محمد روستایی علی مهر

The present study was conducted to assess the seasonal breeding of Caspian horses in 10 mares during a year. Mares were divided into two age groups: 3-6 years (young) and 7-19 years (old). Blood samples (n=530) were collected weekly. The ovarian activity was evaluated by the concentration of progesterone. Mares with serum progesterone concentrations consistently higher and lower than 1 ng/ml were considered cyclic and non-cyclic, respectively. Results showed an interaction between time and age on the concentration of serum progesterone, ovarian activity, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) (p < 0.05). In March, the concentration of serum progesterone was higher in young mares (7.84 ± 1.14) than in old mares (1.26 ± 1.14, p < 0.05).  The serum progesterone was higher in old mares than in young mares during July-November (p < 0.05). Ovarian activity was higher in young mares than in old mares during February-April (p < 0.05). Ovarian activity was higher in old mares than in young mares during July-November (p < 0.05). The length of the breeding season was higher in old mares than in young mares (p < 0.05). BCS was higher in young mares (4.4 ± 0.22) than in old mares (3.2 ± 0.22) in February (p < 0.05). Body weight was lowest in the young mares during September-January (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between ovarian activity and BCS of Caspian mares. Finally, seasonal breeding was shorter and earlier in young Caspian mares compared to old mares.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of eucalyptus leaf extract and tobacco smoke on Varroa mite using 36 hives over a period of 34 days. In one experimental group, no action was taken to control Varroa mite (control) and other one (positive control) Apistan Strip were placed in hive for 34 days. In the other experimental groups, Varroa mite was controlled using Barley, Basma, Virginia leaf tobacco smoke and Eucalyptus leaf extract in the first five days (first time) and the last four days (second time) during the control period. In the eucalyptus extract treatment, 15 ml of the extract solution (0.1 ml/mg) was sprayed between frames daily. In tobacco leaf smoke treatments (Barley, Basma, Virginia), the amount of 3 g of tobacco leaf was smoked. Tick shedding (daily), the number of larvae in each frame (on days 5 and 34) and the amount of honey (after 150 days) was measured. The main effect showed that mite shedding was higher in eucalyptus leaf extract (10. 3±2.01), Apistan (9.41±2.01) and Virginia tobacco smoke (7.41±2.01) than the control (0±2.01, P

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing glycerol with erythritol on cryopreservation of ram spermatozoa. Semen samples (n=24) were collected from four rams in six times. In each session, the collected ejaculates (n=4) were pooled and split into 12 equal parts. The amount of 0.032 M glycerol (G32E0, equal to 3% glycerol), 0.016 M glycerol and 0.016 M erythritol (G16E16), 0.008 M glycerol and 0.024 M erythritol (G8E24), 0.032 M erythritol (G0E32), 0.054 M glycerol (G54E0, equal to 5% glycerol), 0.027 M glycerol and 0.027 M erythritol (G27E27), 0.013 M glycerol and 0.041 M erythritol (G13E41), 0.054 M erythritol (G0E54), 0.076 M glycerol (G76E0, equal to 7% glycerol ), 0.038 M glycerol and 0.038 M erythritol (G38E38), 0.019 M glycerol and 0.057 M erythritol (G19E57) and 0.076 M erythritol (G0E76) were added. The diluted samples were frozen using standard protocol. After thawing, the samples were incubated at 37°C for 6 h. Results showed that progressive sperm motility and acrosome integrity were higher in G13E41 (18.85 % and 27.41 %, respectively) than treatments that contained only glycerol at 6 h (p < 0.05). At the level of 0.032 and 0.054 M cryoprotectant, the highest of total sperm motility was observed in G8E24 (19.16 %) and G13E41 (18.85 %) at 6 h, respectively (p < 0.05). Therefore, the quality of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa can be improved by using the mixture of 0.013 M glycerol plus 0.041 M erythritol or 0.008 M glycerol plus 0.024 M erythritol.

This experiment was designed to evaluate the protective effect of nano-hydroxyapatite against freezing damages on spermatozoa using five rams. Ejaculates (N=30) were collected with three-day intervals between sessions for six times. Ejaculates were pooled and split into 12 parts at each session. The amount of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 or 0.1% nano-hydroxyapatite and 3, 5 or 7% glycerol were added. Samples were frozen and stored for two weeks. After that two straws from each treatment for each replication (totally 144 straws) were thawed and incubated at 37 ° C for 6 h. Sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were evaluated at 0, 3 and 6 h after thawing. Results showed that there was no interaction between nano-hydroxyapatite, glycerol and incubation time (P>0.05). Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were not affected by different levels of nano-hydroxyapatite particles (P>0.05). There was no difference between the level of 0.01 and 0.1% nano-hydroxyapatite particles on the total (21.8 and 21.5%, respectively) and progressive sperm motility (17.8 and 17.7 %, respectively; P>0.05). Total and progressive sperm motility was the highest (24.8 and 21.0%, respectively) in the level of 0.02% nano-hydroxyapatite particles (P<0.05). Membrane integrity was higher in the level of 0.02% nano-hydroxyapatite particles (52.7%) than other levels (P<0.05). Therefore, the addition of 0.02% nano-hydroxyapatite particles to the ram semen extender improved the quality of frozen spermatozoa.

This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 2×3 factorial arrangement with two levels of corticosterone injections (oil injection and corticosterone injections) and three levels of probiotic supplementation (1- without probiotic, 2 and 3- supplemented with 0.8×105 and 1.6×105 spores of Bacillus subtilis per gram of feed, respectively) to modulate stress induced by corticosterone injection using probiotic admimistration in broiler chicks. Each of 6 treatments replicated 4 times of 12birds per replicate.At 7 to 9 and 25 to 27 days of age, the chicks received one of the subcutaneous injections corn oil with/without CORT at 2 mg/kg BW twice per day. Corticosterone injection decreased the relative weight of intestine and its length at 28 and 42 days of ages (P<0.05). Relative weight of the breast was lower in corticosterone injected groups than in the oil injection groups (P<0.05). Villi height of different parts of the intestine and antibody levels against Newcastle disease decreased significantly with corticosterone injection.Adding probiotics increased the length of the villi and relative weight of the intestine. Feed to gain efficiency and average daily weight gain increased significantly in response to probiotic supplementation (P<0.05). Total coliforms and lactobacillus populations were not affected by corticosterone injections, but adding probiotic had a significant effect on ileal populations of these bacteria (P<0.05). Overall, the results of this study indicate a positive effect of probiotic on performance and intestine structure of broiler chicks under stress induced by corticosterone injection.

Experiment was conducted to determine effect of Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil on stored spermatozoa. Semen collection was performed by using 15 mature roosters twice a week at four times. In each session, ejaculates were pooled and split into seven parts. The amounts of 0 (EO0), 50 (EO50), 100 (EO100), 200 (EO200), 400 (EO400), 600 (EO600) and 1000 (EO1000) ng/ml Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil were added to each part. Samples were chilled to 4°C and maintained for 72 h. Sperm assessment was performed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated after 48 h. Results showed that there was no interaction between Zataria multiflora essential oil and incubation time on membrane integrity, sperm motility and viability (p > 0.05). The highest sperm progressive motility (80.43%), viability (86.31%) and functional membrane integrity (85.81%) was observed in EO200 (p < 0.05). The lowest sperm motility (61.31%) and viability (73.31%) was observed in EO1000 (p < 0.05). The concentrations of malondialdehyde was lowest in EO200 (0.17 nM/ml, p < 0.05). Therefore, addition of 200 ng/ml Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil to semen improved longevity of rooster spermatozoa at 4°C.

An Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Aloe gel on the performance and immune responses of 240 day-old broilers cobb strain. Chicks were divided into six groups and each group into four subgroups on day 5 post hatch. The amount of zero (A0, control), 0.6 (A0.6).1.2 (A1.2), 1.8 (A1.8), 2.4 (A2.4) and 3mL/l (A3) Aloe gel were added to drinking water of each group up to day-42. Feed intake, daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated every week. To evaluate cellular immune responses, 0.1=\ mL (0.2 mg/mL) phytohemagglutinin-p was injected intradermal in the skin fold of wings (day 16) and thickness of skin were measured after 24 and 48 hours. Sheep Red Blood Cell (SRBC) 25% (0.1 mL) were injected in the breast muscle in days 8 and 22 to investigate humoral immune responses, and IgM, IgG and total antibody against SRBC was determined in days 21, 28, 35 and 42 by agglutination test. Results indicated that the highest of feed conversion ratio (1.82) and lowest of live weight gain (53.94 g/day) were obtained from control during whole period (P

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of green husk of walnut powder on immune responses, by using 200 broilers. Birds were split into five groups and each group into four sub groups which include 10 birds. The levels of zero, 1, 2, 3 and 4 % powder of green husk of walnut were added to diet of each group. Intramuscular injection of 0.1 mL of the 25% SRBC suspension was performed at 8 and 22 d and the titers of IgG and IgM was determined by haemagglutination test at 21, 28, 35 and 42 d. Blood samples were collected to determine count of red and white blood cells and after that birds were slaughter to evaluate weight of visceral fat and organelles at 42 d. Titer IgM was higher in treated birds with 4 % green husk (2.93) than control (2.12) at 21 d (P

Current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of rosemary leaves on rooster sperm storage at 4 °C by using eight mature roosters. Semen collection was performed three days’ interval in 5 times. In each session, ejaculates were pooled, split into six parts and the amounts of 0 (R0), 10(R10), 20 (R20), 30 (R30), 40 (R40) and 50 µg/mL (R50) of rosemary extract were added to each part. After that, samples were chilled to 4 ℃ and kept until 72 h. Sperm viability (by staining Hoechst 33258), motility and functional membrane integrity were evaluated at 0 (T0), 24 (T24), 48 (T48) and 72 h (T72). Concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined to assay lipid peroxidation by one million spermatozoa at 48 h. The results showed that the concentration of MDA was lower in R50 (0.93 nM) than control (1.15 nM), but, it was higher than R40 (0.82 nM, P

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of mulberry leaves on immune responses and lipid peroxidation by using 200 broiler chicks. Chickens were assigned to five groups and each group was divided into four categories with 10 birds. Diets were supplemented with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 % hydro-alcoholic extract of mulberry leaves in two periods of three-days (14-17 and 21-24 days). To evaluate cellular immune responses were evaluated by intra-dermal injection of at day16. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) 25% (0.1 ml) was injected intramuscularly at days 16 and 23 and anti-SRBC IgM and IgG antibody titer were determined by hemagglutination test at days 19 and 26. Concentration of malondialdehyde was measured in serum (days 29 and 42) and muscle of raw and cooked thigh (day 42) after slaughtering birds and storage of thighs at -20 ℃ for six mouth. Results showed that, titer IgG was higher in 8 % blackberry leaf extract (5.7) than control (4.1) on day 26 (P

Silymarin is a polyphenol, which has scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species, and it can improve spermatozoa storage.
Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of silymarin on rooster sperm storage at 4 C.
Semen collection was performed twice a week in 5 times by using 15 mature roosters. In each session, ejaculates were pooled and split into five parts. The amount of 0 (S0), 50 (S50), 100 (S100), 150 (S150) and 200 (S200) µg/mL silymarin were added to each part. After that, samples were chilled to 4 OC and kept until 72 h. Sperm viability (by staining Hoechst 33258), motility and functional membrane integrity were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. To assay lipid peroxidation, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by 300106 spermatozoa at 48 h.
There was interaction between silymarin and storage time on sperm motility, viability and functional membrane integrity (P The addition of 100 µg/mL silymarin to semen improves longevity of rooster spermatozoa at 4C.

The aim of the present study was to compare the expression of lactoferrin and TLR4 genes in cow milk somatic cells to investigate genetic differences effects and crossbreeding on the gene expression of the immune system as well as the effect of mastitis. Total RNA was extracted from fresh milk cells of 3 healthy Holstein¡ 3 Guilan Native and 3 F1 crossbred cattle belong to the National Animal Breeding Center of Iran and 3 Holstein with mild symptoms of clinical mastitis. After cDNA synthesis genes expression was measured using Real-time PCR relative to the reference gene GAPDH. The results showed while in crossbred cows the average expression of both genes was higher than parents (P0.05). This study indicated that while there was non-significance difference between Guilan native and Holstein¡ but the crossbreeding clearly affected on the expression of two genes associated with genetic resistance.

Antioxidant effect of olive leaf extract (OLE) was studied on motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa and malondialdehyde production in 12 Ross 308 roosters at their 30 weeks of age. Semen samples were collected by abdominal massage in 5 times. In each session after the initial sperm assessment, collected samples were pooled and diluted with Sexton extender.Samples were split into five parts and the concentrations of 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 µg/mL OLE were added to each part, then,the samples were incubated for 72 hours at 4 degree Celsius. Progressive motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage and production of malondialdehyde were analyzed after 48 hours of storage. Adding 100 µg/mL OLE to semen reduced malondialdehyde production (P

Artificial insemination (AI) has only been used as a supplement to natural mating. AI, when used in conjunction with accurate progeny testing schemes, can substantially increase the rate of genetic progress compared with that of natural service. Moreover, the use of AI causes the limitation of the transmitted diseases. Cervical insemination with frozen-thawed ram semen has not been widely adopted, probably because of the relative poor fertility obtained. Thus using fresh and diluted semen is only approach for performing AI.
AI is currently limited by the poor fertility achieved after cervical insemination with the storage of liquid semen at sub-ambient temperature. The success of this procedure in sheep is restricted by the short length of time that ram sperm can be stored in a liquid state. Moreover, the effect of cooling on sperm differs depending on species. It is also well known that ram spermatozoa are more sensitive to cold-shock stress than those of other species.
Seminal plasma, as physiological secretion, is a complex mixture of secretions originating from testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands which is mixed with epididymal sperm at ejaculation; it serves as the carrier of sperm to the female genital tract. This mixture contains numerous factors such as organic and nonorganic material which play an important role in the final maturation of the spermatozoa through hormonal, enzymatic and surface-modifying events. During natural mating, a mechanism may be activated to separate spermatozoa from seminal plasma. After being ejaculated into the vagina, sperm swim through cervical mucus and enter the uterus within minutes (>30 min); cervical mucus acts as a barrier for seminal plasma. In the artificial insemination industry, seminal plasma with all the useful and harmful components is not removed from semen and is in contact with sperm throughout cooling, freezing and storage.
On the other hand, it was demonstrated that the auto-destructive activity of seminal plasma was decreased which may be reduced by coating spermatozoa for less than 5 min during collection with the commercial diluent supplemented with egg yolk. The detrimental effect of lipid efflux induced by seminal plasma may be abolished by decreasing the time of the contact between seminal plasma and sperm.
The objective of this study was to determine whether coating method, as a collection method, can improve fertility of ram spermatozoa after 72 h storage.
Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seminal plasma on coated spermatozoa fertility by using 111 ewes, aged between 1 and 3 years. Semen from four mature, healthy and fertile Thaleshi rams, aged between 2 and 5 years, were used for AI. The animals were housed at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Education Research and Practice Farm, University of Guilan, South of Rasht (it is located at 37° 12´ North latitude and 49° 39´ East longitude) and fed daily with alfalfa hay and 0.5 kg of concentrate, and provided salt lick and water ad libitum. Semen was collected throughout the breeding season (August, 2011) by using an artificial vagina. Ejaculates from each ram were collected in a tube containing 5 ml of coating medium (269 mM Tris (Hydroxymethy1) aminomethane, 52 mM D-Fructose, 89 mM Citric Acid, 2000 IU/ml penicillin G and 0.4 mg/ml streptomycin pH=7.0) at72 h before insemination. Two or three consecutive ejaculates fromeach ram were collected. The ejaculates were placed in a water bath (35○C) immediately after collection. Semen quality was assessed, and to be accepted as a donor, and the ejaculation of each ram ejaculation had to fulfill the following demands concerning semen quality: volume ≥ 0.5 ml, macroscopic good visual mass activity (sperm motility ≥ 75%), sperm concentration ≥ 3 × 109⁄ml and normal sperm morphology ≥ 90%. Coated ejaculates were centrifuged for 10 min at 700 × g at room temperature and the supernatant was removed. The pellets were diluted by Tris-glucose up to 800 × 106 sperm/mL then they were split into three parts (E-S, E-S-and E) and incubated at 5 C. After 68 h‚ samples were centrifuged by 700 × g 10 min at 5 °C. In E-S, supernatant was removed and added 10% crude seminal plasma. In E-S-‚ supernatant was removed and added Tris-glucose. In E‚ pellet was mixed with supernatant. Samples were packaged into straws‚ incubated at 5 °C for 4 h and inseminated 72 h after collection. Ewes were allocated to three groups and inseminated after synchronizing estrus by using CIDER (14 d) and injection hCG (400 IU).
The results showed that the lambing rate was higher in ewes of second parity (18.91%) than ewes of first parity (5.12%). There was no significant difference between E-S- (24.32%) and E (10.81%) although the percentage of lambing rate was higher about 10 % in E-S- than E. There was no significant difference between E-S(5.12%) and E on lambing rate. The pair-wise comparison of the lambing rates between the three groups showed significant higher results for E-S- compared with E-S. Therefore, fertility of coated spermatozoa was not improved by adding 10% crude seminal plasma after three days storage at 5 C.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of Ultimate acid (UA) and chicory extract (CE) on performance, immune system and lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius) of broiler chickens. Three hundred thirty one-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308, male and female) were allocated to the experimental units based on a completely randomized design using a factorial arrangement of 2×3 with two levels of chicory extract (CE, 0 and 2 ml/1 liter of water) and three levels of Ultimate acid (UA, 0, 0.5 and 1 ml/1 liter of water). Each treatment replicated 5 times with 11 chicks each. Antibody titer against NDV was determined by HI assay. On day 42 from each replication 2 chickens slaughtered and lymphoid organs separated and weighted. In spite of non-significant effect of UA supplementation on feed conversion ratio (FCR), its effect on both daily feed intake (DFI) and daily weight gain (DWG) (P

In order to study the effect of Satureja hortensis essence on productive performance and intestinal microflora of broilers, an experiment was performed with 192 day-old chicks. At 6 d, birds were split into 16 groups (12 chicks) included 4 group for each treatment. The amount of Zero (control), 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm of Satureja hortensis essence were added to drinking water from 6 to 42 d. At 18, 28 and 38 d, a bird of each group were slaughtered and their ileosecalcontents were picked. CFU/g of Coliforms, E. coli and lactobacillus of samples were determined. Results indicated that control had the highest feed intakes (122.13), the lowest daily weight gain (60.36) and the highest feed conversion ratio (2.02; P<0.05). At 18, 28, and 38 d. the highest CFU/g of E.coli (6.36, 7.13 and 7.18, respectively) and the highest CFU/g of Coliforms (6.87, 7.37 and 7.44, respectively) were archived by control (P<0.05). CFU/g of lactobacillus was not affected by Satureja hortensis essence(P<0.05). The highest and lowest carcass ratio were obtained by Es150 and Es0, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion, theaddition of Satureja hortensis essence to drinking water of broiler is improved productive performance and decreased E.coli and Coliforms in gut.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 ml/L of Shirazi thyme aqueous extract in drinking water on performance and immune response in broilers. Two hundred one- day- old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to five treatments with four replicates and 10 birds per cage in a completely randomized design. Daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. The birds were chalenged by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) on days 8 and 22 of age and serum antibody levels produced in response to SRBC were measured on days 21, 28, 35 and 42. Skin response to Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) injection was assessed intradermally on day 16. The Shirazi thyme aqueous extract had no effect on feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass traits. The consumption of 2 ml/L Shirazi thyme aqueous extract in drinking water increased total Anti-SRBC and IgM titers on day 21; 1 and 1.5 ml/L increased IgM titer on day 28; 0.5, 1.5 and 2 ml/L increased total Anti-SRBC and IgG titers on day 35 and 1.5 and 2 ml/L increased IgG titer on day 42 (P<0.05). Cell immunity in response to PHA-P injection was not affected by treatment groups. It can be concluded that Zataria multifora Boiss have no effects on performance and cell immunity but improve humoral immunity in broilers.

In this study, nine Taleshi rams (approximately 3 years old and average BW was 55.6±1.57 kg) were selected randomly and allocated into three groups to investigate the effect of melatonin (regulin) on sperm during breeding and non-breeding seasons. The first group (control) did not receive any regulin, the rams of second group received one regulin and finally, the third group received two regulins subcutaneously at the same time. Scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm viability of all rams were measured on day zero (regulin implantation day). Scrotal circumference was measured 45 days after regulin implantation and semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and viability were measured 46, 50, 54 and 58 days after regulin implantation. The results indicated that the use of regulin had not any significant effect on the SC and sperm quantity and quality parameters during breeding season (P 0.05). The SC and motility were increased by using two regulins during non-breeding season and this improved sperm viability in comparison to control group (P<0.05). Whereas, the use of regulin had not significant effect on semen volume and sperm concentration (P>0.05). It is concluded that improvement in the ram semen quality was expected with the use of two regulins during non-breeding season.

The aim of this study was to survey the effects of different levels of Stevia alcoholic extract on performance and humoral immune system of broilers. Two hundred one-day chicks (Ross 308) were studied in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replications and 10 chicks per replicate. The treatment groups received 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mL/L of Stevia extract, in drinking water, during days 3 to 42. Daily feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics were measured. The birds were immunized by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) on days 12 and 29 of age and serum antibody levels produced in response to SRBC were measured on days 28, 35 and 42. Newcastle vaccine was given on days 1, 6, 18 and 29 to chicks and blood samples were collected at 42d. Antibody titer against Newcastle virus was determined by the HI method. Result indicated that Stevia alcoholic extract hadn’t any significant effect on performance (P>0.05). All experimental groups increased antibody titer against Newcastle virus (P<0.05). Consumption of 1.5 and 2 mL Stevia extract increased anti SRBC titers (P<0.05). It is concluded that Stevia alcoholic extract had no significant effect on performance, but improved humoral immunity of broilers.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Watercress extract on rooster sperm storage at 4 °C by using 15 mature roosters. Semen collection was performed twice a week in 5 times. In each session, ejaculates were pooled and split into five parts. The amount of 0, 300, 600, 900 and 1200 μg/mL Watercress extract were added to each part. After that, samples were chilled to 4 °C and kept until 72 h. Sperm viability (by staining Hoechst 33258), motility and membrane integrity were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. To determine lipid peroxidation, the concentration of malondialdehid (MDA) was evaluated by using 300 106 spermatoza at 48 h. The results showed that the lowest of concentration of MDA (1.0 μM/mL) was in 600 μg/mL Watercress extract (P<0.05). The main effect of watergrass on sperm viability showed that viability of spermatozoa was lowest (73.4%) in 1200 μg/mL Watercress extract level (P<0.05). There was interaction between Watercress extract and storage time on sperm motility and membrane integrity (P<0.05). After 48 h incubation, membrane integrity was higher in 600 μg/mL (90.70%) Watercress extract than control (85.80%; P<0.05). At 72 h, there was no difference between 600 (51±3.36) and 300 (42.60±3.01) μg/mL Watercress extract on sperm motility (P>0.05) and it was higher in 600 μg/mL Grass water extract than other treatments (P<0.05). Therefore, the addition of 600 μg/mL Watercress extract to semen improves longevity of rooster spermatozoa at 4 C.

Use of acetic acid, as a feed additive, improved broiler chickens performance via modifying intestinal microflora. Experiment was conducted to test the possibility of replacing antibiotic growth promoters with acetic acid. This study was performed by using 144 broiler day-old chicks. Birds were split into four groups and each group divided into three subgroups (replicates) which contained 12 chicks at 6 days. The amount of 3 mg/Kg lincomycin hydrochloride (An), zero (AA0), 0.7 (AA0.7) and 1.4% (AA1.4) acetic acid were added to diet of each group. At 18, 28 and 38 day, one bird of each subgroup was slaughtered and its ileosecal contents were picked. CFU/g of Coliforms, E. coli and lactobacillus of samples were determined. The lowest of feed intake (104.91 and 104.90, respectively), the highest of daily gain weight (60.97 and 61.01, respectively) and the lowest of feed conversion ratio (1.72 and 1.72, respectively) were achieved by AA0.7 and AA1.4 at the entire period (P<0.05). CFU/g of E.coli was lower in AA1.4 (5.26 and 5.40) than AA0 (6.32 and 6.45) and An (5.73 and 5.60; P<0.05) at 28 and 38 day. CFU/g of lactobacillus was lower in AA0 (6.06) than AA0.7 (6.71) and AA1.4 (6.70) at 28 day (P<0.05) and there was no difference between AA0 and An (6.49; P>0.05). CFU/g of lactobacillus was lowest in AA0 (6.14; P<0.05) and there was no difference among other treatments at 38 day (P>0.05). Due to improved food intake, daily gain weight, feed conserve ratio, CFU/g of intestinal harmful and helpful bacteria, replacement of lincomycin with acetic acid in the diet of broiler chickens is possible.