سعید کریمی دهکردی

The advantages of using milk replacer include proper growth of lambs, prevention of consumption of bodily reserves of mother ewes, preparation of ewes for the next calving period, reduction of calving distance, increase of twinning and reduction of costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of milk replacer on Performance, blood parameters and rumen development.

In this study, 42 newborn male and female lambs (equal numbers of each sex) of Ghezel breed were used. Treatments in each sex group included 1- whole milk of ewes that were placed next to the mother ewes in two meals in the morning and evening every 12 hours and the starter diet that was freely given to the lambs as a control group. 2- Milk replacer 1 (Iranian) that 15% of body weight with the starter diet was given to lambs freely. 3- Alternative to milk 2 (foreign), which was given 15% of the body weight to the lambs freely with the starter diet. 7 lambs were assigned to each treatment in each sex. Milk replacers were also provided to lambs in the morning and evening until weaning. Feed intake was measured daily. The lambs were weighed every two weeks. Blood samples were taken on days 35 and 75 to determine the effect of milk replacer on blood parameters. In the thirteenth week, male lambs were slaughtered and the characteristics of the internal organs of the carcass and their rumen development were measured.

The results showed that milk substitutes increased feed intake, which was the highest increase in lambs receiving Iranian milk substitutes (p<0.01). Also, feed consumption in male lambs was more than female lambs and with increasing age of lambs, feed consumption also increased significantly (p<0.01). Data on weight gain after weaning of lambs showed that lambs receiving Iranian and foreign milk substitutes gained more weight than lambs receiving breast milk (p<0.01). None of the studied blood parameters except glucose were affected by Iranian and foreign milk substitutes and also the sex of lambs. Liver (p<0.01) and spleen (p<0.05) weights were highest in control groups and lowest in Iranian milk substitutes. Also, ventricular fat was the highest in the Iranian milk substitute group (p<0.05). The rumen villi of the tested lambs were not significantly affected by milk substitution.

According to the positive results observed  in relation to feed intake and  weight after weaning, the use of Iranian milk substitutes in suckling lambs is recommended.

The use of additives that improve the microbial function of the rumen seems to be essential. Probiotics is a Latin word for life. Probiotics are living microorganisms that contain beneficial bacteria and yeasts. The most important feature of probiotics is that while reducing the pathogenic germs in the gastrointestinal tract and improving the feed conversion ratio in the animal, they do not have any residual tissue and unlike antibiotics do not cause microbial resistance. Probiotics are now used not only as growth stimulants but also to stimulate the immune system and prevent many diseases. The use of probiotics to improve function, improve health, and change in rumen ecosystems are a good alternative to antibiotics. Sheep milk has a great nutritional value used in cheese, yogurt, butter and other dairy products. Studies investigating the effect of adding probiotics to sheep feed on milk production and composition are scarce, and most studies have been conducted in dairy cows. Reports have shown contradictory results on the addition of probiotics to milk production and compounds. Due to the limitation of the effect of probiotic supplementation on sheep milk production and composition, especially Lori Bakhtiari sheep, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral probiotics on the process of colostrum and milk compounds in the first month of lactation.

 The study was conducted in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. For this purpose, 28 Lorri Bakhtiari ewes, first abdomen to the sixth abdomen were selected in the last month of pregnancy. All ewes were fed a similar diet. The ewes were divided into two groups of 14 and received experimental treatments for one month. Treatments included 1) control (the group that did not take probiotics) 2-the group who consumed 1 gram of probiotic per day. In the experimental group (14), in addition to the above diet, in the morning, 1 g of probiotic was dissolved in 5 ml of water and fed to the ewes via syringe. The probiotic used in this study was protexin. Colostrum samples were taken from each ewe after calving to measure colostrum factors. Albumin and total protein concentrations were measured using Pars test kits and the photometric method. Globulin concentration is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein. Gerber method was used to measure the percentage of colostrum fat. We need ash to measure colostrum minerals. To do this, pour 5 grams of colostrum into the bush, then place the bushes in the oven to dry. The samples were kept at this temperature for 24 hours until they were completely gray and turned white. Finally, the concentration of minerals was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer using a dry digestion method. Phosphorus was measured by the yellow method. Milk samples were taken from each ewe on the 14th day of lactation to measure milk factors such as fat, protein, lactose, solids and milk freezing point. They were measured using a milk analyzer.

 The results showed that the addition of probiotics protexin had no significant effect on body weight, colostrum factors including albumin, total protein, globulin and fat (P >0.05). The concentration of colostrum minerals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, selenium, tin, zinc and calcium) was also not affected (P>0.05). So far, no studies have been performed on the addition of probiotics protexin to colostrum factors and minerals. However, there have been studies of the addition of probiotics to concentrations of albumin, total protein, and globulin and blood minerals. Contradictory results have also been reported in this case. The addition of protexin probiotics at the end of pregnancy on milk factors (fat, lactose, protein, solids and freezing point) in ewes was not significant (P >0.05). Consistent with our study, commercial bacterial probiotic feeding in ewes had no significant effect on the production and chemical composition of ewes. In other species of ruminants, the addition of bacterial probiotics and yeast probiotic resulted in inconsistent results on milk composition. The results were inconsistent due to differences in the amount and type of probiotic used, probiotic feeding method, type of ruminant, duration of probiotic use, and conditions of the ruminant (lactation).

 Overall, the results showed that the addition of probiotics in the last month of pregnancy had no significant effect on body weight, colostrum factors, colostrum mineral content and milk composition of Lori Bakhtiari ewes. This indicates that the rations were normal and had no negative effect of probiotics in the last month of gestation on ewes.

Microbial products or probiotics can be added to animal feed and can have a positive effect on improving animal performance and enhancing the growth of young ruminants by maintaining a microbial balance in the intestinal flora and preventing gastrointestinal infections (Noori et al. 2016). The use of bacterial probiotics in replacing milk of suckling animals has improved the feed conversion ratio (Noori et al. 2016) and increased daily weight gain (Kawakami et al. 2010). Improving animal weight gain by feeding probiotic-containing treatments may be due to improvements in microbial ecology (Lascano et al. 2009) and increased nutrient uptake (Khutia and Chayyaderi 2002) and improved feed conversion ratio. The effects of bacterial probiotic use on different performance, health status, and blood counts have been reported, and differences in results may be due to the type of probiotic used, the type of food consumed, the level of management, the method of probiotic use, and environmental conditions (Agarvall 2002). The results of a study showed that the production of growth factors (organic acids, B vitamins and amino acids), creating anaerobic conditions and increasing the growth of cellulosic bacteria and lactate consumption are among the mechanisms of probiotics in increasing the digestibility of food nutrients (Riedel et al. 2010).Considering the benefits of using probiotics in feeding young ruminants and suckling calves to improve growth performance as well as reduce antibiotic use and most importantly healthy growth and breeding of lambs that can in the future replace herds of mature ewes and rams, and ensure the economic future and Herd health of the herd. And also because of the lack of study on the use of these microbial additives orally in lambs and lactating Bakhtiari ewes, so this study investigates the probiotic effects of protexin on blood hematological parameters of lactating Bakhtiari lambs.

In this experiment, 28 ewes with one to multiparous were used. The ewes were divided into two groups. One group (14 head) received no probiotics and the other group (14 head) received 2% (v / w) solution (one gram of probiotic dissolved in five ml of water) per day of probiotics through oral and syringe one month until parturition. Probiotics were discontinued at parturition. The lambs born of these ewes were 28 (male and female). Treatments included 1) Control treatment (non-reception of probiotics by lambs and ewes), 2) Receive 1 g of probiotic by ewes, 3) Receive 0.2 g of probiotic by lambs 4) Receive 0.2 g of probiotics by lambs and 1 g of probiotics by ewes. The lambs were weighed weekly at birth and up to five weeks after birth. In order to measure hematologic and hematological parameters on 3, 14 and 21 days after the morning and by applying food restriction for 2 to 4 hours, blood was taken through the vein from all lambs. Blood samples were taken at 3, 14 and 21 days to measure hematological and blood parameters. Hematological parameters included eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, hematocrits and white blood cells. Blood parameters included glucose, albumin, total protein, globulin, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamine transferase, acute phase proteins, oxaloallastic transaminase glutamate, and iron oxalate, including copper and iron, including calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc. Hematology supplements and blood suppositories were determined using an autoanalyzer (model BT 1500, made in Italy).

The effect of protexin probiotic on body weight in lambs was not significant (p>0.05). Consistent with this result, the use of probiotic supplementation in lamb feeding during the experiment did not have any significant effect on daily weight gain (Baranowski et al. 2007). The effectiveness of compounds such as probiotics, which have different microorganisms, varies and depends on the composition of the animal's diet and nutritional needs, and may be ineffective with the slightest change. Therefore, animal feed management includes feed supply (completely mixed feed, separate forage and concentrate feed), number of feed times and physical shape of feed, chemical composition of feed including forage to concentrate ratio, dietary nutrient percentage, dietary effective fiber percentage and forage type. And the concentrate used in this study can be considered as a possible cause of differences in results. The effect of treatment on hematological data including eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, hematocrit and white blood cell concentration in lambs was not significant (p>0.05). Hematological parameters are important in determining the functional status of animals. Consistent with this, in a report with the addition of biofeedback probiotics in the last month of gestation and by the end of lactation, lambs' red blood cell counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and isosophils percentages were significantly affected at the start and end of the experiment. Regarding the blood parameters, the effect of treatment on the concentration of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, triglyceride, globulin, gamma glutamine transferase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glucose, albumin to globulin ratio, and Acute phase proteins was not significant lambs (p>0.05). Supplementation of lambs with probiotic had no statistically significant effect on total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose concentrations in the pre-weaning period (Salim et al. 2017). Also, the addition of probiotics protexin to blood minerals (calcium, zinc, iron, copper) in lambs was not significant (p>0.05). Consistent with our results, no significant effect on blood phosphorus and calcium concentrations was observed with probiotic supplementation of zovitis (Dimova et al. 2013)..

Probiotic supplementation of protexin had no significant effect on lamb weight, hematological parameters and blood parameters. This indicates that this probiotic had no positive effect on lambs. Amounts and more levels of this probiotic are needed to achieve a rational response in lambs.Keywords: Acute phase proteins, albumin to globulin ratio, blood minerals, body weight, hematocrit, white blood cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protexin probiotic at the last month of pregnancy on ewes weight and birth weight of lambs, hematology and blood parameters of Lori Bakhtiyari ewes. For this purpose, 28 multiparous ewes that were pregnant in the last month and day of pregnancy was 120±5 used in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 14 replicates for one month. Treatments were: 1- control (ewes that did not take probiotic), 2) Ewes who ingested 1 gram of probiotic daily by mouth. The probiotic used in this study was protexin. The ewes were weighed immediately after calving. In order to determine the effect of the addition of protexin probiotic on hematology and blood parameters, blood sampling was performed immediately after birth. The results showed that adding probiotic in the last month of Pregnancy had no significant effect on ewes weight and birth weight of lambs. Also hematological parameters including eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, hematocrit and white blood cell concentration were not significantly affected by probiotic supplementation. Among blood parameters, only the concentration of triglycerides increased (P=0.03), and other blood parameters including glucose, albumin, globulin, albumin-to-globulin ratio, total protein, gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, acute phase proteins, Beta-hydroxy butyric acid, unsaturated fatty acids with multiple double bonds, and blood mineral elements were not significantly affected by the addition of protexin probiotics. Overall, the results showed that the addition of protexin probiotic in the last month of pregnancy did not have a significant effect on weight, hematology and most blood parameters of Lori Bakhtiyari ewes.

In this study, the effect of different levels of ZnO, nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine, in pre- and post-partum diets, on feed intake, Zn absorption, microbial protein, as well as metabolites and IgG, IgM and IgA in the blood and colostrum of ewes and suckling lambs were investigated. Experiment was conducted from 50 days before to 30 days after lambing. Sixty pregnant Khorasan-Kurdish ewes were divided into six experimental groups (10 replicates) in a randomized complete block design. Experimental diets contained ZnO, nano-ZnO and Zn-methionine to meet NRC recommendation, or higher than NRC-recommended level. Replacing ZnO with nano-ZnO or Zn-methionine had no effect on different variables in ewes, but increasing Zn level in the diet of ewes resulted in an increment of daily Zn intake, a decline of Zn absorption coefficient and an increase of fecal Zn excretion (P<0.05). Feeding mother ewes with different Zn sources had no effect on blood metabolites and immunoglobulins of the suckling lambs. Overall, nano-ZnO had no positive or negative effects on ewes and suckling lambs and using Zn-methionine instead of ZnO did not improve the metabolic condition of the animals. On the other hand, the increasing dietary Zn concentration increased zinc excretion in the environment. In practice, using the conventional ZnO at the NRC recommendation level is sufficient to provide the requirement, and to maintain the immunity of pre- and post-partum ewes and there is no need for additional Zn from other sources.

In this study 700 records from 501 Holstein heifers (born during 2006-2012) were used to investigate of reproductive performance. The linear model was employed for Analysis of Age at First Services (AFS), Age at First Calving (AFC) and Interval from First to Last services (IFL) and the Generalized Linear Model for Conception Rate (CR). Results showed that the herd on CR was significant but the difference of other traits were not significant among herds. Conception rate least square means were not significant among different seasons and service numbers. Season of birth had significant effect on AFC so that heifers born during winter had lower AFC than summer born heifers. Comparison of lest square means for reproductive parameters in the studied herds with optimum levels showed that the AFS, AFC and IFL in most herds were higher than optimum (p

In this research to evaluate the effects of probiotic on the growth and some serum biochemical parameters of growing native kid’s, 24 kid’s, with 19.2± 0.7 kg body weight and 120± 10 days of age were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six repeats. These four groups included: 1- The control group was fed on a basal diet (without probiotic or yeast). 2- The second group received basal diet plus one g/day protexin for each kid. 3- The third group was fed on basal diet and two g/day Levocil SC2 yeast, for each kid and 4- The fourth group was fed on basal diet plus one g/day of Levocil SC2 yeast and a half g/day of protexin for each kid. After 14 days adaptation to experimental pens, the kids had free access to experimental diets among 74 days. Daily dry matter intake (DMI), and animal weight changes were recorded. Blood samples were collected from kids. According to the result, there were non-significant differences in treatments concerning, DMI daily gain and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). Also concentration of some blood parameters such as blood urea nitrogen, total protein, globulin were not affected by probiotics (P>0.05). Glucose, albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol concentration of kid’s serum in group 2 (protexin treatment) were higher than other groups (P

To assess the effects of different kind of fat in transition period diets on plasma concentration and gene expression of PPARγ, 30 multiparous Holstein cows randomly attributed to 3 experimental diets containing palm oil (treatment 1), soybean oil (treatment 2) or roasted whole soybean (treatment 3). After 14 days adaptation to experimental stalls, the animals had free access to experimental diets during 3 weeks before to 3 weeks after calving. Blood samples were collected on day 14 postpartum for determination of PPARγ concentration. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was sampled on day 14 postpartum for determination of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene expression. Obtained data were analyzed using completely randomized design. The results showed that on day 14 postpartum, the plasma levels of PPARγ as well as expression of PPARγ gene in adipose tissue were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05).

Bovine mastitis is the most costly disease affecting dairy cattle breeding as it occurs very frequently and reduces milk production. Streptococci are frequently isolated from bovine mastitis in dairy cows. The present investigation was carried out to determine some phenotypic characteristics of the environmental streptococci species isolated from bovine sub clinical mastitis cases in dairy farms of Shahrekord district in west of Iran. 180 CMT positive milk samples were bacteriologicaly studied. A total of 61 environmental streptococci isolated, S. dysgalactiae (43 isolates), S. uberis (10 isolates) and E. faecalis (8 isolates) were the prevalent identified species. Production of biofilms was 86%, 90% and 37.5% for S. dysgalactiae, S. uberis and E. faecalis respectively. 7 isolates of S. dysgalactiae (16.3%) were positive in DNAase test. Only 37.5% of S. dysgalactiae and 25% of E. faecalis strains were susceptible to kanamycin. For streptomycin, the sensitivity of all species was less than 16%.

To assess the effects of different fat supplements (palm oil, soybean oil or complete roasted soybean) to the transition period diets on Holstein dairy cows, 30 multiparous Holstein cows (fourth parity) with 794±41 kg of body weight and 250±10 days of pregnancy were, randomly, attributed to experimental diets including palm oil (treatment 1), soybean oil (treatment 2) or roasted whole soybean, as on oil containing supplement (treatment 3). following 14 days of adaptation to experimental pens, the animals were started to have free access to experimental diets within a period of 3 weeks following to 3 weeks after calving. Daily Dry Matter Intake (DMI), milk production and composition, animal weight changes, energy balance and nutrient digestibility coefficients of diets were determined. Obtained data were analyzed while applying a completely randomized design. At prepartum, treatment 3 exhibited a higher DMI (14.2 kg) as compared with treatments 1 and 2 (13.5 and 13.7 kg, respectively). At postpartum, DMI for treatment 3 (38.7 kg) was recorded higher (P<0.01) than that for treatment 1 (40.3 kg). The percentages of milk fat and lactose were similar among the experimental groups (P>0.05), but protein was differ (P=0.04). Treatment 1 exhibited a higher gross feed efficiency as compared with treatments 2 and 3 (P<0.01). Apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and NDF were highest in treatment 2, while the lowest in treatment 3 (P<0.01). Overall, feeding diets containing palm oil (in Holstein dairy cows) improved feed intake and energy balance, but caused a higher negative change in body weight. On the other hand, the addition of soybean oil increased diet digestibility as well as feed efficiency and without any negative effect on milk production and composition.

Combination of antimicrobial agents can enhance the inhibition of foodborne pathogens and food spoilage organisms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. essential oil in combination with nisin or glycine, in order to find synergism, indifferent or antagonism interactions. The essential oil of plant was obtained by a clevenger-type apparatus. In order to determine chemical composition, the volatile oil was injected to a GC followed by GC/MS. Antimicrobial properties of the oil, nisin and glycine were determined by a microbroth dilution method, separately. Antimicrobial interactions were carried out using a Checkerboard titration and Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Indices (FICI) were calculated, consequently. Linalool was the most abundant constituent among the oil constituents. The gram negative bacteria and the yeasts were the most resistant and sensitive against glycine and essential oil, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive and Candida albicans and gram negatives were the most resistant against nisin. Nisin and oil combination resulted in a synergism effect, but the glycine and oil combination led to antagonism, indifferent or additive effects. Antimicrobial interaction of essential oil of Stachys with nisin or glycine resulted in decrease of minimum inhibitory concentrations that was more important for gram negative bacteria and yeasts inhibition. However, minimizing the minimum inhibitory concentrations lonely isn’t equal to a synergism effect and may conclude additive, indifferent or antagonism effects.