احمد زارع شحنه

The future of any dairy farm depends on the success of its calf and heifer-raising programs. Regarding the risk of gastrointestinal diseases and the prevalence of diarrhea, suckling calves are among the most sensitive animals in dairy herds. Gastrointestinal diseases are most prevalent in the first two weeks of calves' life and are the reason for 32% of deaths. In addition to short-term economic losses, diarrhea in female calves will delay sexual maturity and reduce milk production performance in the first lactation period. The use of antibiotics to prevent and treat diarrhea in suckling calves is always limited due to antibiotic resistance and some side effects. Research shows that between different anti-diarrhea feed additives, prebiotics and probiotics have the most positive effects in the first weeks of suckling calves' lives. In addition, it has been demonstrated that immunoglobulin Y can be effectively used to inhibit calves' gastrointestinal pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella species. Also, the use of electrolytes during diarrhea to prevent dehydration in young animals has been known to be positive. However, the synergistic effects of the simultaneous use of the mentioned additives are not clearly defined. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate a combination of immunoglobulin Y, probiotics, and electrolytes' effect on growth performance, feed intake, fecal consistency, health status, and blood parameters of Holstein suckling calves.
In this study, 24 suckling Holstein calves from birth to 28 days old were divided into two experimental groups (12 replications in each group) in a completely randomized design. The experimental groups included: 1) the control group (without additive) and 2) the group that received 10 grams per day of an anti-diarrheal feed additive contained 1.2 grams of probiotics with 5×108 cfu/g, 1 g IgY, and 7.8 g electrolytes. All animals had free access to clean water and the ad libitum basal starter feed. The anti-diarrheal additive was dissolved in the calves' morning meal colostrum or milk. Feed intake, growth performance, and Escherichia coli fecal count were measured weekly. Rectal temperature and calves' fecal scores were evaluated daily (according to the method provided by Wisconsin University). Also, at birth, 14 and 28 days, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein. The repeated measurement data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of the SAS version 9.4 statistical software. The means were reported as LSMEANS, and the significance level was considered as P<0.05. Also, for the statistical analysis of the fecal scores data, the days of each score were counted.
The results showed that the average daily weight gain in the third week in the anti-diarrhea group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). As a result, the live weight of the third and fourth weeks in the anti-diarrhea group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The starter intake in the anti-diarrhea group was 25% higher in the third week and 12% higher in the whole period than in the control group (P<0.05). Also, the feed conversion rate in the anti-diarrhea group in the second and third weeks was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the blood urea nitrogen, glucose, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. Also, the anti-diarrheal additive had no significant effect on the count of white blood cells and the percentages of lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. According to the results, the anti-diarrhea additive had no significant effect on the calves' rectal temperature. The count of fecal Escherichia coli in the anti-diarrhea group was significantly lower than the control group in the first week, the first two weeks, and the whole period (P<0.05). The anti-diarrhea additive led to a significant increase in the number of days with zero scores (improvement of feces consistency) and a significant decrease in scores two and three (reduction of diarrhea prevalence) in calves (P<0.05). The results showed that in the first, second, and third weeks, the number of days with diarrhea significantly decreased in the anti-diarrhea group (P<0.05). In addition, the anti-diarrheal additive led to a significant decrease (58%) in the diarrhea length period. According to the period length and hardness of diarrhea, the cost of treating diarrhea in 28 days was estimated to be 830000 Rials and 470000 Rials in the control and anti-diarrhea groups, respectively. Therefore, the anti-diarrhea additive resulted in a 43% reduction in treatment costs.
The results of the present study showed that the supply of an anti-diarrheal additive containing probiotics, immunoglobulin Y, and electrolytes to suckling calves led to a significant increase in growth performance, starter intake, improvement in feed conversion rate, reduction in the count of fecal Escherichia coli, and shortening of the diarrhea duration period. However, this additive did not affect rectal temperature, white blood cell status, and blood parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, total protein, and blood urea nitrogen. Therefore, the anti-diarrheal additive can reduce the prevalence, duration, and grade of diarrhea and its harmful effects and improve suckling calves' growth performance and health status.

Since the phenomenon of inflammation is considered as one of the significant challenges in different sectors of the livestock industry, so this study aims to evaluate the inflammatory strategy of Theophylline (a Phosphodiesterase, PDE inhibitor) on some production characteristics in laying hens at the late period of egg production (The severity of chronic ovarian inflammation increases due to consecutive ovulation in older laying hens), egg quality characteristics and histological evaluations of infundibulum were performed.

The study was conducted in a completely randomized design, over a period of 4 weeks, using 24 laying hens of W-36 line strains (older than 90 weeks). The birds were randomly divided into two treatments (including a level with a concentration of 3 mg perlive body weight as orally and a control treatment) with 3 replications per treatment and 4 birds per replication. Percentage of oviposition, mean egg weight and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Eggs were collected randomly and weekly and the ratio of shell weight to egg weight, egg shell thickness, egg specific gravity, units and yolk index were measured. Blood were sampled from wing vain to measure glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol. At the end of the study period, the chickens were dissected and the appearance of the ovaries and ovarian tumors were assessed. Also, after evaluating the appearance of the follicles, tissue was sampled from the area closest to the infundibulum to the ovary.

The results showed that despite being none significant result in body weight and daily food intake (p>0.05), usage of PDE inhibitor Theophylline caused to increase in pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (F1) (p≤0.05). Among the quality characteristics of eggs as an indicator of anti-inflammatory effects on oviduct function, egg white height, egg height and shell thickness in birds under the influence of theophylline increased significantly (p<0.05). theophylline supplementation increased blood triglycerides in treated birds (p<0.05). The ratio of control treatment, the use of theophylline could improve the histological anti-inflammatory properties of oviduct by increasing the stability of the epithelial cilia of infundibulum.

The supplementation of PDE inhibitor Theophylline could improve some of the production characteristics and improve some egg quality indicators due to its anti-inflammatory effects in oviduct.

Current investigation was performed to study the effect of Propylthiouracil on immune cell count and antibody production in Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters with a total of 66 birds in complete randomized design during primary and booster vaccination. The birds were randomly allocated in two experimental groups including replication in each. All chickens were reared in the same condition according to the breeder's management guide for entire 18-wk duration (control group) or up to the point of dietary treatment with Propylthiouracil (0.1% w: w) for 6 weeks through 6 to 12 wk of age (Hypothyroidism group). Birds of both experimental groups were vaccinated at age 9 and 15 wk with using of Bronchitis vaccine Nobilis 4/91 (Intervet, Netherland) in drinking water and then were bled at age 12 and 18 wk. Consumption of Propylthiouracil decrease serum thyroxin (tetraiodothyronine), triiodothyronine and production of antibody hypothyroid group versus control group at age of 12 wk (P<0.05) but there were no differences between experiential groups at age 18 wk (P>0.05). Study of total cell count showed induction of hypothyroidism lead to lower total white cell count and percentage of lymphocyte cell in hypothyroid group versus control group after primary vaccination at age of 12 wk (P<0.05) but there were not significant difference between both experimental group following booster vaccination at age 18 wk (P>0.05). It seems supplementation of feed with Propyl-2-thiouracil and consequent hypothyroidism leads to higher immune response while populations of blood cells had decreased.

The design of this study was done to investigate the effects of inhibiting the activity of beta-adrenergic receptors by supplementation of different concentrations of propranolol (as a none-selective inhibitor of beta- adrenergic receptors) on some of the performance characteristics in laying hens at the end of the economic production period and the qualitative traits of eggs. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design, over a 26-day period, using 64 laying hens (90 weeks’ age) included 4 treatments (including control treatment and propranolol treatment with concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg Per kilogram of live body weight) with 4 repetitions and each repetition consisted of 4 birds, and some of the performance characteristics, follicular size (F1-F5) and egg quality were measured and calculated. The data obtained from the performance characteristics show that the usage of all concentrations of this inhibitor causes the significant increase in the laying percentage, improvement of feed conversion ratio. Propranolol also significantly increased feed intake and F1 follicle size at a concentration of 3 mg. Regarding the qualitative parameters of eggs, the usage of this inhibitor causes the significant increase in the thickness of the egg shell, the significant increase in the shell weight and ratio of the shell to the total weight of the eggs and the improvement of the Hue index in concentrations of 2 and 3 mg propranolol in treated birds. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of different concentrations of propranolol in this study has been capable of improving some of the performance and qualitative characteristics of eggs in laying hens at the end of the production period.

The aim of this study was improvement of ram frozen semen efficiency using addition of glutathione antioxidant to freezing medium. In this experiment, semen samples were collected from five Zell rams and add to the extender containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mM glutathione. In sperm quality evaluation, sperm samples were evaluated and motion parameters, membrane integrity, morphology, acrosome integrity, mitochondria activity, viability and lipid peroxidation were assessed. The results showed using 4 mM glutathione resulted in improving of sperm total and progressive motility, membrane integrity, mitochondria activity, acrosome integrity, and viability as well as reduction of apoptosis rate and lipid peroxidation. Using the treatment of 8 mM glutathione caused to reduction of sperm quality after thawing and the antioxidantd did not have any effect on sperm morphology. In conclusion, using 4 mM glutathione in freezing extender could be a suitable method to improve ram sperm reproductive performance after freeze-thaw process.

The aim of present study was to produce selenium enriched yeast and determine its optimum level on morphology and biometry of internal and reproductive organs in broiler breeder hens in comparison to Selemax (commercial organic sodium selenite) and mineral selenite. This study was done in two parts, in the 1st experiment; selenium-enriched yeast was produced. In the 2nd experiment, a total of 150 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (49 weeks of age) were used in 6 treatments of 5 replicates with 5 hens each. The treatments were included: 1) Control group (without selenium), diet containing; 2) 0.15; 3) 0.30 and 4) 0.45 mg/kg of produced selenium enriched yeast (SY0.15, SY0.3, SY0.45, respectively), 5) 0.30 mg/kg Selemax, and 6) 0.30 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS). At the end of the experiment, three hens from each replication were slaughtered. In the 1st experiment, the amount of selenium per kilogram of dry selenium-enriched yeast was 2823 mg. In the 2nd experiment, the number of large follicles in the SY0.45 group was significant higher compared to control, SY0.15 and SS groups. The weight of the abdominal cavity fat of the SY0.45 group was significantly lower compared to control group. Therefore, using of 0.45 mg/kg of produced organic selenium in the broiler breeder diet increased number of large follicles and decreased abdominal cavity fat. Of course, further studies are needed to assessment of other performance and reproductive parameters.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on post-thawed sperm quality parameters and fertility of male broiler breeders. Twenty 49-week-old Ross 308 broiler roosters were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=5). Different levels of curcumin including: 0 (T1), 10 (T2), 20 (T3) and 30 (T4) mg of curcumin/bird/day were supplemented to basal diet and fed to the birds from 49-61 weeks of age. After a 5-week of feeding curcumin (49-53 weeks), sperm quality was assessed for 6 weeks (54 to 59 weeks of age) following cryopreservation of semen samples. In order to evaluate fertility rate, the semen samples from weeks 60 and 61 were thawed and artificially inseminated into 68 broiler hens (n=17). Curcumin supplementation increased total motility in the T3 and T4 groups, and progressive motility in the T2, T3, and T4 groups compared to the T1 group (P<0.05). Feeding curcumin increased the viability of sperm in T3 and T4 groups compared to the T1 group (P<0.05). Plasma membrane functionality (HOS) was increased in all curcumin-treated birds compared to the control group (P<0.05); however, the highest performance was observed in T3 and T4 groups. Curcumin supplementation increased fertility rate in T3 and T4 groups compared to the T1 group. In general, the results of this study indicated positive effects of curcumin on sperm quality and fertility of broiler breeder roosters after thawing, and the best results were obtained when 20 or 30 mg of curcumin were fed daily for 13 weeks.

Chrysin was orally administered to evaluate testicular histology and relative StAR expression of Ross 308 roosters in the current study. Twenty roosters were randomly divided into four groups and were subjected to the basal diet supplemented with different levels of Chrysin including 0 (Ch0), 25 (Ch25), 50 (Ch50) or 75 (Ch75) mg/bird/day for 12 successive weeks. At the end of trial, all birds were killed and two samples were collected from the same testicle one of which was processed for histology, whereas another was snap-frozen with liquid nitrogen to assess relative gene expression. According to the results, seminiferous tubule and epithelium diameters (p<0.05) and spermatogonial numbers (p<0.01) of both CH75 and Ch50 groups were significantly improved compared to control group. However, Leydig cell numbers and blood vessels were not significantly affected. Birds fed 75 mg of Chrysin per day had significantly higher StARtranscript level compared to other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, oral administration of Chrysin to roosters could improve testicular histology and steroidogenic parameters in the current study.

Since inflammation is considered as one of the major challenges in different parts of the livestock industry, this study was conducted to evaluate the inflammatory strategy of combination and simultaneous usage of beta-2 agonist and glucocorticoid drugs on some performance characteristics in laying hens at late production stage and some of qualitative characteristics. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design, during a period of about 4 weeks, using 112 laying hens of High Line W-36 strains (older than 90 weeks). Birds were randomly divided to seven treatments (including one level of beta-2 agonist drug, one level of glucocorticoid drug, three combined levels of these drugs, one beta-blocking treatment and control) with 4 replicates per treatment and 4 birds were put on each replicate. The results indicated that the laying percentage and feed intake increased in beta-agonist and beta-blocker treatments (P <0.05) and decreased significantly in glucocorticoid and combination treatments (P <0.05). Also, in beta-2 agonist treatment, body weight and egg weight were significantly increased (P <0.05). In contrast, these parameters significantly decreased (P <0.05) in glucocorticoid and combination treatments. However, shell thickness significantly increased (P <0.05) in some combination treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that beta-agonist as a stimulant of inflammation (in some tissues such as the ovary) has a positive effect on the performance parameters, while egg qualitative parameters performed better in the glucocorticoid and combined treatments which act as anti-inflammatory stimulants in the body.

The effect of Pioglitazone and Curcumin on lipid metabolism and plasma metabolites of broiler breeder was investigated as a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications by using of 60 hens at age 45 weeks during 10 weeks. Experimental treatments including: 1) Control (basal diet), 2) Adding 20 mg/bird/day Pioglitazone to diet and, 3) Adding 20 mg/bird/day Curcumin to diet. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected, and birds were slaughtered. The results showed that hens receiving Pioglitazone or Curcumin had higher egg production and shell thickness when compared with control group (p<0.05). However, the yolk and egg weight of birds in the control group were higher than two another groups (p<0.05). Plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in hens feeding Pioglitazone or Curcumin than control (p<0.05). Liver and abdominal fat weight and adipocyte diameter were lower in birds receiving Pioglitazone or Curcumin (p<0.05). Based on current results, dietary supplementation of Pioglitazone or Curcumin, through lowering plasma lipids and subsequently positive influence on abdominal fat tissue and liver, could improve production in broiler breeders.

The effect of addition of different concentrations of folic acid (vitamin B9) to the culture medium on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes was investigated in two experiments. Optimization of bovine oocyte maturation medium is one of the strategies affecting quality of maturity and fertility, ultimately resulting in increasing the quality of produced bovine embryos. In the 1st experiment, to specify the concentrations of folic acid and homocysteine, ovarian follicles were divided into two categories including follicles with more or less than eight mm of diameter. Then, the concentrations were measured in both follicle groups as well as a commercial culture medium. In the second experiment, bovine ovaries were transferred to the laboratory immediately after slaughter and the cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected by aspiration from 2-8 mm diameter follicles. Oocytes were randomly divided into four groups and different levels of folic acid (0, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/ml) were added to maturation medium based on the results of the first experiment. Following incubation of oocytes, the percentage of mature oocytes was determined by Hoechst staining. The concentrations of folic acid and homocysteine in follicles with diameter of less than eight mm was higher than those with diameter of greater than eight mm, as well as the culture medium Supplementation of maturation medium with 100 ng/ml folic acid increased the percentage of metaphase-II oocytes compared to the control (P <0.05). Considering the concentrations of folic acid and homocysteine in the medium, results showed that the addition of folic acid improves in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes.

The accumulation of excess triacylglycerol and fatty acids in nonadipocytes results in lipotoxicity, cellular dysfunction, and cell death. Although feed restriction is an effective and practical management technique to prevent the obesity in broiler breeders, after the peak of egg production hens have propensity to be overweight. Lipotoxicity in hepatocytes and follicular cells of laying hens could cause liver disfunction, ovarian abnormalities, and therefore, decline egg production.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Pioglitazone on egg production and plasma metabolites in broiler breeder hens.

 Thus, forty birds were randomly allotted to four groups with 10 birds in each and were fed standard diet supplemented with different levels of Pioglitazone at 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/bird per day from 45 through to 51 weeks of age.

The results indicated that 20 and 40 mg levels improved egg production and quality (P<0.05). In regard to plasma lipids, Pioglitazone at levels of 20 and 40 mg had hypolipemic effects and could effectively decrease plasma glucose, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol (P<0.05). In addition, the activity of liver enzymes, as a criterion of liver health, was improved in hens receiving 20 and 40 mg Pioglitazone (P<0.05). Also, necropsy observations showed that liver and abdominal fat weights significantly decreased by dietary supplementation of 20 and 40 mg Pioglitazone (P<0.05).

In conclusion, the current study indicated that Pioglitazone at levels 20 and 40 mg/bird/day could improve performance of post-peak female broiler breeders through lowering plasma lipids.

Trend in body weight, thyroid hormones and some blood metabolites changes in broiler breeder hens after the peak egg production was studied. Blood samples from 20 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens, were investigated from 47 to 55 weeks of age. Plasma lipid profile including cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein LDL, lipoprotein HDL, and also glucose concentrations were measured every two weeks, and plasma concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetradothyronine (T4), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (GPT) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental period. Results showed that body weight and plasma concentration of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL were increased, and concentrations of HDL were decreased (P<0.05) over the experimental period. Plasma T4 concentrations were decreased with age of the birds (P<0.05), while T3 concentrations were not affected. Plasma GOT and GPT enzymes activities were increased over the experiment period (P<0.05). In general, by increasing of age and subsequently body weight of breeder hens, several major changes have been occurred in blood metabolites and metabolic hormones which could reduce production and reproduction of broiler breeder flocks.

This study was aimed to determine the effect of dietary Curcumin supplementation on the plasma lipid profile and some sperm quality parameters in broiler breeder roosters. In a completely randomized design, a total of twenty-eight 51-weeks-old Ross-308 roosters were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n=7) and individually caged for 9 successive weeks. Treatments were different levels of Curcumin that were added to a basal diet including: T1, control (no Curcumin supplement), T2, 0.006%; T3, 0.012%, and T4, 0.018% of the diet. To determine plasma lipid profile, blood samples were collected from five birds/treatment at the end of the trial. Also, semen samples were weekly collected from each bird during the experiment, and sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated. The results showed that concentrations of the plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL were decreased, and concentrations of HDL were increased in T3 and T4 groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma lipid profile and plasma concentration of glucose between T1 and the control group (P<0.05). Sperm plasma membrane integrity and motility were linearly improved in treated groups compared to the control (P<0.05). The highest decrease in plasma lipid profile and most improvements in sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity was observed in T4 groups compared with other groups. In conclusion, considering all the measured parameters, dietary supplementation of 0.018% Curcumin had the best response on modifying plasma lipid profiles and improving sperm quality characteristics compared with other treatments.

The aim of this study was to determine correlation of plasma lipids profile with testicular histology parameters in Ross-308 broiler breeder roosters. This study was performed on 12 male ross 308 broiler breeder. Blood samples were collected from a wing vein to measure plasma lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL lipoproteins, cholesterol, and glucose). The concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL were measured by spectrophotometric method using commercial kits of pars azmoon co. though, glucose concentration was measured by electrochemical method using glucose monitoring system. For testicular histology study (endocrine parameters of the testis); the 5 μm paraffin cross sections of testis tissue was used. The data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation test. Our results showed that the plasma HDL values were positively correlated with the number of leydig cells (r=0.73; p<0.01), the number of spermatogonia cells (r=0.92; p<0.001), seminiferous epithelium thickness (r=0.86; p<0.001) and diameter of seminiferous tubules (r=0.62; p<0.001). Also, plasma cholesterol and glucose values were negatively correlated with the number of the leydig cells (r=-0.78; p<0.01؛ r=-0.69; p<0.001), spermatogonia cells number (r=-0.68; p<0.001؛ r=-0.72; p<0.01), seminiferous epithelium thickness (r=-0.80; p<0.01؛ r=-0.82; p<0.001), and diameter of seminiferous tubules (r=-0.80; p<0.01؛ r=-0.82; p<0.001). Plasma LDL value also had a negative correlation with the number of spermatogonia cells (r= -0.39; p<0.001), and also, diameter of seminiferous tubules (r= -0.69; p<0.01). Plasma triglyceride values was negatively correlated with the number of spermatogonia cells (r= -0.79; p<0.001), and seminiferous epithelium thickness (r= -0.76; p<0.01). In conclusion, HDL lipoprotein had a positive correlation with testicular histology indexes, on the other hand, triglyceride, cholesterol, lipoprotein LDL, and glucose showed a negative correlation with that.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary Curcumin supplementation on histological parameters of testis in aged Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters. A total of twelve 48-week old broiler breeder roosters in a completely randomized design were randomly assigned to four treatments and three replicates during a 13 weeks of experimental period. Treatments included no dietary Curcumin supplementation (control group), and daily supplementation of 10, 20, and 30 mg Curcumin/birds as mixed in the basal diet. At the end of the experimental period, all of the roosters were slaughtered, and testis tissue samples were collected. Testicular weight was higher in the roosters that daily received 30 mg Curcumin compared with the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation of 20 and 30 mg Curcumin/day increased the diameter of seminiferous tubule compared to the control group (P<0.05). Seminiferous epithelium thickness was dose-dependently increased in Curcumin-supplemented birds compared to the control group (P<0.05). The number of spermatogonia cells was increased in all treatment groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). The number of Leydig cells was also increased in roosters received 20 and 20 mg Curcumin/day compared to the control birds (P<0.05). However, treatments did not affect the number of testis blood vessels (P>0.05). According to the results of the present study, dietary supplementation of 30 mg Curcumin/day/bird improves testis histological parameters in aged broiler breeder roosters.

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of long-term induced hyperthyroidism on the body weight and egg production. In addition the relationships between hyperthyroidism and some reproductive parameters were studied. A total of seventy 47-week-old Cobb 500 breeder hens were randomly allotted to two treatment groups (5 replicates of 7 hens each). Thyroxine was orally administered to the hyperthyroid group (0.3 mg/bird/day) for 100 consecutive days during which the body weight and egg production were recorded on a weekly basis. Effect of hyperthyroidism on plasma T4 levels was significant; but, the T3 level was not affected. Results indicated a significant decreasing effect of thyroid hormones on body weight. Thyroid hormones had no effect on egg production; however, the treatment × time (wk) interaction effect was significant on egg production. Ovarian and oviductal weight were not different between the control and hyperthyroid hens. Administration of thyroxine to breeder hens decreased the diameter of F1 follicles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of three different permeable (Glycerol, Dimethyl formamide and Dimethyl acetamid) and two different non-permeable cryoprotectant (Trehalose and sucrose) to the extender on freezing capacity of Turkmen stallions’ sperm. Four healthy mature Turkmen stallions (8-10 years old) were used. Collected semen from stallions were processed and pooled after gel removal and before allocating to treatments [glycerol, dimethyl formamide and dimethyl acetamid (5 or 7 percent) and trehalose or sucrose (50 and 100 mM)]. The prepared treatments were frozen according to a standard method. After thawing viability and motility of all treatments were accessed.The results showed that the viability and motility of spermatozoa treated with extender containing 5 or 7 % dimethyl formamide (68.6 ± 0.93 and 63.2 ± 2.22 respectively) or dimethyl acetamid (68.6 ± 1.69 and 63.6 ± 2.76 respectively) were significantly higher than those which treated with 5 or 7 % glycerol (56.8 ± 3.06 and 55.6 ± 1.03 respectively) (P

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ethanol on bull sperm quality after freeze thawing process. Treatments used in this study included: 1) semen extender without ethanol as control group (C) and 2) semen extender containing 0.25% ethanol (E). A total of 24 ejaculations were collected from four healthy mature Holstein bulls in 3 consecutive weeks and twice a week. In each replicate, semen samples were mixed to eliminate individual differences and then divided into two equal parts and each of them were extended with one of the aforementioned extenders. Afterward the treatments were frozen using a standard protocol. After thawing, sperm motion characteristics, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, apoptosis status and mitochondrial activity were assessed. The result of this study was showed that spermatozoa in control group had higher total motility (68.5±1.96 vs 76.17±2.49) and lower apoptosis (10.65±0.36 vs 13.13±0.33) in comparison with group treated with ethanol (p≤0.05). Also, no differences were observed in plasma membrane integrity and functionality and mitochondrial activity between two treatments (p≥0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that ethanol could negatively affect post thaw characteristics of bull spermatozoa.

In this research a 100 day long treatment period was considered to unmask the probable adverse effects of long-term induced hyperthyroidism on histomorphometrical attributes of the oviduct in broiler breeder hens. A total of seventy 47-week-old Cobb 500 breeder hens were randomly allotted to two treatment groups (5 replicates of 7 hens each). Thyroxine (T4) was orally administered to the hyperthyroid group (0.3 mg/bird/d) for 100 consecutive days; whereas the control group received drinking water only throughout the trial. At 64 weeks of age, 2 birds per replicate were killed by cervical dislocation and their oviducts were removed. For histomorphometrical observations, segments were taken from five different regions. After tissue preparation and staining with haematoxylin and eosin, histological layers were evaluated using light microscopy. The assessment of histomorphometrical characteristics of oviduct showed the height of mucosal folds in the magnum, thickness of mucosal folds of the magnum and uterus, thickness of tunica muscularis in the magnum and vagina, epithelial thickness of the isthmus and vagina, and uterine tubular glands percentage were decreased in the hyperthyroid birds compared with the control counterparts. The results showed long-term induced hyperthyroidism was associated with a decrease in a number of histomorphometrical traits in different regions of the oviduct. Some studies should be done to clarify to what extent the long-term maternal hyperthyroidism might affect the egg production, fertility rate, duration of fertility, and sperm penetration rate to make a final decision on exploitation of this preventative treatment to diminish the ascites incidence in progeny chicks.