عبدالحکیم توغدری

An experiment was executed to determine the effects of replacing wheat straw with soybeans straw on feed intake,An experiment was executed to determine the effects of replacing wheat straw with soybeans straw on feed intake, digestibility, feeding behavior and blood parameters in Atabai ewes. A total of eighteen non-pregnant with third pregnancy at the age of 4-5 years and weighing 36±  2.4kg were assigned assingned randomly to one of three treatment groups, having six animals each, for 6 weeks' experimental period. The dietary treatments included 0, 50% and 100%, substitution of soybean straw instead of wheat straw. The weight of the ewes was recorded at the beginning and end of the period. Feces and feed samples were collected on days 38 to 41 for three days in order to determine digestibility. Blood sampling was done on day 42 before morning feeding. On the 36th and 37th days, the activities related to the ewes' rumination behavior were carried out 24 hours a day on both days. According to the results, the treatments do not have a significant difference in feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain and dry matter consumption, also, no significant difference was observed among the experimental treatments in terms of digestibility, in general, there is a significant change in feeding behavior by changing the levels of soybeans in the diets of the treatments. Rumination, eating, chewing, jaw rest, drinking water, abnormal behavior in standing and lying down did not occur, and were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea nitrogen, protein, albumin and globulin levels were remained unaffected by replacing wheat straw with soybean straw (P>0.05). These finding suggest that soybean straw can be used as fodder to replace wheat straw in feeding ewes.

In this experiment, corn syrup was mixed with different feedstuffs and was evaluated in comparison to commercial sucrose fondant paste. Experimental treatments included a commercial fondant sucrose paste, Zarnam corn syrup paste, enriched Zarnam corn syrup paste (treatment 2 plus 0.5% vitamin and mineral supplement), Zarnam corn syrup vegetable paste, vegetable paste enriched with Zarnam corn syrup (Treatment 4 plus 0.5% vitamin and mineral supplement), and sucrose paste. Results showed that the commercial paste treatment had the highest population, and the enriched Zarnam syrup paste treatment had the lowest population (P<0.05). The larval population in all treatments containing Zarnam corn syrup, except the enriched Zarnam corn syrup paste, was similar to the commercial paste  (P<0.05). The highest pupal population was belonged to  commercial paste treatment, which was significantly higher than enriched Zarnam corn syrup paste and sucrose paste (P<0.05). The egg-laying rate of the queen in Zarnam enriched corn syrup plant paste, and sucrose paste treatments was statistically similar to commercial paste, while it was lower in other Zarnam corn syrup treatments (P<0.05). The lowest amount of pollen storage was related to the Zarnam syrup paste treatment, which was significantly lower than other treatments (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between other treatments. Based on the results of this research it can be concluded that it is possible to prepare an enriched herbal paste by combining Zarnam corn syrup with plant materials, mineral and vitamin supplements, with the same effects on production performance of bees as commercial fondant sucrose paste.

Proper raising of suckling calves is important in creating a profitable productive herd. In this regard, the three important principles of nutrition, preservation of the environment and disease control will be effective in reducing losses caused by losses from birth to weaning. In recent years, efforts have been made in calf nutrition to find the best combination of starter diets to justify the best growth and health. Grain processing makes starch available to microbes and increases the rate and extent of starch degradation in the rumen. Considering that there is little information about the effect of barley processing on feed intake and performance behavior in dairy calves, therefore, this study aims to compare non-steamed flaked barley with milled barley on performance, fecal score, chewing behavior and blood parameters of Holstein suckling calves.

In this study, 12 Holstein female calves aged 20 to 25 days and an initial body weight of 44±2.7 kg were used in two treatments and six replications. The treatments included: 1- starter diet containing milled barley, and 2- starter diet containing non-steamed flaked barley. The duration of the trial period was 35 days. The experimental diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. On the 58th and 59th days of the experiment, feed intake behavior was calculated by recording activity for 24 hours. During the research period, the calf fecal score was also checked. To measure blood parameters on the 35th day of the experiment, blood was taken four hours after morning feeding using heparinized venoject tubes from the jugular vein of the calves.

The results comparing the effect of milled and non-steamed flaked barley on the performance of Holstein calves showed that there is a significant difference between the calves fed non-steamed flaked barley in terms of final weight, weight changes, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than calves fed milled barley (P<0.05). The calves fed non-steamed flaked barley had more weight changes (11.66) during the experimental period. There was a significant difference in eating behavior, rumination, chewing and rest of calves between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The fecal consistency score, the number of calves with diarrhea and the average days with diarrhea were not affected by the treatments Blood glucose concentration of calves fed non-steamed flaked barley was higher than that of calves consumed milled barley (P<0.05). However, blood concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin and their ratio were not affected.

The results of the present study showed that the use of non-steamed flaked barley compared to milled barley increased DMI and ADG, and improved FCR and eating behavior of dairy calves.

Newborn calves have special needs to accelerate their growth performance and improve their immune systems. Minerals are one of the most important metabolic improvers that can help the health of calves at overnutrition levels. Manganese is a necessary trace mineral that is a key ingredient in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and, proteins, as well as playing an important role as a cofactor in the activity of several enzyme systems such as superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, bone development (mucopolysaccharide synthesis) and blood cell regeneration. Manganese plays several important roles in the immune system, including its involvement in antioxidant pathways, its contribution to phagocytic activity, and its role in maintaining the structural integrity of epithelial barriers against infections. Manganese can be supplemented in both inorganic and organic forms, each with differing levels of bioavailability and absorption. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of milk enrichment with manganese supplements, in both organic and inorganic forms, on the performance, biochemical and antioxidant parameters, and feeding behavior of suckling calves.  24 newborn calves were randomly divided into 3 groups with 8 replications. Experimental treatments include: 1) control group (without manganese supplementation), 2) Adding mineral manganese supplement to milk consumption and 3) Adding organic manganese supplements to milk consumption. The amount of manganese used in the milk of each calf was 30 mg per day. Manganese is dissolved in milk and consumed by calves. Calves were milked twice in the morning and evening and had free access to water and starter feed during the day. The length of the trial period was 63 days. Calves were weighed every 21 days. The amount of feed consumed and post-feed was recorded daily. To measure blood metabolites including biochemical parameters, concentration of blood elements, antioxidant status and activity of liver enzymes, blood samples were taken from calf vein on day 60. Finally, during the 61st to 63rd days of the experimental period, nutritional behaviors were measured for a duration of 48 hours. Data analysis was done using SAS statistical software version 9/1 (2004) and comparisons of means were done with Tukey's test at a significance level of 5 percent. The obtained results showed that the calves fed with milk enriched with manganese in organic and inorganic forms compared to the calves of the control group, a significant improvement in final weight, period weight gain, daily weight gain and dry matter consumption was observed. The use of organic and inorganic forms of manganese in the feeding of suckling calves did not have a significant effect on the feed conversion ratio of the calves. There was no significant effect on the amount of iron, zinc, copper, calcium and phosphorus of different treatments. The amount of plasma manganese in the treatment using organic manganese was associated with a significant increase compared to the treatment using inorganic manganese and the control treatment. The use of organic and mineral sources of manganese in the feeding of calves had no significant effect on triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, globulin and the ratio of albumin to globulin in the blood of calves. Organic and mineral sources of manganese increased the amount of glucose, total protein and albumin in the blood, so that the most significant increase was seen in the treatment of organic manganese users. Inorganic and organic forms of manganese did not cause significant changes in the amount of malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in the blood of supplement consuming groups. In treatments using manganese, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant status and a significant increase in the amount of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and alanine aminotransferase. The use of manganese supplement in organic and inorganic forms had no effect on the nutritional behaviors of calves such as milking, feeding, rumination, jaw rest, drinking water, unusual behavior, standing and lying down. Enriching milk with manganese supplement in organic and inorganic forms improved performance, weight gain, dry matter intake, total antioxidant status, and catalase and alanine aminotransferase and biochemical status in groups consuming milk containing manganese. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to supplement the milk of newborn calves with 30 mg of organic manganese. Organic manganese showed improved effects on key parameters, including plasma manganese concentration, glucose levels, total protein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

In today's society, where we are facing an increase in the price of grains, the use of agricultural by-products in animal husbandry is very important. Corn is widely used in industry. The nutritional value of corn industrial products is very important and it is one of the cheapest and purest sources of production of organic materials for industrial consumption. Starch, animal feed, sugar syrup and oil are extracted from this plant in starch factories. Residues from food industries are among the industrial wastes that can be consumed by animals. In extracting starch and preparing glucose from corn, by-products are obtained which are suitable for animal feeding. Among these products, we can mention the corn steep liquor. Corn steep liquor, which is produced during the wet milling process of corn kernels to extract corn starch and oil, is a relatively cheap, tasty and easily available product for animals and it has potential to be used as a feed material in ruminants due to its relatively high energy and protein content and low fiber concentration.

This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different levels of corn steep liquor on performance, milk composition, digestibility of nutrients, rumen and blood parameters and rumination behavior of Dalagh ewes. In order to perform this experiment, 21 dairy ewes with three bellies of the Dalagh breed with an average weight of 36±3.7 kg were used in 3 treatments and 7 repetitions in the form of a completely randomized design. The treatments included: control treatment (diet without adding corn steep liquor), second treatment (ration containing 100 grams of corn steep liquor per kilogram of dry matter consumed), third treatment (ration containing 200 grams of corn steep liquor per kilogram of dry matter consumed). The duration of the experiment was 42 days of main course. The rations used in this experiment were prepared and adjusted according to the tables of the National Sheep Research Society and were given to the ewes at two times in the morning (8 o'clock) and in the evening (16 o'clock).The daily feed was thoroughly mixed with livestock. During the whole experiment, the animals had free access to clean drinking water. On the 38th day of milk test all ewes were milked and samples were taken to measure milk composition. The ewes were weighed weekly before feeding in the morning. Feed was also given, and feed was then recorded daily to calculate the dry matter consumed. Stool and feed samples were collected from days 41 to 45 for 5 days to perform digestibility tests. Blood sampling were performed on days 42, respectively. In order to perform this experiment, 21 dairy ewes with three bellies of the Dalagh breed with an average weight of 36±3.7 kg were used in 3 treatments and 7 repetitions in the form of a completely randomized design. The treatments included: control treatment (diet without adding corn steep liquor), second treatment (ration containing 100 grams of corn steep liquor per kilogram of dry matter consumed), third treatment (ration containing 200 grams of corn steep liquor per kilogram of dry matter consumed). The duration of the experiment was 42 days of main course. The rations used in this experiment were prepared and adjusted according to the tables of the National Sheep Research Society and were given to the ewes at two times in the morning (8 o'clock) and in the evening (16 o'clock).The daily feed was thoroughly mixed with livestock. During the whole experiment, the animals had free access to clean drinking water. On the 38th day of milk test all ewes were milked and samples were taken to measure milk composition. The ewes were weighed weekly before feeding in the morning. Feed was also given, and feed was then recorded daily to calculate the dry matter consumed. Stool and feed samples were collected from days 41 to 45 for 5 days to perform digestibility tests. Blood sampling were performed on days 42, respectively. During the 39th and 40th days of the experiment, feed intake behavior was recorded as activity record for 24 h.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the final weight of ewes, daily weight gain and food conversion ratio in receiving different amounts of corn steep liquor (P<0.05), but the dry matter consumption increased with the increase in the level of corn steep liquor in the diet. Among the different treatments, no significant difference was observed in terms of the amount of milk produced, milk fat, total solids and milk lactose, but the percentage of protein and milk ash was affected by the experimental treatments, so that with the increase in the levels of corn steep liquor, this Milk compounds also increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the treatments for dry nutrients, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and ether extract. By increasing the level of corn steep liquor in the diet, the rumination behavior including eating, ruminating, chewing increases and naturally the resting behavior decreases (P<0.05). There is no significant difference in albumin, globulin and the ratio of albumin to blood globulin among the treatments receiving different amounts of corn steep liquor. However, total protein was affected by the experimental treatments, so that the concentration of these parameters increased with the increase in the level of corn steep liquor (P<0.05).

According to the results, it can be recommended to add corn steep liquor to animal rations up to the level of 200 grams per kilogram of dry matter consumed.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal and cottonseed meal with mixed meal on performance, digestibility of nutrients, feed intake behavior, milk composition and blood parameters of Dalagh ewes. 21 lactating Dalagh ewes in week 6 of lactation (average body weight ± standard deviation = 38±2.6 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 7 repetitions. The treatments were included: diet with soybean meal, diet with cottonseed meal and diet with mixed meal. The results showed that there is no significant difference between the experimental treatments in the final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion rate of ewes. Dry matter intake and eating, rumination and chewing behavior increased in the treatment receiving mixed meal (P<0.05). In the treatment receiving mixed meal, a significant increase was observed in the amounts of daily milk production, non-fat solids and milk protein compared to the treatments receiving soybean meal and cottonseed meal (P<0.05). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein increased in the treatment receiving mixed meal (P<0.05), but the digestibility of NDF was not affected by the experimental treatments. No significant difference was observed in terms of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin and globulin between different treatments, but the concentration of blood urea nitrogen in the treatments receiving soybean meal and cottonseed meal was higher than the treatment receiving mixed meal (P<0.05). According to results, mixed meal can be replaced with soybean meal and cottonseed meal in Dalagh ewe's diet.

Milk contains a relatively small amount of iron, and one of the most important negative aspects of milk nutrition is the occurrence of digestive diseases, such as diarrhea. Its iron concentration is in the range of 0.3-0.6 mg/kg. Calves are prone to iron deficiency. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and several enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and cytochrome oxidase. In the early stages of life, calves do not have a functional rumen, and it seems that they are more like monogastric animals that must obtain the nutrients they need. They also suffer from a lack of immune systems. Therefore, this condition exposes them to critical challenges, mainly the risk of disease and death. Iron requirements of animals vary depending on their age, sex, and physiological stages. The iron requirement for calves is estimated to be around 100 ppm, and it is generally believed that young cows need more iron than mature animals. In most dairy farms, iron supplements are added to the diet from an inorganic source, which can undergo oxidation and react with other substances, thereby decreasing solubility. For the purposes of animal nutrition and increasing bioavailability, this research focuses on the use of chelates or preparations of protein iron. By using additives containing iron compounds, bioavailability can be increased by chelation, which consists of a double covalent bond of the metal with amino acids. To solve this problem, the desired elements should be added to the diets of livestock in the form of chelated supplements. This research was designed to investigate the effect of a chelated iron supplement containing organic acids and amino acids on the performance, digestibility of nutrients, feeding behaviors, and blood parameters of weanling calves.

Thirty-six newborn male calves (with an average weight of 35.1 ± 2.7 kg) were randomly divided into three groups with 12 replications. Experimental treatments were a control group (without iron supplementation), diets supplemented with 50 mg of chelated iron based on organic acids per calf per day, and diets supplemented with 50 mg of chelated iron based on amino acids per head of calf per day. First, all the calves were carefully examined to ensure their health and performance. The duration of the experiment was 63 days. Calves were weighed every 21 days, and the amount of consumed feed was recorded daily after 16 hours of starvation after feeding using a digital scale. The feed consumption of each animal was also calculated from the difference in the given diets and the remaining manger of each animal. The increase in the amount of feed given to the animals was determined based on the feed of each animal on the following day. The feed of the animal would increase if the animal left less than 10% feed on three consecutive days. Diets were adjusted based on NRC (NRC, 2001) completely mixed, and provided to the calves two times: 8 in the morning and 4 in the evening. Animals had free access to water. Calves were also milked twice in the morning and in the evening (at the rate of 10% of body weight). For the samples of digestibility, the samples of feed, residues, and feces were first collected from each animal on days 58 to 63 for 5 days. To measure blood metabolites, blood was sampled from the calf's jugular vein on day 63. Blood samples were transferred into anticoagulant-containing tubes. To prepare plasma, blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min, and plasma samples were transferred to -20 °C until analysis. During days 61 to 63 of the experimental period, nutritional behaviors, including eating, resting, chewing, standing, and ruminating activities, were measured visually for all animals every 5 min for 48 hours.

The calves receiving chelated iron supplements containing amino acids showed increases in final weight (P = 0.0496), total period weight (P = 0.0198), and daily weight (P = 0.0212) and a decrease in feed conversion ratio (P = 0.0413) compared to the control group and the treatment receiving chelated iron supplements containing the organic acids. There were no significant differences in dry matter and milk consumption among different treatments. Nutrient digestibility and feeding behaviors were not affected by experimental treatments. The consumption of iron supplements by calves in both chelated forms containing organic acids and amino acids increased the amount of blood iron (P = 0.0379), ferritin (P=0.0011), unsaturated iron binding capacity (P=0.0428), transferrin (P = 0.0331), red blood cells (P = 0.0333), hemoglobin (P = 0.0290), and hematocrit (P = 0.0001). Receiving chelated iron supplements decreased the total antioxidant index (P = 0.0001) and total iron binding capacity (P = 0.0001) compared to the control group.

According to the results of this research, it is recommended to provide chelated iron containing amino acids due to improving the performance of suckling calves.

The nutritional value of corn industrial products is very important and it is one of the valuable sources of organic materials for industrial usage. Starch, animal feed, sugar syrup and oil are extracted from corn in starch factories. Residues from food industries are among the industrial wastes that can be consumed by animals. In extracting starch and preparing glucose from corn, some by-products are obtained which are suitable for animal feeding. Among these products, the corn steep liquor is more taken into consideration. Corn steep liquor, which is produced during the wet milling process of corn kernels to extract corn starch and oil, is a relatively cheap, tasty and easily available product for animals and it has potential to be used as a feedstuff in ruminants due to its proper energy and protein content and low fiber concentration. Corn liquor, is a viscous liquid with a light to dark brown color which has a smell similar to silage and acidic pH, 3.86, which can be used in animal feed. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of corn steep liquor replaced for soybean meal on feed intake and ruminal fermentation of lactating Dalagh ewes. Twenty one ewes with parity 3 (average weight of 36±3.7 kg) were used in 3 treatments and 7 repetitions in the form of a completely randomized design. The treatments included: 1) control, 2) diet containing 4 percent of corn steep liquor of DM and 3) diet containing 8 percent of corn steep liquor of DM.
The results showed that dry matter intake increased with the increase of dietary corn steep liquor level (P≥0.05). There was no significant difference in rumen pH and protozoa population. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration increased with the increase of corn steep liquor level in the diet (P≥0.05). There was no significant difference in the concentration of butyrate, isovalerate, valerate and the ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen among the experimental treatments. However, with the increase in the dietary level of corn steep liquor, the concentrations of propionate increased and the concentration of acetate and total volatile fatty acids decreased in the rumen (P≥0.05). Blood cholesterol concentration was not significantly different between different treatments; but total protein, urea nitrogen, triglyceride and blood glucose concentrations increased with increasing the level of corn steep liquor in the diet (P≥0.05).
According to the results, it can be recommended to add corn steep liquor to animal rations up to the level of 200 grams per kilogram of dry matter consumed.

Groups feeding vs. individual feeding of animals has been a controvesial subject among nutritionists for many years. Some believe the psychological effect on animals, being housed individually or in groups influence the results of experiment, some have found that effect to be depended on the ration fed. Individual feeding of animals is important in nutritional and biological research. In addition, individual data have statistical advantages in the number of degree of freedom with an equal number of animals and in identifying individual variation. 16 Dalagh lambs with an average age of 3 months and weight of 1 22±2 with 2 treatments and 8 replications were used in a completely randomized design. The treatments include: 1- individual nutrition and 2- group nutrition. The duration of the trial period was 90 days, which included 14 days of habituation. The lambs of treatment one were kept individually in individual stalls and the lambs of treatment two were kept in groups. During the entire experiment, the animals had free access to clean drinking water and the daily feed was completely mixed in two meals (at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM). The feed conversion factor was calculated by dividing the average daily dry matter intake of each lamb by the average daily weight gain of the same animal. The samples collected from each lamb were mixed and one sample was used for the chemical analysis of feces. Dry matter digestibility was calculated using acid-insoluble ash as an internal marker. Also, blood sampling was done on the last day of the test period and before the morning meal with 12 hours of food restriction, at the rate of 10 cc from the jugular vein and without the use of anticoagulant. To measure the feed consumption activity on the last day, the lambs were observed for 24 hours and the behavior of eating, ruminating, chewing and resting was observed and recorded.Experimental treatments had no significant effect on daily feed consumption, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Also, group and individual feeding could not have a significant effect on the amount of digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, but its amount increased insignificantly in the treatment with individual feeding compared to the treatment with group feeding. The behavior of chewing, resting and ruminating was not affected by the group and individual feeding methods, but the eating behavior was affected by the treatments and its amount increased significantly in group feeding. The reason for this increase can be attributed to the competitiveness of eating and the effort to have better and constant access to food in group feeding than in individual feeding where eating food is not competitive. The experimental treatments had a significant effect on the amount of glucose (P=0.0169), but the amount of cholesterol, triglyceride and urea nitrogen was not affected by group and individual feeding of lambs. The amount of cholesterol in individually fed lambs was insignificantly higher than group fed lambs. Probably, individual animals are involved in metabolic stress compared to group animals, and during the period of stress to meet the high metabolic demand of body tissues, changes in the level of serum lipids, especially cholesterol, are made, and the level of serum cholesterol also changes. Increase. In general, the results showed that group feeding had no significant effect on the performance of lambs compared to individual feeding. In general, the results showed that group feeding had no significant effect on the performance of lambs compared to individual feeding.

Cottonseed is a valuable feed ingredient due to its high fiber and energy content, which can enhance the energy and protein levels in animal diets. In the irradiation or micronization method, using infrared rays and without damaging the fat cells, while maintaining the profile of fatty acids, the seed is heated, and its anti-nutritional factors are destroyed. Sodium hydroxide treatment can affect ruminal degradability and nutrient digestibility, ultimately influencing performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of feeding processed cottonseed on the performance, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility, and feeding behavior of fattening male lambs.

The study was conducted at the animal husbandry facility in Ghala Khan village, North Khorasan province. For this purpose, 40 Afshari male lambs (4-6 months old) with an average weight of 27.6±4 kg were randomly allocated to four treatments with ten replications for 84 days. The experimental treatments included: 1) diet containing whole cottonseed, 2) diet containing ground cottonseed, 3) diet containing micronized cottonseed, and 4) diet containing sodium hydroxide-treated cottonseed. For irradiation, 5% of drinking water was added to the cottonseed and it was rotated inside a cylinder for 10 minutes at a speed of 20 revolutions per minute until the water was completely absorbed by the seed. Then, the seeds were exposed to infrared radiation with an irradiation distance of 12 cm for 60 seconds in a gas flicker micronizer and immediately after leaving the micronizer, they were placed between two metal rollers. They were pressed and filled at a distance of 1 mm. The chemical processing of the foam samples was done in such a way that first a 4% solution of sodium hydroxide (40 grams of sodium hydroxide in 100 milliliters of distilled water) was prepared. This solution was mixed with cottonseed samples to obtain four grams of sodium hydroxide per 100 grams of dry matter of cotton seeds, and then it was kept and dried in open air for 48 hours. Lambs were kept in individual stalls during the experiment and had free access to water during the period. Fecal and feed samples were collected during the last week of the experimental period for determining digestibility. Insoluble fiber levels were determined using Van Soest's method, and nutrient digestibility was assessed using acid-insoluble ash as an internal marker. Blood samples were collected on the last day and before morning feeding. Feeding behavior (resting, rumination, chewing, eating) of the lambs was measured continuously for 24 hours on the last two days of experiment.

The micronized cottonseed increased final weight as well as dry matter digestibility (P<0.05), and improved feed conversion ratio. There was no significant difference in feeding behavior in lambs fed with different treatments of cottonseed. Blood cholesterol, triglyceride and urea levels were highest in lambs fed micronized cottonseed and lowest in those fed whole or ground cottonseed (P<0.05).

Our findings indicated that micronized cottonseed and processing of cottonseed by sodium hydroxide could increase daily weight gain and improved the feed conversion ratio in fattening lambs, suggesting their potential inclusion in feedlot diets.

The present study aims to investigate the effect of different forms of chromium (inorganic chromium, chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles) on blood parameters, antioxidant status and immunoglobin of Afshar ewes during the transition period and lambs. They were done under the influence of heat stress. 40 pregnant Afshar ewes from 42 ± 2 days before the expected parturition in a completely randomized design. Four experimental treatments were assigned with ten replications. Experimental treatments include basic diet without chromium supplement (control), basic diet containing 3 mg of chromium in mineral form per kg of dry matter, basic diet containing 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per kg of dry matter and The basic diet contained 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per kilogram of dry matter. The results showed that the addition of different forms of chromium to the ewes' diet caused a significant increase in the concentration of red blood cells, hemoglobin and blood hematocrit compared to the control group (P<0.05). Adding chromium to the diet of ewes caused a significant decrease in white blood cells (P<0.05). In experimental treatments, no significant difference was observed in terms of platelets, average volume of red blood cells, average concentration of red blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. The concentration of superoxide desmutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine in the blood in the treatments receiving different forms of chromium also increased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The results showed that the concentration of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity in ewes and lambs receiving chromium supplementation was lower than the control treatment (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between different experimental treatments in terms of ceruloplasmin concentration and the ratio of T4 to T3 (P<0.05). The concentration of IgG and IgM in lambs receiving different forms of chromium also increased compared to the control group (P<0.05). In general, the use of chromium, especially in the form of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, is recommended during the transition period of ewes under the influence of heat stress.

During the time around parturition, animals make many metabolic adjustments to support the transition from pregnancy to lactation. In addition, dairy cattle produce milk more than their ability to consume energy, as a result, they are in a negative energy balance at the beginning of lactation, which may reduce the longevity of the cattle in the herd and increase the rate of elimination of dairy cattle. Heat stress in late pregnancy is aggravated by energy restriction. In such conditions, the use of management and nutritional methods will reduce the problems during the transfer period and heat stress. One of the ways to optimize the productive and reproductive conditions of livestock, through improving the metabolism of nutrients and eliminating or reducing stress conditions, is to use chromium as a metabolic improver. Scientific sources suggested the amount of chromium needed for sheep 3 to 5 mg per day and for dairy cows 15 to 50 mg per day. Inorganic chromium has a bioavailability of about 0.5 percent. While organic chromium has more than 25 percent intestinal absorption, and therefore, consumption of inorganic chromium is not recommended due to its low bioavailability and toxic effects. Among the sources of organic chromium, chromium-methionine has been recognized by important global food and drug organizations as a compound with high bioavailability, impressive metabolic responses and no toxicity complications.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using different forms of chromium around calving on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, nutritional behavior of Afshar ewes and the performance of their lambs under the influence of heat stress. Forty pregnant Afshari ewes were assigned to four experimental treatments with ten replications from 42 ± 5 days before the expected birth in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments include: 1) basic diet without chromium supplementation (control), 2) basic diet containing 3 mg of chromium in mineral form per kg of dry matter, 3) basic diet containing 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per kg Each kilogram of dry matter and 4) the basic diet contained 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per kilogram of dry matter. The length of the test period was 84 days. Weighing of ewes was done at the beginning, at the time of calving and at the end of the period. The rest of the feed is weighed every day and the daily feed consumption was calculated by deducting from the provided feed. In order to measure the digestibility of ewes, stool and feed samples were collected for 5 days from 10 to 6 days before possible calving and 31 to 35 days after calving. To determine the chemical composition of food and feces samples (dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and organic matter), the methods of the official association of analytical chemists were used. The insoluble fiber in neutral detergent (NDF) and the insoluble fiber in acid detergent (ADF) were also determined by the Van Soest method. In relation to feed consumption behavior during 28 to 30 days after birth, it was measured as a 24-hour activity record. The time spent for the activities of eating, resting, standing and ruminating was recorded visually every 5 minutes and assuming that the activity continued in the last 5 minutes for all the animals during the day and night hours. After birth, the lambs were first dried and weighed after performing the necessary hygiene operations, and then they received the first portion of colostrum. Diarrhea status and duration of diarrhea and stool score were recorded daily. Stool scores were determined based on 1_ hard and consistent, 2_ soft and loose, 3_ loose and watery, 4_ watery with some blood and 5_ watery with blood and mucus. A digital thermometer was used to measure the rectal temperature. The thermometer was placed in the animal's rectum for 3 minutes and the temperature was recorded immediately. Respiration rate was measured by visual observation of the number of ups and downs of the animal's side in one minute. In order to measure the apparent digestibility of dry matter in lambs, feed and feces samples were sampled on the 35th day after birth using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as an internal marker for six consecutive days.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the weight of the ewes before calving. But from the beginning of ewes giving birth (P=0.0466) to 6 weeks after giving birth (P=0.0484), the treatments receiving different forms of chromium performed better than the control group of ewes. Dry matter consumption of ewes also had an upward trend from the third to the sixth week after giving birth in the ewes receiving chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles (P < 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter and insoluble fibers in neutral detergent increased during the period before and after the delivery of ewes under the influence of chromium intake (P=0.0001). Addition of chromium supplement to the diet of ewes did not cause a significant difference in the parameters of feed consumption behavior, but it caused a significant difference in the resting behavior of the ewes, so that the lowest and longest resting time was related to the treatment receiving chromium nanoparticles and the control, respectively (P=0.0411). Adding chromium supplement to the diet of ewes improves the birth weight, daily weight gain, digestibility and diarrhea condition of the born lambs (P<0.05).

In general, it is recommended to receive chromium, especially in the form of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, during the transition period of ewes under the influence of heat stress.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with corn germ meal in diet on feed intake, rumen parameters and blood metabolites of Atabai fattening lambs. Thirty lambs (with an average weight of 32±2.7 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 repetitions. The lambs of the control group were fed with the feed without corn germ meal. Other groups were fed by replacing 50% and 100% of soybean meal with corn germ meal in the diet for 84 days. Results showed that there was no significant difference between the experimental treatments in the final weight of lambs and dry matter intake (P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in protozoa population, pH and volatile fatty acids among different treatments (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in rumen ammonia nitrogen during fasting and six hours after morning feeding (P>0.05). However, rumen ammonia nitrogen increased 3 hours after morning feeding (P<0.05). Among the different treatments, there was no significant difference in blood glucose, cholesterol, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio (P>0.05), but replacing soybean meal with corn sprout meal increased the concentration of triglyceride, urea, total proin, and high-density lipoprotein. Low and very low density lipoprotein and decrease of lipoprotein increased with density (P<0.05). In general, corn germ meal can be completely replaced with soybean meal without affecting the health and production of fattening lambs.

During the time around parturition, animals make many metabolic adjustments to support the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Before giving birth, animals are subjected to a lot of metabolic effects, to prepare the physiological conditions of the body in the time after giving birth and during lactation. In addition, dairy cattle produce milk more than their ability to consume energy, as a result, they are in a negative energy balance at the beginning of lactation, which may reduce the longevity of the cattle in the herd and increase the rate of elimination of dairy cattle. Heat stress in late pregnancy is aggravated by energy restriction. In such conditions, the use of management and nutritional methods will reduce the problems during the transfer period and heat stress. One of the ways to optimize the productive and reproductive conditions of livestock, through improving the metabolism of nutrients and eliminating or reducing stress conditions, is to use chromium as a metabolic improver. According to scientific sources, the chromium requirement for sheep is three to five mg per day, and for dairy cows is 15 to 50 mg per day. Inorganic chromium has a bioavailability of about 0.5%. Organic chromium has more than 25% intestinal absorption, and therefore, consumption of inorganic chromium is not recommended due to its low bioavailability and toxic effects. Among the sources of organic chromium, chromium-methionine has been recognized by important global food and drug organizations as a compound with high bioavailability, impressive metabolic responses, and no toxicity complications. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using different forms of chromium around calving on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, nutritional behavior of Afshari ewes, and the performance of their lambs under the influence of heat stress.
Forty pregnant Afshari ewes were assigned to four experimental treatments with 10 replicates from 42±5 days before the expected birth in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments include 1) a basic diet without chromium supplementation (control), 2) a basic diet containing three mg of chromium in mineral form per kg of dry matter, 3) a basic diet containing three mg of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per kg of dry matter, and 4) a basic diet contained three mg of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per kilogram of dry matter. The length of the test period was 84 days. Weighing of ewes was done at the beginning, at the time of calving, and the end of the period. The rest of the feed is weighed every day and the daily feed consumption was calculated by deducting from the provided feed. Sampling of the rumen fluid was done on the 14th day after birth. The rumen fluid was taken before feeding in the morning (zero hour), and at three and six hours after feeding by esophageal tube, then the pH amount of rumen contents was measured and recorded immediately after extraction by a mobile digital pH meter (Metrohm laboratory pH meter-691) which was calibrated at the same place. To measure rumen liquid ammonia nitrogen, samples were used three hours after morning feeding. To measure the concentration of volatile fatty acids, five mL of rumen fluid samples were prepared and 1 mL of metaphosphoric acid 25% was added to them and kept at -20ºC until the experiment. On the 10th day after birth, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of ewes and lambs three hours after morning feeding. To measure blood metabolites including glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin, Pars Azmoun chemical kits and auto-analyzer (Spain BT 3500) were used.
The results showed that, from the third to the sixth weeks after birth, dry matter consumption in ewes receiving chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles had an upward trend compared to the other two treatments (P<0.05). The addition of chromium to the diet of ewes had no significant effect on rumen pH, volatile fatty acids, and rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration. The addition of chromium supplement to the diet of ewes caused a significant decrease in the rumen protozoa population compared to the control group (P<0.05). Adding different forms of chromium to the diet of sheep caused a decrease in glucose concentration, and an increase in chromium, insulin, total protein, albumin, and serum globulin compared to the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between experimental treatments on blood cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, and creatinine concentrations. Also, different forms of chromium did not have a significant effect on the blood parameters of the born lambs.
In general, the use of chromium, especially in the form of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, is recommended during the transfer phase of sheep under the influence of heat stress.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with poultry slaughterhouse residue powder on performance, milk composition, digestibility of nutrients, and blood parameters of lactating ewes. To perform this experiment, 24 dairy ewes of the Dalaq breed with an average weight of 36±3.7 kg were used in 4 treatments and 6 repetitions in a completely randomized design. The treatments were included: control treatment (diet without poultry slaughterhouse residue powder), second treatment (diet containing 33% replacement), third treatment (diet containing 66% replacement) and fourth treatment (diet containing 100% replacement of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder instead of soybean meal). Results showed that there was no significant difference between the experimental treatments in the final weight of sheep, daily weight gain, dry matter consumption, feed conversion ratio, milk production and feed consumption behavior. By increasing the replacement levels of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder with soybean meal, the percentage of non-fat solids, density and lactose of ewes' milk also increased (P<0.05). Among the different treatments, no significant difference was observed in terms of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin-globulin ratio, but blood urea nitrogen concentration increased with the replacement of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder with soybean meal increased (P<0.05). In general, it is possible to completely replace the powder of poultry slaughterhouse remains, which is a source of animal protein, with soybean meal, which is one of the imported items of animal feed, without causing any disturbance in the health and production of animals.

Approximately 80 to 85 percent of the costs of raising fattening lambs are related to the cost of feed. Therefore, conducting research in order to determine the functionally and economically optimal ration for fattening lambs will help to improve the country's animal husbandry situation. On the other hand, with the advancement of technology and the use of new methods for converting and processing food, many sources of animal feed have become competitive with human food sources, including corn, wheat and barley. In order to compensate for this deficiency, exploitation and optimal use of agricultural wastes and by-products as feed in feeding ruminants to improve livestock production is inevitable. One of these agricultural wastes is the by-product of corn called corn germ meal, which is produced during the process of extracting corn germ with dry or wet milling process to produce corn germ to produce corn oil for human consumption. Therefore, based on this, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with corn germ meal (CGM) in the diet on performance, digestibility, chewing behavior, and blood parameters of fattening lambs.

In this research, 30 breeding lambs (with an average weight of 32.1±2.7 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 repetitions. The lambs of the control group were fed with diet without corn germ meal. Other groups were fed by replacing 50% and 100% soybean meal with sprout meal in the diet for 84 days. At the beginning of the research, in order to ensure the complete health of the lambs and being free from parasites, parasite control (disinfecting the place and eating albendazole tablets) was carried out, and enterotoxemia vaccine was injected subcutaneously. Finally, the animals were randomly assigned to each of the experimental treatments and placed in individual cages. During all stages of the research, animals had free access to rock salt and clean drinking water. Lambs were weighed every 14 days. The amount of food consumed and post-feeding was recorded on a daily basis. The diet of fattening lambs was adjusted according to the recommended requirements of the tables of the National Sheep Research Association, and the experimental treatments were the same in terms of protein and energy content. In order to calculate the weight changes, the animals were weighed weekly after 16 hours of starvation using a digital scale. The daily feed was completely mixed to the animals and the remaining feed for each animal was weighed and recorded every day. The feed consumption of each animal was also calculated from the difference and then the remaining manger of each animal was calculated. For samples related to digestibility, firstly, feed, waste and feces samples collected from each animal on day 77 to 82 were collected for five days. In order to measure blood metabolites, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of lambs using heparinized tubes and syringes on the 60th day. Chemical kits of Pars Azmoun company and autoanalyzer were used to measure blood glucose, urea and triglyceride levels. Finally, during the 82nd and 83rd days of the test period, chewing activity was measured for a duration of 48 hours. The time spent for the activities of eating, resting and ruminating was recorded visually every 5 minutes and assuming that the activity continued for the last 5 minutes for all the animals during the day and night hours. Finally, the results of the experiment were analyzed with SAS statistical program.

According to the results obtained in the present study, replacing soybean meal with corn germ meal in fattening lambs did not show any difference in body weight gain on days 28, 56 and 84. In addition, total body weight and daily weight gain during the entire experimental period were not affected by the replacement of soybean meal with corn germ meal in the diet of fattening lambs. Also, weekly feed consumption, daily dry matter consumption and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the consumption of corn germ meal in the diet of fattening lambs. Also, the results of the apparent digestibility of the nutrients of the experimental diets showed that the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fibers in neutral detergent, insoluble fibers in acidic detergent and ether extract of fattening lambs was not affected by corn sprout meal feeding. The results of the chewing behavior of the lambs showed that there was no significant difference between the different treatments in terms of time of eating, rumination, chewing, resting and standing. The results of some blood serum parameters showed that the concentrations of triglyceride (P=0.031) and urea (P=0.014) in lambs fed with corn germ meal showed a significant increase compared to the control group; Anyway, replacing soybean meal with corn sprout meal in this study had no effect on blood glucose concentration.

According to the results obtained from the present research, corn germ meal can be used in the diet of fattening lambs without reducing performance, feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, chewing behavior and blood serum parameters, and this product can be completely replace soybean meal.

In today's society, where we are facing an increase in the price of food items, it is very important to use agricultural by-products, industrial factories and waste from slaughterhouses and dairy industries in animal husbandry. One of these by-products is the poultry slaughterhouse waste powder, which is obtained during the production and processing of chicken meat. The successful replacement of these wastes with protein sources, including soybean meal, most of which is imported, while creating the correct balance between non-degradable protein and degradable protein in the rumen and a high-quality protein source, will reduce the cost of food rations and improve the economic status of livestock production and prevent environmental pollution. According to the mentioned cases, the aim of this research is the effect of replacing poultry slaughterhouse residue powder with soybean meal on feed consumption and ruminal parameters of Dalagh dairy ewes.

In this experiment, 20 ewes with 3 pregnancies of the Dalagh breed with an average weight of 36±3.7 kg were used in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were including: control treatment (diet without poultry slaughterhouse residue powder), second treatment (diet containing 33 Percent replacement), third treatment (diet containing 66 Percent replacement) and fourth treatment (diet containing 100 Percent replacement of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder instead of soybean meal). Animals in each treatment were kept in individual cages for 42 days after ensuring their health. The ewes were weighed weekly and the feed and post-feed of each animal was recorded daily to calculate the dry matter consumption. Sampling of rumen fluid was done on the 42nd day of the experiment. The rumen fluid was taken in the morning before feeding (zero hour) and at three and six hours after feeding by esophageal tube, then the pH value of the rumen fluids was measured immediately after extraction by a mobile digital pH meter. It was calibrated, measured and recorded in the same place. To measure ammonia nitrogen in rumen fluid, samples 3 hours after morning feeding were used. After measuring the pH, the rumen fluid sample was filtered using a 4-layer cloth, and then the resulting sap was diluted with 0.2 normal hydrochloric acid at a ratio of 5 to 1 (five saps to one normal 0.2 HCl) and kept until the day of the experiment. The temperature was kept at -20°C. Broderick and Kang (1980) method was used to determine rumen ammonia nitrogen using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 630 nm. Ruminal fluid was sampled to measure the protozoan population on the last day. To count protozoa, the method of Dehority and Males (1984) was used. First, after straining the rumen liquid with a cloth, 4 ml of rumen liquid was poured into a test tube wrapped in foil, then 1 ml of formalin, 5 drops of methylene blue dye (2 grams of methylene blue with 100 ml Distilled water was added to the volume) and finally 3 ml of glycerol was added to the contents of the test tube. Protozoa counting was done by a stereomicroscope and a 40X magnification lens with a neobar slide. Counting was done 4 times for each sample and if there was a big difference between the counted protozoa, the counting was repeated. Finally, the number of protozoa per millimeter of rumen fluid was calculated. To measure volatile fatty acids, 5 ml samples of rumen fluid were prepared and 1 ml of 25% metaphosphoric acid was added to them and kept at -20°C until the experiment. Volatile fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography. The tested rumen enzymes were extracted in different parts of the rumen sap according to the method of Hristov et al. (2001). In order to divide the examined enzymes in the rumen sap into three solid, extracellular and intracellular parts, first the sap (about 50 ml) was filtered by a double layer of cloth and the remaining material on the cloth was considered as a solid part. To separate the protozoan and bacterial parts, the leachate was first centrifuged at 450g for 5 minutes at 37°C. Finally, the results of the experiment were analyzed with the GLM procedure of the SAS statistical program.

The amount of dry matter intake (DMI), the final weight of the ewes and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by the experimental treatments. Among the different treatments, no significant difference was observed in terms of pH and protozoa population at three fasting times, three and six hours after feeding. While rumen NH3-N concentration was affected by the experimental treatments in such a way that by increasing the amount of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder in the diet, rumen NH3-N concentration also increased and the highest concentration of ammonia was observed in the treatment of 100 Percent replacement of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder with soybean meal (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate and the ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen, but the total concentration of VFAs in the rumen was affected by the experimental treatments and with the increase in the amount of poultry slaughterhouse residue powder in the diet, the concentration Total rumen VFAs increased (P<0.05). In terms of activity level of hydrolytic enzymes carboxymethylcellulase and microcrystalline cellulase (avicellase) in cellular, extracellular, solid and total parts, no significant difference was observed among experimental treatments.

In general, the results of this experiment showed that it is possible to completely replace poultry slaughterhouse residue powder with soybean meal without negative effects on feed intake and rumen health.

In order to investigate the effect of different levels of sulfur bentonite on performance, digestibility of nutrients, rumination behavior, blood and rumen parameters in Dalagh ewes, 18 non-pregnant lactating ewes with an average weight of 38±3.5 kg were used. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. The treatments included: 1- control (without sulfur bentonite), 2- containing 0.15% dry matter sulfur bentonite and 3- containing 0.3% dry matter sulfur bentonite. The results of this experiment showed that different levels of bentonite sulfur in ewes had no significant effect on the weight at the end of the experiment, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dry matter intake, rumination behavior, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin and blood albumin/globulin ratio. The use of different levels of bentonite sulfur reduced the apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, increased glucose and blood urea (P<0.05). Also, bentonite sulfur treatments had lower protozoan population, pH of three hours after morning feeding and higher rumen ammonia concentration than the control treatment (P<0.05). In overall, the use of sulfur bentonite up to 0.3% of the dry matter of the diet decreased the digestibility of dry and organic matter, although a tendency to improve the feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain was observed

During pregnancy, especially the period around birth, animals make many metabolic adjustments to support the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Since the last two months of pregnancy (late pregnancy) constitute 75% of fetal growth, therefore, enriching the sheep diet can have positive consequences on the health and general performance of the ewe and lamb. In such conditions, using of management and nutritional strategies will reduce the problems during the transition period and heat stress condition. Under stress condition, the mobilization of glycogen reserves and glucose production occur to produce energy to maintain stability in the body. Chromium is one of the scarce essential minerals that plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor that increases the affinity of insulin receptors to insulin hormone and increases the sensitivity of receptors to insulin.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different forms of chromium in ewes during the transition period under the heat stress condition. Forty pregnant Afshari ewes from 42±5 days before the expected lambing were assigned to four treatments with 10 replications in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included: 1) basal diet without chromium supplementation (control), 2) basal diet containing three milligrams of inorganic chromium per kg of DM, 3) basal diet containing three milligrams of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per kg of DM and 4) basal diet containing three milligrams of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per kg of DM.

The results showed that ewes receiving chromium had less weight changes at two, four and six weeks after lambing (P≥0.05). Also, supplementation of different forms of chromium increased the body condition score of ewes at the time and six weeks after lambing (P≥0.05). Ewes receiving chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles had better body condition than control and inorganic chromium treatments. There was no significant difference in glucose concentration between the treatments 60 and 90 minutes after intravenous glucose injection. After 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes after the intravenous injection of glucose, the insulin concentration of the ewes receiving different forms of chromium decreased compared to the control treatment (P≥0.05).

In general, the use of chromium, especially in the form of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, is recommended during the transition period of ewes under the influence of heat stress.

In order to investigate the effect of the replacement of different levels of wheat straw with cottonseed plant on performance, activity of hydrolytic enzymes and rumen parameters of Dalagh ewes,18 ewes were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. The three experimental treatments in this study were zero, 20 and 40%, respectively, the use of cottonseed plant in the diet. The use of different levels of cottonseed plant in ewes did not cause significant differences in performance, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio. Experimental treatments had no effect on ruminal pH at three fasting times, three and six hours after feeding in the morning. Rumen ammonia concentration in the diet containing 40% of cotton seed plant was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in rumen protozoan population at fasting between treatments receiving different levels of cottonseed plants in the diet. However, the rumen protozoan population at the time of three and six hours after morning feeding in the treatment receiving 40% of cottonseed was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). The activity of carboxymethylcellulase and microcrystalline cellulase enzymes was affected by experimental treatments. The highest activity of carboxymethylcellulase and microcrystalline cellulase was observed in all three sections and the total activity was observed in ewes fed with 40% diet of cottonseed (P<0.05). According to the results, cotton seed plant up to 40% can be used in diets of dilapidated ewes without negatively affecting livestock performance and rumen health.

The management of suckling calves guarantees health and performance in their productive life. The sensitivity and low immune system in newborn calves increase the odds ratio of some disorder incidence and sometimes it is associated with the death. Therefore, the use of antibiotics in suckling calves became popular. Laws prohibiting the use of antibiotics in raising domestic animals led to the use of natural alternatives with similar properties. These compounds cause positive effects on the reduction of intestinal infections, and disorders and increase the absorption of nutrients by creating intestinal microbial balance. Prebiotics have the same feature that changes the microflora population in the digestive system. It has been proven honey has prebiotic characteristics that improve the immune system in mammals. This product and its by-products are used for different goals in human feed. This prevents intestinal infection, modifies intestine microflora population, and improves health situation and lipid metabolism. Honey is a natural product that is thickened from saturated or supersaturated sugar solutions. It usually consists of 17% water, 38% fructose, 31% glucose, 10% other sugars, and a wide range of micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, with a pH below 4. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of milk enrichment with natural honey on the performance, digestibility, blood parameters, and skeletal growth indices of suckling Holstein calves.
Eighteen Holstein suckling male calves with an average weight of 58±4.2 kg were used. Treatments were divided into three groups which contained zero, 2.5, and five g per day of natural honey to the milk consumed. The duration of the experiment was 30 days evaluated in a completely randomized design. Calves were kept in individual pens and fed based on NRC requirements. Starter provided to total mixed ration (TMR) form which is given at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily. Calves fed milk based on 10% of body weight in the morning and evening. The amount of milk consumed by calves is measured, and to calculate the milk solids, it is multiplied by a coefficient of 12.5%. Dry matter (DM) digestibility, blood samples, average daily gain, dry matter intake, stool score, and skeleton growth were evaluated during 30 d and compared treatment by the general mixed model in SAS software.
The results of this study showed that adding natural honey to milk significantly improved the feed conversion ratio and increased the final weight, average daily gain, and dry matter digestibility of the calves (P<0.05). The group of calves that consumed five g of natural honey per day had the highest final weight and average daily gain, as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio. However, the milk and starter intakes were not affected by the experimental treatments, and there was no significant difference observed between the control group and the groups that received natural honey (P<0.05). Supplementing milk with honey improved the growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the calves, likely due to the presence of enzymes and other substances in honey that aid in breaking down polysaccharides into usable energy for the animals. Blood glucose concentration decreased in the calves that received natural honey (P<0.05), but the concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein were not significantly different among the treatments (P>0.05). The reduction in blood glucose can be attributed to the antioxidant compounds present in honey, which can reduce intestinal glucose absorption by inhibiting the digestive enzymes of alpha-amylase or delaying the emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. The stool consistency score increased with increasing levels of natural honey in the milk, and the group that received five g of natural honey per day had the best stool score, while the control group had the lowest stool consistency score (P<0.05). However, there was no effect of treatment on the number of animals with diarrhea or the number of days involved with diarrhea (P>0.05). Natural honey is rich in antioxidants and has prebiotic properties, which promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and decrease harmful microflora in the gut. There was no significant difference observed in skeletal growth indices between the different experimental treatments (P>0.05).
The experiment's findings indicated that incorporating natural honey (up to five g/day) into the milk given to Holstein calves can improve their performance and health, making it a recommended practice.

In order to investigate the effect of feeding milk enriched with garlic powder on performance, digestibility of nutrients, diarrhea status and blood parameters in suckling lambs, twenty-four newborn lambs (birth weight 3.7±0.5) were randomly placed in three treatments and eight replications. The lambs of the control group were fed with milk without garlic powder and the other groups were fed with 1.5 and 3 grams of garlic powder per day, respectively, for 45 days. The results obtained from this research showed that consumption of garlic powder in suckling lambs led to improvement in daily weight gain, final weight and starter feed consumption (P<0.05). Also, treatments caused a significant increase in digestibility of nutrients (P<0.05). The use of garlic powder in experimental lambs improved stool consistency and significantly reduced the number of lambs with diarrhea and the average days of diarrhea (P<0.05). By adding garlic powder, the concentration of glucose and high-density lipoprotein increased (P<0.05). In addition, garlic powder caused a significant decrease in the level of triglyceride, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein in plasma (P<0.05). However, different levels of garlic powder did not make a significant difference on the concentration of urea, albumin, globulin and the ratio of albumin to globulin. According to the present results, it is possible to use garlic powder up to the level of at least 1.5 grams per day as a food additive to improve the performance and health of suckling lambs.

Lipidol contains a number of active lysophospholipids, which because of its unique structure, increases the absorption of nutrients by changing the cell membrane and stimulating absorption channels. Due to the similarity of the structure of lipidol and absorption areas of the intestine, this increase in absorption takes place without spending excess energy and can facilitate the absorption process and thus reduce the feed cost. Regarding the use of lipidol supplement in the starter of suckling calves, no report was found in scientific sources. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 0.5% and 1% levels of lipidol supplementation on growth performance, blood and rumen parameters of Holstein suckling calves.

18 male calves aged 3 to 5 days (44±3 kg) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and each group was assigned to one of the treatments. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Experimental treatments included 1- basal diet (control), 2- basal diet plus 0.5% lipidol supplement, and 3- basal diet plus 1% lipidol supplement. Lipidol supplement was added daily to the milk consumed by calves. During the experiment, the amount of feed intake was determined daily. Weighing using a digital calf scale, and measuring skeletal growth indices including withers height, hip height, hip to pin distance, hip to hip distance, pin to pin distance, heart girth, and body length using meter and caliper, were done every three weeks. At the end of the experiment, 3 hours after the morning feeding, blood samples were taken to measure the plasma concentration of total protein, urea, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol (Pars Azmoon kit, auto-analyzer), and rumen fluid was collected to measure pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration (phenol hypochlorite method, spectrophotometer device). The data related to growth performance, and blood and rumen parameters were analyzed according to completely randomized design, and those related to skeletal growth indices were analyzed in accordance with the repeated measure design in SAS software.

Performance traits were not affected by the use of lipidol supplement (P>0.05). Hip height in calves receiving 1% lipidol showed a tendency to decrease compared to the control group (P=0.074). Other skeletal growth indices were not affected by the treatments (P<0.05). The use of 1% level of lipidol increased the level of total protein (P=0.041). Lipidol decreased blood urea level (P=0.050). Adversely, blood cholesterol level tended to increase due to the use of this supplement (P=0.072). The highest amount was observed at the level of 0.5% lipidol. Levels of 0.5 and 1% lipidol decreased ammonia nitrogen (P<0.0001) and pH (P=0.025) of rumen fluid compared to the control.

In general, the use of 0.5 and 1% levels of lipidol supplement did not have a significant effect on the performance of Holstein suckling calves. It is suggested that higher levels of this supplement be investigated in future studies.

The use of agricultural by-products instead of grain seeds in livestock diets has been an important issue for scientific study. One of these products is potato waste that, if properly processed by methods such as ensiling, can replace cereal seeds such as barley in the diet, due to the proper nutritional value of this product, improving animal growth performance, reducing feed costsand prevent food from being wasting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of replacing different levels of potato waste silage with barley on growth performance, digestibility, and rumen and blood parameters of fattening lambs.

In this study, 30 Zell and Afshar mixed male lambs with a mean weight of 26±2 kg and mean age of 5.5±0.4 months were used in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 6 replications for 90 days. The experimental treatments included the control treatment (without potato waste silage) and the treatments containing 25, 50, 75 and 100 potato waste silage replacement of barley seeds (based on dry matter).

The results of performance traits showed that there was a significant difference in fattening weight, daily weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio between experimental treatments (p<0.05). The highest and lowest final weight, daily weight gain and dry matter intake were observed in the treatment containing 50% of potato waste silage and the control treatment, respectively. The results of the apparent digestibility of nutrients of experimental diets showed that there was a significant difference in the apparent digestibility of raw protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) between experimental treatments (p<0.05). The highest and lowest apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) was observed in the treatment containing 50% of potato waste silage and the control treatment, respectively. The results of some blood serum parameters showed that there was a significant difference in the concentration of glucose, triglyceride, Low density Lipoprotein (LDL) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) between the experimental treatments (p<0.05). The results of rumen fermentation parameters showed that there was a significant difference in the population of lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, protozoa, rumen liquid ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid between experimental treatments (p<0.05). The highest population of lactic acid bacteria 100%, the lowest coli form population, the highest population of protozoa and the highest concentration of VFAs were observed in the treatment containing 100%, 70%, 100% and 50% of potato waste silage, respectively.

The overall results of the present study showed that growth performance, the appearance of crude protein digestion, the total concentration of rumen fluid fatty acids and the population of bacteria and protozoa improved by consuming 50 % of potato waste silage

Minerals affect wool production in sheep by affecting feed intake, altering rumen function and affecting the flow of nutrients from the rumen or by directly disrupting the animal's metabolism. Wool has the highest concentration of sulfur, which indicates the higher need of wool-producing sheep for sulfur than other breeds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of bentonite sulfur on yield, wool quality, blood minerals, liver enzymes and thyroid hormones of ewes. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the use of different levels of bentonite sulfur in sheep. For this purpose, 18 Dalagh ewes (average weight 38 ± 3.5 kg) were kept individually for 42 days with three treatments and 6 repetitions. Experimental treatments included: 1) control (without bentonite sulfur), 2) treatment containing 0.15 percent of bentonite sulfur and 3) treatment containing 0.3 percent of bentonite sulfur(based on dry matter). At first, to ensure the health of all the ewes, they are subjected to a thorough and thorough examination. The bentonite sulfur used in this research contanied 90% sulfur and 10% bentonite. The diets used in this experiment were prepared and adjusted according to the tables of NRC and were given to the ewes in the morning and evening. Ewes were weighed at the beginning and the end of the period after 16 hours of starvation using a digital scale. In order to determine the quality of sheep's wool, in the initial test, the ewes were arranged uniformly on the 41st day of the experiment, and samples were taken from the left side of the ewes in a 10 x 10 cm format according to the common and standard instructions using a manual wool picker. For determination of blood parameters, on the last day of the experiment, three hours after morning feeding, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the ewes. The results obtained from this research showed that with the increase in the level of bentonite sulfur in the diet, the length of fibers, efficiency, strength, kemp and the coefficient of variation of fiber diameter increased (P<0.05). Also, increasing the level of bentonite sulfur increased the concentration of serum sulfur and triiodothyronine hormone (P<0.05). Bentonite sulfur supplementation had no significant effect on final weight, daily weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio of ewes. Also, different levels of bentonite sulfur had no significant effect on Non-Medullated fibers, Medullated fibers, average diameter and fiber crude protein. copper gallate, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and serum molybdenum. Addition of bentonite sulfur had no significant effect on serum concentrations of copper, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, molybdenum as well as the concentration of liver enzymes of experimental ewes.  The results of this study indicated that the use of bentonite sulfur up to the level of 0.3% of dry matter, could improve the strength and efficiency of wool fibers and it can be used in feeding ewes without having negative effects on their health and performance.