffalo production and hinder profitable breeding. To address these challenges, a comprehensive understanding of buffalo breeding areas, methods, production issues, problems, and feeding practices is crucial. This study aimed to determine the nutritional value of feed consumed by breeding buffaloes under stable and rangeland grazing conditions in the primary buffalo breeding habitats across different climatic regions of Ardabil province.

The nutritional value of feed consumed by buffaloes was assessed using gas production techniques in a completely randomized design. Digestibility, metabolizable energy, gas production and degradability parameters, microbial mass production, volatile fatty acids, and grazing diets were evaluated. The study was conducted in three selected locations: Damirof in Bilesavar, Gharabaghlar in Meshginshahr, and Arpatapeh Fandoghlu in Namin counties. Grazing periods and paddocks for buffalo herds were determined based on the Deputy of Livestock Production Improvement's recommendations. Plant samples grazed by buffaloes were collected at three stages of the grazing season in Meshginshahr and Namin (May 15 to June 15, June 15 to July 15, and July 15 to August 15), and one month earlier in Bilesavar (March 15 to July 15). Chemical composition and digestibility tests were conducted on the plant samples. Two types of diets, a "traditional diet" commonly used by buffalo breeders (control diet) and a "standardized diet" formulated based on metabolic energy and protein requirements for buffaloes with an average weight of 550 kg, were selected for feeding buffaloes in stable conditions. Chemical composition and digestion tests were performed on the fodder and concentrate used in the diets.

The results revealed that the balanced diet (standard diet) had significantly higher values of gas production, parameters b and c (slow decomposition and gas production rate), metabolizable energy (ME), net lactation energy (NEL), apparent organic matter digestibility (AOMD), true organic matter digestibility (TOMD), apparent fermentation of organic matter (AFOM), true fermentation of organic matter (TFOM), volatile fatty acids (SCFA), and rumen microbial biomass (MB) production and efficiency compared to the traditional diet (control) (p < 0.05) in all paddocks. Gas production, parameters b and c, ME, NEL, AOMD, TOMD, AFOM, TFOM, SCFA, and rumen microbial biomass and efficiency showed higher mean values during the early grazing season in each paddock compared to the middle and end of the grazing season. Overall, these parameters exhibited a decreasing trend throughout the grazing season (p < 0.05). The TOMD and TFOM values were higher in the early grazing season in the warm semi-arid region of Bilesavar compared to the cold regions of Namin and Meshginshahr (p < 0.05). However, SCFA and MB values were higher in the early grazing season in the cold regions compared to the warm semi-arid region (p < 0.05).

The study demonstrated that balanced diets (standard) had superior nutritional value compared to traditional diets (control) commonly used by buffalo breeders in the selected paddocks. Therefore, these balanced diets can be recommended as alternatives to traditional diets for feeding buffaloes. Additionally, the nutritional value of rangeland habitats varied depending on plant species composition, growth stage, and climatic conditions. For effective stocking intensity and livestock feeding planning in the rangeland, these variations should be considered.

 

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of potato waste on growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

The study carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments, four replications, 14 broiler chicks each. The experimental diets were consisted of three levels of potato wastes (0, 15 and 25%) and two levels of multi-enzyme (0 and 0.2%).

Feed intake was not affected by the type of experimental diet during the growth period, the final period and the whole rearing period. Daily weight gain was not significantly different between the experimental groups but at the end of the experiment and the control group was better than other treatments. Growth conversion factor was lower in the potato-treated groups than in the control group. In the final period, the feed conversion ratio in the control group was significantly lower than the other experimental groups and this was also observed throughout the rearing period. It had no effect on carcass percentage, and relative weights of pancreas, liver, bursa Fabricius, spleen and heart. The ratio of intestinal length to live weight in birds fed 25% of potato lesions was higher than other groups. Potato lesions in the diet increased the relative weight of the gizzard and decreased abdominal fat compared to the control group (P<0.05).

According to the results of this study, the use of potato plus enzyme in relation to different levels of non-enzyme potato wastes had a positive effect on HDL cholesterol, intestinal morphometery and body weight gain in broilers.

Increasing the growth rate of broilers leads to some metabolic diseases such as ascites and sudden death syndrome and one of the proposed solutions to reduce its effects is to reduce the growth rate of birds through feed restriction. On the other hand, fat sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids also have a known effect on improving health. The present experiment was designed to investigate the interaction effects of dietary restriction and the use of fish oil in broilers with the focus on studying the effects on the small intestine and liver tissues.

A total of 675 one-day-old male broiler chickens from Ross 308 strain were used in a 3*3 factorial experiment with a completely randomized design with 9 treatments, 5 replications and 15 chickens. The factors studied were dietary restriction at three levels of zero, 6 or 12 hours of starvation during the first week of the growing period and replacement of all dietary oil with fish oil at zero and the last 12 or 18 days of the finisher period.

12-hour dietary restriction during the first week of the growth period reduced feed intake and daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio decreased due to fish oil consumption. Dietary restriction decreased hepatocyte diameter and hepatocyte nucleus volume and increased hepatocyte cytoplasm volume and hepatic sinusoid volume. Consumption of fish oil significantly reduced hepatocyte diameter, cytoplasm volume and hepatocyte sinusoid volume as well as dose-dependent increase in hepatocyte nucleus volume. In the duodenum and jejunum, dietary restriction reduced villi height. The ratio of crypt depth to villi height also increased in the duodenum due to 12 hours of feed restriction. Consumption of fish oil for 18 days at the end of the finisher period significantly increased the villi length in the duodenum, but in the jejunum, the opposite effect was observed.

The results of this study showed that 6 hours of dietary restriction during the first week of the grower period did not have a negative effect on the production traits of broilers and on the other hand significant tissue changes observed in liver and small intestine tissue testify to the effectiveness of dietary restriction programs and consumption of fish oil on the metabolism of broilers.

The role of rangelands in the production of livestock products is important in terms of animal feed production. The value is two-thirds of the total cost of production in different livestock farming units. Rangeland managers consider livestock performance to be the ultimate result of the quality of the rangelands forage. Forage quality is defined as the ability to produce optimal level of livestock yields (meat, milk and wool production). The nutritional value of forage indicates the amount of energy and nutrients available to the animal. The purpose of this study was to determine the minerals and nutritional value of Tanacetum chiliophyllum Sch.Bip. and Potentilla reptans L. (dominant species of region) during three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, seeding) and in two geographical directions of rangelands in Shoghal Darreh rangelands, Namin County of Ardabil province.

Two sites in the Shoghal-dareh area of Namin county in Ardebil province were selected for sampling. The area is in the vicinity of Caspian Sea. Humadity of the area links to the Sea, the West Alborz Mountain. Samples were randomly collected from 50 species. Dried specimens were taken into laboratory for the following, detemination of macro minerals (nitrate, calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, sodium and potassium), micro minerals (iron, copper, zinc and manganese) and chemical properties (ADF, NDF, dry matter, crude fat, crude ash, and crude protein) using standard laboratory methods at different vegetative stages.

The results were compared using compare mean for statistical analysis and showed that the differences between T. chiliophyllum and P. reptans in potassium, calcium, nitrate, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese were significant (P<0.01) and in iron and ash they were significant (P<0.05). Phenological stages made a significant difference (P<0.01) in iron, zinc, manganese and fat. Aspect made a significant difference (P<0.05) in crude protein, dry matter, NDF, iron, calcium and nitrate. According to the results, the amount of macro elements, micro and crude protein levels in different stages of growth were lower than critical and the amount of dry matter was higher than the critical. These results indicate the importance of the role of intrinsic characteristics, growth stage and environmental conditions in determining forage quality characteristics.

The results of this study confirm that plant performance in ecosystems is affected by various factors such as species, aspect and growth stage. Each of these factors can have a significant impact on the quantity and quality of grassland plants. Therefore, studies on the impact of different environmental factors and growth stages needed to enable actuality-based management planning to exploit rangelands properly. The results of comparison of forage quality of two species showed that P. reptans had higher forage value than T. chiliophyllum. It is suggested that grazing systems should operate in such away that while maintaining the rangeland status, the livestock function could be kept at a favorable level.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of nigella sativa meal and multi enzyme on growth performance, relative weight of carcass components, blood parameters and intestinal morphology of broiler chicken.

The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments in four replicates and 14 chickens in each replicate (80 chickens). Broiler chickens was fed with diets including: without nigella sativa meal and enzymes (control), 7.5% nigella sativa meal (without enzymes), 7.5% nigella sativa meal with 0.2% multi enzyme, 15% nigella sativa meal (without enzymes) and 15% nigella sativa meal with 0.2% multi enzyme for 42 days. Then, the performance of chickens, blood biochemical indicators, intestinal morphology and economic index were measured and recorded. Finally, the analysis of data was performed using GLM method by SAS software. The means were compared using Duncan's multiple range tests.

The results showed that, treatments did not have a significant effect on feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the growth period. Whereas, the effect of experimental treatments was significant on feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the finishing period. The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in chickens fed control group and 7.5% nigella sativa meal without enzyme (P<0.05). In total experimental period, the lowest feed intake and weight gain were observed in the groups receiving 15% nigella sativa meal (both with and without enzymes; P<0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in the control group and the group receiving 7.5% enzyme-free nigella sativa meal (P<0.05). Finally, in the total experimental period, the final body weight was significantly the highest in the control group (P<0.05). The high levels of nigella sativa meal and enzymes used in this study may have significantly reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio due to the increase in fiber intake compared to lower levels. On the other hand, the use of different levels of nigella sativa meal and enzymes did not have significant effect on carcass percentages and carcass components, only using 15% nigella sativa meal without enzymes increased the ratio of intestinal length to live weight compared to other treatments. Due to the different results presented in different studies, the levels of use of nigella sativa meal in this study are probably less than the level affecting the relative weight of body organs. According to blood indices, the different treatments did not have any significant effect on serum lipids include cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL. The lack of significant effect of using different levels of nigella sativa meal in the present study is probably due to the use of low levels. Indeed, the use of enzymes with high levels of nigella sativa meal resulted in significantly increase in height of villus jejunum and ileum compared to the control group (P<0.05). The thickness of villus jejunum and ileum of broiler chicken fed 7.5% nigella sativa meal without enzyme increased significantly than the other treatments (P<0.05). The use of 15% nigella sativa meal significantly decreased villus height to crypt depth ratio of jejunum and ileum than the same level without enzymes, but 7.5% nigella sativa meal with enzyme resulted in higher villus height to crypt depth ratio than the without enzymes group (P<0.05). The improvement in villi height to crypt depth ratio may be related to the antimicrobial properties of black seed. For this reason, when the microbial activity in the contents of the intestine decreases at the surface of brush border, the need for enterocytes and new cells to multiply in the intestine decreases, resulting in higher villi height and less crypt depth. Since the main source of protein in poultry diets comes from soybean meal, replacing new and inexpensive sources is a great economic help to reduce feed costs. The replacement of soybean meal by nigella sativa meal decrease feed costs and increase profitability without adversely affecting the broilers.

According to the results, the use of nigella sativa meal reduced the performance of chickens and the use of enzyme supplements could not eliminate these negative effects. On the other hand, 7.5% nigella sativa meal (without enzyme supplements) had a positive effect on morphometric indices.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of different levels of tarragon powder on growth performance, carcass traits, immune system and microbial population of broiler ileum using 432 Ross 308 strains in a completely randomized design. During the test, the broiler herd became infected with the flu. Experimental treatments were: diet without additives (control), and experimental diets containing 0.5, 1 or 1.5% percent of dried tarragon powder.  The performance of chickens was recorded in different stages and at the end of the experimental stages. On day 34 of the experiment, blood samples were taken from a vein to measure antibody titer against Newcastle and influenza. On day 38, two birds from each replicate were injected with diluted 0.5% SRBC solution at a rate of 2.5 cc. One week later, a blood sample was taken through a wing vein and then antibody titer levels against SRBC and serum IgM and IgG levels were determined. At the end of the experiment, 2 birds (male and female) were killed from each replication and ileal contents were collected. The weight of parts such as chest, thighs, abdominal fat, liver, heart, spleen and bursa of Fabricius was also determined. The results showed that the use of tarragon powder at all levels, without a significant effect on feed consumption, significantly improved the feed conversion ratio of birds in the final stage of rearing (p <0.05). Heart weight in birds fed diets containing tarragon powder decreased compared to the control diet (p <0.05). Diet containing 1.5% tarragon powder significantly increased serum IgM antibody production. Supplementing the diet with any of the tarragon powder levels in comparison with the control treatment significantly reduced the population of Escherichia coli in chickens and also the diet containing 0.5% of tarragon powder reduced the lactobacillus population in comparison with the control treatment. The present results indicate that the use of tarragon powder in the diet of broilers improved their growth performance. According to the findings of this study, the optimal level of tarragon powder consumption is 0.5 to 1%..

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of copper nanoparticles on the performance and immune system of broilers. Fertile eggs from Ross 308 breeder broiler flock were divided into 4 groups as follows. The group was injected with one mL of physiologic serum and the groups injected with copper nanoparticle solutions at doses of 50, 75 and 100 ppm in the air cell, at the first day of incubation. The daily feed intake and average daily gain at the rearing period was higher in 100 ppm group (P <0.05), while there was no diference in feed conversion ratio. There was no diference in antibody titers against the influenza virus. The higher and lower antibody titer against Newcastle virus were observed in the group injected with 75 ppm and 100 ppm nano-Cu injected group, respectively (P <0.05). Total white blood cells and heterophils in broilers at 10 days of age were decreased in 50 ppm nano copper group (p <0.05), however, the lymphocytes of the same group (50 ppm) was significantly increased (P <0.05). The hematocrit percentage of blood samples at 10 days of age in broiler chickens in 100 ppm nao copper group decreased (P <0/05). A linear decrease in serum triglyceride levels was observed with the in ovo injection of 75 and 50 ppm copper nanoparticles compared to the control group (P <0.05). Serum cholesterol and HDL levels in the 50 ppm copper nanoparticles groups  were lower than the group of 75 ppm copper nanoparticles and the control group (P <0.05). Serum LDL levels were not affected by experimental treatments. The results of this study showed the positive effect of in ovo injection of copper nanoparticles, especially at 50 ppm level on feed intake, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

It is possible for Sex reversal of eggs with female embryo using anti-aromatase agents, and the hatchlings have an improved performance.

The present study was conducted to survey the effect of in ovo injection of 0.1 mL Nettle (Urtica dioica) and mushroom extracts and Fadrozole hydrochloride as anti-aromatase agents  on sex differentiation of broiler chickens.

366 fertile eggs from Ross 308 strain broiler breeders were divided into 4 groups. At the beginning of the fifth day of incubation in ovo injection operation was carried out. A control group was injected with 0.1 mL distilled water. The hatched chickens were then reared in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 6 replicates for 42 days.

In ovo injection of 0.1 mL of fadrozole hydrochloride, mushroom and nettle extracts led to 100, 66.67 and 37.5 percent sex reversal, respectively (p < /em><0.05). During the whole of the experimental period, daily feed intake and daily weight gain of chickens of fadrozole hydrochloride and mushroom extract groups were higher than those on the control and nettle extract (p < /em><0.05). Fadrozole hydrochloride reduced levels of serum triglyceride and VLDL (p < /em> <0.05), but there was no significant difference in cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels (p < /em>> 0.05). White blood cells and hematocrit percentage were not affected by experimental treatments (p < /em>> 0.05). Compared with other treatments, in ovo injection of mushroom extract caused a significant increase in the number and average diameter of muscle fibers (p < /em><0.05).

The findings of this study confirm the significant anti-aramatogenic properties of the mushroom extract and the positive effect of in ovo injection of  mushroom extract on the sexes reversal and improvement in performance of broiler chickens.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for all forms of life because it plays an important role in ‎DNA and RNA synthesis by increasing replication and cell proliferation. Zn deficiency in grazing and ‎forage feed is widespread in Iran and other countries, so Zn supplements are generally required for ‎ruminants. Several kinds of Zn sources have been used in diet ruminants. Supplemental Zn is usually ‎added to animal diets in the form of inorganic Zn (Zno and Znso4), However,. Many studies reported ‎that organic Zn is absorbed more readily by ruminants than inorganic Zn. Recently, a novel elemental ‎Zn source used in animal diets. The development of nano technology holds unique properties for nano ‎Zn, because nanometer particulates exhibit novel characteristics, such as great specific surface area, high ‎surface activity, high catalytic efficiency and strong absorbing ability. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects different forms of zn on feed digestibility, rumen fermentation of diatery dairy ‎cows with high production using gas production and nylon bags techniques.‎

The Zno naoparticles were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The ‎basal diet for sheep and dairy cows were provided according to NRC (2007) and NRC (2001) ‎respectivelely, to meet requirements, except of Zn. The four various tretments in the current experiment ‎were as: (1) the basal without Zn supplementation. (2) the basal diet plus 40 mg Zn/kg DM as zinc ‎oxide (Zno), (3) the basal diet plus 40 mg Zn/kg DM as zinc glycine (ZnGly, ZnGly, B-TRA MIX R ‎‎2C, 18.5% Zn) and (4) the basal diet plus 40 mg Zn/kg DM as Zn nano (zn>99%, 15-20 nm). Four ‎ruminal fistuled male sheep were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square, experiment with four 28-day ‎periods (21 day adaptation and 7 day sampling collection each period). Nylon bags methods 5g of ‎samples were incubated in the rumen of fistulated sheep for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h ‎for determination degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). The gas production was ‎recorded after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48,72 and 96 h of incubation. Ruminal fluid were used for pH, ‎ammomia-N, voliate fatty acids (VFA). ‎

In present study, the highest amount of gas production was obtained in ‎organic, nano and in organic zin supplemented treatments respectively. Zinc supplementation ‎significantly increased the OMD, SCFA and ME concentrations (p < 0.05). The results of this study ‎showed that Zinc supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the N-NH3 concentration in ‎different experimental groups. There was no effect on molar proportion of acetate and butyrate ‎‎(p < 0.05), whereas that of propionate was linearly (p < 0.05) increased with increasing nano-zn and ‎glycine-zn supplementation. As a result, ratio of acetate to propionate was decreased. Total ruminal ‎VFA concentration was increased (p < 0.05) as Zinc Supplementation. Increasing the concentration of ‎total volatile fatty acids in the rumen can be due to improved microbial fermentation in the rumen. In ‎situ trial, adding zn in forms nano and organic increased the DM disappearance (p < 0.05). Also zn ‎supplementation significantly increased ;b; fraction of DM of diatery cows with high production in ‎different experimental groups. The present results suggested zn functions to maintain the production of ‎proteolytic digestive enzymes and activity of protein decomposing bacteria could be improved by zn. In ‎‎24 to 96 hours incubations crude protein degradability zn-glycine and nano-zn was significantly ‎‎(p < 0.05) lower than zn oxide and control treatments. Also zinc Supplementation in forms nano and ‎organic decreased (p < 0.05) ;b; fraction and ;ED; of crude protein of diatery cows with high production ‎compared to control and zinc oxide treatments. The reason for this can be because of the low solubility ‎of proteins dietary due to bonding with the zinc element in the rumen or the change in the activity of ‎the proteolytic microbes.‎

The results suggested that the addition of zinc in the forms of organic and nano increased ‎the fermentation and degradability of the dietary high production dairy cows compared with inorganic ‎form. Also, there was no difference in digestibility and fermentation between organic and nano forms; ‎hence, in order to select the nanoparticulate or organic form of zinc element in the diet of animals, it ‎was necessary to pay attention to their price and price in the market.‎

Calf breeding has been one of the most important and sensitive management programs in cattle farms. Therefore, using the right nutrition strategies for their improved growth and health is very important. For this reason, antibiotics have long been used in many countries to increase the growth of livestock due to their inhibitory effect on harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. In the last decades antibiotics were used for stimulating growth and increasing viability in calves, because of improving antibiotic resistance finding new techniques for improving growth and viability and reducing weaning weight is necessary. Adding supplemental levels of probiotic and organic acids can increase the immune system and improve health of calf.

In this study, the effects of different levels of probiotic and organic acids additive were investigated on blood metabolites, immune response and health of Holstein calves.

In order to determine the effects of different levels of probiotic and organic acids on the performance, skeletal growth and feeding activity of infant calves, the experiment was conducted using 36 Holstein calves with a mean weight of 36 kg ± 2 in a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replicates. The experiment lasted for 75 days in Moghan Agro-Industrial Company located in Parsabad city, Ardebil province. Treatments included: 1. basal diet without additive (control), 2. basal diet containing 2 g probiotic additive, 3.basal diet containing 3 g probiotic, 4. basal diet containing 3 g organic acid, 5. basal diet containing 4.5 g organic acid, 6. basal diet containing 2 g of probiotic and 3 g of organic acid, 7. basal diet containing 2 g of probiotic and 4.5 g of organic acid, 8. basal diet containing 3 g probiotics and 3 g of organic acid and 9. basal diet containing 3 g probiotic and 4.5 g organic acid. The study evaluated feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, skeletal growth, nutrition behavior, blood parameters, immune response and the calves health state. The test results were analyzed in a completely randomized design with SAS statistical software version 9.1.

The results showed that experimental diets had a significant effect on feed intake and daily gain, blood glucose and cholesterol and improved the immune system and health status of calves (p <0.05). In contrast, the experimental diets do not have a significant effect on the final weight and feed conversion ratio. This study also showed that the addition of probiotic, organic acid and the combination of these additives did not affect skeletal growth and feed intake activity of Holstein calves. Experimental treatments at 60 days and the whole period had a significant effect on feed intake. In general, probiotics increase food intake through their effects on the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients. The average daily weight gain in the first, second and whole months of the period was affected by experimental diets but the overall effect of treatments in time periods was not significant. Blood glucose concentrations were increased in calves receiving treatment 5, which could be attributed to the created suitable environment in the intestinal tract due to the consumption of organic acids, which may have contributed to the digestion and absorption of more nutrients and As a result, it increases the blood glucose levels. Experimental diets had a significant effect on the white blood cell percentage in both sampling times (45 and 75 days). In general, the improvement of the immune system by probiotics is done through three ways of increasing general antibodies, increasing macrophage activity and increasing the production of local antibodies on the mucosal surface of tissues such as the intestinal wall. The effect of organic acids on the immune system is still largely unknown, but in general it can be said that organic acids improve digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as reducing harmful bacteria and help the immune system improvement.

based on the obtained results dietary treatments do not have any adverse effect on calves' performance. Moreover, it can be concluded that feeding probiotic and organic acid to the calves could have positive effects on animal performance and health state, so supplementing the diets by these substances is a good mean to improve the calves’ growth.

[1] Pulses are important crops belonging to the Leguminosae family. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production has a long history of numerous and valuable uses in feed and food. Faba beans have been successfully used as a substitute for soybean meal or rapeseed meal in dairy cow rations. Faba bean pods can be used as feed for ruminants. Good quality silage can be made from faba bean plants. Technological treatments may have an impact on the degradability of nitrogen of faba bean. Molasses-urea mixed is a liquid feed supplement suitable for adding into the dry part of the diet or any other component during the processing of complete mashes or feeds. The purpose of the study was the determination of nutritional value of pods, seed hulls and seeds of faba bean (vicia faba L.) and survey the effect of different levels of urea and molasses on nutritional value faba bean pods silage using in vitro methods.

 In order to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradability pods, seed hulls and seeds of faba bean cell wall, nylon bag and test gas technique were applied. After preparation of faba bean and isolating pods, seed hulls and seeds and drying, chemical composition analysis for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, organic matter, ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were done as AOAC. This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 3 replicates per treatment in two runs including: 1- faba bean pods of untreated (control), 2- faba bean pods of processed molasses (1.5% DM), 3- faba bean pods processed with molasses (3% DM), 4 - faba bean pods of processed molasses (4.5% DM), 5 - pods processed with urea (1.5% DM), 6- faba bean pods processed with molasses + urea (1.5% and 1.5% DM), 7 - faba bean pods of processed caraway with molasses + urea (3 and 1.5% DM, respectively), 8 - faba bean pods of processed with molasses + urea (4. 5% and 1.5% DM), 9- seeds hulls of faba bean and 10- faba bean seeds. Faba bean pod processing with urea and molasses was performed according to Chaudhry method (2000a) and Hue et al (2008) method. The digestibility of rumen according to Holden (1999) method and digestibility of intestinal according to Mc Niven method were investigated inside the simulator’s (DiasyII Incubator) digestive tract incubated. Amount and rate of gas production were estimated according to Orskov and McDonald model. The amount of DMD, OMD, DOMD (in percentage terms) and ME (in MJ/kg) for the amount of gas production at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after incubation were recorded and the average parameters of fermentation with gas production (ml /200 mg DM), in vitro OMD (percent), ME (MJ/kg DM) and short-chain fatty acids (mmol) were calculated. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 3 replicates by 2 run in each treatment and analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS.

There was a significant difference between treatments in the chemical composition of different parts of faba bean. Treatment compounds 5, 6 and treatment compound 7 were the highest and the lowest ADF, respectively. Processing faba bean pods with 3% of DM molasses +1.5% of DM urea reduced ADF due to at the same time the provision and suitable carbon skeleton and nitrogen materials and in the other words lead to increasing digestibility faba bean pods. Also results in this experiment showed that the ruminal DM and CP digestibility of treatments were significant. The highest DM digestibility was related to faba bean seeds and pods of processed with molasses and urea (3-1.5) and (4.5-1.5), respectively, and the lowest DM digestibility was related to seed hulls. With increased levels of molasses, total the digestive tract DM digestibility of bean pods had increased. The post ruminal digestibility was not significantly different between treatments of bean pod silage except for treatments 3 and 4 compared to control.
The comparison of the process gas produced (ml/200 mg DM) of showed that the highest amount of gas produced was in the 24 hours after incubation in faba bean pod treatments in molasses (1.5% dry matter) resulting in more ME compared to control treatment. Among all treatments, the highest produced gas in the 96 hours after incubation was related to faba bean seeds due to (60.3 ml/200 mg DM), and therefore, the ME was higher, and the lowest amount was related to faba seed hulls (20.3 ml/200 mg DM). Probably one of the reasons for lowering the amount of gas produced in the faba seed hulls compared to the bean seeds is related to the highest cell wall of hulls.

 The variation in the results of opposite studies with the results of this experiment on the nutritional value of the different faba bean components depends on the level and quality of the processing and the amounts of rapidly digested carbohydrate for facilitating the synergy of nutrient supply. In this experiment, the chemical composition, potential and rate of gas production, OMD, ME, SCFA and MP were significantly different between different bean components. Although more studies are needed to determine the best percentage of addition of molasses to different levels of urea or the use of other compounds that are able to bind to possible anti-nutritional compounds, but bean pod processing with 3% molasses and 1.5% urea caused a decrease in the amount of ADF, in other words, its digestibility, due to its coherent and suitable synchronicity with the carbon frames and nitrogenous materials. The seed of faba bean had the heist nutritional value than other parts of faba bean and amount of NDF was the highest in seed hulls. Totally seed of faba bean with 24.71% CP and 8.94 Mj/kg ME is a valuable nutritional source for feeding of animal. But the bean pods also have a good nutritional value as a non-forage fiber source for ruminants.

The supplementation of selenium in animal nutrition is useful after a decline in performance due to selenium deficiency of diet. As nutritional technologies progress, new Selenium supplements such as nano selenium are available, which requires research and comparison with previous products. Thus, the aim of this study was the evaluation of selenium sources effect on performance, blood metabolites and immune response in Holstein and Holstein- Mont Bilyard Hybrid calves.

24 sucking Holstein and Holstein-Mont Bilyard calves with mean body weight of 43±1 kg were divided in a completely randomized design for 75 days. The experimental treatments included: 1- basal diet without supplementation of selenium for Holstein-Mont Bilyard calves, 2- basal diet without supplementation of selenium for Holstein calves, 3- basal diet+0.3 mg/kgDM supplementation of nano-selenium for Holstein-Mont Bilyard calves, 4- basal diet+0.3 mg supplementation of nano-selenium for Holstein calves, 5 - Basal diet + 0.3 mg/kgDM Sodium selenite for Holstein- Mont Bilyard calves, 6- basal diet + 0.3 mg/kgDM sodium selenite for Holstein calves. The daily feed intake of calves and body weight gain and the concentrations of metabolites such as glucose, urea, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and the percent of lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte of blood samples were determined.

There was no significant effect on performance and also on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and immune response in calves. But blood total protein and glutathione peroxidase activity increased in calves. In general, the source of supplements was not effective in the level of glutathione peroxidase activity of treatments.

There was no significant effect on performance and blood parameters of Holstein and Holstein-Mont Bilyard calves.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera gel and conjugated linoleic acid supplement feeding on performance, blood metabolites and immune parameters in Holstein calves in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement. This study was carried out using 24 male and female Holstein calves (with average age of 1-10 days and 38±8 kg weight) with four treatments and six replications for 60 days. The treatments were: (1) basal diet including starter and whole milk (control), (2) basal diet + 250 mg/kg body weight Aloe vera gel, (3) basal diet+20 g/kgDM complementary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and (4) Basal diet+250 mg/kg body weight Aloe vera gel+20 g/kgDM of CLA. The Dry matter intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, blood parameters and immune and health factors were measured. Results showed that there were no significant differences between the control and other groups in terms of feed intake and performance of Holstein calves. The interaction effect of Aloe vera gel and CLA was significant on blood glucose concentration and calves receiving 250 mg Aloe vera gel had the lowest glucose concentration (88.33 mg/dL) (P>0.05). On the other hand, the effect of time on white blood cell, lymphocyte and monocyte was significant (P<0.05) and using 20 g CLA increased blood monocyte (5.33%) compared with no CLA treatments (3.58%; (P<0.05). In general, the interaction effect of aloe vera gel and CLA supplementation was not significant on performance and health status of Holstein calves.

The breeds and subpopulations of any species, which are the result of mutation processes, genetic drift, natural selection and gene-environment interactions, are very precious. They have been inherited down to the present generation, and their preservation is of great value and importance (Alijani, 2009). Genetic analysis of wild populations is essential for conserving biodiversity, increasing knowledge about the survival of these species, and finding the factors that threaten or contribute to the survival of these populations. The red deer is one of the biggest free-ranging mammals of central Europe and as it is not endangered in terms of population numbers, is the perfect model for studying the genetic population effects of a multitude of deliberate and unintentional anthropogenic influences on natural populations over a long period of time (Kiabi et al, 1998). Red deer gene pools are affected by habitat fragmentation, keeping of populations in enclosures, translocations, (re)introductions, and trophy hunting (Bruford et al, 2003). Various schedules of population regulation by hunting are applied throughout Europe. Many autochthonous stocks have been hybridized with the introduced animals, thus blurring the historical boundaries between formerly natural populations (Hiendleder et al, 1998). The objectives of the present studies were to gain insight into phylogeographic history; to characterize and quantify the genetic diversity within and among populations to implement conservation and management strategies, and to compare different molecular marker systems with regard to their respective resolution power (Cavalli –Sforza, 2003). For this purpose, a research program was designed to characterize populations of Iranian red deer (Cervus elaphus), using the mitochondrial control region (CR). In order to understand the origin, phylogeny, and phylogeography of the species C. elaphus, the DNA sequence variation of the mitochondrial D-loop gene of five populations of deer was examined from the entire distribution area of Cervinae with an emphasis on Iran. Several methods, including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and nested clade analysis revealed that red deer originated from the area between Noshahr and other populations. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data do not support the traditional classification of red deer as only one species nor its division into numerous subspecies. The discrepancies between the geographical pattern of differentiation based on mtDNA D-loop and the existing specific and sub-specific taxonomy based on morphology are discussed. The present study was carried out to identify the existing gene pool, study the relationship and genetic variation of the Maral (Caspian red deer, C. elaphus) using the D-loop sequence data from the mitochondrial genome.

Blood, hair or tissue samples were taken from 78 Maral and their DNA was extracted. Sampling was carried out in coordination with Environmental and Wildlife Organization of the provinces of Ardebil, East Azarbaijan, Qazvin, Golestan and Mazandaran, as well as the Museum of Natural Resources and the reserves of the Gene Bank of Tehran. Blood samples were taken from those animals that were captured for population health check or treatments to use fumigant drugs and pneumatic gun in vacuum tubes contained EDTA. Hair samples were also taken directly from live animals and other tissue samples were provided from dead animals which newly dehorned. The D-loop region of the mitochondrial genome was amplified using specific primers with PCR and all PCR products were sequenced. A total of 130 sequences of D-Loopregion from deer species (52 sequences from NCBI and 78 sequences from Maral populations were studied) wereused for bioinformatics analysis between the species. The sequences were aligned and compared using BioEdit software to find nucleotide diversity. Using Mega software, a phylogenetic tree was drawn.  Haplotypes and genetic diversity parameters including nucleotide diversity, haplotype diversity, genetic distance, genetic differentiation, nucleotide frequency, etc., were performed using the DnaSp 5.10 software. DnaSP software was used to analyze the genetic data of the population, haplotypes and genetic diversity parameters, specific alleles, Rst, Fst values, and genetic distances of the 6-population hierarchy including Arasbaran, Ziaran, Semeskandeh, Fandoghlu, Ghorgh, Noshahr. Finally, NETWORK software applied to analyze the network to identify haplotypes.

The results of Maral sequence analysis using DnaSP software led to the identification of mutations that resulted in the creation of 5 haplotypes for the D-loop region. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and mean nucleotide difference for the D-loop region were 0.218, 0.0007 and 0.491, respectively. The negative and significant Tajima D test result demonstrated an inbreeding among the populations. Results showed that the Noshahr population was in highest genetic distance from other populations. The genetic distance estimated for other populations were low. The phylogenetic tree using the D-Loop region showed that the Maral's populations is divided into two main branches. The main branch of the first consists of the population of Noshahr and its second main branch is divided into two branches, the first branch of which is Arasbaran, Ziaran, Semaskand, Gorgan, and Fandoghlo, and the second branch of the population is Noshahr. It revealed that there were a close relationship among Arasbaran, Ziaran, Semaskand, Gorgan and Fandoghlo populations, while Noshahr population showed a higher diversity. The genetic diversity indices showed that the 6 investigated populations of Maral have probably experienced a bottleneck (Yuasa et al, 2006). Results of analysis D-loop sequences of Maral and other deer species showed that red deer, fawn deer and yellow deer were in a branch, but each was in separate groups, and Shoka was a separate branch. In this study, all Iranian Maral in a separate group of European, Asian and American red deer placed in one branch (Zamani, 2014). Placement of Polish red deer in the Maral Cluster, in network analysis, was an interesting result (Lorenzini, 2015); however, no historical evidence was found to support this result.

In conclusion, the recent fluctuations in population size and interruption in the gene flow are due to the past geographical transfer of red deer from a population to other habitats. A high risk of inbreeding was observed in Maral populations. Therefore, for conserving the populations, it is necessary to consider a program for introducing new blood from other populations and increasing their genetic diversity.

Between 2 to 12% of a ruminant’s energy intake is typically lost through the enteric fermentation process. Ruminant production is associated with nitrogen loss especially in the form of ammonia from urine and manure management during composting. These contribute to greenhouse emission and environmental pollution in general. In the past few decades, feed additives such as antibiotics, ionophores, methane inhibitors, and anti-protozoa agents have been successfully used to reduce these rumen energy, nitrogen releases and metabolic disorders (Calsamiglia et al. 2007), though   increase production efficiency. Therefore, ruminants’ nutritionists try to use compounds that increase the efficiency of energy and protein intake by changing the population and activity of ruminal microorganisms (Fereydounpour et al. 2016).   These alternative compounds are probiotics, organic acids, and medicinal plants (Calsamiglia et al. 2007). The essential oils are secondary plant metabolites, which have antimicrobial properties and can be suitable substitutes for antibiotics to alter rumen microbial activity. Also, a research has shown that the essential oils and their constituents have the potential to improve nitrogen and energy utilization in ruminants (Patra et al. 2006). Talebzadeh et al (2012) reported that the essential oil of thyme at 150, 300, 450, and 600 micrograms per ml of culture medium was used only at concentrations above 450 mg decreased the real digestibility of organic matter. Adding powdered herbs such as thyme and garlic cabbage can affect the in vitro digestibility and the amount of in vitro gas production in sainfoin and alfalfa and their mixture. Thymol is a main phenolic component in thyme and carvacrol is also a minor component (Leung and Foster 1996). These compounds are involved in oxidation and reduction reactions. Thyroid has a large antimicrobial activity by preventing the bacteria growth. Researchers reported that active compounds in garlic containing allycine, diallylsulfide, and di-allylene sulfide, which can affect ruminal harmful bacteria. Considering the various compounds and effects of thyme and garlic and the need for further studies on medicinal plants, this study carried out to investigate the effects of adding levels of thyme powder and garlic on digestibility and fermentation parameters of sainfoin and alfalfa forage in laboratory conditions.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different levels   of thyme powder and garlic cabbage powder on digestibility and the amount of in vitro gas production at three levels of 0, 1.5, and 3% for alfalfa, sainfoin and mixed alfalfa and sainfoin based on a completely randomized design. Measurement of digestibility of alfalfa forage, sainfoin and mixture of 50% alfalfa and 50% sainfoin were carried out using thyme powder and garlic cabbage powder by Holden method (2000). In this method, the nylon bag was used instead of filtration and a daisy (rumen simulator) incubator was used instead of a hot water bath. Menke et al (1979) method was used to measure the amount of gas production. The amounts of short chain fatty acids, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter in dry matter, and metabolizable energy were estimated using related equations (Menke and Steinggass 1988). The data obtained from the method of gas production analyzed in a completely randomized design with repeated measurements. Data digestibility by Holden was investigated in a completely randomized design using SAS (2003) software.

The results showed that adding 1.5% thyme and garlic to sainfoin forage improved digestibility of dry matter, organic matter digestibility, digestibility of organic matter in dry matter, and metabolizable energy compared with control group (P <0.05). Also, adding 3% garlic powder showed a significant increase in digestibility of organic matter in dry matter and metabolizable energy compared with the control group (P <0.05). But adding 1.5% and 3% thyme and garlic powder to alfalfa and mixed alfalfa and sainfoin had not a significant effect on dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, digestibility of organic matter in dry matter and metabolizable energy compared with the control group. The results showed that adding 1.5 percent of garlic powder to sainfoin was reduced the amount of produced gas compared with the control group for 6, 24, 48 hours after incubation and also adding 3 percent of garlic powder to sainfoin was decreased the amount of produced gas compared with the control group for 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after incubation (P <0.05). This trend was followed by the reduction of the amount of gas for treatment of 3% garlic + alfalfa at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120 times compared with the control group (P <0.05). Feeding 1.5% of garlic powder was increased the amount of produced gas at 3, 48, 72, and 120 hours of incubation compared with the control group (P <0.05). The results showed that adding 1.5 and 3% garlic powder to sainfoin forage had the lowest amount of digestible organic matter, short chain fatty acid, metabolizable energy, gas production potential and gas production rate compared with other treatments (P <0.05). Also, results showed that 3% of garlic powder in alfalfa had the lowest amount of digestible organic matter, short chain fatty acid, metabolizable energy, gas production potential compared with the control group (P <0.05). Adding plant additives had no significant effect on mixed of alfalfa and sainfoin compared with the control group. The essential oils that contain high levels of effective components (Fraser et al. 2007) or even low ones (Castillejos et al. 2006) can affect digestibility. This is due to the sensitivity of fibrolytic bacteria to the active components of all essential oils (Benchaar et al. 2007).

The effect of different levels of thyme and garlic on the nutritional value and digestibility of forage and sainfoin showed that addition of 1.5% of garlic and thyme improved the digestibility of forage by Holden method. Generally, adding thyme to forage at most of the times did not significantly improve the amount of gas produced compared with the control group, but at some times there was a numerical increase in the amount of produced gas. Adding 3% garlic at most of the times and 1.5% garlic at some of the times caused a significant reduction in the amount of produced gas compared with the control group. It can also be concluded that the use of 3% garlic reduced the fermentation parameters obtained from the gas test (total volatile fatty acid, metabolizable energy, and digestibility) in sainfoin and alfalfa. The results of this study suggest that the addition of thyme and garlic can change the fermentation parameters and the amount of gas production, which is different depending on their usage amount.

The present study was performed to determine the effect of resistant starch as a type of prebiotic and phenolic compound extract on performance, hematological and blood parameters of suckling Holstein calf. For this, 54 suckling Holstein calves (27 male and 27 female) were randomly assigned in 9 treatments including: RS1 (8 g resistant starch), RS2 (16 g resistant starch), PE1 (1800 mg phenolic compounds), PE2 (3600 mg phenolic compounds), RS1+PE1 (8 g resistant starch+1800 mg phenolic compounds), RS1+PE2 (8 g resistant starch+3600 mg phenolic compounds), RS2+PE1 (16 g resistant starch+1800 mg phenolic compounds), RS2+PE2 (16 g resistant starch+3600 mg phenolic compounds) in a completely randomized factorial design with 9 treatments and 6 replications. The weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of calves, hematological and blood parameters were measured. The results showed that weight gain didn’t affected by experimental treatments and feeding of resistant starch and phenolic extracts had no effect on daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of Holstein calves. The hematological and metabolic parameters did not affected by experimental treatments. But the effect of period on blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and total protein was significant.