جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « دانه جو » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

Barley grain is the main feed for cattle in many regions of the world. The digestibility of barley grain is restricted by its fibrous shell and intact pericarp. The extent and rate of digestion of ruminal carbohydrates and barley grain can be manipulated through processing. Barley processing can be a valuable tool to optimize the production of lactating dairy cows. The application of combinations of heat, moisture, time and mechanical action may influence the quality of processed barley grains. Micronization is a rapid thermal treatment (30-90s) using infrared radiation and has great application potential in the feed industry due to simple construction and operation. It has been demonstrated in a number of experiments that organic acids, including lactic acid and malic acid, alter the chemical composition and nutritional value of cereals. Essential oils are naturally occurring plant products that are rich in chemical composition and have various biological properties. The interactions between starch and phenolic compounds have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The aim of this study was developed to determine the impact of chemical processing through steam flaking or steam-infrared flaking of barley grain on physical and chemical properties, and protein and carbohydrate fractionations. 

The ethanolic Foeniculum vulgare (Pv) or Acanthophyllum (Ap) extract were prepared by dissolving 100 g of dried and ground Pv or Ap in 500 mL of 96% v/v ethanol/water and shaking for 72 h. Then, the extracts were filtered through a Whatman No. 1 paper (Whatman Ltd., Maidstone, England). The residual solvent from the ethanolic extract was removed using a rotary evaporator. Barley grain was then mixed thoroughly with distilled water at a ratio of 10% by weight and treated with either 1% lactic acid (La) or 1% malic acid (Ma). Subsequently, the samples were treated with a 5% solution of Ap or Pv. The processed grains were steamed for approximately 35 minutes at 96°C. The steam-cooked grains were then divided into two groups, with one group exposed to infrared radiation for 55 seconds (SIF). All cooked grains were then flaked (SF) using a designed flaker machine. Physical properties, following the Giger-Reverdin method (2000), and chemical composition, based on AOAC standards (2012), of the samples were then analyzed. Crude protein was calculated as N × 625. NDF and ADF contents were determined according to the method proposed by Van Suste et al. (1991). Starch content was evaluated using anthrone and sulfuric acid (Rose et al., 1991). Bulk density was determined by weighing 100 ml of the samples. Water holding capacity was assessed using the method described by Robertson and Eastwood (1998).The grain density was defined as the ratio of the mass of the grain to the particle volume occupied by the sample (Aghajani et al., 2012). Crude protein and carbohydrate fractionations were performed according to Higgs et al (2015). Carbohydrates were divided into five fractions based on different degradation rates in the rumen: A4 (water soluble carbohydrates or sugar), B1 (starch), B2 (soluble fiber), B3 (digestible fiber), and CC (ingestible fiber). 

All the physical properties of the processed barley grain were significantly affected by chemically and physically methods applied in this study (P < 0.05). The highest bulk density and water holding capacity were shown in both SF and SIF processing. The results of this study indicated that the contents of CP, ADF, NDF, EE,Ash, amylose and amylopectine were significantly affected by the chemically and physically processing (P< 0.05). The CP content of the grains treated with Ap and Ma had higher compared with that of Pv and La. In addition, NDF concentration of the grains processed by SF method was greater than that of SIF (P < 0.05). Both CP and NDF content of the processed grain were higher for (SIFBApMa) and (SIFBApLa) rather than those of the other treatments (P< 0.05). The soluble true protein, insoluble true protein and indigestible protein fractions of the processed grain were affected by both chemically and physically processing methods (P < 0.05). The soluble true protein fraction in the grain treated by Ap was greater than that of the Pv. The indigestible protein fraction increased in Pv treatments compared the Ap treatments. Significant differences were found between the processed grains regarding the total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, soluble fiber, digestible fiber and Indigestible fiber carbohydrate fractions (P<0.05). The carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates and soluble fiber carbohydrate fractions were greater (P< 0.05) in the SIF than those of SF method. Digestible fiber and Indigestible fiber fractions were lower (P< 0.05) in La than Ma treatments. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that processed barley grain with organic acids (Malic acid or Lactic acid) and using extracts of Acanthophyllum or Foeniculum vulgare accumpany through physical processing (steam flaking or steam- infrared -flaking) make an improvement in nutritional value of the grain. In this study, bulk density and water holding capacity were greater in steam flaking rather than steam-infrared-flaking method. Regarding the CP fractionations, processed barley grain with Acanthophyllum extract through steam-infrared-flaking displayed significant alter in the fractions. Lactic acid processed grain through steam-infrared-flaking showed an enhancedment in both non fiber carbohydrates and soluble fiber concentration of the grain. Present data showed a positive impact of both chemically and physically methods applied in barely grain, however, further investigation regarding protein and carbohydrate molecular responses are needed to be evaluated.

In order to accurate feed formulation and improve production performance, it is necessary to determine the nutritive value of common feedstuffs used in animal nutrition. The main reason for use of data that reported by NRC (1994, 2001) is formulation of balanced ration. But data reported by NRC can over or underestimate the nutritive value of feedstuffs due to diversity in growth stage, type and variety, climate and weather condition, physical and chemical properties of soil and presences of anti-nutritional factors. So determining chemical compositions, mineral contents and gross energy content of common feedstuffs is useful to farmers to improve growth performance of animals. The aim of this study was to determine chemical compositions, mineral contents and gross energy content of common animal feed sources from East Azerbaijan province including barley grain (n=26), wheat grain (n=27) and wheat bran (n=15) with standard analytical methods.

Barley grain, wheat grain and wheat bran are most common feedstuffs that used in animal and poultry nutrition. The feedstuff samples were collected with random stratified sampling method. Thus all studied cities of east Azerbaijan province classified in 30 zones and then the villages randomly selected. In order to proximate analyses of samples, feedstuffs were homogenized in the view of size and moisture by laboratory grinding. Dry matter, crude ash, ether extract and crude fiber content of samples were determined by AOAC method (1995) and crude protein was determined by micro kjeldahl. Cell wall or Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of samples were determined by fibretec. Descriptive statistics parameters were calculated by Mean procedure of SAS software and means comparison were done by SAS software (2000). The paired and non-paired t test were used to compare means of recent research and the data of Guilan, Kordestan and Kermansh provinces and NRC data.

The results showed that mean dry matter (DM) content of barley grain, wheat grain and wheat bran were 925.5± 2.88, 909.32± 6.56 and 915.0 ± 9.31 g/kg, and mean crude protein (CP) concentrations were 137.3± 14.52, 129.6± 10.67 and 178.9 ± 11.86 g/kg of dry matter, respectively, that differed significantly with the NRC (1994) data (P<0.01). The range of crude protein of wheat grain was 114.9 to 158.5 g/kg and the range of crude ash 14.2 to 29.8. The nitrogen free extract (NFE) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) content of wheat grain were determined 806.1 and 667.4 g/kg. The differences of NFE and NFC was 138.7 g/kg that relate to Structural carbohydrate in NFE section. Ether extract (EE) content of wheat bran was 43.7 ± 3.48 g/kg that showed no significant difference with NRC (1994) data, but EE content of barley and wheat grain were 20.3± 1.08 and 21.1 ± 0.48 g/kg, respectively and showed a significant difference with NRC (1994) data (P<0.01). Crude protein and crude ash content of east Azerbaijan barley grain was 34 g/kg higher than Kermanshah barley grain and 7.8 g/kg lower than Kermanshah barley grain, respectively. The mean value of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ADF and NDF of east Azerbaijan barley grain had significant difference with NRC data (P<0.01). Because of the higher kernel to hull ratio in east Azerbaijan barley grain, crude protein content of barley grain was 13.3 g/kg higher than NRC data. Calcium content of barley grain, wheat grain and wheat bran were 1.4 ± 0.3, 3.3± 0.67 and 1.46 ± 0.35 g/kg of dry matter and differences were significant except in wheat bran (P<0.01). Differences in mineral contents of feedstuffs used in this research can be due to differences in genotype, chemical and physical properties of soil, climate and weather condition and stage of growth. The hemicellulose content of barley grain in comparison of wheat grain is 58.3 g/kg higher, but the ratio of hemicellulose to ADF in barley grain is lower than wheat grain that the main reason is higher level of cellulose and lignin in barley grain in comparison of wheat grain (Azizzi 1996, Fazaeli 1992 and McDowell 1992).

Due to significant differences in chemical compositions and mineral contents of feedstuffs in East Azerbaijan province with the NRC (1994) data, it is suggested that for balanced diet formulation, local data of nutrient composition of feed sources were used.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different sources of starch and fatty acids on performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation of Qezel ewes during transition period. 20 pregnant Qezel ewes from 30 days to the expected time of parturition until 30 days after parturition in a completely randomized design and implemented with 2×2 factorial method. Treatments included: 1) Corn-based diet + Saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid supplement (Roomi Fat)); 2) Corn-based diet + unsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 fish) (Persia fat) ®); 3) Barley-based diet + Saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid supplement) and 4) Barley-based diet + unsaturated fatty acids (supplement omega-3 fish). The results showed that at preparturition, feed intake and daily weight gain of ewes were not affected by the source of starch and type of supplementary fat and their interactions. After parturition, the effect of starch and fatty acids source on the changes of ewes weight was significant (P <0.05). Before parturition, only NEFA are significantly affected by the interaction between the source of starch and the source of fatty acids. The levels of NEFA in barley and saturated fatty acids were higher than other treatments (P <0.05). The concentration of ruminal fluid volatile fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen and protozoa numbers were influenced by the interactions of starch and fatty acids source, but there was no significant difference between rumen pH. Results of this study show that interaction of starch and fatty acids source, can affect the ewes metabolism in transition period.

Nutritional and hormonal programs are one of the important ways of improving goat reproductive performance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of using barley seed and eCG at the same time on the reproductive performance of goat in nomadic breeding conditions. The number of 60 goats of two to three-year-old in the breeding season and 60 goats of three to four-year-old in out-breeding season were chosen. Then the goats were divided into six groups of 10 numbers. 1- Control group (without receiving barley seed and eCG); 2- Group receiving 400 grams of barley for eight days (short term); 3- Group receiving 400 grams of barley for 16 days (long term); 4- Group receiving 400 IU eCG; 5- Group receiving 400 IU eCG and 400 grams of barley for eight days and 6- Group receiving 400 IU eCG and 400 grams of barley for 16 days. The results indicated that in-breeding season twinning rate in groups receiving barley for short and long term with eCG were higher compared to the group without receiving eCG. At the same time, the minimum (five) and maximum (20) numbers of  born kids were observed in control and group six, respectively. The results also indicated that in out-breeding season none of the characteristics were influenced statistically by treatments. It can be concluded that using 400 IU of eCG and 400 grams of barley seed daily, can improve the twinning rate in breeding season but such an effect cannot be observed in out breeding season.

Grains are typically used as energy-efficient ingredients for high-yielding cows. On the other hand, the use of forage sources in the diet is recommended to improve ruminally fermentation and ultimately maintain health and improve livestock production. Given the contradictory results reported in recent research on the effects of feeding of different sources of grain and forage in dairy cows, we conducted a study aimed at investigating the interaction effects of grain (barley and corn) and forage (alfalfa and corn silage) source in rations on the productive performance of Holstein dairy cows.

Eight Holstein dairy cows (milk production: 46.2 ± 2 kg / day) were used to investigate the interactions between dietary source of grain and forage on productive performance. This experiment was conducted in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 4 treatments over 4 periods of 21 days (15 days for dietary adaptation and 6 days for data collection). The first factor was the source of grain used in the diet (barley or corn) and the second factor was the source of forage used (alfalfa or corn silage). Experimental diets were fed as total mixed ration twice daily (7:00, 17:00) and milking was done 4 times daily (4:00, 10:00, 16:00, 22:00). Sampling was performed to collect feed samples and their residues, milk production and composition, rumen fluid, and animal feeding behaviors.

Dry matter intake (23.4 vs. 21.9 kg / day), milk yield (46.9 vs. 44.5 kg / day) and milk fat percentage (3.12 vs. 2.88%) in treatments containing corn grain were more than treatments containing barley grain (P <0.05). Nitrogen uptake was higher in corn-based treatments, but milk nitrogen, an indicator of feed nitrogen utilization efficiency, was lower in these treatments compared to barley grain. The effects of dietary forage source on feed intake and milk production were not significant, but dry alfalfa hay increased the percentage of milk fat compared to corn silage (3.08 vs. 2.92 percent). The use of corn silage forage increased the rumination time and total chewing time as minute per day and minute per kg of dry matter consumed (P <0.05). Although cows consuming corn silage spent more time for eating per kg of dry matter, but cows consuming alfalfa hay consumed more dry matter per meal. Consumption of corn compared to barley tended to increase dry matter intake per meal (P = 0.1). Percentage and amount of milk fat produced as well as fat-corrected milk production had a direct relationship with ruminal pH at three hours after morning feeding (P <0.05).

Although the interaction of main factors in this experiment on functional parameters of dairy cows was not significant, but dry matter intake at each meal when using barley grain in treatments based on corn silage as forage source compared to dry forage Alfalfa was lower but not affected by forage source in treatments based on corn grain. This demonstrates the positive effects of using corn grain in corn silage-based diets to prevent reduced feed intake. Because diets containing corn silage compared to dry alfalfa hay are expected to decrease feed intake due to increased feed particle size as well as higher rumen acidity, however, this higher acidic state will be exacerbated if ground barley grain be used in the diet.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of treating ground barley grain with lactic acid (LA) in starter diets on feed intake, average daily gain,feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, skeletal growth, and blood metabolites of pre-weaned dairy calves. Thirty male Holstein calves with averageinitial body weight of 45.06±2.25 were randomly allocated to one of the 3 treatments. Starter containing 41% ground barley grain from day 4 to 65 ofbirth. Experimental treatments include: 1) diet containing treated barley in tap water (No LA), 2) diet containing treated barley in 0.5% LA solution,and 3) diet containing treated barley with 1% LA solution. Feed intake was recorded daily. Body weight and skeletal growth measures were recordedon day 4, day 35, and day 56. Calves blood samples were collected on day 4, 35, and 65. Total tract dry matter digestibility and feed efficiency weregreater in calves fed diet containing lactic acid treated barley (P ≤0.05). No effects on dry matter intake, average daily gain, and blood metabolites wasobserved. At day 35 of the experiment the withers height and body length were greater in calves received LA-treated barely (P ≤0.05). It seems thattreating barley grain with lactic acid decreased starch digestion in the rumen and increased starch flow to the small intestine; accordingly, feedefficiency was improved. Using higher levels of lactic acid may have a positive effect on calf performance.

This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different physical and biological processing methods on the chemical composition, gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of barley grain in a completely randomized design (6 treatment and 3 replicates). Treatment were: un processing barley grain (control), Steam-flaked (for 3-5 minutes), yeast treated (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and steam-flaked, microwaved (850 W for 3 minutes), yeast treated and then microwaved and yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved. The chemical composition of the samples was determined using the standard methods. Gas production test was used to estimate the parameters of gas production of samples. In vitro digestibility of the samples was determined by the batch culture method. Processing methods were effective on chemical composition of treatment. Crude protein was increased by different treatments. The highest amount was observed in yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved (14 percent). Treatments have no effect on neutral detergent fiber of barley grain. Processing decreased gas production of barley grain and lowest amount of these trait was observed in yeast treated, steam-flaked and then microwaved (91.36 ml/200 DM). Treatment has no effect on dry matter and organic matter digestibility. Microbial mass production and its efficiency were increased by all treatments except the microwave treatment and the highest increase was seen in steam-flaked + yeast treatment (183.11 mg/g DM and 0.42 respectively). In general, the results showed that different processing methods can significantly affect the nutritional value of barley grain.

Cereals are the major part of a poultry diet and primary sources of feed energy Because of the worldwide high cost of corn, the use of barley and wheat grain in broiler diets has become more appealing. However, the use of barley in poultry diets because of its high content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) is limited. NSP increased intestinal viscosity, reduced litter quality and poor productive performance. Most of the adverse effects of barley in poultry feed have been attributed to the content of β-glucans. The NSP fraction of the cereal protects lipids, starch, and protein, thereby compromising the access of digestive enzymes to dietary components. Therefore, the processing of barley grain to remove anti-nutritional factors and improve its nutrient bioavailability before including it in the diets of one-stomach animals is beneficial. However, information concerning the effect of electron beam radiation on nutritional and anti-nutritional components of barley grain are scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of electron beam radiation on the chemical composition and metabolizable energy of barley grain.

The barley samples (cultivar Fajr) were packed in nylon bags and exposed to electron beam irradiation (Rhodotron TT200 accelerator, IBA Co., Belgium) at the Yazd Radiation Processing Center (AEOI, Yazd Center, Iran) at doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy at room temperature. Chemical composition of the raw and electron beam irradiated barley grain was determined. In order to estimate AMEn Chicks were fed a standard broiler diet for a 15-d pre-experimental period and, after four h of feed deprivation, were randomly distributed into experimental groups (16 treatments, 4replicates and 5 birds in each) in such a way that all groups had a similar average weight. All diets were given in mash form with birds having free access to water and feed throughout the experiment. The basal diet used during the experimental period was based on corn and soybean meal as major ingredients. The raw and electron beam irradiated barley grain (as test ingredient) was included in the basal diet at levels of 7, 14, and 21% to form test diets. The 16 experimental diets, evaluated in a balance trial to determine the AMEn content which contained 0.3% chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. The precision-fed cockerel assay of Sibbald was used for determining the TMEn of the raw and electron beam irradiated barley grain. The birds were housed in individual metabolism cages, following a period of 24 h without feed, 30 g of the different ground barley samples were fed by intubation to 20 (4 per treatment) adult cockerels (Rhode island reds). At the same time, another 4 cockerels were deprived of feed to estimate the endogenous energy losses. Total excreta over the following 48-h period were dried and ground for subsequent analyses, Roosters were assigned to treatments at random.

The results showed that percentage of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, β-glucan, ADF, and starch of barley grain were not affected by radiation. However, electron beam irradiation in all doses significantly decreased (P<0.05) the NDF of samples compared to raw barley grain. The AMEn of barley was calculated by extrapolation of the linear regression equation to a 100% of barley inclusion. These equations indicated that with increasing dose of irradiation, AMEn of barley increased. The AMEn value of raw and irradiated barley at doses of 10, 20, 30 and 40 kGy were 2593.80, 2628.30, 2663.10, 2730.70 and 2795 kcal/kg, respectively. The electron beam irradiation numerically increased (P>0.05) AME, AMEn, TME and TMEn of barley grain in cockerels at doses above 20 kGy. Previous studies using gamma or electron irradiation show a reduction in anti-nutrient content of canola meal, barley, and cottonseed meal and an improvement in their utilization increase in broilers. Gamma and electron radiation can denature proteins, decrease starch crystallinity and increase digestibility of barley and canola meal. Therefore, increased AMEn and TMEn of barley grain were expected in this experiment.

The present study showed that electron beam irradiation reduced NDF and increased AMEn and TMEn of barley grain. It seems that radiation is an effective processing method for improving the nutritive value of barley, but more experiment is needed to evaluate radiation.

The transition period of dairy animals is most important because of the sudden and profound physiological and metabolic changes in the course of transition from pregnancy to lactation. The use of different energy supply methods by glucogenic or lipogenic diets during the pre and post partum periods has been recognized as the main strategies for prevention of metabolic diseases and increasing the pregnancy efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different sources of starch and fatty acids on performance, milk yield and composition and nutrients digestibility of Qezel ewes during transition period.

20 pregnant Qezel ewes with average age of 3 years and average body weight of 65 ± 2 kg from 30 days to the expected time of parturition until 30 days after parturition in a completely randomized design and implemented with 2×2 factorial method. Treatments included: 1) Corn-based diet + Saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid supplement (Roomi Fat)®); 2) Corn-based diet + unsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 fish) (Persia fat) ®); 3) Barley-based diet + Saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid supplement) and 4) Barley-based diet + unsaturated fatty acids (supplement omega-3 fish). Ewes had a free access to water and feed intake was a ad libitum. Feed intake was measured a daily.

The results of this study showed that the starch and fatty acids source had no significant effect on digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, protein, ether extract and ash (P >0.05). The starch and fatty acids source had no significant effect on feed intake before and after parturition and birth weight of lambs (P >0.05). After parturition, the effect of starch and fatty acids source on the ewes weight changes was significant and in the ewes fed diets containing barley grain, weight loss was higher than corn grain diets (P <0.05). Milk production and milk protein was not affected by the source of starch and fatty acid (P >0.05). Milk fat percentage in treatments containing barley grain was significantly higher than corn grain (P <0.05), as well as in barley-containing treatments, supplemental palmitic acid treatment had a higher milk fat percentage than diets containing of omega- 3 fatty acid.

The results of this study showed that the use of corn grain and supplementation of saturated fatty acid would reduce the weight loss in ewes after parturition, which confirmation of these results requires more functional and metabolic experiment.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ration fermentability on ruminal protozoa population during different hours after feeding. Fifteen hybrid Ghezel*Arkhar-merino male lambs were fed experimental rations. Experimental rations were contain different levels of barley grain and restaurant waste. Restaurant waste was substituted barley grain at the levels of 50 and 100 percent. Ruminal fluid was gotten from the lambs before and 2 and 4 hours after feeding. Rations fermentability was determined using gas production technique. The results showed that barley grain had higher fermentability (about 16%) than restaurant waste during 48 hours of incubation (341 vs 294 ml/g DM for barley grain and restaurant waste respectively). It also had higher constant of degradability (0.107 vs 0.099 for barley grain and restaurant waste, respectively). The rations containing restaurant waste resulted to higher pH and molar proportions of total VFA (P<0.05). Total protozoa counts were highest and lowest for restaurant waste and barley grain before feeding (79.5 vs 69.4 ×104 for restaurant waste and barley grain, respectively). No differences in the protozoa count was found among the treatments during two hours after feeding, but restaurant waste containing ration resulted to the lowest and conversely barley ration resulted to the highest protozoa count four hours after feeding (56 vs 78.5 × 104 for restaurant waste and barley grain rations, respectively). It seems that higher fat content and lower pH of ration containing restaurant waste are the main causes of lower protozoa count, so more attention should be take place when high levels of restaurant waste is used in the ruminants ration.

Barley is mainly used as a feed grain for livestock in Iran. Historically, barley has been traded at a significantly lower price than corn in the world market (FAOSTAT 2015). The endosperm of the barley kernel is surrounded by the pericarp, which is overlain by a fibrous hull, which is extremely resistant to microbial degradation in the rumen (Wang et al 2003). Some of the feed processing technique treats that remove or cracked the hull makes the starch more accessible to microbes, and increases the rate and extent of starch ruminal degradation. In these cases, processing is essential to maximize the utilization of barley grain by cattle, but extensive grain processing increases ruminal starch degradation, which often decreases feed intake in ruminants. On the other hand, in some cases, the feeding of barley-based high concentrate diets has been linked to an increased incidence of digestive disorders, resulting reduced feed intake, cattle going off-feed, laminitis, bloat, acidosis, rumenitis, and liver abscesses (Yang et al 2000). It is assumed that the rapid rate of fermentation of starch in barley grain contributes to these nutritional and health problems. Differences in chemical composition exist between barley cultivars. Individual barley varieties differ in terms of the composition of the protein matrix in the starchy endosperm of the grain and this characteristic might be expected to influence degradability in the rumen (Gholizadeh et al 2017). Optimum alteration of the site of starch digestion requires processing methods or conditions that increase starch flow to the duodenum without reducing its total tract digestibility. Additional glucose absorption at the duodenum may reduce the needs for gluconeogenesis and increase productivity of ruminants (Nocek and Tamminga 1991). According to Parrott et al (1969), they have reported improved nutritional efficiency due to grain processing in ruminants. Radiation is a physical process approach that has the potential to replace other methods of processing without affecting the protein structure without radioactive activity, and this process is likely to cause cross-linking and clumping of proteins (Mani and Chandra 2003). Shawrang and Sadeghi (2006, 2007 and 2008) argued that the protective mechanism of proteins from rumen degradation in highly processed feeds has been very wrapped, and chemical reactions such as the millard reaction that occurs during thermal processing may be responsible for the reduction of rumen degradability. These reactions have the effect of converting the protein into resistant compounds to rumen degradation. The ionizer rays affect the structure of the protein and cause it to tear apart. It has been argued that irradiation may form cross-linking and protein binding (Gaber 2005, Ebrahimi et al 2011). Previous studies have confirmed that differences in rate of degradation can occur between barley cultivars. Although, these differences may indicate that certain cultivars of barley are more desirable as feed grains than the others. There are a limited data available for Iranian barley grains and their response to processing to make solid recommendations in this regard. In order to improve the nutritional value of fast fermentation cereal grains in the rumen, gamma irradiation can be used as a suitable treatment method in this regard. It is also important to choose the best radiation duration and dosage in the irradiation method. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gamma irradiation on ruminal dry matter, starch and crude protein degradability of different varieties of barley grain. Additionally, protein profile in metabolizable protein system was calculated. Barley varieties Makoei, Bahman Abi, and Sahand were irradiated with the use of the gamma ray of 60 cobalt and 50, 100, and 150 KGy doses at the center of radiation in Yazd. Kinetics and parameters of protein and starch degradability of nylon bag samples were evaluated using three male Holstein calves equipped with ruminal fistula at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours based on a completely randomized block design. Incubations were repeated two times to ensure day to day variations. All barley samples were grounded to pass a 2 mm screen. Approximately 5 g (air dry) of samples were weighed in triplicate into 10 cm × 20 cm nylon bags (porosity = 50 μm). Dry matter was determined by oven-drying at 55 °C for 48 h. The crude protein and starch content were determined, accordingly. The protein profile based on the metabolic protein system was determined based on the relevant equations. The amounts of crude protein and starch in the samples before and after incubation were measured using the Kjeldahl system and acid digestion and anthrone, respectively. Parameters of degradability and effective degradability at different rumen crossing velocities were determined by nonlinear equations of McDonald and Erskoff and McDonald using (PROC NLIN) statistical software SAS 9/4. The AFRC equations were used to estimate the amounts of fast rumen protein, slow rumen protein, rumen effective protein, total rumen protein, and rumen nonmodifiable protein. Analysis of variance showed that gamma irradiation at different levels reduced starch and protein degradability in rumen among different cultivars (P<0.05). Among different studied cultivars, the Sahand varietie was affected more than other cultivars. Different responses of barley grain varieties to different levels of processing can be related to the content of nutrients in the fiber shell, the distribution of starch in different grain segments and the difference in the structure of starch granules. The results of this study showed that the cultivation of different barley grain varieties with gamma rays reduced the fast degradability (P<0.05). Based on the results, the differences in the response of different barleys to gamma rays showed that the best response was affect the nutritional parameters in order to improve rumen fermentation, protein degradation, starch and increase starch values can be irradiated at 50 kGy. Gamma irradiation can be used as one of the commonly treatments to reduce the degradability of dry matter, starch and rumen protein, and increase starch and digestible escape protein and fermentation, it improves the rumen's ecosystem and reduced the risk of acidosis.

Compared to corn, barley starch is rapidly degraded in the rumen, leading to an accumulation of VFA and eventually resulting in acidosis. Recently, the use of organic acids has been effective in reducing of barley (as dry roll) starch degradation in the rumen. Oilseeds can be used in lactating cow diet and can produce milk with a more favorable fatty acid profile for human nutrition. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of ground barley grain treated with lactic acid (LA), dietary fat sources and their interaction on performance, milk fatty acid profile and microbial protein synthesis in early lactating Holstein cows.

To evaluate the effects of barley treatment and dietary fat sources on performance, ruminal and blood parameters twelve multiparous Holstein cows in early lactation were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Ground barley steeped in water (Barley-W) or in 1 % LA solution (Barley-LA) in equal quantity (wt/vol) for 48 h before adding to the TMR. Dietary fat source were extruded flaxseed (EF) and extruded soybean (ES). Accordingly, experimental treatments were: 1) barley treated with water (Barley-W) + extruded flaxseed (EF), 2) barley treated with water (Barley-W) + extruded soybean (ES), 3) barley treated with LA (Barley-LA) + extruded flaxseed (EF), 4) barley treated with LA (Barley-LA) + extruded soybean (ES).

Dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by experimental treatments. Milk fat content and milk fat yield were greater in cows fed Barley-LA compared to cows fed Barley-W. More milk fat content was produced by cows fed ES compared to EF. Concentrations of Σ n-3 and Σ n-6 were greater and lower Σ n-6 respectively in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. The ratio Σ n-6/Σ n-3 was lower in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. The barley grain treatment and dietary fat source had no effects on milk concentration of C18:2c9t11 (CLA) and microbial protein synthesis, and their interactions between these factors were not significant.

In conclusion, treating ground barley grain with LA and the use of EF and ES as dietary fat sources did not influence the performance of early-lactation Holstein cows. Milk fat content and milk fat yield were greater in cows fed Barley-LA compared to those fed Barley-W. Concentrations of Σ n-3 and Σ n-6 were greater and lower Σ n-6 respectively in milk from cows fed EF compared with those fed ES. Contrary to our hypothesis, milk concentration of C18:2c9t11 (CLA) and microbial protein synthesis were not affected by barley treated with LA, dietary fat sources and Interaction between them.

In ruminants, dietary manipulation such as applying feed additive or increasing fermentable carbohydrate in diet, improve rumen fermentation and enhance animal performance. Monensin, as a feed additive, increases propionate production, decreases ammonia production and protein degradation in rumen, this lead to improving energy and protein utilization. In addition, grain processing effects on starch fermentation; this could be increasing availability of energy for ruminal microorganisms. One of these processing methods is cracking barley grain. Since, monensin may be influenced on this processing and starch fermentation pattern, therefore the aim of this study, was evaluated the effects of monensin applied in diet and grain processing (cracked barley grain) on nutrients digestibility and protein metabolism in Mehraban sheep.  In this trial, 24 Mehraban male sheep with an average body weight of 52.98 ± 6.15 kg were used on 2 × 2 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Experimental factors were included the effects of monensin (diets containing monensin vs. without monensin) and physical form of barley grain (whole grain vs. cracked grain) as fallowing explanation. Sheep were kept in individual stalls for compatibility to the new environment and experimental conditions for 7 days. Then, were randomly divided into 4 groups (treatments) based on body weight and transferred to metabolic cages to determine the nutrients digestibility and nitrogen retention. The treatments were: Barley grain, Barley grain + monensin, cracked barley grain and cracked barley grains + monensin. Monensin was added to the related treatments in 30 mg per kg of feed intake. Determination of nutrients digestibility was conducted by directly collection of feces (in vivo method) for 14 days (the feces and urine samples were taken at the 7 final days). The experimental diets (40% forage and 60% concentrate) were offered twice in daily at morning (8:00 h) and evening (16:00 h). Urinary nitrogen, allantoin excretion, and chemical composition of feeds and feces (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract) were determined. Microbial protein synthesis was estimated by measuring the urinary allantoin excretion. Blood samples were taken on the final day (at 0 and 5 hours after the morning feeding) for determination of plasma glucose and urea concentration.  The results have shown that the physical form of barley grain significantly decreased dry matter and organic matter digestibility (P<0.05). Dry matter and organic matter digestibility in treatments with whole barley grain were 73.82 and 74.94 and in treatments with cracked barley grain were 71.58 and 72.84 percentage, respectively. Other nutrients digestibility (crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract) were not affected by physical form of barley grain. Also, using of monensin and physical form of barley grain had no effect on dry matter and nutrients digestibility. Nitrogen metabolism parameters (nitrogen intake and % nitrogen in feces, urine and retention) were not affected by physical form of barley grain. Since, crude protein percentage in all treatments was equal, and dry matter intake was adjusted based on animal body weight and was in a similar range, therefore the nitrogen intake was similar in all treatments and there was no differences between them. But, % nitrogen retention significantly was increased by monensin using (P<0.05) and its amount were 21.23 and 26.33 (% of N intake) for treatments with and without monensin, respectively. Monensin prevents the ruminal proteolytic bacteria, and decreases ammonia production and deamination of amino acids in rumen. Thus, it prevents the loss of protein in the rumen, which result is increasing nitrogen retention. Allantoin excretion, microbial nitrogen synthesis, efficiency of microbial nitrogen and urinary urea were similar in the treatments with whole barley grains and cracked barley grains and there were no significant differences between them. Using of monensin significantly decreased allantoin excretion (P<0.05) and its value were 0.32 and 0.23 g/dl in treatments with and without monensin, respectively. Plasma glucose and urea concentrations (at 0 and 5 hours after the morning feeding) were not affected by the physical form of barley grain, monensin and treatments response. Plasma glucose and urea concentrations were 63.52, 67.88, 64.26, 65.48 mg/dl and 17.05, 15.70, 15.74, 14.75 mg/dl for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 at 0 hour after morning feeding, respectively. These parameters were 67.50, 66.86, 71.48, 68.06 mg/dl and 17.06, 14.04, 16.94, 14.87 mg/dl at 5 hour after morning feeding, respectively. Generally, nutrients digestibility, nitrogen retention and microbial nitrogen synthesis were not increased by physical form of barley grain. But, increased nitrogen was found by monensin in the sheep.

Red meat is one of the best dietary sources of fat and protein for humans. The fatty acid composition of meat has long been studied, but still receives a lot of attention in research because of its implications for human health. Besides a lower total fat intake, human nutritionists are recommending a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and especially of n-3 fatty acids at the expense of n-6 fatty acids. Numerous animal feeding trials have been carried out using different species and breeds aiming at bringing the polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of meat closer to the recommended value (>0.7), as well as for the n-6/n-3 ratio (<5). Sugar beet pulp (SBP) contains 70% carbohydrates mainly as neutral detergent soluble fiber, which has high water-binding capacity and a slow fermentation rate in rumen compared to the barley grain. Replacing barley with SBP may overcome digestive disorders such as acidosis problem and lead to the utilization of dietary energy towards animal growth, carcass gain, and muscle intramuscular fat deposition. On the other hand, feeds containing fats and oils are being used in animal diets to increase energy density and to manipulate intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition of the meat. Canola seed contains approximately 40 to 43 % oil in which oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid contribute to 61, 20 and 10%, respectively. High fat content of canola seed makes it an attractive feedstuff to improve energy density of diets for finishing lambs grown in dry regions, where pasture availability is low. To our knowledge, information containing the effects of SBP as a slow fermentable carbohydrate source with an inclusion of roasted canola seed on growth performance and meat quality characteristics of fattening lambs is not investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects SBP with or without RCS in a high concentrate diet on performance and muscle composition of Arabian fattening lambs. This experiment was approved by the Animal Care and Ethics Committee of Ramin University of Livestock Research. In this study, twenty-four Arabian male lambs, 4 months old, (23.7±2.5 kg; mean initial BW±SD) were kept in individualcages (1.4×1.2 m). The fattening period was 99 d including 14 d as adaptation period. At the start of the adaptation period, all the animals were treated for external and internal parasites and vaccinated against enterotoxaemia. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments included 1) starch, 2) starch with roasted canol seeds, 3) Neutral detergent soluble fiber and 4) Neutral detergent soluble fiber with roasted canola seed. The diets were offered to animals to meet the requirements of growth rate at 250 g/day according to National Research Council (NRC, 2007). Lambs were weighed weekly throughout the experimental period prior to the morning feeding. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the ratio between average daily intake and average daily gain. Average daily gain was calculated for each sheep from regression analysis of live weight vs. time from day 1 to 99 of each treatment. At the end of the trial, all the animals were slaughtered according to Halal method. Samples from Longissimus dorsi (LD) between 5th and 6th ribs trimmed of all external subcutaneous fat were collected. These were used to determine moisture, crude protein, fat, and ash contents of meat according to Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC, 2006). Lightness (L*), rednes (a*), and yellowness (b*) of meat samples were measured using a Minolta CR-300 colorimeter in the CIE L*a*b*. Hue angle (H*) was calculated as tan−1 (b*/a*) × (180/π) and Chroma (C*) as (a*2+b*2)1/2. The colorimeter was set for using the illuminant A and 10° standard observers. About 50 g of the LD muscle between 6th to 9th ribs were taken for determination of fatty acid profiles. Muscle lipids were extracted as described by Folch et al. (1957), using dichloromethane and methanol (2:1 vol/vol), instead of chloroform and methanol (2:1 vol/vol), and were methylated according to Metcalfe and Schmitz (1961). The transmethylated samples were analyzed by a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector and a capillary column measuring 100 m in length × 0.25 mm i.e., with a thickness of 0.20 mm. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Also, tridecanoic acid (C13:0) was used as internal standard. The initial temperature of the oven was 70 °C and was increased by 10 °C/min to 175 °C, where it was maintained for 25 min. The temperature was then increased by 7 °C/min to 220 °C, where it was maintained for 10 min, followed by another increase by 10 °C/min to 230 °C, where it remained for 4 min. The temperature of the injector was 280 °C, and the temperature of the detector was 300 °C. Identification of the fatty acids was carried out by comparison of the retention times with standards of fatty acids from butter, and the percentage of fatty acids was obtained by means of Chromquest 5.5 software. Performance data were analyzed completely random design with repeated measurement PROC MIXED and compound symmetry model. Meat Characteristics data were as a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement using PROC GLM in SAS software. Partial replacement of starch with soluble fiber significantly increased performance concentration of capric, c17:0 anteiso and behenic acid and significantly reduced lauric, heptadecanoic, oleic, linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acids of longissimus dorsi (P<0.05). Addition of roasted canola seed to diets increased performance (average 288 g vs. 262 g) and reduced the concentration of isopalmitic and behenic acid and significantly increased concentration of Lauric, Myristic, Anteiso-pentadecanoic, Pentadecenoic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Stearic, Vaccenic, Conjugated linoleic, Oleic, α-Linolenic, γ-Linolenic, Gondoic, Docosatetraenoic, h-γ-Linolenic, Arachidonic, Eicosapentaenoic, Nervonic, Docosapentaenoic, Docosahexaenoic acids and the total concentration of unsaturated fatty acids with one or polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern longissimus dorsi (p<0.05). Canola seed addition significantly increased n-6/n-3 and p/s ratio (P<0.05). Replacement of starch with soluble fiber significantly decreased and fat addition significantly increased meat cholesterol concentratin (P<0.05). The results showed that the use of canola seeds by changing the indicators of unsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 to omega-3 ratios reform and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids
can improve the quality and quantity of meat.

In this research, the effects of complete replacement of barley grain with wheat bran in livestock were investigated. This experiment was carried out using 12 Saanen dairy goats in a completely randomized design for 21 days, in which goats were divided into three quadruple groups. The treatments consisted of: 1- treatment containing 25% barley and 10% wheat bran (control), 2- treatment without barley and 37.25% wheat bran and 3- treatment without barley and 34.5% wheat bran plus 2% of Fat powder were. In the final week of the experiment, the dietary residue was collected and weighed daily to determine the daily intake of food, and the difference in feed in the feeder and feed residue showed that feed intake of 3 treatments did not differ significantly. (p>0.05). Subsequently, after measuring the digestibility of the feed by acid insoluble ash, it was found that digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ADF and organic matter was more than other treatments in the control treatment and this difference was significant (p<0.05) but NDF digestibility was not significant among treatments (p>0.05). Ruminal fluid was obtained from each livestock three hours after feeding by the Stomach tube. After pH measurement by pH meter, this parameter was higher in treatments 2 and 3 than the control treatment that their difference was also significant (p<0.05). The daily milk yield of goats was measured and it was observed that the milk yield of the control treatment was higher than the rest of the treatments and the differences between them were significant (p<0.05). Milk samples were analyzed by Milko-Scan machine of Bashir factory in Mashhad and it was found that only percentage of milk fat was significantly different between treatments (p> 0.05) and treatment 3 had the highest percentage of milk fat (p<0.05). The yield of milk production among treatments was significant, with the highest efficiency related to treatment 3 (p<0.05). Also, the energy in milk of three treatments based on milk fat was estimated and it was found that milk energy of treatments 1 and 2 were not significantly different (p<0.05) but milk energy of treatment 3 was higher than the other two treatments and this difference was significant (p<0.05). Finally, the difference in body weight of goats in each of the three treatments was calculated at the beginning and the end of the experiment, and it was determined that at the end of the experiment, the differences in body weight of the animals were not significantly different (p>0.05). In general, it can be concluded that complete removal of barley from ration of goats is not logical, and if it is decided to do so on the basis of competitive and economic conditions, it is better to add about 2% of the fat content to the rations of the livestock. Of course, due to the high cost of this supplement compared to barley, the cost of livestock feed has increased, which increases the price of milk produced and its compounds.

Transition period (3 weeks before to 3 weeks after calving) is a critical period for cows' health and production (Grummer 1995). During the late gestation, nutritional demand of fetus increases considerably, while feed intake reduces more than 30 percent during the last 3 weeks of gestation (Sadri et al. 2012). Nutritional strategies are important for preventing the decrease in DMI during close up period. On the other hand, rapid increase of postpartum DMI could reduce the severity of negative energy balance, and therefore, improve milk production and health (Poláková et al. 2010). Grummer (1995) reported a positive correlation between DMI at d 1 prepartum and d 21 postpartum. Several nutritional approaches for the close-up diet have been proposed to stimulate prepartum DMI and minimize lipid mobilization: 1) use of bulky forage NDF sources into the diet to increase ruminal fill, 2) increase in dietary fat or NFC content of the diet to increase energy intake, 3) use of appetitive feeds for increasing in DMI and preventing ruminal acidosis and 4) use of feed additives that serve as gluconeogenic precursors to increase energy supply (Dann, et al. 2007). These approaches have yielded variable results in research and production settings. Diets with high levels of NFC are more common, but these diets may lead to acidosis and feed intake depression (Wang et al. 2013). In addition, readily fermentable carbohydrates (i.e. barley grain), increase ruminal propionate production and propionate can lead to reduction e in feed intake (Allen. 2009). Beet pulp is a unique feed ingredient containing 40% NDF with highly soluble fiber content (especially pectic substances) (Dann et al. 2007). There are different results for replacing grains with dried beet pulp in dairy cows nutrition. Clark and Armentano (1997) reported an increase in DMI of cows after replacing of shelled corn with dried beet pulp. However, some researchers demonstrated that dried beet pulp had no effect on cows' milk yield (Mahjubi et al. 2009; Clark and Armentano 1997). Although, Mahjubi et al. (2009) with replacing 50% of barley grain with beet pulp reported an increase in milk fat percentage. This study was designed to investigate the effect of different form of non-fibrous carbohydrates (lipogenic vs. glucogenic) diets on feed intake, performance, and ruminal pH in transition dairy cows. All procedures were conducted under protocols approved by the Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Laboratory Animal Care Advisory Committee. The experiment was conducted in Lavark at the Farm Animal Research and Teaching Unit of IUT. Twenty-four multiparous (1-3 parity) Holstein cows were kept in 9 m2 individual pens from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after parturition. The animals have free access to feed and fresh water. In this study, pelleted beet pulp ground by a 2 mm screen was used as a partially replacement for ground barley grain. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were fed a total mixed ration containing 100% barley as a grain source of concentrate and no beet pulp (BP0, Glucogenic Diet, GD) and in 2 experimental rations 25 (BP25, Low Lipogenic Diet, LLD) and 50% (BP50, High Lipogenic Diet, HLD) of barley grain in the glucogenic diet was replaced by beet pulp, from d 21 before anticipated calving to d 24 after calving. The experimental diets were formulated according to Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS, v. 6.1, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY) for pre and postpartum periods. Data were analyzed as a block randomized design (parity as blocks). Daily DMI was determined by subtracting orts from offered TMR and were recorded for individual cows. After parturition, cows were milked three times daily in a milking parlour, and milk production was recorded at each milking time. Milk samples were collected weekly from three consecutive milking, and preserved using potassium dichromate. Milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose and total solid by an automated near infra-red spectroscopy analyzer (Milk-O-Scan, 134 BN, Foss Electric, HillerØd, Denmark). Body weights were measured weekly pre and postpartum (from d -28 to d +25) and the changes in BW were calculated. Postpartum net energy balance (NEB) for each cow was calculated based on NRC (2001). Results showed that during the prepartum period, DMI (kg/d), DMI (%BW), and energy intake (Mcal/d) were increased by substitution of barley grain with dried beet pulp (P<0.01); however, the change in DMI as a percentage of BW from d 19 to d 1 before parturition was not affected by treatments. During postpartum, DMI (kg/d), DMI (%BW), and energy intake (Mcal/d) increased as a quadratic effect (P<0.01) with the increasing levels of beet pulp replacement. Body weights, back fat thickness and postpartum calculated net energy balance were not affected by the treatments. During postpartum, milk yield was the lowest by using HLD (P<0.01). However, 4% FCM and ECM and total solid of milk were not affected by the treatments. HLD significantly increased milk fat percentage (P<0.05) and decreased milk protein percentage (P<0.07) in comparison with the GD and LLD. During postpartum, ruminal pH was the lowest in GD (P<0.05). Results suggest that using of LLD in periparturient diets increased DMI, energy intake, milk yield and improved rumen health.

Different cereals are used to feed the sheep. The grains have different level and combinations of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) that can affect the digestibility and performance of the lamb. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary level of NFC and type of cereal grain on performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of fattening lambs.
In this study, twenty nearly 90 day-old lambs with the average weight of 25±1/1 kg were assigned in a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates each, over 80 days. Treatments consisted of 1- ground barley grain with 33 percent NFC, 2- milled barley grain with 40 percent NFC, and 3- ground corn with 40 percent of NFC. Metabolizable energy, crude protein, forage to concentration ratio and cell wall level were same between experimental treatments. In this experiment, feed and fecal sampling was performed on two times during the experimental period. At the end of the finishing period, two lambs from each treatment were slaughtered and carcass weight and hot, hip, shoulder, fat, carcass without tail, thigh and shoulder, weight of liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, abdominal fat and empty rumen and reticulum were recorded.
Digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude ash decreased with increasing levels of NFC. Use of corn grain increased of digestibility organic matter, acid detergent fiber and crude fat. There were significant differences between treatments for carcass treatments, percent of pestle, carcass without tail, percent of abdominal fat and tail to carcass. The lowest percent of kidney and pancreas was observed in corn grain with 40 percent NFC. Using corn with 33 percent NFC caused the decrease in rumen and reticulum emptiness.
The results showed that lambs performance, carcass weight, thigh percent and carcass without tail and abdominal fat percentage and fat in the carcass weight were affected by grain. The dry matter digestibility was not affected by grain, but organic matter digestibility was higher in lambs that fed diets containing corn. It seems that corn with 40 percent carbohydrate showed better performance among treatments and recommended for breeding programs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary cobalt and processing barley grain on dry matter intake, daily gain, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility and rumen and blood parameters in fattening lambs. Thirty two mixed Zell lambs, 134±16 d with an average initial weight 25 ± 2 Kg randomly assigned to a factorial experiment 4 × 2 as a completely randomized design. Lambs during the experiment (70 days) were in individual boxes. Treatments were; two type of barley grain processing (ground barley and steam rollers barley) and four level of Cobalt (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg/Kg dry matter). The results showed that daily dry matter intake in lambs fed barley is processed with steam rollers above the lambs were fed a ground barley (P = 0.04). Treatment containing of 0.50 mg per kg Cobalt Supplements have higher weight gain (P = 0.04) and acid propionate concentration than other treatments (P = 0.01) compared to 0.75 mg per kg of dry matter and treatments without Cobalt supplements (P = 0.01). Plasma levels of glucose and vitamin B12 was greater in lambs fed Cobalt supplements compared to other treatments (P = 0.0001). In general Cobalt supplementation and barley processing with steam rollers improved performance of the lambs.

Pasta Waste (PW) is commercially 40 to 50 per cent cheaper than barley. Moreover, Pasta Waste and barley grain have similar chemical composition. So the goal of present study was Substituting Pasta Waste with Barley Grains in Fattening diet of Balouchi lambs.
Materials and Two experiments were assigned so as to evaluate substitution pasta waste (PW) with barley grain. In the first study gas production parameters of barley grain, PW and fattening diets of the second study were examined. In the second study effects of barley substitution with PW (in range of 0, 50 and 100% ) ondry mater intake (DMI), daily weight gain, apparent feed digestion and blood parameters were evaluated. 18 Baluchi male lambs (28.5±1 kg) with 5 to 6 month age were assigned randomly to three experimental fattening diets differing in PW ratio in a completely randomized design for 90 days.
The average of gas production from fermentable fraction (b) in PW was significantly higher than barley grain (P Present study result showed that in sito gas production of pasta wastes was higher than barley grain. Moreover, substitution of pasta wastes with barley grain had no negative effects on Balouchi lambs performance and reduced considerably feed cost and daily weight gain costs. So pasta wastes can use effectively in fattening lamb diets.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of feeding barley grain during late gestation and early lactation on productive performance of maiden Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. Thirty-two maiden ewes were randomly assigned to equal two treatments as the control (fed custom ration) and the supplemented (fed custom ration plus 400 grams/day/head barley grain during 7-13 days before to 10 days after parturition). The lamb's birth weight was measured. Lambs sex, type of birth and mortality were recorded. Each ewe was individually observed for determine lambing difficulties. Lambs were weighed at 10 days, one month and four months (weaning) of age. The average daily gain between birth to 10 days, birth to one month and birth to weaning age were calculated. No significant difference was found for lamb's birth weight among treatments. Lambing difficulties was not observed in ewes of two treatments. The average daily gain from birth to 10 days (P