امیر اخلاقی

Benefiting from agricultural and garden residues is an efficient management tool to improve productivity in supplying protein needed by humans from animal sources (livestock and poultry). One of these residues is the waste resulting from harvesting and consumption of pomegranate fruits, one of the most important garden products in Iran. The peel and pomace of this fruit make up to 45% of its weight. Pomegranate is a fruit with high antioxidant properties that plays an important role in dealing with oxidative stress and can probably affect the hematological and biochemical blood parameters of living organisms. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the blood parameters of old broilers fed with pomegranate peel to identify the possible adverse effects of this residue on hematological and biochemical parameters.

This research was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, located 15 km northeast of Shiraz. Thirty-six 64-week-old roosters (Cob 500 strain) were assigned to three treatments in a completely random design, each with nine replicates of four birds. The experimental treatments included a T0 base diet without pomegranate peel and T10 and T20 diets with 10% and 20% pomegranate peel, respectively. To adapt to the experimental treatments, the roosters were fed experimental diets for 6 weeks, and blood samples were taken weekly from the brachial vein to examine blood hematological and biochemical parameters, including total number of white and red blood cells (WBC & RBC, resp.), WBC differential count (lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, and eosinophils), total protein concentration, albumin, total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), glucose, urea, and phosphorus. Data were analyzed with SAS software. This research was done in a completely randomized design, and the data were analyzed with a mixed procedure. The least squares means of the treatments, after correction for multiple comparisons based on Tukey's test, were compared at a significance level of 5%.

The main effect of experimental treatments was not significant on all the hematological parameters, and the main effect of time was significant only for monocytes (P < 0.05). The interaction of diet and time was significant only for the total number of RBCs (P < 0.05) and monocytes (P < 0.05). The main effect of the diet was decreasing on the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while it was increasing on the concentration of HDL, glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and phosphorus. The effect of time was significant on the concentrations of total protein, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, and phosphorus. The interaction of diet and time significantly affected total cholesterol, ALP, AST, and phosphorus (P < 0.05). The analysis of variance showed the effect of diet, time, and the interaction of diet and time on the hematological parameters of Cobb 500 broilers fed with pomegranate peel powder. The effect of diet was not significant on all the hematological parameters. The effect of time was significant only on the percentage of monocytes (P < 0.05). The interaction of diet and time was significant on the total number of RBCs and the percentage of blood monocytes (P < 0.05). Weekly changes in the percentage of monocytes showed that the trend of changes during the experiment was increasing in the groups that received a high level of pomegranate peel powder (T20). From the second to the fifth weeks, the group in the T10 treatment showed a sharp decrease in the percentage of blood monocytes. Pomegranate peel powder feeding was associated with changes in blood concentrations of some biochemical parameters. Blood cholesterol concentration decreased in birds of the T20 and T10 groups. LDL and triglyceride concentrations decreased in birds fed with pomegranate peel powder at both feeding levels. In contrast, the concentrations of HDL, ALP, glucose, and phosphorus increased in these birds. The interaction effect of time and diet was also significant on the concentrations of cholesterol, ALP, phosphorus, and AST. Among the hematological parameters in birds fed with pomegranate peel powder, the percentage of monocytes was affected by time and the interaction of diet and time. Moreover, the total number of RBCs was affected by the interaction of diet and time.

Despite the significant differences in some of the mentioned parameters (monocytes, total number of RBCs, concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, HDL, glucose, ALP, total protein, AIT, AST, and phosphorus) during the six-week period of pomegranate peel powder feeding in old broiler Cobb-500 chickens, the fluctuation range was in the normal physiological range. Therefore, pomegranate peel feeding at the tested levels (0, 10, and 20) was not associated with obvious damage to the general health and biochemical profile of birds. According to the findings of this research, it can be concluded that, although the nutrition of pomegranate peel powder could influence a number of blood parameters during the six-week feeding period, the fluctuation was within the normal physiological range despite the difference in the mentioned parameters. Therefore, pomegranate peel feeding at the levels used here was not associated with obvious damage to the general health and clinical profile of birds.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the cold period on female Chukar partridges and its impact on reproductive traits and hematological parameters. A total of 104 adult breeding partridges were used in this study. The experimental treatments included a control group (without cold exposure) and a cold-exposed group. The research was carried out over 3 weeks in a completely randomized design with five repetitions in the control group and five repetitions in the cold-exposed group. The evaluation of reproductive parameters was performed at the end of the period, and the evaluation of hematological parameters was conducted once a week in three phases. The results of the analysis of reproductive indices showed that the cold period did not significantly differ in terms of egg production rate, fertility rate, and hatching rate compared to the control group (P>0.05). The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly increased in different phases of the winter period compared to the control group (P<0.05). The total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, and hemoglobin levels after cold exposure in different blood sampling phases showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). The findings of this study showed that cold exposure had a stimulating effect on the immune response, leading to a decrease in lymphocyte count and an increase in heterophil count. It is suggested that cold exposure may enhance immune responses and reduce egg production rates in Chukar partridges, possibly resulting in reproductive performance disorders.

The effects of different levels of fish oil on productive and reproductive performance as well as serum biochemical indices in female Chukar partridges were evaluated. Thirty-six 1.5-year-old laying Chukar partridges and 12 age-matched males (female: male ratio of 3:1) were divided to four experimental groups (three replicates of three birds each) in a completely randomized, to orally receive 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mL of fish oil on a daily basis for 21 successive days where the control birds received 0.3 mL normal saline solution only as the sham control group. The birds had a free access to feed and fresh water and were weighed weekly. The eggs (n=271) were collected once per two hours during the photophase (8 times daily) for the last 21 days of the treatment period (from 7 through 28 d of experiment). Blood samples were collected on d 0, 10, and 21 of the trial to analyze selected biochemical attributes. Although administration of 0.2 mL fish oil increased the egg production and fertility rate, the difference was not significant as compared to the control group (p> 0.05). Feed intake, body weight, and daily weight gain were not influenced by the different levels of fish oil. A significant decrease in egg weight was detected in fish oil-fed birds where partridges receiving 0.2 mL fish oil recorded the lowest egg weight among the experimental groups (p< 0.05). Similarly, the birds administered with different levels of fish oil had lower serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the control group where the lowest records were found for 0.3 mL fish oil level. The interaction effect of fish oil level and time on serum total cholesterol was significant (p=0.02). The serum levels of LDL and glucose were decreased in partridges receiving 0.3 mL fish oil (p<0.05). No significant changes in the serum concentration of VLDL, HDL, total protein, calcium, and phosphorus were found during the trial. Data suggested that oral exposure of Chukar partridge to 0.2 mL of fish oil had poitive effect on egg production and fertility rate. However, egg weight was decreased. Oral administration of 0.3 mL of fish oil may decrease serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and glucose in partridges.

This experiment was conducted to compare the effect of natural mating (NM) and artificial insemination (AI) on reproductive performance in Chukar partridges. A total number of 96 female partridges were randomly assigned to two equal groups (four replicates of 12 birds each) to produce hatching eggs by either NM or AI. In addition to female partridges, one hundred forty-four male partridges were randomly selected where 48 and 96 numbers of those assigned to NM and AI treatment groups, respectively. The female partridges in both treatment groups were kept individually in cages for two weeks. Afterwards, one male partridge was randomly allotted to each female (a total of 48 male partridges) in the NM group. However, the female partridges in the AI group were inseminated by semen collected from 96 male partridges. During 10 days, 184 and 188 hatching eggs were collected for the NM and AI groups, respectively. The hatching eggs were then incubated. No significant differences were found between the NM and AI treatment groups in fertility rate (91.3 and 88.8%, respectively), hatchability of set eggs (58.1 and 53.2%, respectively) and hatchability of fertile eggs (63.7 and 59.9%, respectively). A high embryonic mortality rate was observed during the first 48 h of incubation (i.e. early mortality) in both NM (32.1%) and AI (31.7%) treatment groups; however, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in embryonic mortality. In general, the efficiency of AI technique in Chukar partridges is comparable to that of natural mating.

The immune response of aged broiler breeder hens is influenced by many factors including obesity and aged lymphatic organs, but may improve by increasing the bioavailability of various nutrients such as zinc (Zn). Dietary supplementation of phytase can improve Zn availability in senescent broiler breeder hens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementary zinc oxide (ZnO) and phytase in a maize-soybean meal-based diet on immune responses of broiler breeder hens. In a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, a total of 128 hens were randomly assigned into eight groups. The birds received two levels of phytase (0 or 300 U/kg diet) and four levels of ZnO (30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg diet) for 13 successive wk (59-72 wk of age). Results showed that phytase supplementation significantly increased immunoglobulin M (IgM), cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) responses, total number of leukocytes, percentage of lymphocytes, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios. The percentage of basophils and monocytes, however, decreased with phytase supplementation. Supplementation of ZnO increased anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer, IgM, CBH responses, the total number of leukocytes, and the percentage of lymphocytes. Dietary supplementation of ZnO decreased the percentage of heterophil, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. A significant interaction effect of phytase and ZnO was found on the total number of leukocytes and percentage of lymphocytes. Dietary supplementation of ZnO (90 mg/kg diet) and phytase had some positive effects on improving immune responses in broiler breeder hens.

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.

Thyroid hormones are effective on reproductive performance of animals, especially in response to photoperiod. In different animal species, changes in serum concentrations of these hormones have been observed throughout the year. According to available data, by determining the serum level changes of these hormones, the sensitivity of the livestock species and breeds to photoperiod was predicted. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of imported breeds (Saanen and Alpine) and indigenous goats (Mahabadi and native Semnan) to photoperiod change in the year, using thyroid hormones. This experiment conductedin the south of Damghan (Semnan province: 36 ° North and 54 ° East), at a height of 950 m above sea level, that has a warm summer and cold and dry winter. Sixteen male goats of 3 to 4 years old were selected from four Saanen, Alpine, Mahabadi and native goats of Semnan province. From the beginning of March, every 15 days, sampling was done from jugular vein. Serum T3, T4 was measured by ELISA method. The effect of breed and photoperiod on hormonal concentrations was analyzed by repeated measures method in a completely randomized design. T3 and T4 levels had changes during each year (p≤0.01). In all four breeds, T3 was high in autumn and winter and peaked in March. The T3 variation pattern was the same in four breeds, but the Saanen breed showed the most variation in T3. Differences in inter-species variation in some months were significant (p≤0.01), but in general, there was no significant difference in the maximum and minimum points of T3 between Saanen, Alpine and Mahabadi breeds. This difference was only significant for Semnan goats with other breeds (p≤0.01). Hormone level was significantly lower in Semnan native goats than in other breeds in March, April, November and December (p≤0.01). The level of T4 has also been influenced by variations in the photoperiod. Concentration of this hormone was highest in winter and autumn and in summer it was the lowest (p≤0.01). There was a significant difference between breeds in terms of sensitivity of changes in T4 concentration to changes in photoperiod (p≤0.01). In the months of the heat season (July, August and September); the concentration of T4 in Semnani goats was significantly higher From Saanen and Alpine goats (p≤0.01). Semnani goats were less influenced in the amount of thyroxin during photoperiodic changes. The results of this test showed that male Saanen goats more than Alpines were affected by changes in photoperiodic changes and climatic conditions in the southern foothills of Alborz mountain. There was no significant difference between two indigenous genetic populations in response to climatic conditions and photoperiodic changes. According to these results, it seems that the Alpine breed is a more appropriate option for use in these climatic conditions in our country.

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.

Ninety six 2-week-old British United Turkeys (BUT) Big 6 were assigned to 2 groups (4 replicates of 12 birds each). One basal diet and another one in which 20% canola meal replaced the corn starch in the basal diet were prepared. At 9, 16 and 21 wk of age, four birds from each pen slaughtered for digesta collection. The last two-third segment of the intestine, between the Meckel’s diverticulum and about 2 cm anterior to the ileo-ceca-colonic junction, was excised. The diets and digesta were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, and chromic oxide content. The standardized prececal protein digestibility of canola meal was calculated using multiple linear regression procedure. The standardized prececal protein digestibility of canola meal at 21 wk of age was significantly lower as compared with that of 9 wk of age; the relative weight of digestive organs also decreased significantly with increasing age (P

It has been shown that zinc has an effect on physiological responses in animals and birds. On the other hand, dietary phytase in poultry results in increased availability of zinc. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) and Escherichia coli-derived 6-phytase supplemented diets on the plasma metabolites and enzyme activities of broiler breeder hens from 60 to 72 weeks of age. A total of 128 breeder hens were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments, with four replicates of four hens each. Blood concentration of Zn, Ca, P, total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL), and plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Results showed that supplementary ZnO increased plasma Zn, Ca, P, HDL, and total protein (p<0.01) concentrations, as well as enzyme activities of LDH, ALT and AST (p<0.01). Also, a ZnO-supplemented diet resulted in a decrease in plasma cholesterol and TG (p<0.01) levels. Adding phytase to the diet increased plasma (P) and HDL contents (p<0.01). The interactive effect of phytase × ZnO × period on the plasma levels of Zn, P, total protein, HDL, total cholesterol, and the enzymatic activity of LDH, ALT and ALP was significant. It is concluded that supplementary ZnO and phytase may improve metabolism and enzymatic activity of aged broiler breeder hens.

Published data on the effects of essential oils (EO) on in vivo nutrient digestibility in sheep are contradictory. In 2 experiments, the effect of thymol and carvacrol on nutrient digestibility was studied in sheep fed with high (70%) or low (52%) concentrate diets, using incomplete Latin Square designs. The essential oils were mixed with the concentrate portion of the diet at the rate of 0.0, 0.3, or 0.6 g per kg dry matter (DM) diet. Supplementation of thymol had no significant effect on digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The main effect of thymol on neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract (EE) digestibility and on nitrogen balance (NB) was significant (P<0.05), but within each level of dietary concentrate no significant differences were observed for these measurements. Overall, ruminal ammonia concentration was higher (P<0.05) in both HCD and LCD lambs receiving 0.3 mg thymol per kg diet. Supplementation of carvacrol had no significant effect on nutrient digestibility. The main effect of carvacrol on ruminal ammonia levels and NB was significant, but within each level of dietary concentrate no significant differences were observed in ammonia levels and NB. Inclusion of 0.3 g/kg diet DM of carvacrol or thyme was more effective than 0.6 g/kg diet DM in terms of NB but neither dose affected nutrient digestibility. Future research should determine the long-term effects of essential oils on digestibility and performance in sheep, before recommendation can be made for their use under practical husbandry conditions.

The effect feeding olive-pulp silage (OPS) for 120 days on several blood attributes was studied using 16 rams allotted to two diets consisting of 70% corn silage or 70% OPS. Olive-pulp silage feeding resulted in lower serum total protein, alanine aminotransferase, calcium and phosphorus levels and higher glucose concentration compared to the corn silage diet. Body weight and other blood attributes were not affected by OPS feeding. Feeding a diet containing 70% OPS at the maintenance level had no apparent detrimental effect in mature rams.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the monthly variations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), T3 to T4 ratio, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and testosterone in Dallagh rams during the breeding and non breeding seasons. Four healthy mature rams (3-4 years old) with an average body weight of 45±5 Kg were selected and kept in the same conditions. Blood samples were collected during June to November at three-week intervals. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes. T3, T4, TSH and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. During the experimental period, statistically significant changes occurred in the levels of serum T3 and TSH (P<0.05). The highest levels of T3 and TSH were observed in November and July, respectively; whereas, the lowest amount of T3 was observed in July. There were no significant differences in T4, T3 to T4 ratio and testosterone hormone during the experimental period (P>0.05). In conclusion, results showed that reproduction in Dallagh rams is not sensitive to day length and season. Therefore, they might be implemented in breeding and non-breeding seasons.

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between early lactation curve parameters and calving interval in Holstein cows of Iran. In order to describe the lactation curve, the incomplete gamma function was fitted to 5,754,428 test-day milk records corresponding to 766,108 lactations on 315,634 cows in 2,448 herds. Cows with higher milk yield during early lactation had shorter calving intervals; however, longer calving intervals increased the 305-d milk production (P<0.01). Cows with higher yield at the beginning of lactation, steeper ascending, and steeper descending slope had shorter calving intervals (P<0.01). Calving interval was increased by 2.73 (±0.12) d for every extra kg of milk at peak lactation (P<0.01). The calving interval was directly impacted by the persistency of milk yield, but milk yield persistency was reduced in cows with shorter calving intervals (P<0.01).

No domestic availability to breeder turkey stocks and turkey hatching eggs prompted the present experiment that aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a conventional artificial insemination (AI) procedure in British United Turkey (BUT) for the first time in Iran. Broiler turkeys were restrictedly fed, grown for 46 weeks, and used for the current study (10 turkey toms and 24 turkey hens in total). After a 3 week period of habituating the toms to abdominal massage, the pooled semen was used for insemination after the dilution in sterilized and homogenized low-fat milk (at the ratio of 1 to 6). The hens were inseminated (14:00 h) and hatching eggs were collected (n = 148). All the eggs were broken open to assess the fertility rate. Although being lower than the conventional average fertility rate noticed for breeder turkeys in the production manuals (91%), a fertility rate of 61.5% was obtained. The present report provided a preliminary data on the feasibility of the conventional procedure used in chickens to artificially inseminate the turkey, using low-fat milk as a simple available extender. The present findings might also be promising to the future establishment of turkey breeder enterprise in Iran.

The effects of various levels of dietary L-carnitine supplements (125، 250 and 500 mg/kg) on quail sperm characteristics during liquid storage was investigated. This experiment was arranged on the basis of completely randomized design using 96 Japanese quails with 4 replicates in each treatment and 6 quails in each replicate. Semen samples were collected from male quails using abdominal massage and samples per replication mixed together. Sperm characteristics including percentage of motile، viable، abnormal، pH، volume and concentration were assessed. Results showed that the effect of L-carnitine on semen concentration was significant (p<0. 05). Quails were fed rations containing 125 mg/kg L-carnitine had higher semen concentration (603. 08 million/ml) compared with other groups. The lowest semen concentration was observed in control group (518. 76 million/ml). The effect of L-carnitine on semen pH and volume were not significant (p>0. 05). The effect of L-carnitine on motility and viability percentage of sperm in Tris extender was significant (p<0. 05). Quails were fed rations included 125 mg/kg L-carnitine had higher motile (86. 92 %) and viable (89. 55 %) sperms، after 0 and 4 hours compared to other groups. The lowest motile (80. 71 %) and viable (83. 77 %) sperms were observed for control group. The effect of L-carnitine on motility and viability percentage of sperm in Tris extender، 8، 12 and 24 hours after preservation were not significant (p>0. 05). The effect of L-carnitine on abnormal percentage of sperms 0، 4، 8، 12 and 24 hours of storage were not significant (p>0. 05). Lengths of storages had a significant effect on semen characteristics (p<0. 05). In conclusion، the use of L-carnitine supplement for improving quality of Japanese quail sperm for liquid storage is recommended.

Effect of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism during the prepubertal period, at a dose of one g per kg of the diet, on serum testosterone level and seminal characteristics of Fars indigenous chickens was studied. PTU was fed between 7th to 13th weeks of age and semen was collected at weekly intervals, starting at 21st week of age and continued for seven weeks. The effect of PTU treatment on serum testosterone level and body weight was significant (P<0.05). The effect of age on all parameters, including body weight, semen volume, sperm motility, percentage of live sperm, sperm concentration, total number of live sperm, and serum testosterone and thyroxine (T4) levels was also significant (P<0.01). The interaction effect of PTU treatment and age on semen volume, sperm motility, and percentage of live sperm was not significant (P>0.05); but it was significant for body weight, sperm concentration, total number of live sperm, and serum testosterone and T4 levels (P<0.01). At weeks 11 and 13 of age, serum T4 concentration in PTU birds was significantly lower but serum testosterone level was higher than in the control group. Sperm concentration in PTU birds was generally higher than in the control group, although the differences between the two groups were significant at weeks 20, 23 and 24. The total number of live sperm produced by PTU birds at week 21 of age was about 60% of the control group (P<0.01). A positive correlation (P<0.01) was found between testosterone level and body weight (r = 0.54 and 0.36 for the control and PTU groups, respectively). A small but significant positive correlation was found between T4 levels and body weight in the PTU group (r = 0.23; P<0.01), but not in the control group (P>0.05). The correlation between testosterone and T4 levels was not significant. Transient prepubertal PTU-induced hypothyroidism resulted in an increase in sperm concentration and production at certain stages after treatment, but the effect did not seem to last for a long period. The potential for increased efficiency associated with raising smaller birds which pass a neonatal hypothyroidism and eat less feed and produce normal semen, may be economical.