جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « Feed Conversion Ratio » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

This study was aimed to optimize the suitable slaughter weight of Afshari fattening male lambs by using the feed conversion ratio curve and carcass tissue composition. Thirty-two Afshari male lambs, averaging 105±15.0 (SD) days of age and initial body weight of 30.2±3.6 (SD) kg, from the commercial herd in the Animal Science Research Institute of Iran were used. Metabolizable energy (ME) contents were, 2.79, 2.78, 2.72 and 2.69 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents were 146, 128, 109, and 103 g/kg for the 1, 2, 3, and 4 diets, respectively. The results showed, DMI and feed conversion ratio (FCR) had an increasing trend, with the increasing length of fattening period. The daily weight gains, had an upward trend from the beginning of the experiment to the 56th day, and then it decreased with a relatively small slope. Dressing percentage increased, with increasing length of the trail, so that it was significantly higher in the last stage of slaughter (55.3%) than the previous (52%). Weight percent of digestive tract (stomach and intestine), liver and, lung decreased but weight percent of internal fat increased, with a significantly difference, when experimental period increased. The highest percent of fat-tail weight, was observed in the last stage of slaughter (19.8) and the lowest was observed in the first stage of slaughter (14.2). Back fat thickness increased with increasing length of the experiment, so that a significant difference observed between the last stage of slaughter and the previous stages.

Considering that soybean is mainly used in human nutrition and its meal is mostly used in poultry feed, and also due to the high price of soybean meal and its impact on the cost of each kilogram of feed, using of other protein sources such as camellia meal in the diet of fattening lambs can reduce the need of soybean meal for ruminant animals. Previous studies have shown that camelina meal with a suitable percentage of omega-3, crude protein, crude fat and poly unsaturated fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) makes it a suitable feedstuff for livestock, poultry and fish. However, due to the presence of anti-nutritional compounds such as trypsin inhibitor and glucosinolate, the limitations of camellia meal should be taken into consideration when used in the diet of animals. In many experiments, it has been determined that camelina is a plant resistant to harsh weather conditions compared to other oil plants, has a high yield potential, and it has been reported that it is possible to plant it in crop rotation with cereals.  In this study, the possibility of using camelina meal (CM) instead of soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of fattening lambs was investigated.

 Twenty-four male lambs aged four to six months with an average weight of 34.21±2.18 kg in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications were used. Animals were placed in the individual cages. Treatments included: 1) control (basal diet containing SBM), 2) basal diet with 33% replacement of SBM with CM, 3) basal diet with 67% replacement of SBM with CM, and 4) basal diet with 100% replacement of SBM with CM. Ruminal fluid was taken by esophageal tube and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein on days 0, 45 and the end of the experiment.

 The final weight and daily weight gain were not affected by the replacement of oil meals, but it caused a decrease in dry matter intake (P˂0.05). Ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration increased in a way that was significant in 33 and 67% replacement (P<0.05). Volatile fatty acids concentration and pH were not affected by treatments. The total population of protozoa and genus Entodinium decreased with the increase in replacement percentage, and according to the interaction effect of time and treatment, the population increased with the increase in the duration of the experiment (P<0.05). The concentration of blood urea increased with the replacement of meals (P<0.05), although this process was influenced by the interaction of treatment and time. With the complete replacement of meals, the concentrations of blood cholesterol and triglycerides increased (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde in the blood of lambs was not affected by replacing SBM with CM. 

 According to the results, camelina meal can be used instead of soybean meal at a maximum level of 67% in diet of fattening lambs.

Introduction : 

Sunflower meal is considered as an attractive alternative to soybean meal due to its adaptation to dry and temperate climates as well as its lower anti-nutrient content than other oilseeds. Sunflower meal has a limiter that restricts its use in broiler diets. The fiber in sunflower meal has limited its use in the diet of broilers due to reduced metabolic energy as well as production. Fermentation, which uses beneficial microorganisms, can reduce the chemical composition of the feed and increase the yield of broilers by producing enzymes and using fiber as a feed source. In this study, in order to investigate the effect of fermentation on sunflower meal, growth yield, microbial population composition, blood parameters in broiler chickens were performed.

The research was conducted at the research farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2020. In this study, 200 commercial male Ross 308 broilers were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications, and eight chickens per replication. The treatments included: 1) Control diet, 2) Diet containing sunflower meal (negative control), 3) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Aspergillus Oryzae, 4) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Penicillium Funiculosum, and 5) Diet containing sunflower meal fermented with Aspergillus Oryzae and Penicillium Funiculosum. Sunflower meal was obtained from Behpak Behshahr (Mazandaran) company, ground in the animal nutrition laboratory of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and sieved to a size of 2 mm. Aspergillus Oryzae (PTCC5010) and Penicillium Funiculosum (PTCC5301) were purchased as lyophilized vials from the Fungus and Bacteria Collection Center of the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). During the fermentation process, 1.1 liters of the mixture of distilled water and primer culture (containing at least 105 colony forming units per ml) was added to each kilogram of sunflower meal, and the resulting mixture was thoroughly mixed by hand for 15 minutes. The mixture was fermented in special tanks (with a one-way valve to remove the produced gases and prevent air from entering) for 7 days at 30 °C, and finally, the fermented sunflower meal was dried for three days at room temperature. All chickens were kept under the same breeding conditions during the 39-day period and had free access to feed. Experimental diets were adjusted to three periods: initial (1-10 days), growth (11-24), and final (25-39) using Table 1 of the Ross 308 Catalog of Nutritional Requirements for Broilers. The pH of fermented sunflower meal was determined using the Chiang et al. method. Sunflower meal was sampled before and after fermentation to measure dry matter, ash, crude protein by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat by Soxhlet device, and insoluble fibers in acidic detergent and neutral detergent using a fibrotec device. Total amino acid was measured by the ninhydrin method. Soluble sugar was measured by the intron method. Total phenol content was measured using the Folin-Siocalcu reagent and spectrophotometry. Soluble proteins were measured by the Bradford method.

During the fermentation of sunflower meal, pH, crude fat, soluble protein and soluble sugar decreased. The amount of crude protein, total amino acid, insoluble fiber in acidic detergent, and insoluble fiber in neutral detergent increased. In the whole breeding period, body weight gain was improved in treatments fed with fermented feed. In the treatment of Aspergillus Oryza + Penicillium funiculosum, feed consumption decreased compared to control, negative control and Penicillium funiculosum treatments. The feed conversion ratio increased in the negative control treatment at the age of 1-39 days compared to other treatments. In the ileum, coliform bacteria decreased in negative control treatments, Aspergillus Oryzae, Aspergillus Oryzae + Penicillium funiculosum compared to the control treatment, but Penicillium funiculosum treatment increased compared to other treatments. At 39 days of age, the use of fermented and raw feed increased the level of HDL-c in the negative control and Aspergillus Oryzae + Penicillium funiculosum treatments. The amount of LDL-c increased in the treatments of Aspergillus Oryzae and Penicillium funiculosum

Based on the results, the use of fermented feed in the feeding of broiler chickens during the entire breeding period has improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio.

Identifying genes with large effects on economically important traits, has been one of the important goals in sheep breeding. A method to identify new loci and confirm existing quantitative trait loci (QTL) is through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). QTL-assisted selection and genomic regions affecting the production traits have been considered to increase the efficiency of selection and improve production performance. GWAS typically focuses on genetic markers with the strongest evidence of association. However, single markers often explain only a small component of the genetic variance and hence offer a limited understanding of the trait under study. A solution to tackle the aforementioned problems, and deepen the understanding of the genetic background of complex traits, is to move up the analysis from the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to the gene and gene-set levels. In a gene-set analysis, a group of related genes that harbor significant SNP previously identified in GWAS is tested for over-representation in a specific pathway. The present study aimed to conduct a GWAS based on gene-set enrichment analysis for identifying the loci associated with economic traits using the high-density SNPs.

In this research, to identify genes and biological pathways associated with some economic traits, GWAS based on gene-set enrichment analysis was conducted in a F2 population derived from a reciprocal cross by using Illumina iSelect 4K Japanese quail SNP Bead chip. For each bird, traits including body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, tibia ash, and foot ash were measured. The SNPs that were associated with traits were identified based on mixed linear models using GCTA software and no correction was made to adjust the error rate. The gene-set analysis consisted of three different steps: (1) the assignment of SNPs to genes, (2) the assignment of genes to functional categories, and (3) the association analysis between each functional category and the phenotype of interest. In brief, for each trait, nominal P<0.005 from the GWAS analyses were used to identify significant SNPs. Using the biomaRt R package, the SNPs were assigned to genes if they were within the genomic sequence of the gene or a flanking region of 15 kb up- and downstream of the gene, to include SNP located in regulatory regions. For the assignment of the genes to functional categories, the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway databases were used. The GO database designates biological descriptors to genes based on attributes of their encoded products and it is further partitioned into three components: biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. The KEGG pathway database contains metabolic and regulatory pathways, representing the actual knowledge of molecular interactions and reaction networks. Finally, a Fisher’s exact test was performed to test for overrepresentation of the significant genes for each gene set. The gene enrichment analysis was performed with the goseq R package. In the next step, bioinformatics analysis was implemented to identify the biological pathways performed in BioMart, Panther, DAVID, and GeneCards databases.

Gene-set enrichment analysis has proven to be a great complement to GWAS. Among available gene set databases, GO is probably the most popular, whereas KEGG is a relatively new tool that is gaining ground in livestock genomics. We hypothesized that the use of gene-set information could improve prediction. It is likely that a better understanding of the biology underlying meat production specifically, plus an advance in the annotation of the quail genome, can provide new opportunities for predicting production using gene-set information. 11 SNPs on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 18, 20, 24, and 27 located in NPY, DRD2, PTPRN2, BMPR1B, MYF5, IGF2BP1, MYO1E, FGF2, LDB2, BMP4, ACOX1, PCK1, PLCB4, PLCB, and PLCG1 genes were identified. According to gene-set enrichment analysis, 23 categories from gene ontology and the KEGG pathway were associated with the traits (P˂0.05). Among those categories, Protein glycosylation, Myoblast differentiation, Positive regulation of muscle cell differentiation and Biological MAPK signaling pathway, and Calcium signaling pathway have a significant association with skeletal muscle fiber, feed intake, and availability utilization.

This study supported previous results from GWAS and revealed additional regions associated with these economically important traits. Using the findings of this study could potentially be useful for genetic selection to improve production in Japanese quail.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding enzymes and probiotics to diets containing different levels of metabolizable energy on performance and net energy efficiency in broiler-fed based on corn-soybean meal. This experiment was performed with 8 treatments and 5 replications with 400 maleRoss 308 broiler chicks. Treatments including diets with and without multi-enzyme (0, 500 g/t), with and without probiotics lactofid (0, 200 g/t) and two levels of metabolizable energy (2850 and 3100 kcal/kg) in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement with completely randomized design. Increasing dietary energy level to 3100 kcal/kg improved feed consumption throughout the whole period and increased weight gain during the growing period and the in whole period of the experiment (p<0.05). Adding of probiotics increased weight gain of chickens during the growth period (p<0.05). Adding of enzymes, probiotics and increasing energy level increased organic matter digestibility (p<0.05). Supplementation of enzymes and probiotics to diet containing 3100 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, increased energy efficiency and efficiency of energy retention as protein and fat in the body of broiler chicks (p<0.05).

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of sunflower seed meal fermented with Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, some blood parameters in 200 male Ross 308 broiler chicks in a completely randomized design. with five treatments. Experimental treatments were: 1- Diet containing sunflower seed meal fermented by Aspergillus niger 2- Diet containing sunflower seed meal fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3- Diet containing sunflower seed meal fermented by both Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus niger 4- Diet containing sunflower seed meal without processing 5-Control diet based on corn and soybean meal. Feed intake in control and treatment 1 were higher than the other treatments in starter and finisher periods of the experiment (P<0.05). Daily Feed intake in control group was higher than the other treatments in whole period of the experiment (P<0.05). Daily weight gain in control and treatment 1 were higher than the other group in starter and grower periods of the experiment (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio in treatment 1 was better in finisher phase. In whole period of the experiment, feed conversion ratio in control and treatment 1 was better than the other treatments (P<0.05). Dry matter, crude protein, crude fat digestibility in the control group was higher than the other treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of sunflower seed meal fermented with Aspergillus niger, in broiler diet showed similar feed conversion ratio in compared to control group in whole period of the experiment and also lowered abdominal fat percentage.

Spirulina platensis (SP) is a filamentous blue-green microalgae (cyanobacteria) generally regarded as prebiotic and source of high quality protein, minerals, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, pigments and phenolic acids. Many studies have shown that Spirulina has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity in various experimental animals. Several studies have demonstrated the growth-promoting effects of spirulina platensis on broiler chickens. Jamil et al., (2015) showed that feeding 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 percent spirulina increased weight gain and linearly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens. Similar results were reported by Shanmugapriya et al., (2015). They reported that feeding 1% of spirulina platensis to broiler chicks caused to improve growth performance. As well as growth performances, treatment with S. platensis was reported to increase the carcass percentage and ready-to-cook yields of broiler chicks in the studies of Raju et al. (2004), Kaoud (2012) and Holman & Malau-Aduli (2013). The cecum plays an important role in preventing colonization of pathogens and detoxifying harmful substances (Jorgensen et al., 1996), therefore may play an important role in improving nutrients absorption and better performance. A previous study in broiler chickens also concluded that intestinal microbial-including cecum is highly associated with the production performance of broiler chickens (Jeong and Kim, 2014). Park et al., (2018) indicated that broiler chickens fed a Spirulina supplemented diet led to higher cecal Lactobacillus concentration, but had no effect on the number of coliform bacteria. Some other studies suggest that microalgae have potential antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. de Mule et al., (1996) observed that methanolic and aqueous extracts of Spirulina inhibited the growth of Candida albicans whereas Lactococcus lactis was promoted by the extract, with growth increasing from 7.5 to 14.7%.

Three hundred one-day- old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates and 10 birds each in a completely randomized design. Dried Spirulina Platensis (SP) powder provided from Pars Jolbak Co. in Shiraz, Iran and after chemical analysis was used in diets. All experimental diets were corn soybean based and formulated to reach ROSS 308 broiler chicken requirements. Dietary treatments were 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5,0.75 and 1 % Spirulina Platensis (SP). All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and were fed to birds during 6 weeks. The average daily feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were measured for each group and feed conversion ratio was calculated. Daily mortality was weighed, recorded and used to correct the feed conversion ratio. Daily FI was determined from the difference between supplied and residual feed in each pen and was adjusted for mortality. At the end of the experiment, two birds per each replicate (similar to cage average weight) were selected. The birds were killed by cervical dislocation. Breast, thigh, pancreas, abdominal fat and liver were removed, weighed and expressed as a percentage of live weight at 42 d of age. At the end of experiment, cecal samples collected from each bird. One gram of cecal sample from viable counts of bacteria in the cecal samples were conducted by plating serial 10-fold dilutions onto Lactobacilli MRS agar plates and MacConkey agar plates to isolate Lactobacillus spp. and coliform bacteria, respectively. The lactobacilli agar plates were then incubated for 24-72 h at 37◦C under anaerobic conditions. After the incubation periods, colonies of the respective bacteria were counted and expressed as the logarithm of colony-forming units per gram (log10 CFU/g). All data analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure described by the SAS Institute (2009). Tukey test was used to determine the significant differences between the treatment means.

The results showed that feed intake of birds was not influenced by SP supplementation during the whole period, but weight gain of birds fed diets containing 1 % SP, was increased (P<0.05) and feed conversion ratio was decreased significantly (P<0.05) as compared as control birds. Similar to our results, Park et al., (2018) showed that up to 1% SP in broiler diets, did not affect the feed consumption of broiler chickens. They showed that increasing dietary SP from 0 to 1 %, caused to increase in weight gain during total period. Shanmugapriya et al., (2015) reported that feeding 1% of spirulina platensis to broiler chicks caused to improve growth performance.The mechanism of action of Spirulina has not been clearly established, but previous studies have reported that dietary supplementation of Spirulina has positive effects on growth performance in poultry. Carcass yield and breast relative weight in chickens fed more than 0.5 % SP were significantly increased (P<0.05), but abdominal fat, liver and thigh relative weight were not affected. Similar to our results, increase in carcass percentage and ready-to-cook yields of broiler chicks were reported in the studies of Raju et al. (2004), Kaoud (2012) and Holman & Malau-Aduli (2013). In present study, the chickens fed more than 0.5% SP had lower cecal E.Coli concentration and nonsignificant increase in Lactobacillus concentration. Similarly, Park et al., (2018) indicated that broiler chickens fed a Spirulina supplemented diet led to higher cecal Lactobacillus concentration. Regard to previous study which concluded that intestinal microbial-including cecum is highly associated with the production performance of broiler chickens (Jeong and Kim, 2014), therefore in our study, the better performance of chickens fed higher than 0.5% SP may be associated with decrease in cecal E.Coli Concentration.Conclusion It is concluded that dietary supplementation of broiler diets with 1% Spirulina platensis, could improve the growth performance, carcass yield and cecal microbial population of broiler chickens at 42 day of age.Keywords: Prebiotic, Feed Conversion ratio, Carcass yield, Escherichia coli, Algae

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is a by-product of the separation of oil from cottonseed, which is limited in poultry feed due to its gossypol, cyclopropenoid fatty acids, high fiber and low protein quality. For this purpose, in the present study, the effect of different levels of cottonseed meal with silymarin on the performance and some blood parameters of broilers was investigated.

Treatments consisted of different levels of CSM (0, 12 and 24 percentage of diet) and 2 levels of silymarin (0 and 600 ppm) that was performed in completely randomized design with 2×3 factorial arrangement with 240 broiler chicks. Experimental diets for starter period (1 to 21 days) and grower period (22 to 42 days) were performed based on the requirements of the National Research Council. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly. On day 42 of breeding, blood samples were taken to evaluate blood lipid parameters. Breast weight, thighs, abdominal fat, total gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen and bursa of fabricius were also measured at day 42 and the data were reported as a percentage of live body weight.

The results of this experiment showed that dietary supplementation of silymarin was more effective on increasing FI in birds that consumed 12% CSM at starter period. Supplementation of silymarin to the control diet significantly decreased FI at grower period and whole period of experiment (p<0.05). Improved BWG and FCR was related to the birds fed silymarin at 2 levels (0 and 600 ppm) without cottonseed meal (p<0.05). Highest relative weight of thigh was related to the birds that consumed diet without cottonseed meal and silymarin. Highest value of relative weight of breast was recorded for the birds that received diet with silymarin and without CSM that had significant difference to the diet contains cottonseed meal (with or without silymarin). Also, highest value of relative weight of gastro-intestinal tract was recorded for the birds that received diet with 12% CSM and silymarin. The plasma LDL level of birds fed diet with silymarin and without CSM were lowest that had significant difference to the other treatments (p<0.05). Also, dietary supplementation of silymarin at the lack of CSM increased but in CSM diets decreased significantly plasma triglyceride concentration (p<0.05).

The results of this experiment showed that supplementation of silymarin at 600 ppm to the CSM diets could not reduce negative effects of gossypol in broiler chickens.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic architecture, genomic regions and candidate genes associated with body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio in Japanese quails. For detection the informative genomic windows, genotyping data on 920 quails was used in a single-step genome-wide association study. The BLUPf90 family software was used to perform related analyses. Theresults was calculated based on the proportion of additive genetic variance (agv) explained by genomic region with an average size of 1.5-Mb of adjacent SNPs. Windows with accounting for more than 1% of the agv were used to identify genomic regions and to search for candidate genes. A total of 13 significant windows over 8 chromosomes were explained 23% of the agv for the body weight gain and including SMYD1, ADGRG6 and CFL2 candidate genes. A peak on CJA2 explained the largest proportion of variance. For feed intake, we identified 20 informative windows across 8 chromosomes and including ACSL, PPA2, FGF2 and RBL2 candidate genes. These regions explained 38% of the agv and a peak on CJA4 explained of agv. Also, for the feed conversion ratio, 12 significant windows were identified on 7 chromosomes and explained 23.7% of agv, contained ATRNL1 and PTPN4 candidate genes. Four genomic regions had a pleiotropic effect. Considering the identification of new genome regions and the key role of the mentioned genes related to feed intake, the single step method can be validated for GWAS in feed efficiency traits.

A The use of vitamin C in conditions of heat stress and poultry rejuvenation compared to this stressor has been recorded by researchers for many years (Nameghi 1386). . The experiment was a completely randomized design with 7 treatments and 4 replications, 10 birds each. Treatments included: control diet, 3 level of vitamin C (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and 3 level of Nano vitamin C (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg). The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean. During the experiment, water and food were offered ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake at the end of each period were measured and used to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. At d 42 one bird from each replicate was selected and killed to measure the internal organ weights. Also, the weight and length of the jejunum were calculated, and partly for intestinal morphology in formalin 10%.

The effect of dietary treatments on feed consumption in broiler chickens was significant (P<0.05). Chickens that received 200 mg of vitamin C kg-1 diet had the greatest feed intake than other chicks. The results of this study was in line with the results of Kutlu and Forbes (1993) who reported that 250 mgof vitamin C increased these parameters. Experimental treatments had a significant effect on the weight gain of chicks (P<0.001). Chickens that received 50 mg nano vitamin C had the greatest weight gain compared to other treatments. According to these results, Roshani et al. (2006) reported that vitamin C during the stress period improved the feed intake and daily weight gain. Sahin and Kucuk (2002) reported that the use of 200 mg vitamin C /kg of diet improved the feed intake of quails under stress conditions. Gross (1988) showed that vitamin C under stress conditions caused an increase in daily weight gain in broiler chicks. In another study, Ping et al. (2011) showed that nano multivitamin improved weight gain, feed intake and reduced mortality. Chicks fed 50 mg nano vitamin C had the best conversion ratio compared to other treatments. The results of this experiment are consistent with the results of Alba et al. (1393), Kutlu and Forbes (1993), and Amakye et al. (2000). They reported that the use of vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Sahin and Kucuk (2002) reported that using 200 mg/kg of vitamin C improved feed consumption and feed conversion ratio under heat stress. Researchers reported that vitamin C supplementation in summer did not have a significant effect on the relative weight of the thigh, which is similar to the results of this experiment (Konca, 2009). Relative weight of breast and carcass was affected by experimental treatments and a significant difference was observed between the groups. The greatest relative weight of the carcass was related to birds received 200 mg vitamin C kg-1 diet. The greatest relative weight was related to treatment with 50 mg nano vitamin C. According to these results, Sahin et al. (2002) reported that vitamin C supplementation of 250 mg/kg of diet improved live weight, nutritional efficiency and carcass traits. Also, Roshani et al. (2006) reported that vitamin C supplementation during the stressful period significantly increased the weight of the chest. Rafie et al. (1393) reported that 250 mg/kg vitamin C increased breast weight and could somewhat reduce the negative effects of heat stress. Darmankouhi (2005) reported that ascorbic acid increased the carcass quality and yield under heat stress conditions. Relative weight of liver was not affected by experimental treatments. The effect of treatments on relative weight of spleen was significant (P<0.05). Chickens fed 100 mg of vitamin C had the greatest relative spleen weight. An experiment showed that vitamin C had no significant effect on different gastrointestinal system (Konca, 2009). Nemati et al. (1392) reported that the use of antioxidants such as vitamin C under stress conditions, reduced spleen relative weight, immune system, and mortality. Raeisi et al. (1394) showed that the effect of different levels of vitamin C on the relative weight of the spleen and liver was significant. The greatest amount of relative length of jejunum was belonged to birds received 100 mg of nano vitamin C. This level was significantly different from that of the control group and 50 mg vitamin C (P<0.05). The relative weight of the jejunum was not affected by the treatments. Treatments did not have a significant effect on white blood cells. The greatest amount of RBC was related to treatment with 200 mg nano vitamin C (P<0.05). This treatment was significantly different from control treatments, 50 mg vitamin C, 50 mg nano-vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin C (P<0.001). The greatest amount of hemoglobin was related to the level of 200 mg nano vitamin C (P<0.001). The experimental treatments did not have any effect on the heterophile levels. The greatest amount of lymphocyte was related to birds fed 50 mg and 100 mg nano vitamin C(P<0.001), which had a significant difference with 200 mg vitamin C and nano vitamin C (P<0.05). Gross (1988) showed that the number of lymphocytes was increased by the use of vitamin C in broiler diets. Taghilu et al. (1389) showed that 0.05% of vitamin C improved hematocrit. Regarding the effect of vitamin C, Tuleun et al. (2011) showed that vitamin C had no significant effect on blood cell parameters. In another study Mirzapoor et al. (1394) examined levels of 250 and 500 mg of vitamin C on blood parameters. Results showed that vitamin C increased the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin and improved hematocrit of the blood.The greatest amount of glutathione peroxidase enzyme was related to the level of 200 mg nano vitamin C kg-1 diet(P<0.001), which was significantly different from other treatments. Research has shown that vitamin C has an electron capability that acts as a regenerator of active oxygen species (ROS) and has a moderating role in the antioxidant defense activity (Sies et al. 1995). Chickens that received different levels of vitamin C and nano vitamin C had a significant difference compared to the control group (Data was not shown in this article).. Rafiei et al. (1393) showed that lemon powder with 250 mg/kg of vitamin C reduces the negative effects of heat stress and improves the immune response of the bird. Pardu et al. (1985) reported that the consumption of 1000 mg/kg of vitamin C would increase antibody production against SRBC. Mccorre et al. (1980) showed that ascorbic acid can increase the activity of B lymphocytes improving humoral immune responses. Amakye et al., reported vitamin C improve humoral immune response in broiler chicks.

The results of this experiment showed that consumption of 50 mg nano vitamin C kg-1 diet had a positive effect on growth performance of broiler chicks, thus improving the weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Also increased the weight of the liver, spleen and bursa, and improved immune function and the rate of humoral immune response. Also, 200 milligrams of nano-vitamin C kg-1 diet increased the concentration of hemoglobin and glutathione peroxidase enzyme under heat stress conditions.

This study was done to investigate the effect of pomegranate peel extract on growth performance, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology and meat quality of broiler fed diet-contained soybean oil. 120 male broilers were used in the form of a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 repetitions and 10 chicks. Experimental diets were three levels of zero, 300 and 600 mg/kg of pomegranate peel extract (PPE). Pomegranate peel extract had no effect on performance traits including feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio at starter and finisher phases, but in the grower period, the levels of 300 and 600 PPE reduced feed intake (from 928 to 777 g) and feed conversion ratio (from 1.77 to 1.31; P <0.05) compare to control. The breast percentage increased from 19.78 in control to 21.95 at the level of 600 PPE and the percentage of abdominal fat decreased from 1.93 in control to 1.27 at the level of 600 PPE (P <0.05). The PPE at levels of 600 reduced concentration of cholesterol (183.68 to 137.15 mg/dl) and LDL (95.63 to 32.93 mg/dl) and the enzyme activity of aspartate dehydrogenase (263.8 to 204.28) compare to control. The villus height (from 1026.88 to 1155.12) and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (5.04 to 5.6) were higher at the 600 PPE compared to the control. The concentration of Malondialdehyde in meat decreased at 15 and 30 days after slaughter with an increase in PPE compared to control.

Harmful effect of antibiotics is evident in the feed industry. This industry needs an alternative instead of growth-promoting antibiotics. Medicinal plants can be the alternative due to their antimicrobial and nutritional effects. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the medicinal plants used in animal and poultry nutrition. Coriander seeds’ essential oil is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes. In addition to camphor, granil acetate, alpha-pinene, graniol, and pisimin are other predominant constituents of coriander seed’s essential oil. Minerals including phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and essential amino acids including glutamine, asparagine, and arginine have also been identified as components of coriander seeds. The main component of coriander seeds is linalool. The effect of using coriander seeds and its positive effects on yield, rumen fermentation process, blood parameters, meat quality, and feed conversion ratio has been reported in sheep of different breeds. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of adding coriander seeds to the diet on yield, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters of Sanjabi lambs. 16 male lambs with 90 days of age (weaning age) and an average weight of 27±1.5 kg were considered in this study. Fattening was done for 90 days. Lambs were also vaccinated against enterotoxemia. Diets contained the concentrate to forage ratio of 70 to 30. Diets included 0 (without medicinal plants), one, three, and five percentages of coriander seeds. During the fattening period, water and feed were ad libitum to the lambs and the feed was distributed three times a day. Lambs were weighed at the beginning of the period and then monthly after 14 hours of starvation. The dry matter intake was measured daily and the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated at the end of the fattening period. To prepare a stool sample for each head of lamb, five daily stool samples were mixed in equal value and thus a sample was prepared for each lamb. At the end of the rearing period, the fecal collection was performed directly from the rectum of the lamb for five consecutive days. Stool samples were collected from the rectum every three hours and immediately transferred to a refrigerator at 4 °C. The statistical analysis of data was conducted in a completely randomized design using the GLM procedure of the SAS program. Also, Duncan’s multiple range test was used for the comparison of treatment means. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and insoluble fibers in neutral detergent (percent) was the same in different treatments (P>0.05). Creatinine, albumin, total globulin, glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, beta-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase were not affected by experimental treatments during feeding (P>0.05). None of the blood serum metabolites of lambs was affected by coriander seed ((P>0.05). The results showed that consumption of coriander seeds had a significant effect on dry matter intake and daily weight gain (P<0.05). The best feed conversion ratio was obtained in the treatment containing one percent of coriander seeds (P<0.05). Compared to the control diet, diets containing coriander seeds had a significant effect on the apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus (P<0.05). Using coriander seeds in the diet made a decrease in blood urea nitrogen and increased blood glucose during the fattening period, but did not affect other blood metabolites. Concentrations of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase tended to be increased by five percent of coriander seed in the diet compared to the control treatment, indicating liver activity to remove toxic effects and anti-nutrients components. Coriander seeds have strong antioxidant properties due to compounds such as riboflavin, tocopherol, total polyphenols, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and quercin. In the present study, blood cholesterol decreased by increasing coriander seeds in the diet. This may be due to a decrease in the activity of the cholesterol-synthesizing enzyme in the liver, making a decrease in tissue cholesterol, and the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids by aging. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded the use of one to three percent of coriander seed in the diet of fattening lambs improved the performance, and apparent digestibility and has positive effects on blood metabolites including glucose and urea nitrogen in Sanjabi lambs.

The use of food additives in the diets of farm animals such as poultry has an important role in improving the level of their health, increasing the amount of their products and improving their products quality. Nowadays, feed additives prepared from microbial products and medicinal plants are among the common additives used in feeding of broiler chickens. These products don’t have any adverse effects on broiler health, and their use in the diet of broilers has been welcomed by consumers.This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of antibiotic, symbiotic, pepermint powder and mixture of symbiotic and pepermint powder on performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broilers.

In this experiment 240 Ross 308 broilers were used in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 chicks in each replicate in two experiment period include: growth (11 to 24 days), and finish (25-42 days), in a completely rondomised design. Experimental diets included: 1) control group (without any additives), 2) antibiotic (100 ppm.kg diet), 3) symbiotic (0.5 and 0.25 g.kg diet in growth and finish periods), 4) pepermint powder (1% of diet), and 5) symbiotic (0.5 and 0.25 g.kg diet in growth and finish periods) + peppermint (1% of diet).

The results showed that in growth period, using of pepermint powder significantly reduced the amount of final weight (p<0.05). In finish period, all additives in contrast to control group, increased the amount of daily weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). In totall experiment period, all additives increased the amount of daily weight gain (p<0.05). Experimental groups had no effects on the amount of daily feed intake. Experimental groups incontrast with control group, significantly reduced the amount of bours fabrisious relative weight (p<0.05). So, the the lowest relative weight blonged to peppermint treatment, whereas the highest it blonged to control group. Symbiotic + peppermint group significantly reduced the level of blood LDL (p<0.05).

Finally using of feed addtives in diets of broiler chicks such as current experiment recommended doses can be having benifical effects on their performance, immunity and blood parameters.

Nutrition and feedstuffs are the main part of the costs in the breeding of roiler chicekn. Introduce of new feedstuffs and agricultural wastes as part of the diet can be an effective step in reducing production costs. The use of dried surplus mulberry due to its valuable nutrients can be effective in poultry nutrition.The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of using different levels of dried surplus mulberry and multi-enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood indices, immune response and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens.

Three hundred twenty 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. The experimental treatments included 4 levels of mulberry (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5- %) and 2 levels of multi-enzyme (0 and 0.1%). Eight dietary treatments had 4 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate. At 42 days of age, 2 chickens were slaughtered from each replicate and blood samples and carcass coonents were taken. In order to evaluate the intestinal morphology, a 1 cm piece of chickens's jejunum was collected and fixed in formalin.

Resutls: 

The results were revealed that interaction effects in diet contained 7.5% of dried surplus mulberry compared to 2.5% of mulberry increased the amount of feed intake at the starter period (0-10 days; p<0.05). The carcass efficiency was higher in birds fed 2.5% of mulberry compared to other treatments. The treatment with 5 and 7.5% dried surplus mulberry with enzyme decreased abdominal fat percentage and increased the percentage of burs of fabricus, spleen and anti-SRBC titer compared to control group (p<0.05). The carcass efficiency and abdominal fat percentages were affected by the enzyme supplementation (p<0.05). The treatments of 5 and 7.5% dried surplus mulberry with enzyme, increased the villus height and absorption area of intestine in comparison to control group (p<0.05). The interaction effects of dried surplus mulberry and multi-enzyme were significantly decreased cholesterol, LDL and increased HDL concentration in comparison to control group (p<0.05).

It is concluded that using dried mulberry surplus with enzyme may decrease blood lipid and improve immune response and intestine morphology without effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.

Compensatory growth is actually a physiological process in which the animal's potential, after a period of dietary restriction, can be exploited to increase growth and growth efficiency during the free feeding period (Hornick et al 2000). Compensatory growth is widely used today in various countries. Another specific management approach (short-term strategies) in lamb fattening is appropriate weight at the beginning of fattening (Santos Silva et al 2002). The benefits of applying a compensatory growth mechanism during the breeding period can be improved feed efficiency during the compensatory growth period (Abouhif et al 2013 and Sami et al 2016), reduced feed cost throughout the breeding period, also improved weight gain during the breeding period (Clark et al 2007; Abuhif et a l 2015) and reduced energy maintenance needs (Kamalzadeh et al 2009; Shadnosh et al 2011). Considering the feedlot of 320,000 fattening lambs in Lorestan province per year and the possibility of using feed restriction to promote the use of compensatory growth in lamb fattening, the project was carried out aims to investigate the possibility of process changing the growth rate, fattening and physical and chemical composition of carcass lambs Lori breed by short-term strategies of feed restriction.This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different weight start of feed restriction on growth performance and carcass lambs traits Lori breed lambs.

Fifty four male Lori lambs with a mean live weight of 26 kg were selected for the experiment. Treatments were consisted of 6 feed restriction treatments (60,80%) and ad libitum(fattening diet without restriction) for two weights (30 and 35 kg). At the beginning of expriment, 54 experimental lambs were fed the same diet.After a 14 day pre-feed restriction period, a group of 27 individuals that had reached an average weight of 30 kg were separated from the rest and subjected to feed restraint treatments. The remaining 27 lambs were fed the former diet for 35 days until reaching a weight of 35 kg. Upon reaching this group, an average of 35 kg dietary restriction was applied.The feed restriction period for both groups was 30 and 35 kg for 35 days. Then the 30 kg group for 49 days and the 35 kg group for 28 days until the end of the fattening period were re-fed the control diet (fattening ration without restriction and ad libitum). At the end of experiment, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and feed intake were calculated and then three lambs were slathered from each treatment. Carcass characteristics were calculated with the cost of production per kg of weight gain, carcass and lean meat. Analysis were done by repeated measurements basis on a completely randomized design with a mixed model procedure. Comparison of mean treatments was performed by Tukey test. The statistical model was as follows:Yijk= μ + Ti+ Dk + Aij+ (T*D)ik + εijk.

The results of Table 2 showed that the effect of the experimental diets had no significant effect on all the traits of lambs weighing 30 and 35 kg over the pre-feed restriction period. Results showed that there were significant difference between the final weight of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (P<0.05). At the end of the re-feeding, no significant differences were observed among the control treatment (30 and 35kg) with 60 and 80% feed restriction groups. In the present study, at the beginning of the re-feeding period in the respective treatments, the daily weight gain in the feed restriction treatments was significantly higher than the control groups at 30 and 35 kg. There were significant difference among intake dry matter of lambs at the end of feed restriction period (P<0.05). At the end of compensatory growth, there was observed no significant difference between control and restriction groups. During the re-feeding period, feed conversion ratio was lower in feed restriction treatments compared to control treatment (30 and 35 kg). Compensated feeding reduced FCR in lambs with prior feed restriction compared to control. The results showed that feed efficiency and feed intake needed to maintain live weight are affected by the animal feeding program. Results of physical composition of carcass during re-feeding showed that the average of most carcass traits in the control treatment (30 and 35kg) and 80% of feed restriction treatment for 30kg lambs had no significant difference and were higher than other groups. Also in the compensatory growth experiment, there was no significant difference between the number of empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weight sa well as dressing percentage due to no difference in the final live weight between the 30 and 35 kg control groups with 80% feed intake. Another study in other ruminants was consistent with feed restriction and compensatory growth.Meanwhile, the fat tail weight and percentage and total carcass fat were higher in the control treatment (30 and 35kg) than in all control groups. The results showed that the percentage of carcass lean meat in the compensatory groups was higher than the control treatments. This study showed that lambs with 80% feed restriction for 30kg lambs due to higher weight gain and FCR were more favorable in terms of fattening condition than control lambs who consumed feed during whole period. Also, this treatment was the total carcass fat percentage lower and lean meat higher and ultimately, the production costs per kg carcass and lean meat were lower than other treatments.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of feed form and stocking density on performance and some behavioral parameters of 208 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308), for 42 days.  Treatments were 2 feed forms (pellet versus mash) and 2 levels of density (10 and 16 birds/m2) that was performed in completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial arrangement and 4 replicates. Performance parameters were recorded weekly and carcass characteristics measured on day 42 of age. For evaluating behavioral parameters, 8 cameras were used. The results showed that feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the birds fed mash diets at whole period of experiment (P<0.05). Abdominal fat was increased in birds that consumed mash diet in high stocking density (P<0.05). In the morning of the third week, the activity index of birds that consumed mash diet in high stocking density increased significantly (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that feed form could not affect performance and behavioral parameters of broilers in high stocking density, although, pelleting diets improved performance parameters and high stock density increased average around feeder activity of broiler chickens.

This study was to investigate the effect of Portulaca oleracea L. extract(POE) on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response, blood indices and intestinal morphology in broilers under heat stress. 200 Ross 308 single-day-old chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replications and 10 chicks. Experimental groups were: negative control (no heat stress), four groups under heat stress (positive control), 250, 500 and 750mg of POE per kg diet. Results showed that using POE increased feed intake and body weight compared to the control (P <0.05). Chicks fed POE had lower feed conversion ratio than positive control group (P<0.05). Addition of POE to broiler diet had no effect on relative weight of carcass components including breast, thigh, spleen, bile, pancreas and abdominal fat. The POE reduced the relative weight of heart and liver compared to the positive control and the relative weight of bursa was higher in the chicks fed the POE (P<0.05). The POE increased total antibody titer against sheep red blood cells. Using the POE in broiler diet had no effect on plasma concentration albumin and protein, but the lowest concentration of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and highest HDL were observed broilers fed 750 POE. The activity of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes decreased during heat stress compared to negative control. POE increased villus height and absorption area compared to control(P<0.05). It is concluded that using POE reduced plasma concentration of cholesterol, LDL, and plasma MDA in broilers under heat stress.

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

This study was conducted to investigate the application of different levels of peeled and washed quinoa seeds on growth performance, immune response, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology in broilers. A total 280 Ross 308, one day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design with seven treatments, four replicates and 10 chicks per replicate. Experimental groups consisted of seven groups; fed 4, 8 and 12% peeled quinoa, or 4, 8 and 12% washed quinoa, and one control group. The results showed that using 4% peeled quinoa significantly increased the body weight and the feed intake. Broiler fed 4% peeled quinoa had lower FCR compare to the control (P<0.05). The using of 4% peeled quinoa increased the relative weight of carcass components including the breast and thigh (P<0.05) but decreased abdominal fat compared to the control group (P<0.05). The relative weight of bursa was higher in chicks fed different levels of quinoa (P<0.05). At 42 days of age the quinoa had no effect on the titer of immunoglobulin M and G index but increased total anti-SRBC index in broilers fed different levels of processed quinoa, compared to control (P<0.05). Quinoa reduced the concentration of cholesterol and LDL in broiler chicks (P<0.05). The processed quinoa at 4% increased the villus height and crypt depth (P <0.05), but did not affect the villus width of jejunum of broilers. It is concluded that using peeled and washed quinoa at 4% improved growth performance of broiler chickens. However, up to 12% washed or peeled quinoa had no negative effect on growth performance, and may decrease abdominal fat and blood lipid and may increase immune response of broiler chickens.

In order to investigate the effect of Savory and Ajwain essential oils on performance and the quality of produced eggs in the challenged hens with Salmonella Enteritidis, 100 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens with 44 week-olds, in a randomized complete block design were studied for 13 weeks. Treatments included negative control, positive control, antibiotic: 0.15g oxyvet per kilogram of basal diet, Savory essential oil, and Ajwain essential oil ((1g per kilogram of the basal diet). All experimental groups except negative control were challenged with 1 mL of suspension solution containing 1×107 CFU/mL Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria by oral gavage in the ninth week. Quantitative and qualitative parameters were evaluated at the end of each week, and before and after the challenge, respectively. Challenge with Salmonella Enteritidis had no significant effect on laying hen performance and egg quality. Before the challenge, antibiotic and essential oils of two medicinal plants reduced feed intake and egg weight compared to the control group; and reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio after the challenge (P<0.05). In the pre-challenge period, all three treatments, especially the essential oil of Ajwain, reduced the albumen Haugh unit (P<0.05). After the challenge, Savory essential oil reduced yolk cholesterol content; and essential oils of two medicinal plants decreased yolk lipid oxidation in both pre- and post challenge periods (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the essential oils of two medicinal plants increase the quality of produced eggs by reducing egg yolk MDA and cholesterol levels.