نشریه علوم دامی (پژوهش و سازندگی)
پیاپی 104 (پاییز 1393)

Totally, 3200 and 320 young worker bees were investigated morphologically and molecularly respectively. The four important honey bee microsatellite loci, A24, A28, A29, A113, indicated a considerable level of genetic diversity among the nation’s northwest honey bee populations and, considering average number of alleles per locus (3.25-5.75) and, average expected heterozygosity (0.445-0.701) high level of variability was shown. Moreover, according to molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA), intra-population and inter-population genetic diversity were estimated to be 70% and 30% respectively. In addition, statistical analysis of morphological characteristics using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that northwestern honey bee population of Iran could be divided into, at least, three groups. Considering the high genetical diversity of honey bee in northwest Iran, establishing queen rearing stations and executing interbreeding programs for honey bee population in northwest Iran seems to be necessary. Furthermore, considering the high level of polymorphism in the studied markers, they are recommended to be applied for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping, Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and, other related investigations.

In this research, first eighty five percent of broad bean stover mixed with nine percent of wheat straw and six percent of sugar beet molasses ensiled and its digestibility determined by four mature weathers. In the next stage, broad bean stover silage (BBSS) included in the ration of twenty male lambs with average body weight of 25.53±2.23 kg for 84 days in a completely randomized design. Forage to concentrate ratio were 30:70 in all diets. The forage content of the experimental diets included: 1) 60% alfalfa + 40% wheat straw (control), 2) 40% alfalfa + 26.7% wheat straw + 33.3% BBSS,3) 20% alfalfa + 13.3% wheat straw and 66.7% BBSS 4) 100% BBSS. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and acid detergent fiber in the BBSS were 30, 89.75, 10.82, 0.6 and 42.6 percent respectively. Metabolizable energy and total digestible nutrient of BBSS were 1.98 Mcal/kg and 42.97 percent respectively. The results of fattening trial showed that the highest dry matter intake (1.84 kg/d/animal) were in control group and the lowest amount (1.57 kg/d/animal) observed in fourth treatment (P<0.05). Increase the level of BBSS in the ration, reduced average daily gain of the lambs (P<0.05) but feed conversion ratio improved none significantly. Therefore, BBSS can be included as a forage sources in the growing lambs ration.

In order to investigate the effect of diets contained urea and molasses on fattening performance and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) density of male lambs, 72 Arabic male lambs were used in a completely randomized design with a 3×4 factorial experiment, for 90 days. The experimental diets contained; 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of urea each with 0, 7.5 and 15% of molasses, in isoprotein and isocalaric diets. The diets were prepared as total mixed ration and fed ad libitum twice per day. Results showed that the highest and lowest average daily gain (ADG) of lambs were obtained in lambs received diets contained 0.0 and 1.5% urea, respectively (p < 0.05). Utilization of different levels of molasses did not significantly affected the ADG of lambs. The lambs ADG was not affected by the interaction of urea and molasses in the diets. However, dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio were affected by different levels of urea or molasses, and interaction of urea×molasses (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest concentration of BUN were detected in lambs received diets contained 1.5% and 0.5% urea with 29.42 mg/dl and 26.78 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). BUN density was not affected by molasses level, but it was affected by the interaction of urea×molasses in the diet (p < 0.05). In general, based on the results of this experiment, utilization of 1.5% of urea plus 7.5% of molasses in the diet of fattening lambs, could reduced the feed cost and improve the optimization of fattening lambs performance.

Fifty Moghani male lambs with mean body weight of 28±1.9 kg were investigated in a completely randomized design for 98 days to assess the effect of replacing corn silage (CS) by amaranth silage (AS) on weight gain, rumen fermentation and blood parameters. Five iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets, in which CS replaced by different levels of AS (0, 75, 150, 225, or 300 g/kg of diet DM), were formulated to meet animal requirements. The diets were offered ad libitum and twice daily as total mixed rations. Dietary replacement of CS by AS, increased the daily feed intake, weight gain and molar proportion of butyrate, but diminished the ruminal proportion of iso-valerate, and blood content of triglycerides (P<0.05). The molar proportion of acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, valerate and pH of the rumen, and plasma levels of the glucose, total protein, albumin, creatinine, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Cl were similar among the experimental treatments. Overall, replacement of CS by AS up to 300 g/kg of dietary DM in diet of fattening Moghani lambs were possible, without negative effect on animal growth and blood parameters.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of electron beam (EB) and gamma ray (GR) radiations at doses of 25, 50 and 75 kGy on ruminal degradation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP), and in vitro digestibility of canola meal (CM). The nylon bag technique and in vitro two step method were used for this aim. GR decreased ruminal degradability of DM (P<0.05), but EB had no effect on this trait (P>0.05). The ruminal degradation of CP was reduced by irradiation (P<0.05). In this case the efficacy of GR was more than EB (P<0.05). In vitro digestibility of CM was increased by irradiation (P<0.05). With increasing dose of GR and EB, the value of in vitro DM digestibility increased linearly (P<0.05). The effects of EB and GR on increasing of this trait were the same (P>0.05) The results of this study showed greater effects of GR than the EB in reducing the ruminal degradation of DM and CP, while the in vitro digestibility of CM was equally affected by these ionizing radiations.

In order to investigate effects of partial replacement of starch with neutral detergent soluble fiber (NDSF) on weekly weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestibility and some histopathological changes of rumen, 16 lambs were used in completely randomized design. The experimental period was 70 days. Dietary treatments were 1- Control (high starch), 2- beet pulp, 18 percent, 3- beet pulp, 36 percent and 4- beet pulp, 54 percent (high soluble fiber). Lowest final weight and average daily weight gain observed in treatment 4 (P<0.05). Treatment 4 had the lowest dry matter intake in the second and third weeks and over the whole experimental period. Treatment 2 and treatment 3 showed the lowest while treatment 4 had the highest feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Highest total tract DM digestibility was observed in treatment 1. NDF and ADF digestibility were significantly increased with increasing level of beet pulp in the diet (P<0.05). Result of the histological pathology of rumen revealed a decrease in occurrence of parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis with increasing level of soluble fiber in the diet (P<0.05). The result of this study suggest that partial replacement of starch with neutral detergent soluble fiber from beet pulp to 36% of ration dry matter can improve animal growth performance presumably due to a reduce rumen histological damage.

The main objevtive of the study is to determine the factors which influence the addeptance or rejection of rural livestock insurance in Garmsar. The research method is descriptive one. There are two groups of research populations: 1467 cases in acceptance group & 7000 cases in rejection group. The sample population is 320 cases among 8467 ones. Data collection instrumennt is questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was measured by faculty members & other agriculture experts & also reliability of it determined through Cronbach alpha which was %83. correlation between acceptance & rejection of investigated population. According to the findings of the research, between educational level, basic income from farm-related communication channels, contacts of experts and acceptance & rejection of livestock insurance at %5 & the mortality rate, loan awareness of the objectives of the livestock insurance benefits %1 there is a meaningful relationship. Mann -Whitney test shows the different educational levels, different awareness & interest to livestock insurance between the two groups. Besides, the T-test shows the livestock losses rate in two groups.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among body weight and Fat-tail measurements with fat-tail weight by using Multiple regression and Principal component analysis. The eleven characters includes, body weight, Fat-tail length, Fat-tail circumference, width and diameters in 3 position of upper, middle and lower before the slaughter, and also Fat-tail weight after the slaughter, were measured in 120 Torki-Ghashghaii sheep. After analyzing data, the five first principal components explained 89.69% of the total variability for Fat-tail weight by 45.02, 19.81, 11.58, 7.27 and 6.1, respectively. The highest coefficients in the PC1 and PC2 were to Fat-tail circumference and widths (0.362±0.036) and Fat-tail diameters (0.50±0.34), respectively. Body weight had the highest coefficient in 3 next principal components. Fat-tail length had the highest coefficient in PC3 and PC4. In the Principal component regression, Fat-tail length (0.071), upper circumference of Fat-tail (0.041) and body weight (0.040), had the highest coefficients. While, in General least squares method, middle circumference of Fat-tail (0.083), Fat-tail length (0.077) and body weight (0.042), had the highest coefficients. Also, Principal component regression resulted into much lower amounts for Standard Error (0.006 to 0.02) than General least squares method (0.01 to 0.08). The result of this study showed, estimation of Fat-tail weight using Principal component analysis had a higher accuracy that could be useful for genetic improvement specialists in designing appropriate management, selection and implementation breeding programs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of butyric acid triglyceride and prebiotics on performance, egg quality traits and blood lipids of laying hens. A 2 × 4 factorial experiment with 4 levels of butyric acid triglyceride (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%) and 2 levels of prebiotic (0 and 0.15%) based a completely randomized design were conducted. One hundred and ninety-two 33-week-old (Hy Line- W36) hens were randomly divided to 8 dietary treatments, with 3 replicates of 10 each. The results of this study showed a significant difference in percentage of egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio among dietary treatments (P<0.05). So that the higher percentages of egg production, egg mass production were observed in diet contained 0.15 % prebiotic alone and diet contained 0.15% acid + 0.15% prebiotic. The diet contained 0.30% acid + 0.15% prebiotic had lower feed conversion ratio. The egg weight (60.94 g) and daily feed intake (91.77 g) did not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). The dietary treatment did not affect egg quality traits (P>0.05). The blood cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Triglyceride were not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of 0.15% prebiotic alone and 0.15% butyric acid triglyceride and 0.15 prebiotics together may improve the laying performance without any effect on egg quality and blood lipids parameters.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin premix withdrawal from diets containing different energy levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers subjected to heat stress in a completely randomized design with 2×3 factorial arrangement containing, 2 levels of energy (Low and High energy) and 3 levels of vitamin premix withdrawal (28, 35 and 42 days). Three hundred and thirty six Ross 308 broilers (male sex) were allocated to 6 experimental treatments with 4 replicates of 14 chicks each. The results showed that broilers were fed high energy diet had significantly higher body weight gain than those were fed low energy diet (P<0.05). The vitamin premix withdrawal and energy level had no significant effect on feed intake. Broilers that their vitamin premix were withdraw at 28 days rather than other groups (35 and 42 days) had relatively lower body weight gain and significantly higher feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Carcass percentage and abdominal fat were significantly higher in broilers fed higher energy diet than those were fed low energy diet (P<0.05). Carcass characteristics were not affected by the time of vitamin premix withdrawal. Based on the results of this experiment, increasing of dietary energy level resulted to improve broiler's performance subjected to heat stress, although the abdominal fat increases. Also, it is possible to withdraw vitamin premix one week before slaughtering (35 days), but it's withdraw two weeks before slaughtering (28 days) may decrease the performance of broilers.

An experiment was conducted with two hundred and twenty day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) in five groups to investigate the effects of different levels of 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% thyme extract in drinking water (including 27.4 mg sodium nitrate per liter) on broiler performance and antioxidant status and blood gas indices. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for body weight gain and feed consumption during the starter, grower, finisher and whole the experimental periods (P˃0.05). Nitrate consumption had no effect on feed conversion ratio during the starter period, but consumption of highest thyme level increased it (P˃0.05). There was no significant difference between the treatments for feed conversion ratio during the grower, finisher and whole the experimental periods (P˃0.05). None of the experimental treatments affected the blood uric acid, creatinine, total protein, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and blood gas indices at day 42 of age (P˂0.05). Nitrate consumption increased the blood urea whereas thyme extract supplementation decreased it (P˂0.05). It was concluded that consumption of 27.4 mg nitrate per liter drinking water causes the kidney injuries and higher blood urea in the end of the experimental period (day 42 of age) as a consequence but does not changes the performance, antioxidant indices and blood gas indicates, that shows the lack of induced methemoglobinemia and peroxidation. The thyme extract consumption in drinking water of broiler chicken decreases the blood urea through the diminished kidney injuries.

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of quantitative feed restriction and meal feeding on the performance, carcass compositions and ascites syndrome in male broiler chickens (Ross 308). In this study, 5 Schedule feed restrictions include: 1) ad libitum food intake (AL group), 2) feeding maintenance energy requirement from 7 to 14 d of age 3) feeding to support 50% of the normal growth energy requirement from 7 to 14 d of age 4) meal feeding from 7 to 14 d of age (MF14) and 5) meal feeding from 7 to 21 d of age (MF21), were used. Three hundred day-old male broilers in a completely randomized design (with five treatments, five replicates per treatment and 12 birds per pen) were raised until 42 days. At the age of 21 d the chickens were exposed to a temperature of 15°C, which induced ascites. Traits measured included performance, carcass characteristics and parameters of the heart and blood. The results indicated that quantitative feed restriction reduced weight gain and feed intake compared to AL group (P<0.05). At the end of experiment, feed conversion ratio of MF14 group was less than fed group for 50% growth (P<0.05). Feed restriction had no significant effect on percentage of carcass composition (carcass, breast, thigh and abdominal fat). AL and MF14 broilers had high hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. MF14 group compared with the quantitative feed restriction groups had a greater heart weight (P<0.05). Ascites index (RV/TV ratio), right ventricle weight and percentage of heart were not affected by feeding regimes. The overall results showed that less severe restriction (meal feeding treatments) on compared with more severe restriction (quantitative feed restriction treatments) was better to realize the complete compensatory growth. According to blood factors, severe feed restriction can decrease ascites susceptibility in broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of turmeric powder (TRP), tomato pomace (TP), fat sources (canola oil, soybean oil and tallow) on immune system and jejunum morphometric parameters of heat stressed broiler chickens. Five hundred four one-d-old Ross broiler were randomly distributed to 36 experimental units and 12 dietary treatments (3 replicates with 12 birds in each). The completely randomized design with factorial arrangement 3× 2× 2 (3 oils: canola, soybean, tallow, 2 TRP levels involved 0.4, 0.8% and 2 TP levels 3, 5%) were used. A daily heat stressed schedule (33oC for 5 h) was applied from 29 to 42d. At 28 and 42 d of age, two birds were bled and plasma and hemolysate were collected. The blood cholesterol at PHS and LDL-C were decreased and HDL-C were increased when birds fed canola and soybean oil. TRP diet decreased the LDL-C and increased HDL-C. Blood lipids were not affected by TP diets. Canola oil decreased heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L)ratio at PHS, however; TRP and TP decreased H:L ratio at AHS. The lower blood enzyme activity of ALP, AST and ALT were decreased in heat stressed birds fed canola oil as compared to tallow. TP also affect ALP and ALT activity. The higher activity of GPx and lower TBARS index were observed in birds fed canola oil or TRP diet. Therefore, addition of canola oil with TRP or TP could decrease the blood lipids, liver enzyme activity, the H:L ratio and improve the antioxidant status of broiler under heat stress.

320 one-day male broilers (Ross 308) were divided in 4 treatments (with 4 replicate and 20 chicks for a replicate). All of broilers reared under a cold environmental temperature to induce Ascites. Experimental treatments were included 1: was fed a commercial corn-soybean meal- based diet meeting NRC (1994) including 1.2% Arg and 40 IU of Vitamin E/kg (Control), 2: Control with 400 IU of Vitamin E/kg of feed 3: Control with 0.3% Arg in water and 4: combination of both Vitamin E and Arg. At d 14, temperature was reduced to amplify the incidence of Pulmonary Hypertension. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly from week 3. Hematological, biochemical and pathological tests were measured at day 21 and 42; total red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, activity of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase. At 42 days of age, 2 chicks from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered and then ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight calculated.The our results showed that Arg treatment had the highest body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio in total period. Red blood cell, hematocrit, hemoglobin and plasma level protein was significantly lower in Arg and Arg- Vitamin E treatments compared to other group at d 42. Plasma protein was lower in Arg- Vitamin E treatment compared to control treatment. Also, lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly lower in Arg group and alanine transaminase activity was significantly higher in Arg- Vitamin E group at d 21. Moreover, ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle and mortality due to Ascites, were significantly lower in Arg group.

Recent experiment was performed in order to determine effects of dietary l-threonine supplementation levels in Japanese quails’ diets on performance, reproductive and internal organs and feathers growth. One hundred and forty four, 1-d old Japanese quails, have been selected and randomly distributed between six treatments and four replicates. Basal experimental ration was based on wheat, without supplemental threonine, and other treatments were supplied by 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 g/kg l-threonine. The results have shown that body weight gain was improved by dietary threonine supplementation levels (P<0.05), but daily feed intake during 1-42 days and feed conversion ratio during 21-42 days of experiment did not shown significant differences between experimental groups. Supplementation of l-threonine to quails’ diets decreased feed conversion ratio of birds during 1-21 and 1-42 days (P<0.05). Experimental groups, have not significant difference on relative weight of heart, proventriculus, gonads and the relative length of ileum. Relative weight of gizzard (P<0.05), abdominal fat and relative length of duodenum and jejunum increased by increasing threonine levels (P<0.01). Decremental linear and quadratic trend by increasing threonine levels was observed in liver weight (P<0.05). Cloacal gland volume were influenced by dietary l-threonine supplementation and increased by increasing threonine levels but has not significant effect on cloacal foam in male quails. Supplementation levels of l-threonine have significant effect on increase feather length (P<0.01) and feather weight (P<0.05). Supplementation 2.4 g/kg of l-threonine to quails’ diets improved body weight, feed conversion ratio and feather growth.

This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different levels of sumac powder (Rhus coriaria L.) in the ration with and without probioenzyme on the performance and parameters of blood cholesterol and triglycerides of Japanese quail, from the age of 8 to 42 days, based on a completely randomized design, containing 8 treatment, 3 repetion, and 5 chicks of quail with both sexes in each repetion. Sumac powder was used in 4 levels: 0, 0.075, 0.125 and 0.175 percent, each level with 2 levels of probioenzyme (0 and 0.014 percent), and finally the individual and reciprocal effects of these two kinds of treatments on Japanese quail performance were examined and studied. Different levels of probioenzyme no meaningful differences on the examined qualities (p>0/05). Different levels of sumac powder no meaningful differences on the examined qualities (p>0/05). There was also no meaningful differences in these qualities under the reciprocal effect of sumac powder and probioenzyme different levels (p>0/05). Under the effect of sumac powder 0.175 percent level feed conversion ratio was no meaningful increased more (p>0.05). Parallel to increasing the levels of sumac powder in the ration, mean of the live, chest, gizzard, liver, heart, small intestine, large intestine weight and Length and weight cecum no meaningful decrease and the length of small intestine, large intestine no meaningful increase was observed (p>0/05). Compared with levels 0.075 0.175 percent, the level 0.125 percent of sumac powder in this experiment improved and increased some qualities increased but no meaningful (p>0.05).

Silver nanoparticles are emerging as one of the fastest growing product categories in the nanotechnology industry with focus on antibacterial, antifungal and Antivirus activity. This study was conducted to investigate whether the silver nanoparticles would influence the carcass characteristics, some of hematological parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in laying quail. A total of 60 female quail were randomly divided into 20 experimental cages, three birds in each cage and each treatment was offered to 5 replicates at random, and treatments included 0, 12, 36 and 108 ppm of silver nanoparticles in drinking water from one-day old to 13 weeks age. The results showed that the relative liver weight was decreased in treatments receiving 36 and 108 ppm of silver nanoparticles (p<0.05) and other carcass characteristics have not been affected (p>0.05). The liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase has been increased dramatically in 108 ppm treatment compared with other treatments and control (p<0.01). Total antioxidant capacity malondialdehyde formation in liver and serum were significantly increased in two treatments: 36 and 108 ppm, (p<0.05). Base of these results, Silver nanoparticles causes disorders of liver and increases induction of stress oxidative in laying Japanese quails.

This experiment was performed in order to determine effects of different levels of dietary l-threonine supplementation in male Japanese quails’ diets on immune response, small intestinal morphology, blood parameters and microflora. One hundred and forty four, 1-d old Japanese quails have been selected and randomly distributed between six treatments and four replicates. Basal ration was based on wheat, without supplemental threonine and other treatments were supplied by 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 g/kg l-threonine. Serum antibody titer at 7 days after injection of sheep red blood cells was significantly increased by threonine levels (P<0.01). Serum antibody titer at 7 days after injection of Newcastle vaccine and cellular immune status was not influenced by theronine supplementation. The results showed that supplemental l-threonine in different levels have not significant effect on serum uric acid but increased serum albumin, serum calcium, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (P<0.01) serum total protein values (P<0.05) and decrease triglycerides values (P<0.01). A linear increasing of villi height and decrease crypt depth was indicated by increasing supplemental threonine levels (P<0.01). A linear increasing of lactic acid bacteria and decrease coli bacilli and total bacteria was indicated by increasing supplemental threonine levels (P<0.01). Supplementation 2.4 g/kg l-threonine of quails’ diets containing non starch polysaccharide improved humoral immune responses and 2.4 and 3 g/kg showed the favorite effects on increase villi height, ileum useful bacteria and decrease crypt depth.

Wheat stubble (WS) and date palm leaf (DPL) were inoculated with Pleurotus florida where in a completely randomized experiment, seven treatments including: 1)untreated WS (UTWS); 2) fungal treated WS at mycelial running stage (MTWS); 3) fungal treated WS after first harvesting of mushroom (FTWS1); 4) fungal treated WS after second harvesting of mushroom (FTWS2); 5) untreated DPL (UDPL); 6) fungal treated DPL at mycelial running stage (MTDPL); 7) fungal treated DPL after first harvesting of mushroom (FTDPL) were prepared. All treatments were sampled for chemical composition and In vivo trial when the voluntary intake and digestibility were determined in sheep. The CP was decreased(P<0.05) in treatments of 3 and 4, and was increased (P<0.05) in treatments of 6 and 7, but the organic matter was decreased (P<0.05). NDF, ADF and ADL were increased (P<0.05) in treatments of 2 and 6 when compared with treatments of 1 and 5 respectively. The DOMI (g/kgMBW) was increased (P<0.05) in treatment of 2 in comparison with treatments of 1 and 4, and in treatment of 6 in comparison with treatments of 4 and 5. It is concluded that DMI, OMI and digestibility of WS and DPL was increased(P<0.05) in mycellial stage in comparison with the untreated WS and DPL, but was reduced(P<0.05) after mushroom harvesting.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different dietary levels of walnut leaves powder and vitamin E supplementation on blood antioxidant status, production performance and egg quality characteristics in commercial laying hens. A total number of 216 leghorn Hy-line W-36 (70 week old) strain laying hens used the completely randomized design were divided into 6 groups with 3 replicates and 12 hens per each replicate. Treatments included 100 or 200 mg/kg Vitamin E and 1, 2 or 3 percent of walnut leaves powder and control treatment. The results showed that the using of different levels of vitamin E and Walnut leaves has significant effects on plasma antioxidant capacity (P<0.05), so that the 2 percent of the Walnut leaves treatment have most and control treatment have lowest. The concentration of Malondialdehyde in blood (as index of oxidation of lipids) were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Also experimental groups were not affected on the percentage of egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion rate (P>0.05), but feed intake in the 200 mg/kg vitamin E treatment and 2 and 3 percent Walnut leaves treatments decrease (P<0.05). The egg yolk color were significant increase by walnut leaves (P<0.05), but the other quality characteristics were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). We concluded that walnut leaves could be a new feed additive as antioxidant in poultry nutrition

The data of this study were collected by indigenous chicken breeding centers in the West Azerbaijan for 11 generations. The (co) variance components, heritabilitys, correlations between traits and breeding values were estimated by multi-trait animal model using WOMBAT software. The genetic trends of traits over 11 generations of selection, using average function of breeding values per generations were estimated. The highest and lowest heritability were estimated for body weight at birth (0.53±0.01) and egg number in the first quarter of production period (0.07 ± 0.02), respectively. The highest and lowest genetic correlation were estimated between body weight at 8 and 12 weeks (0.91) and egg number and egg weight (-0.14), respectively. Genetic trends of body weight at birthday, 8 and 12 weeks of age, at sexual maturity, egg number and egg weight were estimated, -0.03, 3.41, 5.25, 0.99, 0.12 and -0.07 respectively. The results according to the estimated parameters showed that improvement of the mentioned traits are possible by selection.