جواد رضایی

This study investigated the relationship between psychological characteristics and the level of individual financial knowledge with subjective risk-taking and financial disputes of shareholders in the Tehran Stock Exchange in 2024. The statistical sample of the study included 265 shareholders of the Tehran Stock Exchange. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included various questions in the field of psychological characteristics, financial knowledge, risk-taking and financial disputes. The results show that there is a significant relationship between financial literacy and subjective risk-taking of shareholders, as well as between computational skills and subjective risk-taking of shareholders. Also, a positive relationship was observed between financial literacy and financial disputes of shareholders, as well as between computational skills and financial disputes. However, the relationship between subjective risk-taking and financial disputes of shareholders was not significant. The study also showed that personality traits and family communication patterns also have significant effects on financial disputes and subjective risk-taking of shareholders. These results can be used as a basis for management and educational suggestions for shareholders and capital market analysts to reduce financial disputes and improve financial decision-making.

This research aimed to assess the effect of feeding Salicornia bigelovii fodder on the growth and carcass performance of fattening lambs. The experiment was conducted using 63 male Afshari lambs in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and nine replications for 100 days. The treatments were diet without Salicornia (control) and diets containing levels of 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, and 270 g Salicornia, instead of alfalfa/kg DM. Compared to alfalfa, Salicornia contained lower amounts of protein, nitrate, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), but higher content of ash, sodium, oxalate, and phenolic compounds. Feeding increasing levels of Salicornia caused a linear increase in daily water consumption (P<0.05). Daily intake of DM increased with increasing Salicornia levels (P=0.05), but consumption of organic matter (OM) and crude protein did not differ. Salicornia feeding had no significant effect on daily growth and feed conversion based on diet OM, but at levels of 135 g and more, it caused a decrease in feed conversion based on diet DM. Digestibility of DM (P=0.072) and ash (P=0.012) increased and NDF digestibility decreased (P=0.048) with increasing Salicornia consumption, but the digestibility of OM, crude protein and ether extract, and carcass yield did not change. Overall, feeding Salicornia up to 270 g/kg diet DM (with a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 40:60) increased the water consumption of animals, but it did not have a negative effect on the performance of fattening lambs, and it can be recommended to replace a portion of the diet forage in male Afshari sheep.

The present study has studied the effect of family communication patterns on financial literacy which has been applied in terms of purpose-based segmentation and descriptive-correlational research method. The statistical population of this study consisted of three students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the summer of 1989 who were undergoing undergraduate and higher education. Sample size was determined based on Morgan table of at least 260 people. The questionnaires were distributed to 280 statistical population by simple cluster random sampling method. Analyzes were included. The validity of the research instrument was assessed by face validity, content and confirmatory factor analysis and its reliability was calculated through Cronbach's alpha. The research tools included the Family Communication Pattern Questionnaire (RFCP); based on the subject's family communication perception, derived from the Ritchie and Fitzpatrick model (1994) and the financial literacy questionnaire used by Yaghoubinejad et al. (2011) based on the Brad model (2008). Has been. Structural equation modeling and Smart PLS software were used for inferential statistics.The results of the data analysis indicated a significant relationship between family communication patterns and financial literacy with a T coefficient of 0.615 with direct correlation and relatively strong intensity.

Sugar beet cultivation faces significant challenges from diseases such as rhizomania and cyst nematode, both in Iran and globally. The most effective and straightforward approach to mitigate the damage caused by these diseases is the use of resistant varieties. The Hosna cultivar was developed after extensive preliminary and advanced research. This variety was produced by crossing a pollinator inbred line from the SB27 population, which carried resistance genes for both rhizomania and cyst nematode, with a monogerm single cross maternal line. A value-for-cultivation and use (VCU) test was conducted in Hamadan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Miandoab under rhizomania-infected conditions and in Karaj under non-infected conditions to evaluate this variety's performance. Simultaneously, the resistance of the hybrids to cyst nematode was evaluated in another experiment under controlled conditions (greenhouse). The results showed the superior performance of Hosna cultivar, which produced an average white sugar yield of 11.52 tha-1, outperforming the foreign control variety Azare (11.36 tha-1) and the domestic control varieties Shokoufa and Arta (10.19 and 10.12 tha-1, respectively). However, no significant difference was found between Hosna and the foreign control Rosier (12.02 tha-1). Hosna is a diploid monogerm cultivar, resistant to both rhizomania and cyst nematode, and suitable for spring cultivation across various regions of the country. In addition to its disease resistance, this cultivar has a high potential for sugar yield.

Providing high-quality information is very important because high-quality information will have a positive effect on decisions related to financing, making investments, and other decisions related to the allocation of resources and the overall efficiency of the market and economy. This research is in response to the question, what is the effect of accounting information on the quality of financial reporting according to the value relationship? In order to answer this question, a financial study is done to predict the causal relationships of information usefulness and ethical values ​​of reporting and reporting quality structures.The present research has predicted causal relationships between the usefulness of accounting information from the perspective of value relationship and financial reporting quality structures. The statistical population of this research consists of auditors of auditing institutions, members of the society of certified accountants and certified independent auditors, and a standard questionnaire was used to collect data. After conducting the reliability and validity tests of the sample data, related analyzes were done based on the structural modeling approach. The results of the research hypotheses test showed that the usefulness of accounting information as well as the ethical values of reporting have a positive effect on the quality of financial reporting.

To evaluate the biomass, physiological traits, and advantages of maize-amaranth intercropping in the cultivation in barley residues and different levels of nitrogen in 2020-2021, an experiment was implemented in the research farm of Tarbiat Modares University. This study was conducted as a split-split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The studied factors included: 1- Cultivation in two levels (cultivation in barley residues and cultivation without barley residues) as the main plots, 2- the type of cultivation in two levels (monoculture and intercropping) as subplots, 3- different levels of nitrogen (N) in four levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha-1 for maize and 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha-1 for amaranth) as sub-subplots. The results showed that the highest total dry weight of amaranth was observed in the treatment of 80 kg N ha-1 of nitrogen application in the conditions of amaranth monoculture and without the use of barley residues with a production of 8031 kg ha-1. The highest dry weight of maize (11187 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of maize monoculture in barley residues with the application of 300 kg N ha-1. The highest photosynthesis rate of amaranth was observed in the treatments of 40 kg N ha-1 application in the conditions of monoculture without barley residues and N fertilizer, and application of 40 kg N ha-1 in the conditions of intercropping with maize and without barley residues. In addition, the results showed that the highest maize photosynthesis rate was achieved with the application of 300 kg N ha-1, and the photosynthesis rate also significantly decreased with the reduction of nitrogen application. Land equivalent ratio (LER) showed an increase of 30% in the intercropping of maize and amaranth in the cultivation of barley residues with the application of 100 kg N ha-1 for maize and 40 kg N ha-1 for amaranth, which indicated the advantage of intercropping. According to the results of this research, if the goal was to produce amaranth, barley residues should not be used, but in maize cultivation, the use of barley residues is recommended. Also, the use of 40 and 300 kg N ha-1 is recommended to increase biomass of amaranth and maize, respectively.

Every year, a significant amount of saffron petals remains as a by-product after harvesting and separating the thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas). The saffron stigma constitutes only 7.4% of the flower's weight and the remaining 92.6% is unused. This plant residue (petals) is a valuable source of plant bioactive compounds (phytobiotics), which based on previous studies, has useful effects on rumen fermentation, digestion and diet efficiency. However, there is no specific information about the effect of this by-product on ruminal microbial populations, enzymatic activity, antioxidant health, as well as the mechanism of effectiveness. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the use of low levels of saffron petals in the diet (as a natural additive) could improve microorganism populations, hydrolytic enzymes and antioxidant health of the rumen. Therefore, this research was carried out to investigate the mechanism of the positive effects of saffron petals on the energy and nitrogen metabolism and antioxidant health of the sheep rumen using the in vitro method.  Experimental treatments included a diet without saffron petals (control) and diets containing 1, 2, and 3% of saffron petals (based on dry matter). The 24 and 72-h gas production tests were performed in 2 series (runs; in different weeks) and 3 replicates in each run (i.e., 6 observations per treatment at each incubation time). The gas production from the samples incubated in the 100-mL glass syringes was recorded. Then, the protozoa (using a hemocytometer and light microscope), cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria (using liquid medium and Hungate tubes), hydrolytic enzymes (via chemical methods and photometry), methane (by injecting NaOH solution to absorb CO2) and antioxidant capacity (via ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) were measured. Truly degraded substrate was determined by boiling fermentation residues in the neutral detergent solution and weighing, ammonia-N by phenol-hypochlorite method, and the volatile fatty acids (VFA) using gas chromatography. Microbial biomass production, digestibility, metabolizable energy and partitioning factor were estimated using the equations. Data were analyzed using the Proc GLM of SAS 9.1 in a completely randomized design (6 observations per treatment).  The inclusion of different levels of saffron petals in the diet decreased the in vitro ruminal protozoa population (P<0.05), due to its bioactive components, which damage the structure and function of the protozoa membrane, deactivate protozoa enzymes or deprive protozoa of the substrate and metal ions needed for their metabolism. Moreover, saffron petals increased the cellulolytic bacteria numbers and microbial biomass production (P<0.05). This was due to the reduction of protozoa, which leads to the reduction of the bacteria predation and thus improves the growth and population of the cellulolytics. The ruminal fibrolytic enzymes and amylase activity decreased with the use of saffron petals in the diet (P<0.05), because of the higher cellulolytic bacteria and microbial biomass, i.e., higher bacteria activity. These improvements resulted in more (P<0.05) diet digestibility, metabolizable energy, total VFA and truly degraded substrate in the saffron petals-containing groups. The inclusion of saffron petals in the diet resulted in decreasing in vitro ruminal methane release, ammonia-N production and acetate-to-propionate ratio (P<0.05). These changes were due to the decreased protozoa numbers leading to less hydrogen supply for methanogens and higher hydrogen shift toward propionate, as well as less deamination process and ruminal nitrogen recycling. Another reason was the increase of cellulolytic bacteria that consume ammonia as their main nitrogen source. Antioxidant capacity increased with the use of saffron petals in the diet (P<0.05), due to the bioactive compounds and antioxidants (such as flavonoids) present in this plant residue. The maximum truly degraded substrate was observed in the diet containing 3% of saffron petals. The lowest methane, protozoa and ammonia were in diets containing 2 and 3% of saffron petals. Moreover, adding 2 and 3% of saffron petals caused the highest antioxidant power.  The results showed that the positive effect of saffron petals on the ruminal metabolism and antioxidative health of sheep, in vitro, was due to the beneficial changes that occurred in microbial populations (increase of cellulolytic bacteria and decrease of protozoa), hydrolytic enzymes (fibrolytic enzymes and amylase) and its antioxidants. Therefore, low levels (up to 3% of diet) of saffron petals can be used as a natural phytobiotic additive to improve rumen fermentation and reduce loss of energy and nitrogen resources, although it is better to confirm the results in vivo

Cystic nematode is one of the limiting factors of sugar beet growth. Considering the importance and extent of this nematode in Iran and in order to prevent its damage, it is recommended to use resistant cultivars. The prerequisite for the development of resistant cultivars is the presence of resistant genotypes. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative yield of new sugar beet hybrids and determining their agronomic value in the field with natural infection under sugar beet cyst nematode in Razavi Khorasan province.

In order to determine the agronomic value of advanced sugar beet hybrids, 15 new domestic hybrids along with two resistant (Aria) and sensitive (Sharif) control cultivars were evaluated during the years 2020 and 2021 in the field infected with cystic nematode in Torogh Agricultural Research Station (Mashhad) in the form of randomized complete block design with four repetitions. The investigation of resistance to sugar beet cyst nematode of 17 genotypes was also carried out under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design with 10 replications. Muller's method was used to evaluate cultivars under greenhouse conditions. After performing the homogeneity of variances test through Bartlett's test, composite analysis of two years' data was done. By using correlation coefficients between measured parameters, their relationships were compared to each other. In order to group the experimental materials, Ward's cluster analysis was used. LSD test was used at the probability level of five percent to compare the mean of the traits.

The combined analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the hybrids in terms of all traits. Mean comparison showed that hybrid SBSI 126 had the highest root yield (57.91 tonha-1). In addition, this hybrid had higher values of sugar content, sugar yield and white sugar yield than the resistant control cultivar (Aria) as well as the average of all genotypes. The SBSI 138 hybrid had the lowest values of root yield, sugar yield, white sugar yield, sugar content and white sugar content, and it was the most sensitive genotype to cyst nematode among the genotypes after the sensitive control variety (Sharif). The results of cluster analysis in the field experiment showed that hybrids SBSI 126, SBSI 129 and SBSI 128 had high yield potential and were placed in one cluster.Correlation coefficients of studied traits showed that the highest positive and significant correlation (0.97) was found between root yield and sugar yield and the highest negative and significant correlation (-0.93) was also obtained between extraction coefficient of sugar and sugar beet molasses. There was a positive and significant correlation at the level of 1%between white sugar yield and root yield (0.85), sugar content (0.40), sugar yield (0.95), potassium (0.57), nitrogen (0.51) and molasses sugar percentage (0.25). While a negative and significant correlation was observed between white sugar yield and alkalinity coefficient (-0.52) at the level of 1%. In this research, there was a significant difference at the level of 1% between the evaluated genotypes in greenhouse conditions in terms of female index of the cyst nematode (FI). The results of cultivar grouping according to Schmidt and Shannon showed that the SBSI 126 genotype with the lowest index (11.66%) has the highest resistance among genotypes.

In general, the results showed that the SBSI 126 hybrid can be recommended as a cyst nematode-resistant hybrid for growing in infected fields due to its resistance and high white sugar yield.

This research was conducted to compare the effect of different zinc sources on in vitro microbial populations, hydrolytic enzymes and ruminal fermentation products in sheep. Five diets without zinc supplement (control) or containing ZnSO4, ZnO, nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine were assessed. The 24 and 72-h gas tests were conducted in a completely randomized design where the microbial populations, hydrolytic enzymes, methane, antioxidant activity, organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), truly degraded substrate (TDS), microbial biomass, partitioning factor (PF) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined. Total proteolytic bacteria count and protease activity decreased due to the usage of organic, inorganic and nano-particle sources of zinc (P<0.05). The use of methionine, oxide and sulfate sources of zinc increased alpha-amylase activity (P<0.05). Total protozoa number in the 24-h incubation tended to decrease owing to dietary zinc supplements. Total cellulolytic bacteria, carboxymethyl-cellulase, microcrystalline-cellulase, filter paper-degrading activity, antioxidant capacity, microbial biomass and PF were the same among treatments. Zinc methionine, oxide and sulfate supplements increased OMD, ME, TDS and total VFA, whereas decreased ammonia and acetate:propionate ratio (P<0.05). Also, 24-h methane production decreased with the use of zinc supplements (P<0.05). Overall, the dietary addition of sulfate, oxide and methionine- sources of zinc is recommended with the aim of improving alpha-amylase activity and digestibility and reducing proteolytic activity, ammonia accumulation and methane, but feeding nano-ZnO is not recommended. More research is needed on the effect of zinc sources on rumen microorganisms and enzymes in different dietary conditions.

Genotype-environment interaction is one of the most important limiting factors in breeding programs. A comprehensive study of genotype-environment interaction requires powerful statistical methods. Different methods for evaluating the interaction effect of genotype-environment have been proposed by different researchers. Therefore, in the present study, the role of this phenomenon on the sugar yield of sugar beet hybrids and the identification of stable hybrids were studied based on the AMMI, GGE bi-plot, and MTSI stability index methods. For this study, a total of 20 sugar beet genotypes were utilized, comprising 15 recently developed hybrids and five control cultivars (Sina, Dena, Novodora, Modex and Loriquet). Phenotypic assessments of experimental genotypes were conducted in 2021 crop year at four agricultural research stations located in Karaj, Mashhad, Shiraz and Miandoab. These selected sites differed in terms of altitude, latitude and longitude, atmospheric temperature and precipitation, and physical and chemical characteristics of soil. The experiments at each research station were carried out using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Each genotype was planted in a separate plot, consisting of three cultivation rows with a length of eight m and a distance of 50 cm interrow. Throughout the growing season, weed control, irrigation, fertilizer application, and other field management activities were performed based on the recommendations of experts. Additionally, regular monitoring and prevention of pests and diseases specific to sugar beet were conducted at each research station. Stability analysis methods of AMMI, GGE bi-plot, and MTSI stability index were used to analyze the genotype-environment interaction. The results of a combined analysis of variance confirmed the significant effects of environment and genotype on all traits at a one percent probability level. The interaction between them was significant at one and five percent probability levels for all traits except the sugar content and white sugar content. Analysis of the multiplicative effect of the AMMI model showed that the first two components are significant at the one and five percent probability levels, respectively, and together explain 92.20 percent of the interaction variations. The bi-plot of mean yield and the first principal component of the interaction confirmed the superiority of genotype no. 20 due to its high sugar yield and stability. The results obtained from the GGE bi-plot method showed that the first and second components together explain 84.16% of the variations in total sugar yield. According to the GGE bi-plot, Karaj, Shiraz, and Miandoab had a relatively similar reaction in terms of genotype yield rank and in these environments, genotype no. 20 was stable. The reaction of the Mashhad environment was different from the other three environments and in that genotype no. 9 had suitable stability. Based on the results of the MTSI index, four genotypes of 18, 2, 20, and 17 were identified as stable genotypes. In general, the selected genotypes based on the MTSI caused a favorable selection differential in all traits. Among the traits, except root yield, other traits had good selection differential and selection gain. On the other hand, genotype no. 15 had the highest value of MTSI stability index and was unfavorable genotype in terms of studied traits. In general, among breeding hybrids, in the first the hybrid obtained from crossing of (7112 × SB36) × S1– 960132 (genotype no. 2) and then the hybrid obtained from crossing of (7112 × SB36) × S1- 970063 (genotype no. 9) can be used as promising hybrids in final evaluation programs until the introduction of new hybrids. The studied sites were not very closely correlated to be suggested that a site be abandoned to reduce costs for future research; In contrast, most of the tested environments had a high differentiation capability and could make a good distinction among genotypes in terms of sugar yield in genotype-environment interaction studies of sugar beet cultivars.

Probiotics accelerate and improve rumen development, stability, and balance of beneficial microbes in the digestive system and decrease microflora disruption, which will increase the activity of desirable enzymes. This action of probiotics increases digestibility, feed efficiency, livestock performance, and general defense including antioxidant power. However, the response of different animals to the specific probiotics is not uniform and similar. Therefore, it is necessary to provide factors that improve the conditions for the establishment and functioning of microbial additives in the rumen or to use compounds that have a synergistic effect with probiotics to receive a uniform and reassuring response from the herd. One of the potentially useful materials to achieve this goal is biochar. In the present study, it was hypothesized that if biochar (as a favorable habitat for microorganisms) is added to probiotic-containing diets, the conditions for establishing these microbial products in the fermentation environment may be improved and probiotics can act more efficiently. Moreover, a probable synergy between probiotics and biochar may increase the efficiency of these additives compared to their separate usage. However, there is no special information available in this regard, especially about the effect of including biochar in probiotic-containing diets on different microbial populations and rumen hydrolytic enzymes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of biochar in enhancing the effectiveness of the probiotic sources (Bacilli and/or Lactobacilli) on microbial populations, hydrolytic enzyme activity, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fermentation products in the sheep rumen, in vitro.
The experimental treatments were: 1. A basal diet without probiotics and biochar (control), 2. Basal diet containing probiotic Bacilli (B. coagulans, B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis, at the ratio of 2×1011, 5×109, and 5×109 CFU/g, respectively), 3. A basal diet containing probiotic Lactobacilli (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and Enterococcus faecium, at the ratio of 2×109, 2×1010, and 2×1010 CFU/g, respectively), 4. A basal diet containing biochar, 5. A basal diet containing Bacilli-biochar, 6. A basal diet containing Lactobacilli-biochar, and 7. A basal diet containing Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar. Diet digestibility was determined by the two-stage Tilley and Terry method. In addition, the 24 and 72-h in vitro gas production techniques were conducted. At the end of each incubation, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria, as well as protozoa population, enzymatic activity (carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, filter paper degrading, and α-amylase), truly digestible substrate (TDS), partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP), methane release, antioxidant capacity, pH, ammonia-N (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined by the standard methods. All in vitro tests were done in three replicates and two batches (runs) in different weeks. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using the GLM procedure of SAS.
Separate inclusion of probiotic Bacilli and biochar in the diet increased the cellulolytic bacteria population and activity of fibrolytic enzymes compared to the control (P<0.05), but these variables were not affected by Lactobacilli. The highest values of these variables were observed with the inclusion of biochar in probiotic Bacilli-containing diets (i.e., Bacilli-biochar and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar treatments). These results were due to probiotics' ability to provide superior growth conditions for useful ruminal microbes, as well as the positive influence of the biochar structure, as a desirable habitat, on establishing, attaching, and developing rumen microorganisms. The protozoa population was not affected by biochar, but it was decreased (P<0.05) in the probiotic-containing diets (Bacilli and Lactobacilli treatments without or with biochar) in comparison to the control. The number of proteolytic bacteria and protease activity were not affected by the experimental treatments. Alpha-amylase activity in 24-h incubation in Basilli and Lactobacilli treatments was higher than the control (P<0.05) but was not affected by biochar. The activity of this enzyme in 72-incubation was lower in the control than in probiotic or biochar treatments (P<0.05). The alpha-amylase activity was the highest in the Lactobacilli-biochar and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar groups. Separate inclusion of probiotics and biochar in the diet increased the diet digestibility, degraded substrate, and microbial biomass production (P<0.05). The maximum values of these parameters were detected in the probiotics-biochar diets. The reason for these increases can be related to the improvement of the cellulolytic bacteria population, alpha-amylase, and fibrolytic enzyme activity in the probiotic or biochar groups. The 24-h total antioxidant activity was not affected by the treatments. In 72-h incubation, the probiotics did not affect this variable, but a tendency to increase in antioxidant capacity was observed in diets containing biochar (without or with probiotics). The improving effect of biochar on the antioxidant power could be owing to its activity in trapping pollutants, poisons, and adverse factors in the incubation medium. Methane release, NH3-N, and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased, but total VFA was increased by separate use of the probiotics or biochar in the diet, compared to the control (P<0.05). More importantly, the inclusion of biochar in the diets containing the probiotic (i.e., Bacilli-biochar, Lactobacilli-biochar, and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar) resulted in the greatest total VFA and the lowest NH3-N and methane release (P<0.05). One reason for the increased methane and ammonia was the lower protozoa population in the additives groups. The methane decline may also be related to the decreasing effect of the additives on methanogens, and their increasing effect on methanotrophs. Moreover, the improved bacterial biomass production could be considered as another reason for the decreased ammonia; i.e., more ammonia was assimilated into the bacterial protein. The increased VFA production was due to the higher digestibility and degraded substrate in the probiotic and/or biochar groups. Regarding the valuable characteristics of probiotics and biochar and their probable synergistic effects, their simultaneous application resulted in the highest improvement of fermentation variables.
Separate use of probiotics Bacilli and Lactobacilli or biochar in the diet improved in vitro ruminal microbial and enzymatic activity and reduced energy (as methane) and nitrogen (as ammonia) losses. More importantly, the addition of biochar to the probiotics-containing diets was a suitable strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of the probiotic sources on digestibility and microbial biomass and reduction of methane and ammonia. However, these results need to be confirmed by further experiments. The experimental treatments were: 1- basal diet without probiotic and biochar (control), 2 - basal diet containing probiotic Bacilli (B. coagulans, B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis, at the ratio of 2×1011, 5×109, and 5×109 CFU/g, respectively), 3- basal diet containing probiotic Lactobacilli (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and Enterococcus faecium, at the ratio of 2×109, 2×1010 and 2×1010 CFU/g, respectively), 4- basal diet containing biochar, 5- basal diet containing Bacilli-biochar, 6- basal diet containing Lactobacilli-biochar, and 7- basal diet containing Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar. Diet digestibility was determined by the two-stage Tilley and Terry method. In addition, the 24 and 72-h in vitro gas production techniques were conducted. At the end of each incubation, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria, as well as protozoa population, enzymatic activity (carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, filter paper degrading, and α-amylase), truly digestible substrate (TDS), partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP), methane release, antioxidant capacity, pH, ammonia-N (NH3-N) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined by the standard methods. All in vitro tests were done in three replicates and two batches (runs) in different weeks. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using the PROC GLM of SAS. Separate including probiotic Bacilli and biochar in the diet increased the cellulolytic bacteria population and activity of fibrolytic enzymes compared to the control (P<0.05), but these variables were not affected by Lactobacilli. The highest values of these variables were observed with the inclusion of biochar in probiotic Bacilli-containing diets (i.e., Bacilli-biochar and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar treatments). These results were due to probiotics' ability to provide superior growth conditions for useful ruminal microbes, as well as the positive influence of the biochar structure, as a desirable habitat, on establishing, attaching, and developing rumen microorganisms. The protozoa population was not affected by biochar, but it was decreased (P<0.05) in the probiotics-containing diets (Bacilli and Lactobacilli treatments without or with biochar) in comparison to the control. The number of proteolytic bacteria and protease activity were not affected by the experimental treatments. Alpha-amylase activity in 24-h incubation in Basilli and Lactobacilli treatments was higher than the control (P<0.05) but was not affected by biochar. The activity of this enzyme in 72-incubation was lower in the control than in probiotic or biochar treatments (P<0.05). The alpha-amylase activity was the highest in Lactobacilli-biochar and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar groups. Separate inclusion of probiotics and biochar in the diet increased the diet digestibility, degraded substrate, and microbial biomass production (P<0.05). The maximum values of these parameters were detected in the probiotics-biochar diets. The reason for these increases can be related to the improvement of the cellulolytic bacteria population, alpha-amylase, and fibrolytic enzyme activity in the probiotic or biochar groups. The 24-h total antioxidant activity was not affected by the treatments. In 72-hour incubation, the probiotics had no effect on this variable, but a tendency to increase in antioxidant capacity was observed in diets containing biochar (without or with probiotics). The improving effect of biochar on the antioxidant power could be owing to its activity in trapping pollutants, poisons, and adverse factors in the incubation medium. Methane release, NH3-N, and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased, but total VFA was increased by separate use of the probiotics or biochar in the diet, compared to the control (P<0.05). More importantly, the inclusion of biochar in the diets containing the probiotic (i.e., Bacilli-biochar, Lactobacilli-biochar, and Bacilli-Lactobacilli-biochar) resulted in the greatest total VFA and the lowest NH3-N and methane release (P<0.05). One reason for the increased methane and ammonia was the lower protozoa population in the additives groups. The methane decline may also be related to the decreasing effect of the additives on methanogens, and their increasing effect on methanotrophs. Moreover, the improved bacterial biomass production could be considered as another reason for the decreased ammonia; i.e., more ammonia was assimilated into the bacterial protein. The increased VFA production was due to the higher digestibility and degraded substrate in the probiotic and/or biochar groups. Regarding the valuable characteristics of probiotics and biochar and their probable synergistic effects, their simultaneous application resulted in the highest improvement of fermentation variables. Separate use of probiotics Bacilli and Lactobacilli or biochar in the diet improved in vitro ruminal microbial and enzymatic activity and reduced energy (as methane) and nitrogen (as ammonia) losses. More importantly, the addition of biochar to the probiotics-containing diets was a suitable strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of the probiotic sources on digestibility and microbial biomass and reduction of methane and ammonia. However, these results need to be confirmed by further experiments.

To assess root and white sugar yield stability of 11 spring sugar beet genotypes together with three check cultivars, a field experiment was carried out using randomized complete block design with four replications in six agricultural research stations; Toroq (Mashhad), Zarghan, Khoy, Kermanshah Miandoab, and Karaj, Iran, in 2020 and 2021. Combined analysis of variance showed that genotype × environment interaction was significant (P < 0.01), and genotypes had different performance in different environmental conditions. Based on regression coefficient, deviation from regression, Shukla’s stability variance, Wrick's ecovalence, and coefficient of determination, GB-6 and GB-10 genotypes were identified with high root and white sugar yield and yield stability. Although the number of genotypes with yield stability increased by using superiority measure and coefficient of variation, three genotypes including; GB-11, GB-10, and GB-2 showed the highest yield stability for root and white sugar yield, respectively. Using GGE biplot method, GB-11, GB-10, GB-2 and GB-6 were identified with higher root and white sugar yield, than average of all genotypes, and higher yield stability, respectively. Considering the results of this research, GB-6, GB-11, GB-2, and GB-10 were identified as high-yielding genotypes with high yield stability.

To be successful in rearing newborn calves, it is necessary to maximize feed efficiency and health status. One way is to use feed additives such as probiotics. Probiotics reduce the harmful microflora of the digestive tract (such as coliforms) and metabolic and infectious diseases and improve beneficial microbes, the defense system, nutrient absorption, feed consumption, and animal growth. However, the animal response to probiotics is not uniform. Therefore, if the conditions for the activity of probiotics in the digestive system are improved, it may be possible to increase the effectiveness of these microbial additives and achieve a more uniform and reproducible response. For this purpose, it may be possible to use biochar in diets containing probiotics. Biochar can absorb organic substances and gases, bind toxins, and provide a favorable environment for useful microorganisms, increasing fermentation efficiency and livestock performance. However, few findings are available on the effect of biochar, Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast), and different commercial lactobacilli mixtures in young calves. We hypothesized if biochar is included in diets containing probiotics, it could probably provide better conditions for the probiotic activity in the digestive system and thus improve the response of the calves to these additives. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of adding biochar (pomegranate and plum woods) in diets containing lactobacilli (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and Enterococcus faecium mixture) and yeast (S. boulardii) on in vitro fermentation, microbial population, methane release, antioxidant capacity, as well as health indicators, rectum bacteria and blood enzymes of the pre- and post-weaning calves.
The experimental treatments were: 1. Basal diet without probiotics and biochar (control), 2. Diet + lactobacilli mixture, 3. Diet + S. boulardii, 4. Diet + biochar, 5. Diet +lactobacilli-biochar, and 6. Diet + S. Boulardii-biochar. The in vitro experiment was conducted with three replicates and two different runs. Digestibility coefficients were determined using Tilley and Terry method. A gas production technique was used to assess truly digestible substrate (TDS), partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP), cellulolytic bacteria, total protozoa, methane release, and antioxidant capacity. The in vivo experiment was done using 60 newborn Holstein calves (six treatments and 10 replicates) in a randomized complete block design. The start of the experiment was at the age of 10 d, weaning at 75 d, and the end of the experiment at 100 d. The daily intake and growth of the animals were recorded. In pre- and post-weaning calves, the rectum bacteria (coliforms, lactobacillus, and total aerobics), urinary and fecal pH, health score criteria (including scores of feces, nose, eye, ear, cough, temperature, navel, and joint), and total average health score were determined using standard methods. Moreover, the blood serum enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, Gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase) were assessed. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS.
Separate inclusion of the lactobacilli mixture, S. boulardii, and biochar in the diet improved in vitro digestibility, TDS, cellulolytic bacteria population, and antioxidant capacity compared to the control group (P<0.05) with maximum improvements when probiotic-biochar mixtures were used. The MBP and PF were improved by including the additives in the diet. Probiotics and probiotic-biochar mixtures decreased protozoa (P<0.05). Different additives decreased methane production, and the least methane was observed in diets containing lactobacilli-biochar and yeast-biochar (P<0.05). Probiotics provide better conditions for the growth and activity of appropriate microorganisms. In addition, the highly porous structure and high surface area of biochar increased the establishment, attachment, and growth of useful microbes. These properties improved cellulolytic bacteria, organic matter degradation, and MBP. The improved antioxidant status could be due to the effect of probiotics in eliminating oxidant compounds in the digestive system, and the activity of biochar in absorbing toxins and unfavorable factors in the fermentation environment. As a result, the simultaneous use of probiotics and biochar improved in vitro fermentation variables more effectively. The reduction of methane can be due to the decrease of protozoa and methanogens, and the increase of methanotrophs. The results of the second experiment (in vivo) showed the probiotics and biochar reduced the rectum coliforms and improved (reduced) the fecal score and average health score of pre- and post-weaning calves so that the greatest improvement was seen in probiotic-biochar treatments (P<0.05). Cough and body temperature scores also tended to improve by feeding additives. Alanine phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transferase were not affected by the treatments. However, lactate dehydrogenase in the pre-weaning period was lower in the additive treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the minimum value was observed in probiotic-biochar groups. The use of probiotics can improve the rumen development, ruminal and intestinal population of useful microbes, and prevent diarrhea, which results in enhancing digestion, passage rate, feed consumption, and animal performance. Moreover, adding biochar enhances digestibility and microbial growth, binds toxins, reduces energy loss, and induces a suitable environment for beneficial microbes, resulting in better animal performance. The reduction of coliforms may be due to the binding of probiotics to the digestive system wall, nutrient competition, preventing harmful microbes, improving digesta flow, and changing the pH of the digestive tract. Moreover, biochar provides a suitable growth environment for beneficial microbes, removes toxins and unwanted substances from the digestion environment, reduces viscosity, and probably makes the digestive system unsuitable for harmful species including coliforms.
Separate inclusion of the lactobacilli mixture, S. boulardii, and biochar in the diet improved in vitro fermentation variables and the health status of pre and post-weaning Holstein calves, without negative effects on blood enzymes. The best in vitro and in vivo responses were observed when probiotics and biochar were used simultaneously. Therefore, the addition of biochar (1% of DM) to diets containing probiotics (lactobacilli and yeast; 2 g/d) can be recommended as a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of the probiotics in calves and to reduce environmental pollution due to the decreased methane emissions.

Pastures provide an important part of ruminant fodder needs, and farmers store some pasture plants to use in winter-feeding of livestock. Therefore, having enough information about the nutritional value of such plants can help to optimize their consumption in animal feeding. Completing the information on the good-quality plants adapted to different environments will help to use and develop these valuable resources in a better way. In addition, it may be possible to improve rumen fermentation by aromatic pasture plants. Adiantum capillus-veneris (Adiantum) and Salvia officinalis L. (Salvia) are valuable genetic resources in pastures that are also used in livestock feeding. Due to the presence of plant secondary metabolites, they may improve rumen fermentation. However, there is little information on the nutritional value of Adiantum. Some information is available on the chemical composition of Salvia species (especially the leaves) and the effect of its essential oil on the rumen, but data on the use of the whole plant as forage are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the nutritional value of Adiantum and Salvia compared to alfalfa, and the effect of including different levels of them in the diet on in vitro ruminal fermentation variables and digestibility.
The experimental pasture plants (Adiantum and Salvia) were obtained in July, after flowering, from the pasture of Safrin village located in the rural district of Rajaeedasht in western Alamut (Qazvin, Iran). In experiment I, the chemical composition of the fodders was determined by the standard methods, considering alfalfa as the control forage. In experiment II, the effect of different dietary levels of the fodders was assessed using in vitro gas production technique with five treatments including 1. A diet without the rangeland plants (control diet), 2. A diet containing 15% of Adiantum, 3. A diet containing 30% of Adiantum, 4. A diet containing 15% of Salvia, and 5. A diet containing 30% of Salvia (on a DM basis). The in vitro digestibility, fermentation variables, microbial biomass production (MBP), total antioxidant power (TAP), protozoa numbers, and methane production were determined. The gas test was performed in three replicates and two runs, and data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS.
According to the results of experiment I, Adiantum and Salvia had higher ash compared to alfalfa (P<0.05). The crude protein and digestibility of Adiantum were lower than Salvia and alfalfa (P<0.05). The lower digestibility of Adiantum could be due to its higher lignin and ash and the lower crude protein concentration. Therefore, when consuming Adiantum in diets of high-productive ruminants, it is necessary to pay more attention to the use of energy supplements. Compared to alfalfa, the in vitro fermentation of Adiantum and Salvia resulted in higher in vitro ruminal MBP and TAP and lower ammonia-N and protozoa population (P<0.05), due to the presence of plant secondary metabolites such as phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and terpenes. The results of experiment II showed that the inclusion of Adiantum and Salvia in the diet had no significant (P>0.05) effect on in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy. Dietary use of Salvia, however, enhanced truly degraded substrate (P<0.05). Sometimes, high amounts of secondary metabolites in plants may have negative effects on the rumen but the amounts of metabolites in the pasture plants used in this study were not so high as to hurt rumen microbes and digestion. Dietary inclusion of Adiantum and Salvia improved in vitro TAP and decreased protozoa population, methane production, and acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05). The lowest methane production was observed for the diets containing Salvia. The positive effect of the rangeland plants on in vitro TAP was because both plants contain significant amounts of various secondary metabolites (such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes) that are known to be favorable and high-capacity antioxidants. These plant metabolites can remove free radicals, bind transition metals (such as free iron), remove active oxygen from the environment, induce antioxidant enzymes, and reduce and moderate the conditions of oxidative stress and destruction. The reduction of methane release using Adiantum and Salvia in the diet was probably related to the fact that plant secondary metabolites destruct the protozoa or interfere with their metabolic pathways. In addition, they may inhibit methanogenic and hydrogen-consuming bacteria or hydrogen-producing Gram-positive bacteria. The dietary addition of Adiantum and Salvia improved in vitro ruminal MBP and decreased the ammonia-N concentration (P<0.05) compared to the control diet. The result could be due to the reduction of the protozoa population, causing a decrease in nitrogen recycling in the rumen and a decrease in bacteria predation. The formation of phenolic-protein complexes can also be another possible reason for reducing protein breakdown and ammonia concentration. Moreover, as rumen protozoa are reduced, the bacteria will have fewer natural predators and their population (reflected in the higher MBP) will increase, improving the degradation of feed ingredients. The inclusion of Adiantum and Salvia in the diet did not affect in vitro pH, total volatile fatty acids, and partitioning factor (P>0.05).
It is possible to include whole plants of Adiantum and Salvia in the diet, up to 30% DM, without adverse effects on digestibility. It also improves diet efficiency by increasing in vitro ruminal MBP and TAP and reducing methane and ammonia production.

In this study, the effects of plastic mulch and paclobutrazol on bolting, yield and quality of autumn-sown sugar beet was studied in a split plot design based on randomized complete block design with four replications in Mashhad during two cropping seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). Planting dates at three levels (10th, 20th and 30th of October) were allocated to main plots and bolting control at four levels (control, plastic mulch, paclobutrazol, and simultaneous application of paclobutrazol and plastic mulch) to subplots. The average reduction of bolting in plastic mulch, paclobutrazol, and simultaneous application of paclobutrazole and plastic mulch compared with control was 69.06, 32.98 and 91.88%, respectively. The treatments of plastic mulch, paclobutrazol, and simultaneous application of paclobutrazol and plastic mulch increased white sugar yield by 1.11, 1.93, and 1.19 t ha-1, respectively. There was no significant difference between different planting dates in terms of white sugar yield which could be due to the bolting occurrence in early planting and as a result reduction of sugar content and also the decrease in yield in late planting. In bolting control treatments, plastic mulch increased the yield by reducing about 70% of bolting on the second planting date compared with the first planting date. Results showed that the use of paclobutrazol and the simultaneous use of paclobutrazol and plastic mulch had a significant reduction in white sugar yield. On the other hand, due to the significant effect of the simultaneous application of paclobutrazol and plastic mulch on bolting reduction, it is necessary to conduct more studies regarding the amount and timing of paclobutrazol application to eliminate the negative effects on yield.

Correlation between yield and qualitative traits of sugar beet cultivars with rhizomania disease indices under field infection conditionsAbstractBackground and ObjectivesRhizomania viral disease is one of the limiting factors of sugar beet cultivation and significantly reduces its yield. The most important way to deal with this disease is to use resistant cultivars. Materials and MethodsIn order to evaluate the correlation between yield and qualitative traits of sugar beet cultivars with rhizomania disease indices, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 12 different sugar beet cultivars in four replications in field with natural infection with rhizomania in 2018. The traits studied in this study included root yield, sugar content, sugar yield, white sugar content, white sugar yield, sodium, potassium, trace nitrogen, alkalinity, sugar extraction coefficient, leaf growth score, root growth score, disease severity and ELISA test index (OD). Analysis of variance was performed using SAS v.9.1 statistical software. Mean comparisons of traits were performed using LSD test at the probability level of 5 and 1%. ResultsAnalysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all studied traits except for sodium and potassium. Cluster analysis of yield, crop quality as well as rhizomania severity of infection divided the sugar beet cultivars into three groups. Correlation between traits in a rhizomania infected field and different levels of resistance to rhizomania was different. DiscussionIn all cultivars with different levels of resistance, there was a significant correlation between pure sugar yield with leaf growth score (r = 0.95 **), root growth score (r = 0.94 **), disease severity (r = 0.92 **) and ELISA index (r = -0.68 **) was observed. Therefore, these traits are suitable indicators for evaluation of cultivars for suseptibility or resistance to rhizomania disease. In addition, correlation between leaf growth index and ELISA (r = 0.87 **), root growth score (r = -0.85 **) and disease severity (r = -0.60 *) was significant.Correlation between yield and qualitative traits of sugar beet cultivars with rhizomania disease indices under field infection conditionsBackground and ObjectivesRhizomania viral disease is one of the limiting factors of sugar beet cultivation and significantly reduces its yield. The most important way to deal with this disease is to use resistant cultivars. Materials and MethodsIn order to evaluate the correlation between yield and qualitative traits of sugar beet cultivars with rhizomania disease indices, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 12 different sugar beet cultivars in four replications in field with natural infection with rhizomania in 2018. The traits studied in this study included root yield, sugar content, sugar yield, white sugar content, white sugar yield, sodium, potassium, trace nitrogen, alkalinity, sugar extraction coefficient, leaf growth score, root growth score, disease severity and ELISA test index (OD). Analysis of variance was performed using SAS v.9.1 statistical software. Mean comparisons of traits were performed using LSD test at the probability level of 5 and 1%.

Concurrency of cereals late-season irrigation with early irrigation of sugar beet season and lack of water resources at this time, has made some farmers to delay sugar beet cultivation. The planting date plays a key role in growth, quality and yield of sugar beet. Delayed cultivation leads to reduced sugar beet yield. In late cultivation of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), the use of nitrogen fertilizer and growth promoting bacteria can be of great importance in accelerating growth and compensating for lost time. The aim of this study was to find a sustainable way to increase the growth rate of sugar beet in delayed cultivation, so as to compensate for the delayed growth season as possible.

This experiment was conducted as a split split plot in a randomized complete block design with 6 replications on Arta sugar beet cultivar at the Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2018. The factors included planting date (regular and delayed sowing) as main factor, nitrogen fertilizer (based on recommendation and 25% less than recommended) as sub-factor and Nitrobacter application and non-Nitrobacter were considered as sub-factors.

The results showed that the inoculation effect of Nitrobacter on leaf area, total dry matter, root yield and sugar content increased by 13, 20, 9 and 8 percent, respectively. Also, Nitrobacter treatment had the least effect on the amount of sodium, potassium and nitrogen of root in both sowing dates. For delayed planting date, using nitrogen fertilizer plus growth promoting bacteria can offset the delay in planting date. Therefore, this recommendation can reduce water consumption by reducing sugar beet growing season and reduce fertilizer use. It seems that the combination of chemical and biological fertilizers is effective on sugar beet delayed cultivation in order to compensate for lost time.

The combination of chemical and biological fertilizers is effective on sugar beet delayed cultivation in order to compensate for lost time.

Autumn cultivation of sugar beet is one of the strategies for increasing sugar beet production with minimum amount of water consumed due to the use of autumn and winter precipitation and avoiding the need for irrigation in very dry summer air. Rhizomania is recognized as the most destructive disease of sugar beet in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics and the effect of rhizomania viral disease on susceptible and tolerant cultivars of sugar beet in spring and autumn cultivation in polluted soil conditions of Torbat-e Jam region.

In this research, five domestic and foreign commercial cultivars including rhizomania-resistant and susceptible commercial cultivars were cultivated in spring and autumn in a field infected with rhizomania disease of Torbat-e Jam Sugar Factory. The experiment was conducted as split plot in a randomized complete block design with four replications in 2017-18 growing season as sowing time as main factor in two levels (spring and autumn) and cultivar as sub factor was considered at five levels (Giada, Dorothea, SBSI002, Monatunno and Rasoul). The traits studied in this study included root yield, sugar content, sugar yield, white sugar content, white sugar yield, sodium, potassium, trace nitrogen, sugar extraction coefficient, molasses sugar, disease severity and ELISA test index (OD). Analysis of variance was performed using SAS v.9.1 statistical software. Mean comparisons of traits were performed using LSD test at the probability level of 5 and 1%.

Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the two spring and autumn sowing times in terms of quantitative and qualitative yield and rhizomania damage. Also, for all studied traits, except for potassium and nitric oxide, there was a significant difference at 1% probability level between different sugar beet cultivars. The highest values were observed for root yield, sugar yield, white sugar yield and potassium, and the lowest values for severity of disease and ELISA index in Giada cultivar and autumn cultivation conditions. Whereas, Rasoul cultivar had the lowest values for sugar content, sugar yield, white sugar yield, potassium and nitrogen in spring cultivar and the highest values for disease severity and ELISA.

In general, the results showed that autumn sowing leads to improved quantitative and qualitative yield and reduced rhizomania damage in sugar beet. According to the results of this study, autumn cultivation of Giada is suitable in Torbat-e Jam region

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trade facilitation on bilateral trade in developing countries. Trade facilitation increases the attractiveness of investing in countries by improving the flow of trade by speeding up the process of declaration and clearance of goods, and helps reduce the cost of trade and improve competitiveness. In order to quantify the impact of trade facilitation on bilateral trade, we have used the cross-border trade index of countries. Our data includes a sample of panel data of 21749 bilateral relations between developing countries for time span of years 2006 to 2018, which is used to estimate the impact of trade facilitation along with other important variables such as GDP, population, common border, common language and distance between countries using a weighted least squares method.Our results show that trade facilitation, if implemented by both countries, has positive effects on bilateral trade of industrial goods. The results also showed that the tendency for bilateral trade is higher among developing countries with countries with higher GDP. The results showed that having a common border is more important than a common language in bilateral trade, and on the other hand, trade between countries with a higher geographical distance is less. Therefore, it can be said that trade policy focusing on neighboring countries has a higher priority than farther developing countries.

Delayed planting of sugar beet, use of nitrogen fertilizer and growth promoting bacteria are important in accelerating growth and compensating time loss. To study this subject, a split split plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 8 treatments in 2018 at the Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The factors under study consisted of planting date with two levels (regular planting, D1, and delayed planting, D2) as the main factor, nitrogen fertilizer with two levels (use of nitrogen fertilizer based on recommended rate, N1 and 25% less than recommended rate, N2) as a subfactors and bacterial growth stimulant with two levels (bacterial inoculation, B2, and without its use, B1) were considered as sub-sub- factors. Growth indices under study were leaf area index, total dry matter, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. In this study, highest leaf area index (3.5) and dry matter accumulation (2898 g.m-2) in thermal unit, as well as growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate under regular and delayed planting dates were due to the use of recommended rate of nitrogen fertilizer and bacterial inoculation treatments. The least amounts of these traits were obtained at both planting dates and use of nitrogen fertilizer, 25% less than the recommendation, and without using bacteria. Root yield and sugar content sugar beet under treatment of bacterial and nitrogen use, based on recommended rate, showed 8 to 10% higher than other treatments, under both regular and delayed planting date. It seems that the combined use of chemical and biological fertilizers is useful in delayed sowing, to compensate delayed time loss planting of sugar beet.

The present study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of Echinophora sibthorpiana and Pulicaria dysenterica and the effect of dietary inclusions of these plants on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters and digestibility. Chemical composition of the experimental plants was determined using standard methods and different levels of each plant were included in the diet. In vitro gas production technique was performed with seven treatments (control diet, diets containing 15, 30 or 45 percentage of Echinophora and diets containing 15, 30 or 45 percentage of Pulicaria) and three replicates. Results indicated that crude protein and organic matter digestibility (OMD) of Echinophora (10.4 and 61.8 percentage, respectively) were higher than Pulicaria (7.85 and 52.5 percentage, respectively) (P<0.05). Inclusion of Echinophora in the diet increased OMD and metabolizable energy, while using Pulicaria reduced these parameters (P<0.05). Ruminal ammonia decreased with inclusion of Echinophora in the diet (P<0.05), but it was not affected by Pulicaria. Dietary inclusions of Echinophora and Pulicaria decreased protozoa population and methane production (P<0.05). The ruminal antioxidant capacity was improved by inclusions of Echinophora and Pulicaria in the diet (P<0.05). Based on the results, theuse of Echinophora up to 45 percentage and Pulicaria up to 30 percentage of diet dry matter is recommended in ruminants. However, the forage to concentrate ratio should be reduced when feeding Pulicaria in high-performance animals. On the other hand, using Echinophora and Pulicaria improves ruminal antioxidant capacity and reduces methane release to the environment.

Zinc has a role in many cases such as rumen microbial activity, immunity, and blood metabolites. But, there is no sufficient information on the effect of nano and organic Zn supplements on microbial protein synthesis and immunity variables in Holstein calves. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the effect of using nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine instead of ZnO (equal to or twice NRC 2001-recommended level) on urinary purine derivatives, microbial protein, immunoglobulins and nitrogenous compounds of the blood in pre- and post-weaning calves.

Sixty suckling Holstein calves were assigned into one of the 6 experimental groups (10 replications) in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were the diets containing: 1- ZnO equal to NRC recommendation, 2- Zn-methionine equal to NRC recommendation, 3- nano-ZnO equal to NRC recommendation, 4- ZnO twice NRC recommendation, 5- Zn-methionine twice NRC recommendation, and 6- nano-ZnO twice NRC recommendation. During 7 to 30 days of age, the calves were fed with milk and starter concentrate according to the above treatments. From days 31 to 70, milk and mixed alfalfa-starter (at the ratio of 10:90) were provided for the calves. Weaning was done at 70 days of age and during post-weaning period (71 to 100 days of age), the calves were freely fed with experimental diets (alfalfa and starter concentrate at the ratio of 20:80). During pre- and post-weaning periods, the urinary purine derivatives, microbial N synthesis, total globulin, IgM, IgG, total protein, albumin, urea-N, creatinine and glucose of the blood were determined. Data were analyzed in a factorial experiment (3×2) using PROC MIXED of SAS (2001).

Urinary purine derivatives and microbial N synthesis were not affected by replacing ZnO with nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine during pre- and post-weaning periods. Zinc chemical form had no significant effect on the blood concentrations of total globulin, IgM and IgA. Total protein, albumin, urea-N, creatinine and glucose in the blood of the calves fed with inorganic, nano or organic Zn supplements were the same. Moreover, increasing Zn level in the diet had no effect on urinary purine derivatives, microbial N synthesis, total globulin, IgM, IgA, total protein, urea-N, creatinine and glucose.

Using nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine instead of ZnO and also the increasing dietary Zn level had no effect on microbial protein synthesis, IgM, IgA, nitrogenous compounds and glucose in the blood of the calves. Thus, feeding the conventional inorganic Zn source (ZnO) at the NRC-recommended level was sufficient to supply the calves’ requirement during pre- and post-weaning periods and the other sources are not recommended.

Effect of supplementing organic complexes (compound with glycine or methionine) of Mn, Zn and Cu compared with sulphate forms (equal to or twice NRC recommendation) on health, fertility and blood metabolites of dairy cows and suckling calves was assessed. Two months before calving, 60 pregnant Holstein cows were divided to six experimental groups in a randomized complete block design. Six diets containing 1. Mn, Zn and Cu-sulphate at NRC levels, 2. Mn, Zn and Cu-glycine at NRC levels, 3. Mn, Zn and Cu-methionine at NRC levels, 4. Mn, Zn and Cu-sulphate twice NRC, 5. Mn, Zn and Cu-glycine twice NRC, and 6. Mn, Zn and Cu-methionine twice NRC, were fed ad libitum. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) of colostrum and blood, metritis, mastitis, retained placenta, lameness, ketosis, ovarian cysts, calf mortality, fertility and blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol (five blood sampling; from day 60 before calving to day 100 after calving) were determined. Feeding organic mineral complexes instead of sulphate form had no effects on IgG, fertility and blood metabolites of cows and calves, but decreased mastitis and lameness. Also, increasing dietary levels of the trace minerals led to the decrease in incidence of mastitis and lameness, and numerical increase in IgG of colostrum, but had no effect on other variables. Overall, feeding organic complexes (methionine- or glycine-) of Mn, Zn and Cu and also increasing the minerals levels in diets of pre- and post-partum cows had positive effects on the health of the animals, without changes in fertility.