نشریه پژوهش های علوم دامی
سال سی و سوم شماره 3 (پاییز 1402)

Palatability is one of the important characteristics of rangeland plants that is related to their acceptance by animals for grazing (Arzani, 2009). It is also defined as an animal's pleasurable reaction to its food depending on the taste, smell, texture, and appetite of nutrition animal (Church, 1988). Molyneux and Ralphs (1992) reported that while palatability means acceptance, it is not necessarily desirable. In other words, a nutritious food may not have a specific smell or taste in terms of preference, and it may not be attractive or taste bad. In terms of nutritional needs, most of the animal food may be composed of plants that have a moderate degree of palatability.

This research has been done in the rangeland of Deh Sheikh Village of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces. To conduct this study, first two healthy three-year-old goats (females) of Mamasani breed were randomly selected from a herd that belonged to the same area. Then, three important rangeland species including two perennial species including Gundelia tournefortii and Bromus tomentellus and one annual species, Aegilops triuncialis were selected by video method to determine the palatability of species at different stages of growth including vegetative growth, flowering and seeding. For this purpose, the grazing time of goats from any plant was monitored at intervals of 30 minutes in three times including morning, noon and evening and in two repetitions (two days in each growing season) with a suitable distance from the goats. Finally, the palatability percentage of each species was calculated separately.

The results of perennial species in vegetative growth and flowering stages showed that there is no significant difference in palatability between different times of the day (morning, noon and evening). In other words, the consumption of goats from any specie is the same at different times of the day in the stages of vegetative growth and flowering. It was also observed that G. tournefortii has more palatability than B. tomentellus in vegetative growth and flowering stages (Figures 2 and 3). Also, the palatability results of perennial species in the seeding stage indicate that there is no significant difference between different species in terms of palatability at any time of the day. In the case of A. triuncialis, it was found that the palatability of this species at different stages of growth has a significant difference at the level of 1%, but at different times of the day there was no significant difference in palatability (Table 3). Also, according to Figure 7, it was found that the highest and lowest palatability of this species are related to the stages of vegetative growth (27.21%) and seeding (8.09%), respectively.

In the vegetative and flowering stages of G. tournefortii, which is a forb species, it has more palatability than B. tomentellus (grass) for goats. In fact, if G. thournefortii thorns are not for livestock, this species will appear in the form of a palatable species and will be selected by goats. In this regard, Shoaib Amjad et al. (2014) stated that the morphological characteristics of plants such as thorns, hairs, bitter taste and unpleasant reduce palatability. The findings of Arzani and Naseri (2007) in relation to the study of goat grazing behavior of G.tournefortii also showed that G.tournefortii is more grazed by goats at the flowering stage when the thorns are soft. The results of some studies also showed that even in the flowering stage, changes in flowering time and flowering and fruiting rates affect the behavior of animal species that are directly or indirectly dependent on plant phenology. On the other hand, the results of the seeding stage of perennial species showed that in the sowing stage of B.tomentellus species has a higher percentage of palatability than G.tournefortii species in all three times of the day (Figure 5). The results of this study on A. triuncialis palatability (annual species) showed that the highest and lowest palatability of this species for goats coincides with the stages of vegetative growth and seeding (Table 3 and Figure 6). It should be noted that the decrease in palatability of most plants with the development of vegetative stages is almost confirmed for most species. So that in the early growth of forage is very green and palatable and with the development of puberty most of its nutrients are reduced (Tan et al., 2003; Rebole et al., 2004; Alikhahasl, 2008). The results of some studies also confirm that forage quality indicators also change as the growth stages progress. In fact, forage quality changes constantly as plants mature, and these changes are so rapid that a significant reduction in forage quality can be detected every two or three days (Twidwell and Wegenhoft, 1999). The results of Heady and Denis (1994) show that in the vegetative growth stage of forage plants, the amounts of crude protein, sugars and vitamins are high; but fiber and lignin levels are low. According to the results of this study, it can be said that future studies can extend these results to vegetation, including a wider range of vegetative forms, because our results emphasize the importance of maintaining the complex structure of plant communities in rangelands (different species, vegetative forms and growth stages). To maintain their nutritional value over time. Although goats are known as browser and are interested to shrubs, but as Arzani and Naseri (2009) reported, in the absence of shrubs, this animal will graze on grass and forb in the rangeland, so most herds Countries A combination of sheep and goats can be seen.

Interaction effect between dietary energy density and feed bunk space on ruminal and blood parameters were investigated using 40 Holstein heifers as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Heifers with average age12 to 16 months and weight 363.4±32.8 were received two different diet in energy level (low and high) into two different feed bunk in size (24 and 48 cm). Treatments included: 1) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with low level of energy, 2) Small feed bunk space (24 cm) with high level of energy, 3) Large feed bunk space (48 cm) with low level of energy and 4) Large feed bunk space (48 cm) with high level of energy. Results revealed that dietary energy was an important factor affecting on total ruminal VFA concentration compared with feed bunk space. Ruminal concentrations of acetate and propionate; and also total VFA concentration were significantly increased in heifers fed low energy levels in comparison with those fed diets contain high energy level. The main reason was attributed to higher dry matter intake and higher nutrient digestibility, especially DM and NDF, in heifers received low dietary energy than high dietary energy.

Fourteen dairy heifers with an average age of 12-16 months and an average weight of 363 ± 32.8 kg were stratified into 4 groups of 10 in a 2 × 2 factorial, completely randomized design with four treatments and four stall. The experiment period was 100 days. Two levels of energy were adjusted in formulating diets. A diet was formulated according to NRC (2001) requirements as high energy diet (1.32 Mcal/kg DM). For low energy diet, it was diluted by rice hull and wheat bran to meet 90% of NRC (2001) requirements for energy (1.20 Mcal/kg DM). The diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Treatments included: 1- Small space with low level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; 2- Small space with high level of energy, 24 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy; 3- Large space with low level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.20 MCal/kg energy; and 4- Large space with high level of energy, 48 cm feed bunk space with diet including 1.32 MCal/kg energy. Animals were weighed at the bigining and end of experiment. Sampling from feed and orts was carried out at 30, 45, 60 and 70 days. The dry matter intake was daily recorded. Feces samples were taken on days 30, 60 and 90 and dried at 70 ° C for 72 h. Total tract digestibility coefficients were calculated based on the relative concentrations of nutrients and AIA as an internal marker in the feed and feces. Rumen sampling was performed 4 h after morning feeding at the end day of experiment using an oral stomach tube and vaccume pumpe. The ruminal pH was recorded immediately and then rumen liquor was filtered through four layers of muslin cloth and then 2 ml aliquots of filtered liquor was added into tubes containg 40 µl H2SO4 50% and stored at -20 ̊C. Ammonia concentration was determined by Broderick and Kang (1980) and volatile fatty acids was measured using gas chromatography according to Ottensin and Batler (1971). On day 86 blood samples were taken from heifer’s coccygeal vain. Plasma metabolits was measured by Pars Azmoon kits using an autoanalyser. Chemical analysis of sample done according to AOAC (1990). Data were analyzed as a complete factorial design with 2 levels of feed bunk space and 2 levels of dietary energy levels design using the GLM procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC).

The results revealed that the dietary energy level factor had a more decisive role in the final concentration of volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid compared to the feed bunk length factor. However, the concentration of acetate, propionate and consequently, total volatile fatty acids for treatments with low energy levels were significantly higher compared to treatments with high energy levels and the reason can be higher dry matter consumption and also higher digestibility of nutrients, especially DM and NDF in treatments containing lower compared to higher energy levels. Plasma glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly higher for high energy level treatments compared to low energy level treatments (Table 4). Past studies have shown that propionate is transported from the rumen to the liver after uptake, converted to glucose during the course of gluconeogenesis, and then enters the bloodstream (Daniel and Resende Júnior 2012). In the present study, the results showed the higher the animals' intake of unstructured carbohydrate diets (including starch from cereal grains), the higher their blood glucose concentration. The increase in glucose is due to the increased production of propionate in the rumen as a result of the fermentation of cereal starch (Daniel and Resende Júnior 2012). Therefore, in the present study, the high concentration of glucose in diets containing high energy density compared to diets containing low energy density can be related to the higher concentration of non-fiber carbohydrates. According to the findings of the present study, lower energy levels and larger manger space can lead to improved ruminal parameters and physicochemical properties of feces in growing heifers. Finally, the finding of the current study could be used as a guide to better management of dairy heifers. Keywords: Blood parameters, Diet energy density, Fecal properties, Feed bunk space, Holstein heifers and Ruminal fermentation parameters

The profitability of livestock production depends to a great extent on the cost of feeding animals, which is often the principal production cost. The animal feed production industry consumes large quantities of imported raw materials, including cereals and oilseed cake. This high dependence on imports, fluctuating prices and a lack of standardization concerning the composition of the raw materials, are constraints for the industry, which is keen to find a solution. In the last years the valorisation of agricultural co-products is receiving more attention, co-products contain valuable substances; they are good sources of dietary fiber. Many agricultural co-products are rich in dietary fibers. Ruminants could extract nutritional components through symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, present in their digestive apparatus. The main benefit of these microorganisms is their ability to convert different vegetable materials rich in fiber, and with no use in human food, into products of high biological value such as milk and meat.Most parts of Iran have arid and semi-arid climate, and there is feed shortage for livestock during the year. Use of agro-industrial co-products in animal diet is an alternative way to overcome feed shortage. Agro-industrial co-products, can be effectively consumed by ruminant species. One of the agro-industrial co-products are medicinal plant residue. These distilled leaves and residues do not have a specific commercial use and could be included in livestock diet. This experiment was aimed to study the in vitro rumen fermentation kinetic of rose flower distillation residues and fumaria distillation residues and experimental diets containing different levels of rose flower distillation residues or fumaria distillation residues.

Fresh rose flower distillation residues and fumaria distillation residues were collected from an agro industry processing factory (Gareh Ban, Harsin, Kermanshah province). Chemical compositions (dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein and ash), in vitro gas production parameters, total protozoa population and N-ammonia concentration of rose flower distillation residues and fumaria distillation residues were measured. Each pulp separately included at three levels (10, 20 and 30 % of DM) in a basal diet. Experimental diets were:1- Basal diet, 2- basal diet containing 10% of rose flower distillation residues, 3- basal diet containing 20% of rose flower distillation residues, 4- basal diet containing 30% of rose flower distillation residues, 5- basal diet containing 10% of fumaria distillation residues, 6- basal diet containing 20% of fumaria distillation residues and 7- basal diet containing 30% of fumaria distillation residues. Basal diet formulated for ewes and contained 12.5 % CP and 2.20 Mcal metabolisable energy (ME) /Kg of diet. In vitro gas production parameters, total protozoa population and N-ammonia concentration of diets were measured and metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were estimated. For in-vitro gas production, rumen fluid was taken from two rumen fistulated Kordish rams. For measuring gas production, 200 mg of experimental diets were incubated with 40 ml of buffered-rumen fluid for 120 hours. The cumulative produced gas was recorded at different times of incubation and gas production parameters were fitted with Blummel et al. equation (2003). Organic matter digestibility (OMD) was estimated after 24 hours of incubation (Menke and Steingass 1988). N-ammonia concentration was measured based on the method of Broderickand Kang et al. (1980). Rumen protozoa were identified according to the method of Dehority et al. (2003). After 24 h incubation, 5 ml of buffered rumen fluid was pipetted into a screw-capped test tube containing 5 ml of formalin. Thereafter, two drops of brilliant green dye (2 g brilliant green and 2 ml glacial acetic diluted to 100 ml with distilled water) were added to the test tube, mixed thoroughly, and allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. Total and differential counts of protozoa were made with five replications. In-vitro rumen concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was measured by gas chromatography (Ottenstein and Bartley 1971). All in-vitro gas production trials were carried out in three runs. Protozoa population, ammonia-N, SCFA, ME and OMD data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design and gas production data was analyzed based on a complete randomized block design using Proc GLM of SAS software. The differences among treatments were evaluated using Tukey adjustment when the overall F-test was P ≤ 0.05. In addition, independent comparisons were done for diets containing rose flower distillation residues vs. diets containing fumaria distillation residues.

The results showed that rose flower distillation residues contains 130.6, 425.5 and 308.5 g/kg of CP, NDF and ADF respectively and fumaria distillation residues contains 143.4, 473.7 and 347.4 g/kg of CP, NDF and ADF respectively. Gas production, ammonia-N and total protozoa population were not different between rose flower distillation residues and fumaria distillation residues, but rose flower distillation residues had greater gas production rate than fumaria distillation residues (0.057 vs 0.047 %/h, P<0.01). Diet inclusion of rose flower distillation residues or fumaria distillation residues increased gas production in compare to basal diet (P<0.01). Diet containing 30 % of rose flower distillation residues had the highest gas production (90.05 ml/200 mg DM), gas production rate (0.034 %/h), OMD (58.38%), SCFA (1.07 mmol/200 mg DM) and ME (9.47 MJ/kg DM) (P<0.01). Basal diet had the highest ammonia-N concentration (16.77 mg/dl, P<0.01) among experimental diets.

Considering the obtained data regarding the chemical compositions and gas production parameters, it is concluded that rose flower distillation residues and fumaria distillation residues could be used as a part of forage portion in ruminant nutrition.

Unpredictable climate change and the resulting risks have always been one of the serious challenges for the agricultural development of developing countries, including Iran. Although ranchers and farmers in arid and semi-arid regions are at risk of losing part of their property due to pests, diseases and climatic shocks. But climatic shocks such as drought and floods are considered to be the most important causes of macro-level damage. Therefore, there is a need to limit the effects of natural disasters such as floods, which increase the active role of residents in flood-prone areas. Because, research has shown that risk management at the property level can reduce the effects of floods. Crop insurance could act as an effective tool for managing risks in Iran. For many years, livestock herder has confronted with the losses from natural disasters without livestock insurance. On average, 30% of natural disaster damages are covered by insurance worldwide. Also, in developed countries such as the United States and Canada, the compensation rate is much higher and is about 50 to 60 percent. Due to the relatively slow expansion of insurance in agricultural farms during economic development programs, as well as the requirements related to the performance of the functions of through the agricultural insurance fund, compulsory insurance as the main mechanism of insurance development and performance of the expected function of the agricultural insurance institution received more attention than before. Therefore, using the legal capacities and authorities to develop insurance, provide statistical information and details of members of provincial and city unions and cooperatives, make the allocation of all inputs and services to ranchers to receive and provide livestock insurance by the rancher and preparation and delivery The list of insurable livestock along with the premium to the relevant agency, expresses the need for ranchers to participate in the compulsory insurance plan. Compulsory small ruminant insurance is considered as an effective way to reduce livestock production risk and the most important strategies to achieve to security of income and stability of production. However, few empirical studies have been done on the influence of socio-economic factors on compulsory livestock insurance in Iran. However, in our country, due to the possibility of climate change and other natural disasters, farmers and ranchers in the event of events such as drought or sudden rains and hail, floods, storms and other events that are under control. They do not have much power, they suffer a lot of damage. Given this important issue, in the present study the factors influence the adoption of compulsory small ruminant insurance in Ahwaz County in the south of Iran is survived.

This study investigates factors affecting adoption of compulsory small ruminant insurance in rural areas of Ahwaz County, using Logit regression model. The main purpose of using the logit model is to answer the question of what factors affect the acceptance or non-acceptance of insurance by farmers. Also at this stage, the question is answered whether farmers affected by the flood of 2019 are more willing to accept compulsory livestock insurance or not?. Therefore, small ruminant ranchers in Ahvaz County should be divided into two general groups. The first group consisted of ranchers who accepted compulsory small ruminant insurance, and the second group included ranchers who did not accept compulsory insurance. In this model, the dependent variable is zero (non-acceptance of insurance) and one (acceptance of insurance). According to the 2019 flood in Ahwaz County as one of the most important region of livestock production, this county selected as the case study of present study. Data and information required for this study are collected using cluster sampling and questionnaires completed livestock producers in 2020. In the first part of the questionnaire, information about economic variables such as number of livestock, income, as well as social variables including age, household size, rancher experience, literacy level, etc. were asked. In this questionnaire, in addition to the above, the impact of damage caused by natural disasters (floods) and as well as the amount of damage in terms of the number of livestock and the amount of damage were also included in the questionnaire. In the second part, ranchers were asked about accepting or not accepting compulsory insurance. The sample size was estimated 250 based on Cochran formula. Also, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by calculating Cranach’s alpha coefficient. The factors that affect by livestock herder’s purchase or not pay for the premium of compulsory livestock insurance are contain age, education, herd size, type of livestock, awareness of compulsory livestock insurance, 2019 flood experience, livestock ownership, access to the brokers and veterinary services, benefits and receive of compensation.

The results of the Logit model showed that, age, awareness of insurance benefits, education, type of livestock ownership, access to the broker, access to veterinary services, and the experience of the 2019 flood have a significant effect on compulsory insurance acceptance. Also, all variables have a positive and significant effect on the acceptance of compulsory small ruminants insurance in Ahwaz county and increase the possibility of accepting insurance. The results also showed that, according to the classification intended for the level of satisfaction with previous insurance policies, the level of satisfaction of ranchers (55% of ranchers) of these policies is very low (maximum frequency).

According to the results obtained some suggestions were provided such as allocating facilities and credits to institutions, fulfilling the obligations of the insurer, providing higher quality educational services, and informing ranchers to accept insurance.

Since, feeding in animal husbandry is one of the most critical and costly issues, therefore should focus on cheap resources like agricultural wastes which provide adequate nutrients for livestock. Olive pomace is a residue of the oil extraction of olive fruit, which after drying can be used as a by-product in animal feed. Olive pomace contains high lignin (32% DM), cellulose and hemicellulose (Sadeghi et al., 2009). Raw olive pomace contains high amounts of 16 and 18 fatty acids; and about 96% of olive pomace fatty acids include linoleic acid and oleic acid (Nazari et al., 2008). Olive pomace is containing anti-nutritional components such as phenolic compounds and tannins (0.58 to 1.1 g/kg DM), and it may have adverse effects on livestock (Molina et al, 2003). Feeding dairy ruminants with non-core olive cake containing tocopherol, retinol and phenols can cause positive changes on milk quality, and improved oxidative stability of milk (Pauselli et al, 2007). Most of buffalo breeders use wheat flour in buffalo diet. Using wheat flour, can destroy the rumen microbial population and as an important part in human foods, increases costs. However, there is no research on wheat flour replaced with olive pomace in buffalo nutrition. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effect of olive cake on digestibility, blood biochemical parameters and production performance of Khuzestani dairy Buffalo.

Fifteen dairy buffaloes average 4 years, average body weight 570 kg and 2 parities were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 5 repetitions. Experimental treatments were included 0%, 7.5%, and 15% olive pomace substituted with wheat flour, which fed two times daily for 45 days in a completely randomized design. Diets were formulated according to the NRC. The olive pomace used in this study dried by air drying. The pomaces were stirred and mixed several times daily. The crude protein, metabolizable energy, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fibers, and fat of olive pomace were 6.5%, 2.65 Mk / kg DM, 56, 45, and 9 %, respectively.At the end of the experiment, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, production performance and blood parameters were measured. The diets were prepared completely mixed and given daily at 7:00 and 17:00. Fresh water was also available to them. The combination of control diet consisted of corn silage, wheat straw, olive cake, wheat flour, wheat bran, rice bran, mineral supplement and vitamins, limestone. Milking was done every day in the morning and evening and milk production was recorded. Milk scanner was used to measure milk protein, fat, and lactose. The milk pH determined by using pH papers or electrical pH meters; and milk solids and non-fat solids (SNF), by lactometer.Also, blood samples were taken from all buffaloes at the end of the period, 3 to 4 hours after morning intake and blood metabolites determined. For apparent digestibility of the diets, during three consecutive days, buffalo feces were collected. Also, sampling of feed residuals in the last three days of the period was weighed. Then, the digestibility of organic matter, dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, acid detergent fibers and neutral detergent fibers were measured.The obtained data were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of the SAS. A comparison of the mean was made with Duncan. The model of this design was a completely randomized design with three treatments, and each treatment includes five replications based on the statistical model: Yij= µ + Ti+ eij. Also, repeated data per time were analyzed based on the mixed statistical model. Yci = µ + Tc + Ɛic + (T*P)ik.

Milk fat and SNF increased in experimental treatments at the end of the period (P<0.05). However, milk production, protein, acidity, density and pH of milk were not affected by the experimental treatments (P>0.05). Milk production increased by using dried olive kernels in dairy buffaloes (Terramoccia et al., 2013). Inclusion of unsaturated fatty acids often reduces the saturated fatty acids of milk. Also, high fat in olive pomace can be a major reason for high percentage of milk fat in the olive pomace treatment compared to control (Chilofalo et al. 2003). Also, the concentration of blood parameters was not affected by experimental diets. But, blood cholesterol in 7.5% olive cake increased and the concentration of alkaline phosphatase enzyme increased by 15% olive cake compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Obeidat (2017) reported that adding olive pomace to the diet of Awasi lambs had no effect on blood parameters (glucose, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). But Hashish and Al-Sameh (2012) declared that saturated fatty acids in olive pomace can increase the concentration of saturated fatty acids and blood cholesterol. Other researchers also concluded that with the increase in dietary fat concentration, blood cholesterol increased (Bhatta et al., 2011). Nutrient digestibility was not affected by experimental treatments (P>0.05). Using olive pomace up to 20% instead of barley in Lori lambs increased microbial protein production in the rumen. Also, olive pomace in the Dalagh sheep diet increased feeding efficiency and carcass weight; and reduced production costs up to 66% (Samadi, 2009). The use of olive pomace in Awasi lambs, did not influence dry matter intake, digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acidic detergent fiber (Obeidat, 2017).

According to the recent study, replacing wheat flour with olive cake had no negative effect on production, blood parameters and digestibility of nutrients in dairy buffaloes, and due to the reasonable price of olive cake; replacing olive cake up to 15% with wheat flour in the diet of dairy buffaloes is recommended.

Horses were breed for war, hunting, Transporting, recreational, and sports purposes (Khalili 2008). The criterion of selection is mainly based on the horse's own and their parents' performances rather than breeding value. Despite of relatively developed organization of horse husbandry in the country and availability of individual racing results for almost all the progeny and pedigree information of horses, the scientific methods are not applied in selection of the animals for improving the racing performance(Bakhtiari & Kashan 2009). Normally the criteria to estimate the racing performance are time traits (Langlois 1980, Tolley et al. 1985, Ekiz et al. 2005), handicap weights (Langlois 1980, Tolley et al. 1985), rank at finish (Chico 1994, Sobczynska and Lukaszewicz, 2003, Ekiz and Kocak 2005) and earning (Langlois 1980, Ekiz and Kocak 2005). Breeders have traditionally combined information from time trials and races with pedigree evaluations to select potential racing stock, but this evaluation has primarily been based on a subjective synthesis of available information. Although the Standardbred horse is extensively performance tested before selection of breeding stock, studies of the genetic and environmental factors that influence racing performance must be completed before specific selection criteria can be recommended to the industry (Tolley et al. 1983). Racing ability is the main selection criterion in race horses. Breeding value estimation for aspects of racing ability has been carried out following performance tests in many European countries(Àrnason et al. 1994). Traits such as rank, time, prize, etc. are used to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters of race horses(Sobczynska & Lukaszewicz 2004). Genetic parameters estimation of racing performance traits is important in breeding programs, therefore, appropriate methods should be used. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of racing performance using a linear model in different breeds of Iranian race horses and estimation of their genetic and phenotypic trends. The result of this study would be used for designing a breeding program for Iranian race horses.

In this study, the performance records of Iranian horse breeds, including Thoroughbred, Crossbreed, Turkmen, and Arabian horse breeds from the horse racing club of the Iranian Equestrian Federation between 2006 to 2014 were used. Performance traits in this study include 1.Racing Time, 2.rank at the Finish, 3.Cumulative Earning, 4.Number of Places, and 5.Number of races. Data were collected and adjusted using Excel software and R scripts. The quality controls included outliers deletion and preparing records for statistical analysis. CFC software (Sargolzaei et al. 2006) was used to survey the structure of the pedigree. For fitting the appropriate model the significant effects were investigated and was applied by SAS software. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method for a single trait animal model using ASReml software. A genetic trend is a compilation of average EBV per generation and indicates the direction of change across generations. It is often visualized in a graph and is useful to check whether there are unexpected deviations from linearity, e.g. due to a selection limit. The genetic trend in the racing performance was estimated by calculating the linear regression of average breeding values within birth years on the birth year.

The heritability of finish time at races for Crossbreed and Thoroughbred horses in 1000, +1500, and +1600 distances were estimated in the range of (0.19-0.29) and (0.36-0.45), respectively, and it was 0.25 and 0.13 respectively for the Arabian horse breed in 1000 and +1500 distance, and it was 0.35, 0.38, and 0.44, respectively for the Turkmen horse breed in 1000, 1550 and 1600 distance. The heritability of the rank was in the range of (0.046-0.17), (0.12-0.16), (0.24-0.28) 0), and (0.13-0.22) based on the linear model (Animal model), respectively for Crossbreed, Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Turkmen horse breed. The heritability of the cumulative earning was 0.20, 0.072, 0.019, and 0.033 respectively for the Crossbreed, Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Turkmen horse breeds. The repeatability of finish time for Crossbreed and Thoroughbred in 1000, +1500, and +1600 distance were estimated in the range of (0.38-0.59) and (0.40-0.52), respectively. Also, it was 0.64 and 0.54 respectively for the Arabian horse breed in 1000 and +1500 distance and were 0.60, 0.67, and 0.59, respectively for Turkmen horse breed in 1000, 1550 and 1600 distance meters. The repeatability of the rank was in the range of, (0.14-0.19), (0.13-0.17), (0.2-0.40), and (0.13-0.30), respectively for Crossbreed, Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Turkmen horse breed. The genetic trend of this trait for Crossbreed and Thoroughbred in 1000, +1500, and +1600 distances were estimated in the range of (-0.0629 to -0.0173) and (-0.0384 to -0.0236), respectively. Also, the genetic trend were 0.0372 and -0.0335 respectively for Arabian horse breed in 1000 and +1500 distance and were 0.0104, 0.587, and -0.0462, respectively for Turkmen horse breed in 1000, 1550, and 1600 distance. These results showed an inconsistency between this study and other research (references) due to the number of data, environmental and managerial factors such as the experience of horses in the race, and the type of equipment and tools involved in the competition. Regarding the low estimated heritability of some performance traits in this study, genetic progress through indirect selection will be more usefulness than direct selection on these traits. As the application of modern genetic selection methodologies continues to gain popularity in the racing industry, contemporary heritability estimates from the current population of Thoroughbred, Crossbreed, Turkmen, and Arabian horse breeds will play a vital role in identifying which traits are better suited to selection and in the development of more accurate genomic evaluations for racing performance.

Eucalyptus leaves contain tannins and flavonoids (Asghari and Mazaheriani 2010). Tannins have beneficial and harmful effects depending on their concentration, animal physiological condition and diet composition (Dubai et al. 2011). By increasing the amount of tannins, the digestibility of proteins decreases and prevents the digestion of lignocellulosic materials that are dependent on extracellular enzymes (Babadi et al. 2018). In addition to the anti-nutritional effects of tannins at high concentrations, the positive effects of dense tannins at optimal concentrations include improved live weight gain, increased milk production, reduced NH3 and methane production in the rumen (Lim and Mortijaya 2007). Using methods that can reduce the amount of tannins, make tannins plants used more and more effectively in animal nutrition (Huang et al. 2018). In addition to chemical methods and other methods for de-tannins, there are also biological methods (Chaji et al. 2020; Mohammadabadi et al. 2020). The enzyme tanase, which leads to the breakdown of tannins, has wide applications in the food and chemical industries. In addition, tanase is used in the production of animal feed (Chavez-Gonzalez et al. 2012). Bacterial tanase can effectively break down and hydrolyze natural tannins and tannic acid (Kumar et al. 2015). Bacterial tanase can effectively break down and hydrolyze natural tannins and tannic acid (Kumar et al. 2015). Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter, as tannin degraders isolated from deer rumen, improved the fermentation parameters of eucalyptus leaves, so the use of these isolates will be useful to improve the nutritional value of tannin-containing plants (Mohammadabadi et al. 2021). Japanese rats with the bacterium Lactobacillus, which produces tannins; Was able to adapt to tannin-rich foods (Sasaki et al. 2005). Therefore, in tropical and subtropical regions, the processing of tannin-rich trees with tanase is very important in animal nutrition systems (Mohammadabadi et al. 2020).

The tannin-degrading bacteria used in the present experiment were isolated from the rumen of deer and goat Najdi, and their ability to produce tanase and de-tannins them has already been investigated in experiments (Chaji et al. 2020; Mohammadabadi et al. 2020; Mohammadabadi et al. 2021). The tannin degrading bacteria used in the present experiment included Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter isolated from deer rumen, Lactobacillus fermentum isolated from Najdi goat rumen and commercial Lactobacillus fermentum. For processing, eucalyptus leaves, after turning them into 3-4 cm pieces, were tested in 10 liters of distilled water containing 1 liter of Nutrient Broth solution containing bacteria (107 cfu / ml) and to anaerobize the environment, immediately were transferred in10 kg plastic bags, and were closed and kept at 37 ° C for 10 days. After leaving the bags, they were dried, ground and mixed with rations, were given to lambs (Mohammadabadi et al. 2021). Experimental treatments include 1- Eucalyptus leaves or diets containing it without processing (control), treatment 2-5- Eucalyptus leaves or diets containing it that were treated with any of the four tannin-degrading bacteria. Then, the nutritional value of eucalyptus leaves alone or in combination with diet of fattening lamb, was studied by two-step digestion and gas production experiments.

The effect of experimental treatments on gas production potential, gas production rate, truly degraded organic matter, and production of microbial biomass of eucalyptus leaves and diets containing it was significant (P <0.05). The gas production potential of all experimental treatments was higher than the control (P <0.05). The digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF of eucalyptus leaves, and diets containing it in all treatments was significantly higher than the control treatment (P <0.05). The effect of experimental treatments on NH3 concentration, pH, and protozoan population of ruminal fluid of eucalyptus leaves and diets containing leaves was significant (P <0.05). Increased gas production in the treated treatments and the reason for significant improvement or numerical of gas production parameters can be attributed to the role of tanase-producing bacteria used in the decomposition of eucalyptus leaf tannin (Yarahmadi et al. 2017). In fact, tannins reduce ruminal fermentation by inhibiting the activity of microorganisms or microbial enzymes (Goel and McCarthy 2012). Increase though numerically of actually decomposed or digested material, microbial efficiency and PF in some treatments indicate the effect of tanase-producing bacteria in the present experiment (Gatacho et al. 2008). Tannins inhibit the digestion of fibers and proteins, so reducing the level of tannins by isolates, increases the activity of proteolytic enzymes and improves the digestibility of feed by releasing nutrients from the tannin binding (Goel et al. 2005). Tannins also reduce the concentration of NH3 by binding to proteins and reducing the rate of protein degradability (Ben Salem et al. 2005). The decrease in protozoan population in the control treatment and its increase during treatment with tanase-causing bacteria is probably due to the polyphenolic structure of these foods (Goel et al. 2005).

The results of this experiment showed that the use of tanase-producing bacteria degraded leaf tannins and improved its quality, so their use can be a good way to reduce tannins and improve the nutritional value of eucalyptus leaves for livestock.ntroduction: Eucalyptus leaves contain tannins and flavonoids (Asghari and Mazaheriani 2010). Tannins have beneficial and harmful effects depending on their concentration, animal physiological condition and diet composition (Dubai et al. 2011). By increasing the amount of tannins, the digestibility of proteins decreases and prevents the digestion of lignocellulosic materials that are dependent on extracellular enzymes (Babadi et al. 2018). In addition to the anti-nutritional effects of tannins at high concentrations, the positive effects of dense tannins at optimal concentrations include improved live weight gain, increased milk production,

The transition period between pregnancy and lactation in mammals due to increase in the fetus energy and/or other nutrients requirements, and also onset of copious milk production is faced with an increase in energy demand, and in most cases according to inability to supply such requirements, animal goes down in negative energy balance (Drackley 1999; Zarrin et al 2017; Hernández-Castellano et al 2019). Lack of sufficient feed or balanced diet at the end of pregnancy leads to lack of growth and development of udder tissue during dry period, and consequently, decrease in milk yield and changes its composition during the next lactation period (Huang et al 2014). Physio-chemical properties and even yield of colostrum could be affected by production, nutrition, breed, dry period, seasons, litter size, parity and animal health status (Caja et al 2006; Romero et al 2013). However, colostrum composition and consumption during the first two days suckling lambs or goats, reduces the mortality rate as a result of antibacterial factors content. Therefore, the survival of newborns significantly depends on the 1- quality that could be measured by its immunoglobulin content, and 2- quantity of the consumed colostrum which leads to the recommendation of enough colostrum feeding; the colostrum quality might be measured by different methods (Arguello et al 2004; Keskin et al 2007). Recently refractometer has been used as a practical tool with easy and high accuracy, to determine colostrum quality (Murrill et al 2015; Castro et al 2018; Kessler et al 2021). The present study has been designed and implemented with the two objectives of investigating the effect of feed restriction around parturition on the changes in colostrum content in the first 72 hours of lactation and also studying the amount of immune transmission through colostrum using a digital refractometer device.

Twenty pregnant fat-tailed ewes were allotted to two experimental groups of Control, (n=10) and feed restriction (Restriction; n=10). After adaptation, during the pre-partum period, the control group from five weeks before parturition to parturition (-5 to -1) were fed with 100% of the balanced ratio. Restriction in the same period during the first to fifth weeks of the study were fed with 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the recommended ration, respectively. The same nutritional program was repeated from the first to fifth week after parturition for the both groups (1 to 5). Ewes were sampled for blood weekly. Colostrum and lamb blood were taken at zero (parturition), 1, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours after parturition. Brix percentage was measured in blood samples of ewes and lambs as well as colostrum from both groups using a digital refractometer. The main contents of colostrum were measured and the data were analyzed based on the Mixed model procedure of SAS.

Feed restriction decreased the blood Brix percentage compared to Control (P<0.05). The Brix percentage in Control did not change during the experimental weeks, except for the last week of the trial. Feed restriction, sampling time and their interaction did not have any significant effect on blood Brix percentage of lambs in the both Control and Restriction. Feed restriction affected the Brix percentage of colostrum and this value showed a tendency to increase in the restriction group compared to the control group (P=0.07). There was no significant difference between the two udder quarters in the control group and the Brix percentage was the same during the experiment in both of them. Unlike the control group, in Restriction, the percentage of Brix in the left and right quarters were different, although the right quarters showed a higher Brix percentage (P<0.05). The Brix percentage started to decrease from 12 hours after parturition in both groups and both quarters compared to the initial time, nevertheless, it had a higher value compared to the following hours (P<0.05). The decreasing trend continued until 36 hours after parturition in the Control (P<0.05). There was no significant change in Brix percentage in the Control from 36 hours of lactation until the end of the experiment. Fat changes showed same pattern in the both experimental groups. The percentages of lactose, protein, solid non-fat, and density were higher at the beginning of the parturition, and started to decrease from 12 h after parturition in the both groups. Based on the results obtained in the current study, it can be concluded that the concentration of biological molecules in colostrum is at its highest at the parturition time during the first 24 hours after parturition. Moreover, their concentrations during sampling (72 h after parturition) were higher than the milk samples at the first week after the parturition (Zarin et al. 2021). Therefore, it can be concluded that mammary secretions are considered as colostrum until the end of the first day and as transfer milk until the end of the third day (Romero et al. 2013; De la Vara et al. 2020) and from one week after parturition it turns into milk. Feed restriction decreased the Brix percentage in the blood of ewes and this led to a decrease in colostrum production in this group, but despite, the Brix percentage of colostrum production was not affected by the two groups and even in the restriction group it tended to increase. Based on the present results, it can be deduced that fat-tailed sheep use their energy reservoirs to produce high-quality colostrum and transfer nutrients and especially immunoglobulins to newborns in the shortest time.

Lipids (fat and oil) are the most concentrated sources of energy for animals, which are usually added to poultry diets to meet energy requirements for better performance (Abudabos 2014). However, there are problems with dietary lipid levels and digestibility in poultry, especially in young birds due to low bile secretion (Ravindran et al 2016). This physiological limitation of the poultry digestive system can be solved by using exogenous emulsifiers. Emulsifier can help increase the active level of lipids, stimulate the formation of micelles, and then increase the digestibility of dietary lipids and other nutrients in broilers (Siyal et al 2017). Upadhaya et al (2017) showed that 1, 3-diacylglycerol as an exogenous emulsifier can improve growth performance and increase nutrient digestibility in broilers. In addition, a large number of studies have also shown that exogenous emulsifier can improve meat quality and regulate fat metabolism of broilers (Zhao and Kim 2017). Bile acids are the main pathway of cholesterol catabolism in mammals. Cholesterol is converted into bile acids by changes in ring structure, oxidation and side chain shortening (Li and Chiang 2019). The chemistry of bile acids is complex due to the large variety of chemical structures in natural compounds such as cholic acid, kenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid. Bile acids of birds are mainly composed of kenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid (Hoffman and Hagee 2018). Recently, bile acids have been considered as an emulsifier to increase digestibility (Upadhaya et al 2019) and improve the performance of broiler chickens (Parsai et al 2007). Supplementation of bile acids in the diet of broilers significantly improves fat digestibility (Lammasak et al 2019). The effect of bile salts on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters of broiler chickens were investaigeted.

Three hundered one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were divided into 5 treatments and 6 replications with 10 birds in each replication. Five experimental treatments included the control diet (corn soybean based diet), emulsifier (added to control diet) and three levels of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% of poultry bile salts (added to control diet). All the dietary treatment were fed to the birds from day one to day 42 of age. The experiment lasted for 42 days and were performed during the starter (1-10 days), grower (11-24 days) and finisher (25-42 days). Performnce indices were measured during the difeferned periods and carcass characteristics and blood parameters were determined on day 42 of age. The data obtained from the present study were statistically analyzed using SAS statistical software and GLM procedure. To compare the means, Tukey's test was used.

The results showed that consumption of different levels of bile salts had no significant effect on feed consumption (P<0.05). However, consumption of 0.1% bile salts improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the starter period (P<0.05). Previous studies have shown that the consumption of 0.05% commercial emulsifier can improve the growth performance of broiler chickens (Wang et al 2016). In addition, in the present study, 0.05% poultry bile acids supplement significantly improved daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio during 1 to 10 days, which is consistent with the results of Alzawqari et al (2011) regarding bile. These researchers observed improvement in daily weight gain with 0.05% bovine bile acid supplementation. Arshad et al (2020) reported that feed intake was not affected by bile acid supplementation in the initial, growth, finisher and overall periods. In the newly hatched chick, the ability to digest and absorb dietary fat is poor as a result of limited bile secretion (Tancharonrat et al 2013). For this reason, artificial bile acid and bile salts have shown the greatest effect in young broiler chickens to improve fat digestion, and the improvement in the performance of birds receiving bile in the initial period of recent research was for this reason. The results of Maisonnier et al (2016) showed that 0.5% of pig bile acids can increase fat digestibility and body weight in broilers. These results may imply that the supplementation of bile acids in diets improved the growth performance of broiler chickens by increasing the solubility and digestibility of dietary fat and fat-soluble nutrients in this study. Abdominal fat decreased significantly by consumption of 0.1% bile salts (P<0.05). Subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat are considered as the main factors influencing the performance of poultry carcasses (Tůmová and Teimouri 2010). In agreement with our results, many researchers have pointed out the positive effects of emulsifier on reducing fat status and improving carcass quality in broiler chickens (Zhao and Kim 2017). Blood triglyceride concentration was decreased in 0.05% bile salts fed birds wherease cholesterol and uric acid concentrations decreased in the birds fed emulsifier (P<0.05). Triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL blood are key indicators of lipid metabolism balance (Helkin et al 2017). In agreement with our results, researchers reported that bile acids increased hepatic AST and ALT activity in broilers and reduced serum triglyceride levels, which could be due to the participation of these enzymes in the lipogenesis process (Ge et al 2019). In addition, Siyal et al (2017) showed that feed emulsifier can reduce serum triglyceride concentration in broilers. It can also be stated that bile acids may enhance fat catabolism and inhibit fat synthesis by regulating the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism which may play a pivotal role in improving serum lipid profile and reducing fat deposition in broiler chickens (Ge et al 2019).

Totally, it was found that dietary bile salts supplementation improves the performance of, carcass characteristics and blood lipids in broiler chcikens.

Isoflavones or also known as phytoestrogens are naturally synthesized phenolic components of plants that have either estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. A variety of phytoestrogens have been shown to bind to both isoforms of the estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ) in vitro and activate ER-dependent gene transcription. There are 3 main classes of phytoestrogens: (1) isoflavones [derived principally from soybean, i.e. soybean isoflavone (SIF)]; (2) lignans (found in large quantities in flaxseed), and (3) coumestans (derived from sprouting plants like alfalfa). SIFs are the most effective bioactive group due to the high consumption of soy food in humans and animals. Considering the literature data, it must be ascertained that the most biologically active and the best described isoflavoneis genistein. Recently, the interest in genistein action has grown because of its role as a factor which can modulate processes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These changes are often accompanied by alterations in the hormonal status of the organism. Isoflavones has gained popularity due to positive effects in human health as an alternative therapy for menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and some hormonal disorders. On the other hand, these compounds may be considered endocrine disruptors due to negative effects found in the reproduction of animal models. It was reported that soy isoflavones antagonize estrogen-induced behavior in the brain. Moreover reproduction in the birds can be negatively influenced by dietary isoflavones. In birds, isoflavones and other phytochemicals may, in part, regulate seasonal reproductive cycles through inhibition of reproductive behavior. In general, the effects of isoflavones on poultry reproduction are contradictory. Few studies have been conducted on the effects of phytoestrogens in the diet on the reproductive performance of birds. Isoflavones and other phytochemicals may partially regulate the seasonal reproductive cycles of birds by inhibiting reproductive behavior. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of dietary supplementation of soy isoflavones on the performance, sexual behavior and plasma levels of some body hormones were investigated in male Japanese quail.

A total of 80 male Japanese quail were purchased at 28 d and randomly divided into four treatment groups with four repetition of 5 quails each, according to a complete randomized design. The birds after one week of gradual adaptation to new rearing system and feed, received the same basal diet with soy isoflavones added at 0 (control), 0.36, 0.72 and 1.08 g/kg feed. Soyagol tablets produced by Goldaru pharmaceutical company were used as a source of genistein. At 52 days of age, six birds per treatment were selected for blood collection and plasma levels of testosterone and T3 hormone were determined by commercial kits. At the end of the feeding trial (56 days of age), 6 birds from each group were slaughtered in order to make measurements of carcass cuts yield and some internal organs. Feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were calculated weekly during three experimental period. During the last week of the trial, appetitive male sexual behavior was assessed by measuring a learned social proximity response and consummatory behavior was assessed by measuring copulatory behavior per se. The size of the cloacal glands was also recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment using a digital Vernier caliper. This research was design using a complete randomized design. The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS software (SAS Institute, 1999). Where treatment effects were found (P≤ 0.05), means were separated by Duncan's multiple range tests.

The results showed that feeding soybean isoflavones at the level of 1.09 g/kg diet, significantly decreased the body weight gain of male quails during the second and third weeks of feeding trial compared to the control group (P<0.01). Moreover, the high level of isoflavone also revealed decreased feed intake during the second week of the supplementation (P<0.01). Effects of 3 week of soy isoflavones (ISF) treatment in the diet of Japanese quails were not statistically significant on body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The experimental treatments had no significant effect on the relative weight of heart, liver and carcass yield. There was no mortality during the trial period. The inclusion of soy isoflavones at 1.08 g/kg diet, significantly diminished plasma testosterone and increased plasma T3 levels compared to the control (P<0.01). In the same dosage, the frequency of appetitive and consummatory aspects of sexual behaviors was also reduced compared to the control group (P<0.01). Increasing the dose of isoflavone compounds in the diet of male quails also exhibited decreasing the somatic testicular index and the size of the cloacal gland in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01).

It is concluded that soy isoflavone may induce an inhibitory effect on male sexual behavior in Japanese quail by acting as an endocrine disruptor and inhibiting reproductive development. Soy isoflavones in doses of 0.36 and 0.72 g/kg diet, despite the fact that they were much higher than the usual doses used in previous studies, did not significantly affect the body weight gain and relative weights of the liver in Japanese quail. Therefore, it can be concluded that isoflavones did not show severe toxic and hormone-disrupter effects at these supplementation levels. However, isoflavones in the high dose used in the present study decreased significantly plasma testosterone concentrations and led to dramatic changes in the testes weights and sexual behavior of male Japanese quails. The present results suggest that high concentrations of isoflavones in the diet may exert endocrine disruptor-like effects on the reproductive system of the male, but not the female, quail.