khalil mirzadeh

Fertility is one of the main factors influencing the economic result in poultry flocks and it is influenced by several variables including breed, nutrition quality, flock age and sperm quality. As a result, the decrease in the fertility of beef mother herds after the peak of production is one of the most important factors in reducing the economic profit of breeding units. It has been shown that fertility decline at the end of the productive period can be partially prevented through artificial insemination. The requirement for optimal use of artificial insemination in any species is the possibility of storing sperm in liquid and frozen form. Fertility rate of poultry sperm in frozen conditions is facing a serious challenge compared to other species, this challenge may be related to some special physiological characteristics of rooster sperm that lead to increased sensitivity in frozen conditions. Ginger is a plant that has strong antioxidant substances, which increases the level of antioxidant enzymes and collects free radicals and protects the cell membrane against the risk of oxidation and peroxidation of fats. The main antioxidant compounds in ginger are gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols and some phenolic ketone derivatives, which have the ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This evidence shows that adding ginger powder to the diet of broilers can improve the quality of sperm after thawing and increase the fertility rate by improving the antioxidant properties of semen and protecting sperm from damage caused by freezing-thawing. In this research, twenty-seven Ras 308 breeding broilers were tested in the southern desert research farm in collaboration with Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.  At the age of 47 weeks, the sows were habituated for two weeks in individual cages and fed with basic ration and abdominal rubbing method for sperm collection. From the age of 49 to 60 weeks for 12 weeks, the sows were fed with a basic diet (control group) or diets with different levels of ginger powder (treatment groups) and kept at a temperature of 19-23 degrees Celsius and a photoperiod of 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness.  Experimental treatments included: control diet (no feeding of ginger powder), daily feeding of 7.5 grams of ginger powder and daily feeding of 15 g of ginger powder per kg of diet. During the test period, sperm samples were collected weekly by abdominal rub method and after initial evaluation, from the age of 51 weeks, they were frozen, and the quality parameters of semen, including total and progressive aspect, plasma membrane function, sperm viability and morphology after thawing were evaluated. took Frozen semen samples from weeks 59 and 60 were inoculated into broiler hens to evaluate sperm fertility after thawing. The effect of treatment and test weeks on most of the parameters measured including total and progressive motility, viability and function of sperm plasma membrane was significant. The interaction of treatment and test weeks significantly affected overall and progressive behavior, but its effect on survival tended to be significant. The effects of treatment, week and the interaction of treatment in week had no significant effect on the percentage of abnormal sperms. The study by Shafiq et al. (2015) improved the storage of rooster sperm using rosemary essential oil after the freezing and thawing process; The results of the research showed that the use of rosemary essential oil in the diluent improves the quality of rooster sperm, which is consistent with the present research.  Ginger comprises essential antioxidant compounds such as gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and certain phenolic ketone derivatives. These compounds possess the remarkable ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, contributing to their sustained antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase plays a crucial role in safeguarding sperm in the tissues of the testis and epididymis. A decline in the levels of this enzyme within the body has been associated with infertility. Recognizing the significance of these antioxidant components and enzymes underscores their continuous impact on maintaining reproductive health. By being placed in the sperm plasma membrane, this enzyme protects the sperm nucleus and epididymal fluid from the attack of free radicals and causes the final swelling and development of sperms. Fertility percentage and sperm yield in chicks of hens fed with 7.5 and 15 g/kg of ginger powder in the diet increased significantly compared to the control group. Among the sperm parameters, sperm motility and viability are considered to be the most important factors influencing sperm transfer to SSTs; In this research, the total and progressive motility and survival were increased in the groups of 7.5 and 15 grams per kg of diet, which can be the reasons for increasing the fertility and hatching of chicks in these groups. In a research by Masoudi et al. (2021), they investigated the effect of milk thistle, carob and ginger on the reproductive performance of Ras breed broilers and reported that supplementing the diet with plant additives significantly improved the quality of sperm and fertility of the sows compared to the control group. In generally, the results of the present study showed that the addition of 7.5 and 15 g per kg of ginger powder in the diet significantly increased the total and progressive motility, the integrity and function of the plasma membrane, and finally, the fertility and egg retrieval of sperm after thawing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on production performance and egg yolk fatty acid profile in broiler hens during three periods of 28 days. Number 200 pieces of Ross 308 broiler chicken with 45 weeks of age and in a completely random factorial design (2×4) including 2 levels of ginger (zero and 1.5%) and two levels of flax (zero, 1, 2 and 3%) in 8 experimental treatments 5 replications of 5 hens per replication were performed. Only in the period of 28 to 56 and 56 to 84 days, egg production was affected by ginger powder and flax oil and their mutual effects (P<0.05). In the whole period, only ginger powder and the mutual effects of ginger powder and flax oil increased egg production (P<0.05). In none of the periods, linseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger powder and linseed oil had no effect on egg weight (P>0.05), and only the effects of ginger powder in the period 56 to 84 days were significant, which caused a decrease in egg weight (P<0.05). Egg mass measurement was affected by ginger powder and linseed oil and their simultaneous effects only in the period of 28 to 56 and 56 to 84 days and the whole period (P<0.05). Consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger powder and flaxseed oil at the same time led to a significant increase in egg yolk fatty acids and a significant decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 (P<0.05). In general, supplementing the diet of mother hens with 1.5% level of ginger and 2% level of linseed oil has a positive effect on production performance and egg yolk fatty acid profile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on lipid profiles, thyroid hormones and liver enzymes of elderly broiler breeders. For this purpose the Number of 200 female Ross 308 broiler breeders by 45 weeks of age used in a completely random factorial design (2×4) including 2 levels of ginger (zero and 1.5%) and two levels of flax (zero, 1, 2 and 3%) as long as 10 weeks in 5 experimental treatments 5 replications and 5 hens per replication were performed. The results showed that consumption of ginger, flaxseed oil and co-consumption of ginger with flaxseed oil had no significant effect on triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and glucose (p<0.05).LDL concentration decreased in birds fed with 1.5% ginger powder (p<0.05). using 1.5% ginger powder in the ratio decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme, while, feeding flaxseed oil and co-consumption feeding of flaxseed oil and ginger oil had no significant effect on in control treatment group (p<0.05). Consumption of ginger, flaxseed oil and concomitant consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger reduced the enzyme alanine aminotransferase compared to the group receiving zero levels of ginger and zero flaxseed oil (p<0.05). Using ginger and flaxseed oil in the diet had no significant effect on thyroid hormones (p<0.05). Adipose tissue and liver parameters didn’t significantly affected by flaxseed and ginger oil (p<0.05). To wrap up, the results of present study revealed that, supplementing the mother's diet with 1.5% ginger and 2% flaxseed oil has a positive effect on liver enzymes.

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

Basic color in horses, such as black and white, brown and chestnut ASIP and MC1R gene is affected. The relationship between color horse and purity the study of gene polymorphism Aguti put special attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the polymorphism in exon 2 gene Aguti population of Arabic horse in Khuzestan. In this study, PCR-RFLP method for the detection of different alleles of the Aguti gene in horses used. Bleed extension of the 45 head of horses in the city of Ahvaz, Dezful and Shush were collected. Polymerase chain reaction 101 bp fragment of exon 2 gene and gene-specific primers were used Aguti. 11 bp deletion in exon 2 gene ASIP (Aguti signaling protein) occurred because of the In / del (delete and Insertion) of the gene Aguti. Finally three band pattern AA, Aa, aa abundance 0.414, 0.457, 0.127, respectively. The allele frequencies of A and a 0.644 and 0.356 respectively.The results showed that this fragment of gene polymorphism and genotype AA, Aa, aa population was established. The results showed that there is Hardy-Weinberg dis equilibrium in the studied population.

One of the major problems of mother herd industry is the accumulation of abdominal fats and increasing plasma fat index by furthering production period. These changes predispose chickens and roosters to metabolic diseases and fertility issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on fat metabolism, lipid profiles and liver enzymes of broilers.

we used 72 pieces of Ross 308 broiler mother rooster by 45 weeks of age, in a completely randomized factorial design (4×2) including 2 levels of ginger powder (consisting 0 & 1.5 percent of ratio), 4 levels of flaxseed oil. (0, 1, 2 and 3percent of ratio) as long as 10 weeks in 8 experimental treatments with 3 replicate and 3 roosters per replication.

The results of present study revealed that consumption of ginger powder and flaxseed oil significantly reduced the triglyceride and plasma cholesterol concentrations in broiler compared to the control group (p<0.05).  Also, interactions of different levels of ginger powder and flaxseed oil on triglyceride and total plasma were significant (p<0.05). Consumption ginger powder significantly reduced low-density lipoproteins and increased high-density lipoproteins of blood plasma (p<0.05), while flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil had a significant effect on low density lipoproteins (LDL). And did not have any significant effect on high density lipoproteins (HDL) (p<0.05).  The Glucose concentration didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and also the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil (p<0.05). Using 1.5% of ginger powder in diet decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05), while using flaxseed oil and simultaneous consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger powder had no significant effect on aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05). The main effect of ginger powder, flaxseed oil and the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil in reducing plasma alanine aminotransferase were also significant (p<0.05). Liver weight, relative liver weight and abdominal fat weight, relative weight of abdominal fat weight didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger and flax (p<0.05).

Based on the results of the present study, supplementation of the mother rooster diet simultaneously with a level of 1.5% ginger powder and the level of 2% flaxseed oil had positive effect on lipid profile and liver enzymes.

Application of antibiotics causes two major health problems, including antibiotic residues in body tissues and animal products and the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. On the other hand, antibiotics improve growth, feed efficiency and control infectious diseases. Following the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth stimulants in the poultry industry, the EU has been paying more attention to non-antibiotic growth-promoting compounds since 2006, including organic acids, probiotics and herbs. Previous studies have shown that in many oils of dark plants Mentha pipperita, thymol, carvacrol, menthol and in some cases paracetamol are the most important components of growth improvement, their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. kefir is also a natural probiotic. The fermenting agent of kefir milk is kefir seeds, which contain casein and the species Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus and others. Diets containing Mentha pipperita, by improving the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and reducing the population of harmful microbes, can create better conditions for the use of final feed products and thus improve the growth and better performance of chickens. In studies, the positive effects of kefir on the performance and biochemical parameters of broiler blood have been reported.

This study was conducted in the animal husbandry research station of Khuzestan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this study, four hundred one-day-old Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replications and 25 observations per replication for 35 days. The experiment was performed. Treatments are: Treatment 1) Basic diet + drinking water (control group), Treatment 2) Basic diet + drinking water + 0.5% Mentha pipperita extract, Treatment 3) Basic diet + drinking water + kefir milk 2%, Treatment 4) Basic diet + drinking water + Mentha pipperita extract 0.5% + kefir milk are 2%. The weight of quails was measured at the end of each week and the feed consumed was determined. The average of daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At the end of the fifth week, from each replicate, two quails with a weight close to the average were selected and slaughtered.  Breast and thigh meat samples were used to measure pH, water holding capacity and meat moisture content. Also, at the end of the fifth week, two samples were randomly selected from each replicate and blood was taken from their wing vein to measure blood parameters, thyroid hormones and testosterone.

The addition of mint and kefir extract significantly increased the weight of Japanese quails. The highest weight gain in the third and fourth weeks was observed in treatments 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In a study that investigated the effect of kefir on broiler performance, it was shown that the use of kefir as a natural probiotic causes significant weight gain, which is consistent with the present results. Mentha pipperita essential oil and kefir have been reported to improve feed conversion ratio and stimulate digestion in broilers. Kefir added to broiler drinking water has been reported to increase body weight, increase daily weight, reduce daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and improve performance. Mentha pipperita lowers blood cholesterol levels by liver or intestinal cells. Peppermint also accelerates LDL catabolism by increasing liver LDL receptors. In addition, Mentha pipperita inhibits the activity of the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increases the beta oxidation of fatty acids, thereby effectively reducing fat storage. The concentration of thyroid hormones was not affected by the treatments. In some studies, thyroid hormone concentrations increase with nutrition of mint and kefir. Testosterone concentrations were significantly affected by experimental treatments. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are the most important factors affecting the reproductive system. So far, the effect of many different plant extracts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis has been investigated. Plant extracts such as marjoram and ginger have been reported to increase testosterone, LH and sometimes FSH, and play an effective role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Peppermint, with its special chemical composition, can stimulate the signaling pathways of sex steroid production in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The effect of experimental treatments on pH and moisture of breast and thigh meat and their water holding capacity was not significant.

According to this study and economic considerations, it seems that the combined use of 2% kefir and 0.5% Mentha pipperita in drinking water can improve the performance and also modulate lipid profiles in Japanese quails, as well as increase reproductive performance in males.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of asparagus extract on quality semen of Arabian rams at different storage times at a temperature of 4degrees Celsius. Sperm collection was performed from 10 Arab rams with an average age of 2.5 years per week (once a week) for six weeks. Afteradding 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5% asparagus extract to the semen diluent, sperm quality parameters were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after storage inliquid condition. At zero hour, sperm viability in diluent had 3% asparagus extract was higher than diluent containing 0 and 4.5% extract (P<0.05).After 24 hours of semen storage, the parameters of total motility, progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were higher in spermdiluent containing 1.5 and 3% of the extract (P<0.05). Qualitative parameters of sperm in 48 hours after sperm collection and storage in diluentcontain 3% of extract had significant and better performance (P<0.05). The highest rate of plasma membrane integrity, progressive motility and totalsperm motility was observed in diluent containing 3% extract in 72 hours after sperm storage (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, the useof asparagus extract in the diluent at the rate of 3% improves the sperm quality of Arabian rams after cooling conditions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intra-egg injection of purslane extract levels on reproductive and blood parameters in Japanese quail. 600 Japanese quail eggs were used in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 30 eggs per observation. Treatments were: non-injection, normal saline injection and injection of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract into the air sac of eggs immediately before incubation. At the end of the incubation period, reproductive indices were assessed. Hatched chickens were reared and blood sampling was done at 35th day of breeding, and slaughter of birds was done at 58th day for evaluation the morphometric characteristics of genitalia. The highest hatching percentage and the lowest embryonic mortality rate were observed in the non-injected and normal saline groups (p<0.05). Embryo growth rate, age of embryonic death, and sera metabolite concentrations were not affected by the treatments. Serum estrogen concentration in female quail was not affected by treatments (p<0.05). The highest level of serum testosterone was observed in 0.2% of purslane extract (p<0.05). 0.1% purslane extract significantly increased the percentage of both testis weight compared to control group (p<0.05). The highest length of left testis was belong to 0.2% purslane extract (p<0.05). The diameter of largest ovarian follicle was higher in treatments of 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract than control (p<0.05). In general, due to adverse effect of experimental treatments on hatchability and embryonic viability rates, injection of purslane extract into Japanese quail egg sac is not recommended to improve reproductive performance.

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

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of peppermint extract on semen quality of Arabi rams. Semen was collected from 12 Arabi rams weekly for 8 weeks and immediately mixed, and then were divided into 5 parts and received zero, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μl/ml of peppermint extract. At different storage times of diluted semen containing treatments (zero, 24, 48 and 72 hours) in liquid condition, semen quality parameters were evaluated. Immediately after sperm collection, the lowest total motility and sperm viability belonged to the level of 200 peppermint extract (P<0.05). At 24 hours, levels 150 and 200 of extract increased the rate of morphological abnormalities of sperms. At this time, the lowest level of sperm plasma membrane integrity was related to the level of 200 peppermint extracts (P<0.05). 48 hours after sperm storage, the highest total motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity of sperms were belonged to the control group (P<0.05). 72 hours after semen storage, no statistically significant differences were found among treatments for all sperm quality parameters. At this time, the highest concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma was related to the level of 100 μl/ml peppermint extract (P<0.05). In general, by adding different levels of peppermint extract to the diluent and maintaining the diluted semen of the Arabi ram in a liquid state at 5°C, the concentrations used of peppermint extract not only did not improve the qualitative parameters of the sperm, it also had a devastating effect.

The use of the plant Tribulus Terrestris can improve semen quality in some mammals and birds. However, little information is available about adult male lambs. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of different levels of Tribulus terrestris on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sperm of mature male lambs. In this study, 18 lambs of the arabi lambes age 3 monthes and average body weight 16.14±2 were divided into three groups of six in a completely randomized design, and received different levels of Tribulus terrestris including three groups: 1) without Tribulus terrestris (control), 2) 15 g/kg DM Tribulus terrestris and 3) 30 g/kg DM Tribulus terrestris for 5 months. The spermatogenesis was carried out by the electrocautery device two times a week from lambs after feeding Tribulus Terrestris. Quantitative and qualitative semen parameters including seminal volume and pH, sperm concentration, motility, survival and morphological abnormalities of sperms were evaluated. Results showed, the lowest semen volume was in the control group (p < 0.05). The highest concentration, motility and survival of sperm were from 15 g of Tribulus terrestris (p < 0.05). The level of 30 g of Tribulus terrestris showed the highest morphological abnormalities of sperm (p < 0.05). Mean pH was not affected by experimental treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, considering to all the measured parameters, adding 15 g of Tribulus terrestris per kilogram dry matter to the diet improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sperm in the freshly mature arabi lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofloc produced from a fish pond on digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumination activity, and blood parameters of Najdi goats. At the first, 200 common carp fish (1.00 g) in two water tanks were used for producing biofloc. Then, 12 goats (average body weight of 32.00 ± 1.50 kg aging eight months) were assigned through a completely randomized design to two treatments (six replicates) and fed for one month. The treatments were comprised of a control diet and a trial diet containing 1.50% biofloc. At the end of the experiment, digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and rumination activity were measured. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) significantly increased in goats fed with 1.50% biofloc. Also, the rumen protozoa population, plasma glucose, average time of eating, rumination, and chewing per NDF and ADF intakes, total rumination time, and chewing activity were significantly increased. There was no significant difference between treatments for DM intake, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The pH of rumen fluid significantly decreased in treatment containing biofloc. The results of the current study confessed that the use of biofloc (1.50% DM) as a supplement in Najdi goat’s diet can improve the digestibility of the diet. It is recommended further and detailed trials with different levels of biofloc in sheep or different livestock species to know more about this untapped supplement source.

It seems that vitamin A has a role in improving the reproductive performance of bird. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary effect of five levels of 0, 4000, 8000, 16000 and 32000 IU/kg of vitamin A on ages of embryonic mortality, levels of steroidal hormones and reproductive organs of male and female Japanese quail. 320 adult Japanese quails were used in randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 16 birds per replicate with 12 of females and 4 males for 42 days. During experiment, birds had free access to water and feed and the lighting schedule or photoperiod was 16 hours of light. The embryonic death stage was not affected by treatments. In male quail, weight percentage of right testis was affected by experimental treatments. Weight percentage of right testis in the treatment containing 8000 IU/kg of vitamin was lower and the highest percentage was belong to 16000 IU/kg of vitamin A (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tribulus terrestris powder on thyroid hormones (T3 &T4) and IGF-I concentrations in blood serum of Arabi male lambs. For this purpose, 18 Arabi male lambs with an average age of 3 months and average weight of 16.14 ± 2 kg were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replications per treatment for 5 months. Experimental treatments included the zero (control), 15 and 30 gr/kg of Tribulus Terrestris powder in diet. The weights of lambs were measured monthly. At the age of 4-8 months, 5 consecutive samples were collected monthly to measure serum T3, T4 and IGF-I concentrations. The results showed thatTribulus terrestris powder had no significant effect on body weight. The concentrations of T3 and T4 were higher in lambs treated with Tribulus terrestris powder compared to control group (p<0.05). Concentrations of T3 at the age of 7 months and T4 at 8 months of age in lambs fed 30g/kg of Tribulus terrestris were significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). IGF-I concentration in lambs feed with 15g/kg of Tribulus terrestris at the age of 6 months was higher than control group (p<0.05). In general, the results of this study showed that feeding of 15 g/kg of Tribulus terrestris powder in Arabi male lamb diet by modulating thyroid hormones and IGF-1 and improving the reproductive system, prevents the reduction of sexual behavior and failure of reproductive activity.

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

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Tribulus Tresstrise (TT) herb on sex ratio of semen in Arabic Khouzestan ram using real time-qPCR technique using 18 rams in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments. The SRY and PLP genes were amplified to isolate the specific fragments of Y- and X- chromosome sequences. The treatments included: i) the control group (0% TT), ii) Diet containing 15 g/kg TT, iii) Diet containing 30 g/kg TT. Sperm sampling was taken from all rams at 10 month of age and blood sampling was performed at 8 and 10 month of age. The results showed that expression rate of SRY gene increased with increasing TT level and rams that received 30 g/kg TT diet had the highest SRY gene expression and PLP gene expression decreased with increasing TT level (p-value =0.004). There was positive correlation between Testosterone concentration and SRY gene expression at 8 (0.65) and 10 (0.59) month of age, and the relationship between PLP gene expression and Testosterone concentration was negative and -0.61 and -0.66 at 8 and 10 month of age, respectively (p-value= 0.006). The results indicated that adding Tribulus Tresstrise herb to the ram diet increases the SRY gene expression and also sperm containing Y chromosome. In other words, it increases the sex ratio toward male gens in Arabic Khozestan ram by increasing the androgen hormones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of processing sesame straw with low steam pressure, sulfuric acid and enzyme mixture on digestibility and ruminal fermentation, protozoa population, rumination and some blood parameters of Arabi sheep. Twelve sheep were fed with control diet (without sesame straw), diet containing sesame straw processed with 2.4 % sulfuric acid and low steam pressure at 130 °C for 120 minutes and 3 gr/kg DM enzyme, diet containing sesame straw processed by sulfuric acid and enzyme and diet containing sesame straw processed with water. The dry matter and organic matter intake, daily gain, feed conversion, apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF did not differ between treatments.The processing did not affect ammonia nitrogen, pH, and rumen protozoa species of sheep. Chewing, rumination and resting times were different between treatments and the greatest rumination time (491.67 minutes per day) was for processing with acid and enzyme (P

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

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

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