جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « ویتامین c » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

Birth weight is the most important factor affecting lamb survival, but even when birth weight is appropriate, some lambs are lost to weaning. Infectious diseases are the most important factors affecting the mortality of lambs before weaning. Therefore, any factor that reduces the prevalence of these infections has a positive effect on the survival of lambs and improves the reproductive performance of the flock. The structure of the placenta in ruminant animals prevents the transfer of immunoglobulins from maternal circulation to the fetus. Therefore, newborn ruminants are completely dependent on the absorption of immunoglobulins from the mother's colostrum after birth. Consuming a sufficient amount of high-quality colostrum at the right time is the most important management factor affecting the survival and health of newborn ruminants. Colostrum also affects the survival of lambs by providing nutrients necessary for metabolism and heat production. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, and E) are among the important components of colostrum and their concentrations are higher in colostrum compared to milk. These vitamins play an important role in improving the immune system of ruminant animals. Many genetic and non-genetic factors such as animal breed, mother's age, nutrition of dam in late pregnancy, herd vaccination program, colostrum volume, and colostrum collection time after parturition affect the quantity and quality of colostrum in ruminant animals. Nutrition status in late pregnancy is the most important factor affecting the quantity and quality of colostrum produced in these animals. Therefore, an insufficient supply of vitamins in pregnant ewes is one of the reasons for reducing the survival and mortality of newborn lambs. Much research has been conducted regarding the effect of dietary or injectable vitamin A, D3, and E supplements in late pregnancy on the maternal immune system and the survival of newborn ruminants, although, they have mainly focused on vitamin E and selenium supplements. To our knowledge, there is no information on how the timing of the use of these vitamins in late pregnancy affects the metabolic responses of ruminants. Therefore, this experiment aimed to investigate the effect of time and amount of vitamin AD3E injection in late pregnancy on colostrum quality and plasma metabolites of Afshari ewes and their lambs. Forty Afshari mature ewes with an average of 45 kg and 2-3 years of age were used. One month before the expected lambing, animals were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to experimental treatments. Experimental treatments were: 1. No injection of vitamin AD3E (Control; C), 2. Injection of 10 mL of vitamin AD3E four weeks before the expected lambing, 3. Injection of 10 mL of vitamin AD3E two weeks before the expected lambing, and 4. Injection of five mL of vitamin AD3E four weeks and five mL two weeks before the expected lambing. Blood samples of ewes and lambs were collected four and one week before the expected lambing and three days after colostrum consumption, respectively. Plasma was separated and stored at -20 ◦C for metabolites’ measurement. Samples of colostrum from all animals were collected and stored at 3-5 ◦C for determining chemical composition and BRIX index. Results showed that the greatest plasma concentrations of glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) on day 7 before lambing were observed in ewes of the C groups (P<0.05). Experimental treatments did not affect plasma total cholesterol (TCh), triglyceride (TG), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations of ewes on day 7 before lambing (P>0.05). Plasma concentration of total protein (TP), calcium (Ca), and BRIX index on day 7 before lambing were higher in ewes who received vitamin AD3E compared to the C group (P<0.05). Ewes received 10 mL of vitamin AD3E two weeks before the expected lambing had the highest plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant activities on day 7 before lambing (P<0.05). Colostrum fat and lactose percentage were not influenced by experimental treatments (P>0.05). Whereas, colostrum protein percentage tended to be lower for ewes in the C group (P=0.08). The lowest colostrum BRIX index was observed in the ewes of the C group (P<0.05). The lowest plasma glucose concentration was observed in lambs born from ewes of the C group (P<0.05). Experimental treatments did not affect plasma TCh, TG, Ca, and Mg concentrations of lambs (P>0.05). Lambs born from ewes received 10 mL of vitamin AD3E two weeks before lambing had the highest plasma GPX, SOD, and total antioxidant activities compared to other groups (P<0.05). Vitamin AD3E injection increased the plasma BRIX index of lambs compared to the group without injection (P<0.05). The results showed that injection of vitamin AD3E two weeks before lambing increased plasma TP concentration and antioxidant activity of ewes, as well as colostrum TP content, and consequently increased plasma TP concentration and antioxidant activity of lambs. Therefore, this can be an effective strategy to improve lamb survival and performance.

The transition period between late pregnancy and early lactation (also called the periparturient period) certainly is the most interesting stage of the lactation cycle and is the last 3 weeks before parturition to 3 weeks after parturition. Most infectious diseases and metabolic disorders occur during this period. Milk fever, ketosis, retained fetal membranes, metritis, and displaced abomasum primarily impact cows during the periparturient period (Drackley, 1999). Any nutritional limitation during this period has an important impact on cow efficiency and consequently, milk production decreases. Dairy cows encounter substantial metabolic and physiological adaptations during the transition period. The immune system during the periparturient period is impaired. At this time, the most important factor causing immune-suppression in highly productive cows is metabolic stress resulting from hormonal and metabolic fluctuations, a negative energy balance, shortage of proteins, minerals and vitamins which are required to meet the demands of the fetus as well as the onset of lactation (Sordillo, 2016). In the world, Cu deficiency is one of the most common problems in cattle with clinical and subclinical signs (Hill and Shannon, 2019). Even marginal Cu deficiency (6 to 7 ppm dietary Cu) depresses blood neutrophil function in dairy cattle (Torre et al., 1996). One strategy for improving immune system of transition dairy cows is mineral and vitamin supplementation. It has been reported that many minerals are enzymatic cofactors (Filappi et al., 2005). Studies showed that minerals injection would be a suitable method to improve mineral utilization, and this may be a promising alternative to improve animal performance (Collet et al., 2017). Furthermore, during this period, dairy cows need antioxidants to combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) which produce during oxidative stress. Vitamin C was identified as antioxidant and could help immune system to overcome ROS production. Hence, this experiment was aimed to study the effect of vitamin C and copper injection on the health status of transition dairy cows.

The study was carried out in a commercial farm located in Kermanshah province of Iran. Cows were enrolled from June 22, until September 22. Temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. It was between 72-78. The experiment was performed with 40 multiparous (twenty; second parity and twenty; third and fourth parity) Holstein lactating dairy cows which divided into four groups (10 animals/ group) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. All cows were offered a TMR diet. Experimental treatments consisted of control (injection of 7 ml of NaCl % 0.9), Cu (injection of 75 mg Cu per cow) Vitamin C (injection of 25 mg vitamin C solution/kg BW), and Vitamin C-Cu (simultaneous injection of 25 mg vitamin C solution/kg BW and 75 mg Cu/ cow). Solutions were injected on d 20 and 40 days before expected parturition, parturition day and day 20 of postpartum. Serum concentrations of total protein, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, Ca, P and Mg were determined using autoanalyzer by Pars Azmoon Kits. Serum concentrations of Beta hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured using autoanalyzer by Randow Kits. Serum concentration of Cu was determined by atomic absorbtion. Serum concentrations of vitamin C and superoxide dismutase was measured by Elisa reader. Incidence of metabolic disorders and infection disease were recorded. Data of serum variables were analyzed based on a randomized block design with a 2×2 (Vitamin C and Cu, with or without injection) factorial arrangement using Proc Mix of SAS software. The differences among treatments were evaluated using Tukey adjustment when the overall F-test was P ≤ 0.05. Trends were declared when 0.05 < P < 0.10. In addition, percentages of metabolic disorders were reported.

Results showed that the interaction effect of vitamin C and Cu had no significant effect on serum concentration of vitamin C and superoxide dismutase activity. Cows received vitamin C had the greatest serum vitamin C concentration on d 20 prepartum, parturition day, d 10, 20 and 30 postpartum (P<0.05). Content of serum Cu were affected by the interaction of vitamin C and Cu on d 10 and d 20 postpartum (P<0.05). Copper injection increased serum Cu concentration and superoxide dismutase activity on d 20 prepartum, parturition day, d 10, 20 and 30 postpartum (P<0.05) in cows received Cu without vitamin C. Serum concentrations of P, Mg, glucose, BHBA, NEFA, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were not influenced by the interaction effect of vitamin C and Cu. Serum triglyceride concentration tended to decrease (P=0.06) in cows received vitamin C and on parturition day. Copper injection tended to increase (P=0.06) serum triglyceride concentration on d 20 postpartum. Serum protein concentration tended to decrease (P=0.07) in cows received vitamin C and in compared to other treatments on parturition day. Copper or vitamin C injections had no effect on serum concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, BHB and NEFA of experimental cows. Serum calcium concentration tended to increase (P=0.07) in cows received simultaneous injection of vitamin C and Cu in compared to the others on parturition day. Simultaneous injection of vitamin C and Cu tended to increase total cholesterol concentration (P=0.06) on d 10 and 30 of postpartum. Copper injection tended to increase total cholesterol concentration on d 20 prepartum, parturition day and d 10 postpartum (P=0.06). Control groups had the highest incidence rate of retained placenta and clinical mastitis.

It is concluded that vitamin C and Cu injection reduced incidence rate of retained placenta and clinical mastitis due to improving immunity system performance of transition dairy cows.

Vitamins play an important role in improving the performance, immune system, and growth of birds. In recent years, due to the increase of the price of synthetic vitamin supplements and also due to the limitation of the use of commercial antioxidants, plant-based antioxidant sources have been considered in the poultry industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of herbal vitamin E supplements on production traits, humoral immune responses, and some blood parameters of broiler chickens.

In a completely randomized design 480 Arian broiler chickens (one-day-old, mixed sexes) were allocated to four treatments, four replicates, and 30 birds in each replicate. Experimental treatments included: 1. basal diet (Contains 25 IU of synthetic vitamin E), 2. basal diet + 25 IU synthetic vitamin E, 3. basal diet + 50 mg herbal vitamin E supplement, and 4. basal diet + 100 mg herbal vitamin E Supplement. In this experiment, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. On day 40, two birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed, and killed, and then the entire empty carcass and parts of the carcass including breast, thigh, neck back, and wings, abdominal fat, and some organs including heart and spleen were weighed. One day 40 days, to measure the concentration of total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes, blood was collected from each replicate of 4 birds. On day 33 to measure antibody titer against Newcastle disease and influenza, 1 ml SRBC was injected into 4 birds in each repetition.

  The results showed that the experimental treatments had no effects on feed intake, body weight, and FCR. Also, carcass characteristics including carcass percentage, breast, thigh, back, and neck percentage, abdominal fat, heart, spleen, and blood parameters were not affected by experimental treatments. Antibody titer against sheep red blood cell injection had no significant effect.

In total, according to the recommendation of commercial strains, the requirement of vitamin E is 50 IU, therefore in case of providing 25 IU of synthetic vitamin E in the diet, it is possible to provide the rest of the need up to 50 IU by using the herbal vitamin E supplement (at the rate of 50 mg per kilogram of feed) considering there are economic considerations.

Ascites is one of the most common metabolic syndromes in today's fast-growing broilers and is associated with rapidly growing tissues and characterized by accumulation of lymph fluid in the peritoneal spaces. Effective factors in the occurrence of ascites syndrome include free radicals in the body such as superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. By reducing the capacity of the body's antioxidant systems, free radicals make the bird susceptible to various diseases. Free radicals produced in the body by damaging the cell membrane lead to cell death and ultimately tissue damage. Therefore, by increasing cell protection from such injuries, one of the common causes of ascites and heart failure abnormalities can be prevented. In addition, free radicals from oxygen derivatives reduce the half-life of nitric oxide (vasodilating agent), causing a decrease in the ability of vasodilation and providing the basis for the occurrence of ascites. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of antioxidants can prevent ascites and improve performance in broilers. Medicinal plants are among the rich sources of natural antioxidants that do not have the harmful effects of antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants. For this reason, the use of medicinal plant extracts is an important step in animal nutrition to increase the immunity of poultry. The mentioned extracts have strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and digestive properties. Probably, the positive effects of medicinal plants are due to the active compounds found in plant extracts such as menthol, thymol, and carvacrol. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of sage on the performance, antioxidant status, and blood parameters of broiler chickens under induced ascites.
A total of 450 one-day-old chickens (Ross 308) were reared in the form of a completely randomized design with six treatments and five replications (15 chickens in each replication). Experimental treatments include 1. Positive control group (without inducing ascites and fed with basic diet), 2. Negative control group (inducing ascites and fed with basic diet), 3 and 4. Vitamin C group (inducing ascites with levels of 1000 and 2000 ppm vitamin C), 5 and 6- Sage group (ascites induction with 1000 and 2000 ppm of sage extract). To induce ascites, water containing 1200 mg of sodium (three grams per liter of sodium salt) was provided to the chickens from the 15th day of the experiment. Growth performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated for the total period. On the last day of the experiment (42 d), two birds were randomly selected from each cage and after sampling from the wing vein, killed and the ascites index was calculated as the ratio of the weight of the right ventricle to the total ventricles. The mortalities were collected as soon as they were observed and after weighing to correct the feed conversion ratio, were necropsied to investigate the cause of death. Blood and biochemical parameters such as the number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, heterophil and lymphocyte, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol, as well as serum antioxidant parameters including the level of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured. In addition, liver enzymes present in the serum including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also measured.
The results showed that induction of ascites increased the ratio of the right ventricle to total ventricles, mortality due to ascites, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and body weight loss (P<0.05). Administering sage extract improved the mentioned traits and vitamin C also reduced the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles, losses due to ascites (P<0.05). Sage extract and vitamin C moderated the increasing effects of ascites induction on heterophiles, triglyceride, and cholesterol and increased red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin compared to the negative control treatment (P<0.05). In addition, the induction of ascites decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes and increased serum malondialdehyde, experimental treatments, especially sage extract, improved the antioxidant status compared to the negative control treatment (P<0.05). Also, the induction of ascites increased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gammaglutaryl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. The addition of experimental supplements, especially sage, decreased the serum level of the mentioned enzymes (P<0.05).
The results of this research showed that the use of sage extract compared to vitamin C has better results on performance, increasing antioxidant power, and reducing stress of broilers with ascites.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin A injection on reproductive performance in repeat breeder cows. One hundred and sixty-two multiparous Holstein cows with at least three consecutive unsuccessful inseminations were randomly assigned to experimental treatments. Treatments included (1) control: twice intramuscular injection 10 ml placebo30 days apart: 0.9% sodium chloride (n=87) and (2) vitamin A:  twice intramuscular injection 10 ml retinol palmitate 30 days apart (n=75). Animals submitted to double-ovsynch protocol and received their experimental treatments on the tenth day of the protocol (the day of the second injection of GnRH). The injection of retinol palmitate significantly increased the number of ovarian follicles larger than 10 mm compared to the control (P <0.05). Plasma concentration of superoxide dismutase enzyme tended to increase (P = 0.09) and malondialdehyde concentration tended to decrease (P = 0.08) under the influence of vitamin A injection. The conception rate at first artificial insemination was 25.29% and 34.66% for control and vitamin A treatments respectively, this difference was not significant (P = 0.19). The odds ratio of conception in the first service for vitamin A treatment was 1.57 times higher than the control treatment but was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). In conclusion, vitamin A injection improved antioxidant function and ovarian function. The reproductive performance improved, although not statistically significant.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin E (VtiE) and L-carnitine (L-Car) supplements with purslane powder (PP) in reduced-protein diet to prevention of ascits in broiler chickens. 576 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments: 1) normal-protein diet (negative control; NC), 2) a reduced- protein diet (20 g kg-1 lower protein) as a control diet (C), 3) C + 2 g kg-1 of PP, 4) C + PP diet supplemented with 250 mg kg-1 VitE, 5) C + PP diet supplemented with 150 mg kg-1 of L-Car and, 6) C + PP diet supplemented with 250 mg kg-1 VitE + 150 mg kg-1 L-Car. Feed intake and body weight gain was (P<0.05) increased by purslane powder, vitamin E and L-carnitine treatment. purslane powder + VitE and purslane powder + L-Car treatments reduced (P<0.05) mortality due to ascites and the RV/TV ratio. These supplemented improved antioxidant activity. (P<0.05) and increased the level of NO and UA. Liver enzyme activities were decreased (P<0.05) by dietary supplementation with PP, VtiE and L-Car. It could be concluded that addition of VtiE and L-Car in combination with purslane in low protein diets induced beneficial synergetic effects to reduce the susceptibility of birds to ascites.

Introduction : 

 Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants at the cellular level which leads to the condition of infertility in male. Oxidation of cell macromolecules, cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and damage of tissue structure are the results of another oxidative stress damage. This process eventually leads to a variety of diseases, reduced growth performance and even death (Min et al. 2018). Poultry face a variety of environmental, technological, nutritional, and biological stresses that reduce their productivity and reproductive performance. Most of these stresses at the molecular level are associated with oxidative stress and damage to biologically important molecules (Surai et al. 2019). Qualitative characteristics of sperm, blood testosterone level, and plasma lipid peroxidation are affected by severe oxidative stress (Khan, 2011). Vitamin E is an important known antioxidant and protect cell membrane of sperm cell from damage of reactive oxygen species in male reproductive system of animal. Feeding of this vitamin has beneficial effect on testes weight, semen quality indexes, testosterone and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in birds and mammals. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of diet vitamin E supplementation on fresh sperm quality in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative-stress.

Eighteen Ross 308 male broiler breeder at 28 weeks of age were randomly assigned into 3 experimental groups including control group, dexamethasone group (subcutaneous injection of 4 mg dexamethasone per kg body weight) and dexamethasone group receiving supplemented diet with of vitamin E (200 mg per kg of feed). Each experimental group consisted of 6 birds. Sperm samples were taken from roosters using abdominal massage method and analyzed for quality characteristics and antioxidant status. Sperm concentration was determined by counting spermatpzoa using hemocytometer. The pooled sperm sample was diluted by using poultry semen extender and then 10 µl of diluted sperm mixed with 10 ml of 3% NaCl. The chambers of hemacytometer filled with 10 µl sperm suspension and allowed to settle for 3 mines.  Numbers of sperm cell in 5 of the large squares of chamber were assessed. Computer assisted semen analyses (CASA) were performed to determine sperm motility, with settings adjusted to detecting domestic fowl according to a previously described method (Froman and Feltmann, 2000). Total, progressive and non-progressive motility (%), as well as immotile sperms were measured. Also, sperm kinematic values including straight line velocity (VSL (µm/s)), curvilinear velocity (VCL (µm/s), average path velocity (VAP (µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH (µm), and beat-cross frequency (BCF (Hz) were measured. Progression ratios were also calculated using the mentioned velocity measurements: straightness (STR = VSL/VAP) and linearity (LIN = VSL/VCL).

The results indicate that dexamethasone-induced oxidant stress caused an increase in MDA levels (5.4) and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (52.51) and superoxide dismutase (108.62), as well as sperm motility parameters and sperm cell membrane integrity in comparison to the control group. However, when vitamin E was added to the roosters' diet, it improved the negative effects of oxidative stress on sperm motility parameters, antioxidant status (Total antioxidant capacity (1.65), superoxide dismutase (155.10) and glutathione peroxidase (87.77) enzymes), sperm viability (88.05), and sperm cell membrane integrity (89.72) (P<0.05). These findings suggest that dexamethasone injection caused a sharp decline in sperm quality by reducing sperm motility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and plasma membrane integrity, while vitamin E supplementation improved sperm quality by enhancing the antioxidant status and protecting the sperm cell membrane from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species in broiler breeders. Avian sperm are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation due to their high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation produces reactive species that damage sperm membrane function and motility, ultimately reducing the fertility potential of aged roosters. Therefore, the antioxidant defense plays a critical role in maintaining semen quality (Surai et al., 2006).

It can be concluded that the inclusion of vitamin E in diet remarkably improved the sperm motility characteristics and antioxidant status of sperm in broiler breeder roosters challenged with oxidative stress. On bases of this finding it’s recommended to use of vitamin E in the rooster diet to elucidate negative effect of oxidative stress.

Humate material was used as feed additives in poultry nutrition. The biochar as a useful fertilizer in agriculture industry is a humate material that increases growth of plants. This fertilizer can as an additive be use in the poultry and animals feed, due to has many minerals material and two organic acid (humic and fulvic) in its compound. The reduce cost of diet in poultry industry for egg production, is an important goal. The biochar as a dietary additive is easily derived from burn organic material and agriculture byproduct. In recent years, several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of humic acid as an additive on performance poultry. In a study, dietary supplementation of laying hens with humic acid improves the performance and egg shape index. Investigating the effect of biochar as replacement of dietary mineral supplements on performance and egg shell quality of laying hens is rare. One of the properties of vitamin C (VC) is chelating properties, and with this property, it increases the intestinal absorption of minerals in birds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar (as a humate material) in five levels and vitamin C in two levels as replacement of dietary mineral supplements on performance and egg shell quality of laying hens.                        The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar with vitamin C as replacement of mineral supplement in diet of laying hen. A total of 400 laying hens of Bovans strain, were randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups in a 5×2 factorial treatment arrangement with five replications and eight laying hens in each replicate during three 30-day periods. Factors tested included biochar levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement with mineral supplements of diet) and vitamin C levels (0 and 100 mg/kg of diet). The feed intake, feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain were determined. Records of the feed intake were taken on by daily basis. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as grams of feed consumed to grams of egg mass. To determine egg shell quality characteristics, the shape index was calculated by using egg height and egg width. The egg specific gravity was evaluated by floating eggs in soluble of water and salt with different density. The egg breaking strength was measured by resistance meter. Replacing biochar levels from 25 to 100% mineral supplement of diet, with and without vitamin C, had no effect on performance characteristics (feed intake, feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain) and egg shell quality traits (egg shape index, egg specific gravity and egg breaking strength) in total of period of the experiment (50 to 61 weeks of age). The levels of 25 and 50% biochar, plus vitamin C in diet decreased feed intake in the first period. Whereas, the level of 75% biochar, plus vitamin C in diet increased feed intake in this period. The egg shape index with the addition of vitamin C in diet decreased in the third period. The reason of no significant effect of biochar on performance and egg shell quality can be due to the different sources and amounts of biochar in poultry diet. The reason of no significant effect of vitamin C on performance and egg shell quality in laying hens can be due to the bird environmental temperature. The use of vitamin C in diet of laying hens under heat stress improves their performance. Whereas, this study was performed in normal environmental temperature. The second reason is the chelating properties of vitamin C,  that can be increased absorption minerals in birds intestinal. But due to advanced digestive tract of laying hens, maybe decrease its properties.    The results of present study showed that biochar across all levels had similar cost with control group, and it had no effect on egg shell quality and performance of laying hens. There was no significant interaction between biochar and vitamin C regrding to performance, egg shell quality traits and cost of diet during 50 to 61 weeks of age, too. Therefore, biochar can be completely replaced with dietary mineral supplements of laying hens due to its low cost, high availability, easy production without adverse effects on performance and egg quality traits.

Lactic acidosis occurs as a result of hypoxia and rapid growth of broilers and can be considered as a physiological stress. In two experiments, the effect of extra nutritional levels of vitamin D3 and guanidinoacetic acid was investigated on performance, relative weight of organs, some physiological and behavioral parameters of broiler chicks under lactic acidosis stress.

In both experiments, 144 chickens of Ross 308 strain were used to study the effect of subcutaneous injection of vitamin D3 at 0 (negative and positive controls), 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 and 50,000 international unit and dietary levels of GAA at 0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3 g/kg in a randomized complete block design with 6 treatments, 4 replications and 6 birds per replication.

In the first experiment, liver fat concentrations in birds receiving 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 were 21.79% and 19.16% lower, respectively, compared to negative control and birds receiving 30,000 IU of vitamin D3 (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, the survival rate of birds receiving 1.8 and 3 g/kg GAA in the diet was greater than the birds receiving 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg GAA (p<0.05). Behavioral parameters of the birds were affected by vitamin D3 injection as well as GAA dietary levels (p<0.05).

The results show that subcutaneous injection of vitamin D3 at the level of 50,000 IU and adding GAA to diet at the level of 1.8 g/kg has positive effects on modulation of physiological stress caused by lactic acidosis in broilers.

Vitamin D3 is one of the important vitamins in calcium metabolism, which is significantly involved in the absorption of calcium from the intestine. The main role of 1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in vertebrates is to regulate calcium homeostasis, as 1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 has a direct effect on the gut, kidney, and bones by inhibiting the production of parathyroid hormone in the parathyroid glands. The synthesis of 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is tightly controlled, and the main stimulus for its synthesis is the reduction in plasma calcium. This is a feedback stimulus for the release of parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid gland. This hormone in turn stimulates the 1-hydroxylase enzyme complex in the kidney and causes the conversion of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol through the synthesis of calcium-binding protein in the duodenum, thereby increasing dietary calcium absorption and ultimately plasma calcium. Another powerful factor in calcium absorption is organic acids. By lowering the pH of the digestive tract, organic acids (lactic acid) prevent the formation of an insoluble complex of phytic acid with minerals, making phytate more sensitive to the action of endogenous phytase and preventing it from interfering with the absorption of minerals. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study the effect of vitamin D3 and lactic acid on performance, egg quality, and hatchability in broiler breeders. A total of 240 broiler breeder hens and 24 roosters of Ross 308 strain were used in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement including two levels of vitamin D (3500 and 5500 IU) and two levels of organic acid (zero and 500 mg/kg) in four treatments, six replications, and 10 hens and one rooster per replication. During the experiment, the percentage of hatchability, the number, and weight of eggs produced by each pen were recorded and using the common formulas of egg mass (as the percentage of laying multiplied by the average egg weight), the percentage of egg production as chicken-day and the feed conversion factor (as grams of feed consumed per gram of egg), the amount of feed used to produce each number of eggs and each piece of chicken, as well as the number of chickens produced per chicken was also calculated. Egg characteristics (egg weight and shape index) and egg shell quality (egg specific weight, eggshell weight compared to total egg weight and eggshell thickness), albumen and yolk pH, yolk index, Haugh unit, yolk color, percentage albumen and yolk percentage of four eggs from each replicate were measured every 28 days. The specific weight of the eggs was determined using the flotation method. The egg shape index was determined by measuring the width and length of the egg with a caliper to calculate the ratio of width to length. To determine eggshell parameters, eggs were identified and broken individually. Eggshells were washed under running water and dried at 35 °C for 72 hours. Then the eggshells were weighed and their relative weight was calculated. A digital micrometer (Series 500, Mitoyota, Tokyo, Japan) was used to measure the shell thickness. Results showed that the main effect of vitamin D3 at higher concentrations was affecting egg weight and reducing egg weight (P<0.05). The main effect of vitamin D3 at higher concentrations caused an increase in albumen pH, shell percentage, shell thickness, and specific gravity of the egg, and a decrease in yolk pH (P<0.05). Probably, with the increase in vitamin D3, the concentration of 1,25-cholecalciferol and the amount of calcium absorption increase, and since most of the shell is related to calcium carbonate, this leads to an increase in the thickness of the eggshell. The main effect of lactic acid showed a significant effect on performance parameters, and the addition of lactic acid improved performance (P<0.05). Lactic acid also significantly increased hatchability and shell thickness and reduced the number of broken eggs (P<0.05). It appears that organic acids increase the solubility of wheat phytates during germination. Therefore, acidification of the diet provides a better environment for phytase to reduce the amount of phytate present in digestion and flowing into the small intestine, thereby largely preventing the formation of insoluble mineral-phytate complexes and increasing the quality of the eggshell. Also, the main effect of lactic acid showed no significant influence on the internal quality of the eggs. The low levels of vitamin D3 and the addition of lactic acid improved shell thickness and reduced the percentage of shell breakage (P<0.05). In general, according to the results of the present experiment, the use of lactic acid at the rate of 500 mg/kg along with 3500 IU of vitamin D3 can increase the percentage of production, shell thickness, reduce the number of broken eggs, improve the feed conversion ratio, increase chicken production and reduce feed consumption per egg and chicken at the end of the production period of broiler breeder hens.

In order to investigate the effect of vitamin E and vitamin E nanoliposomes on the expression of the  STAR gene in testis and TSPO gene in the ovary of Japanese quail, an experiment using 864 pieces of quail for 10 weeks in a completely randomized design with six treatments, six replications and 24 Breeding quail (16 females and eight males) was performed in each replication. The treatments were fed diets containing different levels of vitamin E (25, 50 and 100 IU per kg of diet) and vitamin E nanoliposomes (25, 50 and 100 IU per kg of diet). The results of this study showed that the effect of the experimental treatments on the expression of TSPO gene in the ovary and STAR gene in the testis was significant (P<0.05). The addition of 50 IU of vitamin E significantly increased TSPO gene expression in the ovary compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). The results also showed that the level of 25 IU nanoliposome of vitamin E increased the expression of TSPO gene in the ovary, which was not significantly different from the control treatment. The use of vitamin E and vitamin E nanoliposome levels significantly decreased the expression of STAR gene in the testis of Japanese quail (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, the addition of 25 IU vitamin E nanoliposomes as well as 50 and 100 IU levels of vitamin E has a significant effect on the expression of TSPO gene in the ovary, which is one of the genes affecting fertility and reproduction.

Coccidiosis is a serious problem in the poultry industry, and medication is required continuously. There are several approaches to the control of coccidiosis. Several drugs have been used in the control of coccidiosis. The ionophore antibiotics such as lasalocid, maduramicin, monensin, narasin, and salinomycin are extensively used in poultry feed for the prevention or treatment of coccidiosis induced by Eimeria species. Unfortunately, the toxic effects of ionophores cause concern because of their narrow safety margin. Ionophores’ toxicity could be probably due to oxidative damage. Therefore, it can be prevented by the supplementation of antioxidants in the diet. It has been reported that 60 or 120 mg/kg of salinomycin caused some pathological changes in the liver, heart, kidney, and muscles, such as degeneration or necrosis of these tissues. However, administration of salinomycin with vitamin E or selenium showed that vitamin E decreases the pathological changes.  The present study aimed to investigate the effects of salinomycin administration in combination with some natural antioxidants on reducing salinomycin toxicity in laying chickens.
A total number of 400 day-old hy-line w36 chicks were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications for 35 days. Treatments were included: 1) control diet, 2) negative control diet containing 0.05% salinomycin sodium, 3) negative control + garlic powder (15 g/kg of diet), 4) negative control + selenium (450 mg/kg of diet) + vitamin E (2 g/kg of diet), and 5) negative control + zinc-methionine (160 mg/kg of diet). Body weight gain, feed intake, and body weight uniformity were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken to evaluate the levels of antioxidant enzymes, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and malondialdehyde levels at the end of the experimental period.
The results showed that the salinomycin diet (T2) decreased body weight and feed intake compared with the control diet in the total experimental period (P<0.05). But the addition of supplemental Zn-methionine to the diet (T5) led to improved body weight and feed intake (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed among various treatments for the relative weight of visceral organs (liver, heart, kidney, gizzard, proventriculus, intestine, and bursa of Fabricius), but there were no significant differences for spleen and lungs. Also, salinomycin increased the activity of liver enzymes including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in the negative control group and control group, and decreased the level of serum antioxidant enzymes compared to the control group (P<0.05), but the addition of vitamin E + selenium to the diet, eliminated the negative effects of salinomycin on these parameters (P<0.05). Vitamin E plays important roles in various biochemical and physiological processes, including antioxidation. The protective effect of vitamin E against the alterations induced by salinomycin on these estimated parameters in this study could be attributed to the role of vitamin E as a fat-soluble antioxidant, which protects the biological membranes from oxidative damage and decreases osmotic fragility of erythrocytes. Selenium also exerts its protective effect against oxidative damage by a decline in free radicals and increasing the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase, which catalyze the breakdown of toxic hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides. Salinomycin decreased serum chlorine and increased serum potassium compared to the control group (P<0.05), and only the use of vitamin E + selenium adjusted these changes (P<0.05). The T2 group reduced the serum level of chlorine and increased the serum level of potassium (P<0.05). But there is no significant effect on the level of blood calcium. Although all treatments with antioxidants changed the levels of these electrolytes. The changes in electrolyte balance can result in metabolic alkalosis and acidosis. However, the T4 group only reduced the serum levels of potassium and calcium and increased the serum level of chlorine significantly, compared to the T2 group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the serum sodium and creatinine levels among various treatments.
Salinomycin administration in the diet of laying chicken induces undesirable effects on some estimated parameters probably due to oxidative damage. But, the supplementation of pullet diets with vitamin E and selenium can reduce the possible side effects of salinomycin.

  Medicinal plants have a long history of treating different diseases. Glaucium flavum (yellow horned poppy) is a summer-flowering plant in the family Papaveracae. It is native to Northern Africa, Macaronesia, temperate zones in Western Asia, and the Caucasus, as well as Europe. It has thick, leathery deeply segmented, wavy, bluish-grey leaves, which are coated in a layer of water-retaining wax. Yellow Horne Puppy (YHP) is an alkaloid medicinal plant with a high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Yellow Horne Puppy on some hematological indices in male rats compared with vitamin C. Vitamin C is an electron donor, and this property accounts for all its known functions. As an electron donor, vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant in humans. 

 In this experimental study, 36 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (six rats in each group): (1) The first group (control) did not receive any dose, and the experimental groups (2) treated with oral administration of 250 mg/kg of yellow horned poppy extract, (3) treated with Intra-peritoneal (IP) administration of 250 mg/kg of the extract and 100 mg/kg of vitamin C, (4) treated with IP administration of 100 mg/kg of vit C, (5) treated with oral administration of 500 mg/kg of extract, (6) treated with oral administration of 200 mg/kg of vit C. Thirty days after administration following induction of anesthesia and taking blood from the heart of rats, blood samples were collected and hematological parameters measurement including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, Red blood cell distribution width and platelets measured by a Hematology Auto Analyzer. The obtained data were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. Results were analyzed statistically by SPSS software version 22 and the One-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni post hoc test. Mean ± SD was considered significant if (P<0.05). 

 Medicinal plants have natural ingredients and many of these plants have fewer side effects. Because the most important known factor in yellow horned poppy is its alkaloids. The most important alkaloids of this plant include Glaucine, Berberine, Bolbucapanine, and Protopine. Glaucine is an alkaloid that has been shown to have antioxidant properties and can protect against double bond fatty acids against free radical-mediated peroxidation. Due to our result, the oral consumption of yellow horned poppy significantly increased the number of Neutrophils (76.84±14.02) and, decreased Lymphocytes (18.41±9.58). Elevated blood neutrophils due to the induction of stressful conditions and stimulation of the immune system. In this sense, these factors not only raise white blood cells but also affect other blood parameters but, in this study, Changes in white blood cell counts due to oral administration and injecting vitamin C have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Injection of vitamin C showed a significant increase in monocytes (4.16±0.75). The number of red blood cells among the groups under study showed no decreasing or increasing effect (P>0.05). Hb and MCH increased with both oral and IP administrated extracts. IP administration of YPH+vit C has led to a decrease in MCH and MCHC (17.56±0.66, 33.76±0.80). Platelets were also significantly increased by IP administration of Extract of Glaucium Flavum+ vitamin C (351000±126714). The rate of RDW was reduced by oral administration of YPH and injection (13.01±1.35, 12.73±0.53). Glaucium flavum contains Glaucine, an alkaloid similar in effect to codeine, in that it has cough suppressant activity but without being addictive. Glaucine is an alkaloid found in several different plant species such as Glaucium flavum, Glaucium oxylobum, Croton lechleri, and Corydalis yanhusuo. It has a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects, acting as a PDE4 inhibitor and calcium channel blocker, and is used medically as an antitussive in some countries. Glaucine may produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue, and a hallucinogenic effect characterized by colorful visual images and has recently been detected as a novel recreational drug. 

 The findings of this study reveal that Oral administration of the yellow horned poppy extracts can have a good effect on blood parameters, as same as vit C, due to its antioxidant properties. Therefore, this plant extract can be used in the treatment of many diseases.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects by antioxidants. Commercial poultry faces a wide range of environmental, technological, nutritional, and biological stresses, which are responsible for low productivity and reproductive performance in poultry. In addition, chronic oxidative stress can deplete antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, impair immune function resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Most of this stresses at the molecular level are associated with oxidative stress and damage to important biological molecules. High levels of fatty acids are found in the plasma membrane of sperm cells. Fatty acids and other lipid compounds in sperm membranes play an important role in regulating spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, acrosome reaction, capacity building, and membrane fusion. Specifically, sperm lipid peroxidation disrupts these functions and inhibits spermatogenesis. Oxidation of sperm fatty acids leads to the production of free oxygen radicals (ROS), which are normally necessary for physiological processes of sperm, but excessive production of ROS in sperm causes low membrane fluidity, DNA breakdown (directly by attacking the purine and pyrimidine bases), protein damage, and ultimately reduced sperm motility and fertility. ROS cause damage via single and double strand DNA breaks, cross links, and chromosomal rearrangements) vitamin E is one of the most important natural antioxidants and effective in preventing of the spermatozoa lipids oxidation. Consumption of high amounts of vitamin E (200 mg / kg diet) increases its concentration in blood and semen plasma and causes beneficial changes in antioxidant capacity and lipid profile of rooster semen in normal conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with vitamin E on the quality of frozen-thawed sperm in breeder rooster under dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress.

A total of 18 roosters of Ross 308 broiler breeder at 28 weeks of age were completely randomized with 3 experimental groups and 6 birds in each experimental group. Experimental groups include 1- Normal rooster fed basal diet (control) 2- Roosters treated with subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone 4 mg / kg body weight (DEX) 3- Dex + Vitamin E (200 mg / kg diet). After 2 weeks of habitation period and 3 weeks after experimental treatments, semen samples of roosters were collected twice a week from each rooster using abdominal massage method. Sperm viability was assessed by eosin-negrosin staining. For this purpose, mix 10 μl of diluted semen with 20 μl of dye containing eosin dye (1.67 g), nigrosin dye (10 g) and sodium citrate (2.9 g) in 100 ml of distilled water. The viability of sperm was examined by light microscope (Olympus, Japan) with a magnification of 400 × and sperms that were completely or partially reddish and those did not stain were considered died and live sperm respectively. Qualitative characteristics of sperm including viability, percentage of total (MOT, %), and progressive motility (PROG, %), plasma membrane integrity as well as malondialdehyde content, antioxidant capacity (TAC) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.1. Duncan’s test was used to compare groups.

The results showed that dexamethasone injection as a cause of oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation (9.11) and decreases antioxidant capacity (1.01) of sperm (P<0.05). Total motility (49.16), progressive motility (12.46), survival rate (50.84) and plasma membrane integrity (50.26) significantly decreased by DEX treatment (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with vitamin E improves total motility (73.63), survival rate (74.12) and plasma membrane integrity (72.74), antioxidant capacity (1.50) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (73.58), superoxide dismutase (144.95) and reduction of malondialdehyde (4.61) compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Progressive motility (26.33) was highest in the control group compared to the other two groups and Lateral Head Displacement (16.08) was higher in the dexamethasone group than the other experimental groups (P<0.05). These positive effect vitamin E on sperm quality could be due to its antioxidant properties.

It can be concluded that dexamethasone injection increases lipid peroxidation and decreases sperm quality. Addition of vitamin E to the broiler breeder rooster’s diet under oxidative stress condition improves the quality of frozen thawed sperm. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the diet of broiler breeder roosters with vitamin E under oxidative stress conditions.

The use of phytase enzyme in poultry nutrition increases the bioavailability of phosphorus, improves the digestibility of nitrogen and amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy, and ultimately improves poultry performance. The aim of current study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of phytase and vitamin D3 on the production and quality characteristics of Japanese quail eggs.

540 laying Japanese quails were used in a completely random design with factorial arrangement with 9 treatments, 4 replications and 15 birds per replication. Experimental treatments included: 1. Phytase-free and 1500 IU vitamin D3, 2. Treatment containing 500 FTU phytase and 1500 IU vitamin D3, 3. Treatment containing 1000 FTU phytase and 1500 IU vitamin D3, 4. Treatment without Phytase and containing 2000 IU Vitamin D3, 5. Treatment containing 500 FTU phytase and 2000 IU vitamin D3, 6. Treatment containing 1000 FTU phytase and 2000 IU vitamin D3, 7. Treatment without Phytase and containing 2500 IU Vitamin D3, 8. Treatment containing 500 FTU phytase and 2500 IU vitamin D3, 9. Treatment containing 1000 FTU phytase and 2500 IU vitamin D3. Each treatment was assigned to four replicates of 15 birds according to a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. The experiment duration was 56 days, with a 14-day pre-test period to select uniform quails for production. During the experiment, functional traits (egg production percentage, average egg weight, average feed intake, feed conversion ratio) as well as quality traits of quail eggs (shape index, haugh unit, yolk index, yolk and white weight, shell weight, shell thickness) Blood parameters (cholesterol, albumin, HDL, glucose, total protein, calcium and phosphorus) were examined.

The results of the experiment showed that in terms of egg production percentage, egg weight, haugh unit, egg shell weight and thickness, treatment 9 (treatment containing FTU 1000 phytase and 2500 IU of vitamin D3) showed higher values than the control group (treatment 1) (p<0.05). Also in analyzing blood indices, different levels of phytase enzyme with 2500 vitamin D3 levels (treatments 7, 8 and 9) increased blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations compared to control treatment.

The results of this study showed that Addition of phytase enzyme along with increased vitamin content (treatment containing 1000 FTU phytase and 2500 IU of vitamin D3) in Japanese quail diet, improve the percentage of production and average egg weight, quality of quail eggs and increases blood calcium and phosphorus.

Using 36 Hubbard grandparent roosters at 45 weeks of age, the present study investigated the effects of supplementing vitamin E and soybean lecithin in the roosters' diet on their semen quality. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments including basal diet, basal diet supplemented with vitamin E (300 mg/kg), basal diet supplemented with lecithin (1%), and basal diet supplemented with lecithin & vitamin E. Roosters were fed their diets for 60 days and semen collection was performed on days 0, 20, 40 and 60 of the experiment. The results showed that the treatment containing vitamin E + lecithin significantly improved total sperm motility and sperm concentration (P<0.05). The semen volume and sperm kinematic values were not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05). Although experimental treatments had no effect on abnormal morphology of sperm and DNA fragmentation, but membrane integrity and sperm viability were significantly increased in roosters fed diet supplemented with soybean lecithin and vitamin E (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was also shown to be significantly lower in treatment containing vitamin E and soybean lecithin (P<0.05). The interaction effects of time× diet on total and progressive motility, sperm concentration, viability, membrane integrity and MDA content were significant (P<0.05) and these traits improved in the last days of the experiment due to diet supplemented with vitamin E+ soybean lecithin. Overall, it was concluded that supplementing aged roosters' diet with vitamin E and lecithin appears to improve sperm quality traits.

 Wheat is one of the important ingredients for preparing poultry diets. However, wheat contains some anti-nutritional factors such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) which enhance digesta viscosity and thus decrease nutrients digestion and absorption. These negative effects could damage performance and feed efficiency. Increase in digesta viscosity also imposes negative effects regarding intestinal epithelium. Vitamin A (vitA) is an important nutrient in maintaining the health of intestinal epithelium. Since wheat is deficient in vitA content and also wheat-based diets (WBD) can cause less vitA absorption from the intestinal lumen (by disturbing lipid digestion and absorption), it seems that supplementation of the WBD with vitA would be effective in mitigating some of the anti-nutritional effects of the WBD.

In this study, the effect of a WBD supplemented with different levels of vitA on performance and immune system of broiler chickens were investigated. Five dietary treatments were prepared as follow: 1) WBD supplemented with 1500 IU vitA/kg (control); 2) WBD supplemented with 4500 IU vitA/kg; 3) WBD supplemented with 7500 IU vitA/kg; 4) WBD supplemented with 10500 IU vitA/kg; and 5) WBD supplemented with 13500 IU vitA/kg. Two hundred Ross 308 male day-old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with four replicates of ten chicks per each were used. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed to gain ratio (FCR) were recorded periodically during the experiment. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antigen (2%) was injected to thigh muscle of two birds from each replicate on day 28. Seven and 14 days after injection, blood samples were collected and antibody titers against SRBC were measured. In order to evaluate cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) response, on day 41, eight chicks per treatment were randomly selected and phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) was injected (100 µg) subcutaneously into toes web of each bird. 12 and 24 hours after injection, the thickness of the web was measured and CBH response was calculated. At the end of the experimental period (day 42), two chickens from each replicate were selected randomly and euthanized. Abdominal cavity was opened and digestive organs as well as the spleen, bursa of Fabricius, liver, and abdominal fat pad were excised and weighted. The small intestinal parts including duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were excised, weighted, and measured in length. Afterward, the whole carcass and carcass parts were weighted. The weight of each organ was then expressed compared to the live body weight. For the viscosity measurement, jejunal and ileal contents were collected and centrifuged (500 ×g, 15 min). The supernatants were then used for the viscosity measurement. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. For measurement of total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of nutrients, chromium oxide (Cr2O3) was used in diets as an external marker. On day 21, samples of excreta were collected every 6 hour (four samples during 24 hours) and pooled. Feed and excreta samples were then analyzed for crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE). Chromic oxide concentration in feed and excreta samples was measured and TTAD of CP and EE were then calculated. The collected data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the SAS software.

 In starter period, supplementing the WBD with 10500 or 13500 IU vitA/kg, significantly reduced FI compared to groups consuming 1500 or 4500 IU vitA/kg of diet. This could be attributed to vitA reservoir in yolk sac at the life beginning which increases the probability of vitA toxicity with higher levels of vitA in early growth period. No significant difference was found for FI among treatment groups during grower period (22-42 days of age) as well as entire period (1-42 days of age) of the experiment. VitA at different levels used in this study, had no significant effect on BWG and FCR during starter, grower, and the entire period of the experiment. The highest production index was seen in the group receiving the diet supplemented with 7500 IU vitA/kg. Furthermore, the lowest relative feed cost per kg of live weight or carcass weight were seen in groups receiving diet supplemented with 7500 and 4500 IU vitA/kg, respectively. Feeding WBD containing 13500 IU vitA/kg caused a significant increase in anti-SRBC titer on 7 days after injection, compared to control group. According to this result, it seems that high level of dietary vitA (13500 IU/kg) would be effective in stimulating antibody-mediated immunity in broiler chickens. Improvement in humoral immune responses of broiler chickens by supplemental vitA has been reported in other studies. No significant difference was seen regarding CBH response on 12 and 24 hours after PHA injection, among treatment groups. There was no significant difference among treatment groups as for spleen and bursa of Fabricius weights. VitA at levels of 4500 and 7500 IU/kg of diet, caused a significant decrease in serum MDA concentration. Decrease in serum MDA concentration by increasing dietary vitA level indicates anti-oxidative effects of this vitamin. Supplementation of the WBD with vitA at levels used in this study had no significant effect on the length and weight of duodenum and jejunum. However, vitA at 4500 and 7500 IU/kg of diet, decreased ileum relative weight. Digesta viscosity in the jejunum was decreased by dietary vitA at levels higher than 7500 IU/kg. In addition, abdominal fat pad weight was decreased by supplemental vitA at 4500 IU/kg of diet, comparing to the control. Supplementing the WBD with different levels of vitA had no significant effect on the TTAD of CP and EE.

 The results of this study showed that supplementation of the WBD with vitA at 7500 IU/kg, would not affect performance but could stimulate humoral immune response (antibody production) and anti-oxidative defense of the broiler chickens. Also, vitA supplementation at the level of 7500 IU/kg of the diet improved production index and decreased feed cost per kg of live weight. Furthermore, it has been evidenced that higher levels of supplemental vitA (more than 1500 IU/kg as the requirements) could be effective in decreasing abdominal fat pad in broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding different levels of cinnamon powder (CNP) on production performance and egg quality traits of laying hens in wheat–based diets. In this experiment 168 White Leghorn laying hens with 60 week age and average weight of 1550 grand average production of 65% was assigned to 7 treatment with 6 replications and 4 birds each based on completely randomized design. Experimental diets were formed as follows: control diet based on wheat-soybean, control diet + 0.05% antibiotics, control diet + 0.05% xylanase enzyme ,control diet + 0.05% vitamin E, diet + 1% CNP, control diet + 2% CNP and control diet + 3% CNP. The results showed that all experimental treatments except antibiotics increased egg production compared to control treatment (P <0.05). None of the experimental treatments had a significant effect on the eggs weight. Treatments containing CNP, vitamin E, and the xylanase enzyme significantly increased the egg mass (P <0.05). Treatments containing CNP and vitamin E significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P <0.05). The effect of experimental treatments on most egg quality traits was not significant. The results showed that the use of 2% CNP in the diet of laying hens leads to improved performance and egg storage durability.

It has been documented many times in various articles that the plasma vitamin C concentrations have been severely reduced during stress and disease in calves. Another report shows that the production of endogenous vitamin C was not apparently observed in dairy calves up to 4 months of age, and therefore the suckling calf depended on relatively low concentrations of vitamin C in consumed milk. Therefore, suckling calves are exposed to various pathogens that cause various diseases and consequently economic loss. One of the most important causes of mortality in suckling calves is their susceptibility to infections, since calves are more susceptible to intestinal and respiratory infections resulting in high mortality during this period. Therefore, use of dietary supplements and vitamins can improve the immune system and growth performance. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties and can kill free radicals produced in cells. The amount of vitamin C in the animal is reduced during stress and exposure to the disease. Therefore, providing it through starter rations can improve animal performance. There is limited research about the effects of vitamin C on the immune system and its beneficial effects in suckling calves. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the supplementation of vitamin C on growth performance and immune system of Holstein suckling calves.

For this experiment, 40 newborn Holstein calves with an average age of 1-10 days, and about 36±1 kg weight, were used in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 20 replications. The treatments included: 1) Control (starter and whole milk) 2) Control + daily 600 mg vitamin C. Average daily gain and feed intake were measured and feed efficiency was determined. Blood samples from each calf were taken 4 times, including 48 h immediately after birth, 7, 21, and 45 days after birth. Total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol levels were measured by commercial kits (made by Pars Test Co.). Serum concentrations of vitamin C, super oxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were measured by commercial kits.

Results showed that using 600 mg vitamin C in the diets of suckling calves had significant effect on final weight. Supplementation of vitamin C in calf starter diet increased dry mater intake in second months and total period (P < 0.05). Vitamin C supplementation had no significant effect on feed efficiency in the first, second months and the total period. Feed intake decreased with increasing vitamin C content in feeds but improved feed conversion ratio. These researchers also reported that that vitamin C use had no effect on final weight. Vitamin C supplementation in suckling calves diet had no effect on serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, and total protein at 48 hours postpartum, days 7, 21 and 45 after birth compared with the control group (P>0.05). The effects of ascorbic acid at levels of 0, 10 and 15 g in Buffalo decreased glucose concentrations, these researchers stated that as the amount of ascorbic acid increased, glucose concentration decreased. Vitamin C supplementation had no significant effect on blood concentration of superoxide dismutase except 21 days after birth and glutathione peroxidase concentration except for 45 days after birth compared to the control group. Calves received ascorbic acid had the highest amount of superoxide dismutase in the first week after birth and the lowest in the fifth week. Glutathione peroxidase also reached its lowest level 45 days after birth. Furthermore, serum vitamin C concentration in suckling calves received vitamin C containing diet increased significantly at 45 days after birth compared with the control group. This may be due to the intake of vitamin C as an agent for the control of oxidative stress. Conclusion By studying the effects of vitamin C on growth performance, blood parameters and bioavailability in suckling calves, it can be concluded that using this vitamin increased dry mater intake and average daily gain, glutathione peroxidase concentration and serum vitamin C bioavailability throughout the period. In general, supplementation of the diet of suckling calves with vitamin C had beneficial effects on the performance. It is concluded that vitamin C as supplementation of the diet (milk replacer or starter diet) may enhance immunity and resistance in Holstein suckling calves.

A large volume of literature describes the biological roles of vitamin E and its application to preventing disease and improving health and productive performances of farm animals. It is widely documented that vitamin E play an important role in the reproductive performance. The vitamin E requirement may be defined as the amount required preventing peroxidation in the particular subcellular membrane which is most susceptible to peroxidation (Koyunku and Yerlikaya 2007). Little is known about the effects of vitamin E supplementation on specific reproductive events in sheep. Most nutritionists assume that reproductive performance will not be limited when domestic animals are fed diets that meet the NRC levels. However, little is known about the effects of vitamin E supplementation on specific reproductive events in sheep and goats. Because fertilization in this animals is an all or none phenomenon (i.e., either all ovulated eggs are fertilized or none of them are fertilized), the three major variables that contribute to litter size are ovulation rates, embryonic survival and foetal survival rate (Koyunku and Yerlikaya 2007). The present experiment has been conducted in the two flocks with a history of relatively moderate fertility (90 %). The objective was to examine the effect of vitamin E supplementation on the number of lambs weaned and total lamb weaned weight.

The experiment was conducted using 200 Lori Bakhtiarii ewes (100 ewes per flock), with an average live body weight 57.5±6.7 kg and between two to seven years of age. The ewes in each flock were randomly divided into two groups, consisting of 50 ewes per group. Each group of ewes assigned to consume one of the two diets. Diets contained basal diet plus 250 gram per ewe barley grains (control) or basal diet plus 250 gram per ewe barley grains plus 500 IU vitamin E. The basal diet was based on local feeds; pasture herbage and the salt stone as free. The experiment started with the natural mating period in late summer. The feeding regimens started from 2 weeks before lasted to 3 weeks after ram introduction. The ewes from all groups were kept in the same shed and consisted as one flock while grazing. Ewes were placed in individual pens once daily to receive supplemental treatments. Ewes remained in individual pens until all trial supplements had been consumed. Ewes in each flock were mated to 10 fertile Lori Bakhtiari rams during the breeding seasons of 34 days in late summer and early autumn. Weight and body condition score of ewes at mating were measured. Body condition scoring (BCS=1 for emaciated ewes to BCS=5 for obese ewes at 0.5 interval) has been described by Russel et al. (1969). The body condition score of the ewes in this method based on touching of the tips of both the spinous and the transverse processes of the vertebrae, and the fullness of fat and muscle cover over and around the vertebrae in the loin region. The animals were general kept indoors from December to May and lambed indoors. Date of lambing, the number of lambs born, lambs birth weight, survival rate of lambs from birth to weaning and lambs weaning weight were measured. Some combination traits as total lamb birth weight and total lamb weaning weight per exposed ewe were calculated. Data were analyzed using General Linear Models (GLM) procedure of SAS.

There were no significance difference among the flocks and treatments on the ewe's body weight and body condition score of ewes at mating. Difference between control and vitamin E treatments with respect to the number of lambs born per ewe exposed to the rams was tended to be significant (p=0.06). The number of lambs born per ewe exposed to the rams was not affected by flock, and body condition score of ewes at mating. Yearling ewes produced fewer lambs than older ewes but differences were not statistically significant. Mean of birth weight of lambs were not statistically differing between flocks, treatments, ewes body condition scores and ewes parity. Total birth weight of lambs per ewe exposed to the rams and per ewe lambing was differ between treatments (p < 0.01) and was higher in vitamin E treatment. Total birth weight of lambs per ewe exposed to the rams was not affected by flock or ewe parity but, total birth weight of lambs per ewe lambing was differing between flocks (p < 0.01). Effects of body condition score on the total birth weight of lambs per ewe exposed to the rams and per ewe lambing were statistically significance (p < 0.05). The number of weaned lambs (p < 0.01), total lambs weaned weight per ewe exposed to the rams (p < 0.01) and total lambs weaned weight per ewe lambing (p < 0.05) were higher in vitamin E treatment than control group. There were not significance difference among different flocks and different ewe parity on the number of lamb's weaned and total lambs weaning weight per ewe exposed to the rams and per ewe lambing. Body condition scores was influenced the number of lambs weaned and total lambs weaning weight per ewe exposed to the rams (p < 0.05).

Data obtained in this study indicated that in the Lori Bakhtiatri sheep, using supplemental vitamin E in the diet of ewes given before mating, significantly increased the number of weaned lambs and total weight of weaning lambs per ewe exposed to the rams. These findings should be useful in further exploring the frequency and amount of vitamin E supplementation that may improve reproductive performance of ewes.