میلاد منافی

This study was performed to compare the effect of diets containing ethanolic extract of Echinophora platyloba at two levels of 0.3% and 0.5% and Phosphoflavomycin growth-promoting antibiotic (0.04%) on performance, immune response, and blood biochemical characteristics of broilers using 160 male day-old chicks in a completely randomized design manner using 4 experimental groups, 4 replications and 10 chicks in each experimental unit. The results indicate that in the fourth week of production, there was a significant increase in body weight of the treatment receiving Echinophora platyloba extract (0.3%) compared to other experimental groups (P≤0.05). On day 14th, in both groups fed with Echinophora platyloba extract (0.3 and 0.5%), a significant increase in feed conversion ratio was found when compared to the control and growth promoter antibiotic treatments (p≤0.05). The treatment fed with 0.3% Echinophora platyloba extract increased the percentage of carcass and spleen significantly (p≤0.05) when compared with other dietary treatments. No significant changes are found due to both levels of Echinophora platyloba extract on immune response and blood biochemical parameters of broilers. In contrast, the group fed with antibiotic significantly reduced the blood levels of LDL and ALP, when compared with control and 0.3% Echinophora platyloba groups (p≤0.05). In general, the application of Echinophora platyloba extract (0.3%) led to a significant improvement in performance and some carcass traits percentage of broilers and could be recommended as a suitable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

This study aimed to compare experimental treatments containing Leek extract with Phosphoflavomycin growth-promoter antibiotic using 160 Ross-308 day-old chicks in a completely randomized design manner with 4 experimental treatments, 4 replicates, and 10 chicks per replicate for 42 days. Treatments consisted of 1) control group (basal diet); 2) basal diet with Phosphoflavomycin antibiotic growth promoter (0.04%); 3) basal diet with 0.3% Leek ethanolic extract; and 4) basal diet with 0.5% Leek ethanolic extract (P≤0.05). Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, visceral weights, antibody production against Influenza and Newcastle diseases, biochemical parameters of Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL, Albumin, Total Protein, and AST were not affected by different treatments (P≥0.05). However, both groups fed Leek extract (0.3% and 0.5% of diet) increased serum levels of liver enzymes of ALT and ALP significantly, compared with Phosphoflavomycin growth promoter (P≤0.05). Based on the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that consumption of Leek ethanolic extract (0.5% of the diet) showed a significant enhancement on the body weight of broilers, with no impact on visceral weights, immune status, and blood biochemical indices.

The current experiment was conducted in order to compare the effects of Yaghooti Grape (V. venifera) along with commercial antioxidant of Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on performance, biochemical parameters and carcass characteristics of broilers. 150 day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed in to 5 experimental treatments with 3 replicates and 10 chicks per replicate in completely randomized design manner for 42 days. Experimental groups were: Control (basal diet with no additive); Basal diet with 150 ppm Yaghooti grape Methanolic extraction; basal diet with 3% Yaghooti grape pulp; basal diet with 3% Yaghooti grape juice and basal diet with 200 ppm BHT. Results showed that different dietary treatments had no significant impact on performance including body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio, liver enzymes and intestinal components in all studied treatments, compared to control group. Application of 3% of grape pulp in broiler diet led to significant reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and increase in blood serum HDL. For carcass characteristics, grape pulp has significantly increased relative carcass and breast weights and reduction in gizzard and liver weights in broilers, compared with control group. Therefore, it can be concluded that treatment with Yaghooti grape pulp can be a suitable replacer for BHT commercial antioxidant in terms of biochemical parameters and carcass characteristic’s improvement in commercial broilers.

Aflatoxin contamination in animal and poultry and its carry over to human beings is important in causing different diseases like Hepatitis and Liver Cirrhosis and finding methods to lessen toxin adsorption in animal and poultry tissues has a direct impact on health of animal products. Evaluating the impact of natural toxin binder in broilers contaminated with aflatoxin B1 on performance, immunity and morpholgy of intestine. 400 day-old broiler chicks under 4 treatments, 5 replicates and 20 chicks per replicate in completely randomized design manner were studied for 42 days. Experimental treatments were: 1- negative control (basal diet with out aflatoxin contamination); 2- positive control (basal diet + 0.6 mg/kg aflatoxin B1; 3- basal diet along with 1g/kg natural toxin binder and 4- basal diet + 1g/kg natural toxin binder. Presence of aflatoxin in diet reduced all performance indexes significantly (p<0.05) on day 42 and using natural toxin binder could reduce the negative effects of aflatoxin and improved body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio, when compared with treatment fed with aflatoxin. Significant (p<0.05) enhancement in immune titer responses against Newcastle and Avian Influenza were noticed in group fed natural toxin binder, compared with control aflatoxin contaminated treatment. The significant (p<0.05) reduction in E.coli and coliforms were seen in tratment 4, when compared with treatment 2. The crypt to depth ration was increased and the number of goblet cells decreased significantly (p<0.05) in positive control teratment which received natural toxin binder, compared with control group. Results obtained from current study emphasized on the possible replacement of natural toxin binders rather than chemical-commercial toxin binders.

Aflatoxins are a class of secondary metabolites of fungi, which are present in the form of B (B1 and B2), G (G1 and G2), and M (M1 and M2) and are distinguished from each other through chromatography and fluorescent light. Aflatoxin B1 is more abundant in the feedstuff and more toxic than all other types of toxins (Manafi et al. 2011). Aflatoxins are the result of the metabolic activity of Aspergillus fungi, and in particular Aspergillus flavus, which can cause food contamination of living creatures. Aflatoxicosis has caused severe economic losses in the poultry industry and has had a negative impact on duck, broilers, laying hens, turkeys and quails (Deabes et al. 2011). The sensitivity of chickens to aflatoxin negative effects depends on a wide range of factors such as breed, aflatoxin concentration, age, nutritional status, as well as the capacity of liver microsomal enzymes to decontaminate aflatoxin. Mycotoxins normally affect intestinal secretions. The use of aflatoxin is proven to reduce the production of pancreatic secretions and changes in the intestinal morphology (the depth of the intestinal crypts), and the special activity of disaccharide and maltase in broiler’s intestine (Applegate et al. 2009). Increasing free radical formation or reducing the level of antioxidants in the body through aflatoxicosis leads to oxidative stress, which can lead to tissue destruction through the physical, chemical and physiological conditions (Eralsan et al. 2005). Reducing the toxicity of aflatoxin in broiler chickens as an important source of animal-based proteins for human beings by utilizing a combination of plant derivatives is considered vital. It has been suggested that the antioxidant properties of essential oils and plant extracts due to the presence of phenolic groups as a hydrogen supplier to peroxide radicals produced during oxidative stress, which will delay or deny peroxide formation (Roquia 2012). The current experiment is designed in order to study effects of ethanolic extractions of thyme and oregano on performance, blood biochemical parameters and small intestinal properties of broilers fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. The total number of 300 Ross 308 chicks (mixed sex) were used in completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates with 15 birds in each replicate. Treatments consisted of: 1- basal diet without aflatoxin B1 (control); 2- Basal diet with Aflatoxin group (basal diet + 600 ppb aflatoxin B1); 3- Basal diet with mixture of ethanolic extraction of thyme and oregano (either 500 ppm) and 4- Basal diet with Aflatoxin + mixture of ethanolic extraction of thyme and oregano (either 500 ppm). In the current study, performance including mortality, feed intake, and weight of birds were recorded weekly till the end of the rearing period. At the end of production period, from each experimental unit, 2 birds were selected and after killing by humanized method, sampling for intestinal morphology from the ileum part (with a distance of 2 cm from Meckl's appendix) with the length of 5 cm was done. Also, in order to check the blood parameters from each experimental group, two birds were randomly selected and blood samples were collected. Then, blood biochemical parameters included liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and HDL were measured using the Pars Azmon Company kits and the Autoanalyzer apparatus (US, Technicon RA-1000). Aflatoxin B1 was purchased from Sigma Aldrich Company and was prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions for the preparation of the poison. Six mg of poison was mixed with 100 cc of 96% ethanol and then, sprayed on 1 kg of feed to obtain a homogeneous mixture of aflatoxin B1 contaminated feed. Ethanolic extracts of thyme and oregano were prepared by the Macceration method in the laboratory of the Department of Animal Science, Malayer University. The data obtained from this experiment were analyzed by SAS software. Mean comparison was done using Duncan's multiple -domain test at 5% error level. The results of the experiment showed that the weight of birds receiving aflatoxin B1 contaminated rations were reduced compared to the control group (P<0.05). Weight gain of broiler chicks in the experimental group receiving aflatoxin with a mixture of thyme and oregano extract increased compared to the experimental group receiving aflatoxin alone in the diet (P<0.05). This is in accordance with the reports of Manafi et al. (2009) who showed that consumption of one mg per kilogram of aflatoxin reduced the yield and growth of broiler chickens up to 5 percent. Decreased feed intake and impaired metabolism of energy and fat due to the use of aflatoxin in the diet due to changes in taste and disturbance in digestion and absorption mechanisms have been reported in various studies (Raju and Devegowda 2002). The presence of mannan oligosaccharide compounds and antioxidant compounds in thyme and oregano such as thymol and carvacrol may have antioxidant properties against negative activity of aflatoxin and inhibitory effects on metabolic changes caused by aflatoxin such as liver toxicity and contribute to reducing weight gain in broilers (Burt, 2004). A mixture of thyme and oregano extracts, and the consumption of feed in the experimental group receiving aflatoxin in comparison to the control group showed a significant decrease. Addition of plant extracts to aflatoxin contaminated diets increased significantly feed intake compared with control group (P<0.05). The increased in feed intake is due to the addition of herbal extracts. Thyme have appetitive factors like thymol and carracorol and other growth factors, which stimulates digestive enzymes and increases daily feed intake of broiler chickens (Cabuk et al. 2006). The group receiving herbal extracts in the 6th week had a lower FCR than the control group and the aflatoxin received group (P<0.05). Cinnamon-containing compounds and Thymol and Carvacrol have probably a role in improving the chicken feed conversion rate (Cabuk et al. 2006). Also addition of thyme and oregano extracts in aflatoxin challenged broilers caused a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP, LDL, and HDL (P<0.05). This might be due to the antioxidant properties of two plants, which reduce the toxic effects of oxidative toxicity on the liver and reduce cholesterol, triglyceride and liver enzymes. The reason for this decrease is the inhibitory effects of these extracts on the action of key enzymes such as HMG-COA reductase, which is present in the production of lipids and cholesterol (Sarica et al. 2005). Chickens receiving thyme and oregano extract had the highest villus height and showed a significant differences in comparison with other experimental groups (P<0.05). The villus height to crypt depth ratio was the highest in the group receiving the herbal extracts and the lowest amount was observed in the group receiving the aflatoxin and the addition of herbal extract to the contaminated diet improved this index significantly (P<0.05). Increasing the crypt depth in the ileum region and reducing digestion and absorption in this region might be due to the damage in the intestinal mucosal tissues of chickens fed contaminated diets. The results obtained from this research states that dietary supplementation with plant extracts of thyme and oregano reduces the negative effects of aflatoxin on performance, gastrointestinal index and improves the biochemical parameters in broiler chickens challenged with aflatoxicosis.

Nutrition is the most important and cost effective factor in poultry production. By reducing the nutritional cost, the production efficiency increases and the use of feed additives as growth promoters in poultry feeding is a way to achieve this goal. Medicinal plants have beneficial properties due to the biological active compounds such as terpenes, phenols, ketones, esters, and alkaloids that improve the animal performance and health (Abaza et al. 2008). From the category of medicinal herbs, Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Elaeangus (Elaeagnus angustifolia) can be introduced which both are from Rosales order (Mohammadi et al., 2017). Nettles may be used in veterinary medicine because of its high levels of nutrients such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins, active compounds such as tannin, folic acid, salicylic acid, carvacrol, and thymol (Fu et al., 2007). Elaeangus is also a shrub or tree of the Elaeagnaceac family of the genus Elaeagnus, called Elaeagnus angustifolia (Khakrizi & Salehi, 2012). Phytochemical experiments showed that the Elaeangus contains high amounts of flavonoids, cytosterols, carbohydrates, folic acid, and ascorbic acid. It also contains potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, zinc, malic acid and calcium malate. It is rich source of fatty acids including linoleic, palmitoleic, and palmitic acids (Ramezani et al., 2001). In general, natural-food products, especially medicinal plants containing active biological compounds, can create a favorable outlook to be used in poultry nutrition. The use of medicinal plant resources as feed additive is growing rapidly due to their active aromatic compounds, which benefits the host animal (Mohiti Asl et al., 2011). The experiment was designed and carried out using 128 commercial laying hens of W36 strain at 75 weeks of age with 4 experimental treatments, each group with 8 replicates and 4 birds per each replicate. A 14-day period was conducted to adapt the layers into the experimental diets. After this period, the main stage of the experiment consisted of 3 consecutive periods, each for 21 days, which totally with 11 weeks of the entire study period. During the experimental periods, the birds had free access to water and feed and the experimental diet was adjusted to maintain the requirements of the Hy-Line W36 (2014) breeding guidebook. The experimental groups consisted of: 1 (control): basal diet; 2: basal diet with 1% nettle powder; 3: basal diet and 1% Elaeangus fruit powder; 4: Basal diet plus 0.5% of nettle powder and 0.5% of Elaeangus fruit powder. The temperature and lighting program was also carried out according to the guide for breeding white Leghorn chicken (Hy-Line W36 strain). To evaluate the egg quality, three egg samples were taken and each egg sample was selected from each replicate. The sampling was done at the end of each periods. After sample collection, the weight of individual eggs were recorded using a digital top balance with 0.01 gram accuracy in the laboratory and later their individual specific gravity index were measured using a floating method in a salt water solution. The egg white quality was carried out by the Egg Multi Tester instrument (EMT-5200), (Leeson and Summers, 2005). To determine the thickness of the shell, Ultrasonic thickness Gauge (Echometer 1062 - Maks - USA) was used and to measure the shell resistance, the model-ll-MaksUSA device (Egg Shell Force Gauge) was used and the yolk color index was measured by the Rosche yolk color fan (Hosseini & Arshami, 2010). Shell weight were measured using a digital balance with an accuracy of 0.1 g (Leeson and Summers, 2005). The statistical analysis was done using SAS (2001) version 9.1. The highest amount of Haugh units belonged to the experimental group of Elaeangus fruit powder (1%) compared with control group and 0.5% nettle powder and 0.5% Elaeangus fruit powder group. The effect of experimental periods on the Haugh unit was significant and the highest number of Haugh units belonged to the second period, which had no significant difference with the first period, but showed a significant difference with the third period (P<0.05). The height of the egg white was statistically decreased in group 4 compared with control group (P<0.05). The effect of experimental periods on the height of egg white was significant and the highest amount was observed in the first and second periods compared with the third period (P<0.05). The experimental periods also had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the egg shell thickness, in which the highest amount was observed in the third period compared to the second period (P<0.05). Also, the interaction effect of the experimental periods and treatments on shell weight was also significant (P<0.05). Sayiedpiran et al. (2011) did not show any significant improvement using combination of extracts of thyme, mint, and Pennyroyal. Vakili (2011) indicated that, addition of essential oil of thyme and fennel into the diet of the laying hens, significantly improved the Haugh unit scores. Bird’s age and production stage are the effective factors on egg shell structure. The reason for improving the Haugh unit is attributed to the age of the bird, so the young birds have more Haugh unit scores. Also, Azghadi et al. (2010) reported no improvement in yolk color index using 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% levels of thyme and cumin extracts. Vakili (2011) also stated in a study that adding 40 mg/kg of thyme extracts to the diet of laying hens showed no significant effects on egg shell quality parameters. Probably the reasons like the high age of chickens and the high temperature of the environment had a negative effect on the amount of calcium absorption to make the shell (Vakili, 2011). Considering the results obtained from current experiment, it can be concluded that the use of Elaeangus fruit powder at 1% can be recommended to be used in layers diet.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of ginger and nettle powders and their mixture in comparison with antibiotic growth promoter in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 chicks per replicate in commercial broilers. The experimental treatments were:1) control (with no additive); 2) basal diet with 0.04% tetracycline antibiotic growth promoter (50% mixed in feed); 3, 4 and 5): basal diet with 1% ginger powder, 1% nettle powder and 1% of mixed ginger powder and nettle powder, respectively. The results showed that the highest weekly weight gain in the period of 21-35 days was related to the treatment group of 0.04% antibiotic growth promoter followed by the treatment group containing 1% nettle powder, which was statistically significant when compared with other dietary treatments (P< 0.05). In conjunction with the increased feed consumption in the period of 1-7 days of age, treatment groups with 1% ginger powder showed the highest value with statistically significant difference among other experimental groups (P< 0.05). In the sixth week of trial, treatment containing 1% ginger powder resulted in significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels compared to other experimental groups (P< 0.05). With regard to carcass characteristics, feed conversion ratio and other blood parameters no significant changes was noticed among all treatments in different week intervals (P>0.05). According to the archived results, ginger powder and nettle powder and their mixture can be considered as a relatively suitable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for improvement of broiler performance.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of some feed additives compare to Flavomycin growth promoter antibiotic. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design manner consisting 3 treatments, 5 replicates and 20 hens per each replicate using 300 White Leghorn, Hy-Line W-36 strain. The experimental treatments included: control, Flavomycin growth promoter antibiotic at 0.05% dietary level and feed additive mixture consisting of thyme and oregano plant extracts and propionic acid and zinc supplement at 0.1% dietary level which fed to laying hens for 42 days (3 periods of two weeks each). The results of this study showed that the utilization of feed additive mixture significantly (P

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic acids combination on performance, blood biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology and internal egg quality parameters of layer Japanese quails in completely randomized design manner using 225 layer quails in 3 treatments, 5 replicates and 15 quails in each replicate, reared for two periods of 3 weeks each (37-39 and 40-42 weeks). Treatments were: 1) control; 2) basal diet with 0.04% AGP (bacitracin dimethyl salicylate) and 3) basal diet with 0.01% of organic acids combination. Results showed that feed consumption, egg production, egg weight and egg shell percentage were increased significantly compared to the control group by incorporating organic acids combination into the diet. Also significant increase the intestinal villus height, number of goblet cells and intestinal crypt depth were observed in the organic acids supplemented group. The lowest concentration of calcium, high-density lipoprotein, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, feed conversion ratio and Haugh unit scores were found in organic acids fed quails. Glucose, total protein, phosphorus and serum aspartate aminotransferase values were not affected significantly by the experimental groups. Based on the results of this study, application of organic acids combination as a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters can be recommended in layer Japanese quails egg.

In order to stimulate growth, eliminate nutrient deficiencies, strengthen immune responses and prevent diseases, several additives are being added into the poultry feeds (Rakhshan et al. 1389). Initially, the first materials that were considered as food additives were antibiotics and anti-bacterial agents (Hedayati et al. 2015). Since 2006, the EU and later US have prohibited the use of all antibiotics as a growth promoter in livestock industry (Hashemi et al., 2009). Addition of medicinal herbs is aimed for replacing with the chemical compounds available in poultry diets. The minimum benefit of medicinal plants compared to chemical drugs is that if they do not role a positive effect, they have much-more limited side effects. Chicory plant (Cichorium intybus L.) and the English name Succory is a plant of the Asteraceae family, which are available in different parts of Iran. In order to evaluate the effects of Chicory root extract with growth promoter antibiotic, an experiment was conducted on blood biochemical parameters, immune titers and Cecum bacterial population.
Material and 192 Ross 308 mixed sex day-old chicks were used in a completely randomized design manner for 42 days, which were distributed after initial weighing. Experimental design of current trial was consisted of 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 chicks per each replicate. Treatments were 1) control, 2) Flavomycin antibiotic growth promoter (0.045%), 3 and 4) Chicory root extract in 0.5 and 0.1%, respectively. Extract of chicory root was prepared by the maceration method at Malayer University central laboratory. At first, the required amount of dried chicory root was prepared and the woods and groves were removed and then thoroughly grinded with a miller. The required amount of powder was then weighed and injected into the Laboratory Becher. For every 100 grams of powder, 700 ml of 96% ethanol and 300 ml of distilled water were added to Bechers and thoroughly blended for 2 minutes, then an aluminum foil was applied on it and 48 hours later using Whattman filter paper (W-42, UK) was flattened. Then, the ethanol was isolated and the pure extract was obtained and kept until it was used in the refrigerator. In order to study the performance, body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were measured and recorded on a weekly basis. Also, at the end of trial, from each experimental unit, two birds were selected and 3 ml of blood samples were collected for assessing immunity and biochemical parameters of blood serum. Biochemical parameters including triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL), were checked and sent to a biochemical laboratory using a centrifuge at 3000 rpm, for 10 minutes, the serum was isolated from the specimen and measured using an auto-analyzer (Technicon RA-1000, USA). Collected data were analyzed and statistical analysis was performed in a completely randomized design with SAS version 9.1 and GLM procedure. Mean comparison was performed using Duncan's multiple range test at the probability level of P It is found that the maximum body weight and minimum FCR was significantly (P It can be concluded that Chicory root extract at 0.1% dosage when compared with growth promoter antibiotic fed group could improve the blood biochemical parameters and reduce the bacterial population of feces.

The current experiment was performed with the aim of replacing phosphoflavomycin growth promoter antibiotic with a Herbal promoter compound on 165 Layer Japanese quails having 3 treatments, 5 replicates and 12 quails in each replicate from 37 to 42 weeks of age. Treatments were 1) control group; 2) basal diet with phosphoflavomycin antibiotic growth promoter (0.05%) and 3) basal diet with Herbal promoter compound (0.1%). Results showed that herbal promoter compound group has reduced feed consumption and improved feed conversion ratio and egg production percentage, compared with control and antibiotic fed groups. The HDL, triglyceride, liver enzymes, intestinal bacterial load, villus height and intestinal index in group 3 was higher than other two studied group. In conclusion, it can be recommended that inclusion of such herbal promoter compounds having similar compositions are useful replacer to antibiotic growth promoters and can be recommended as a safe feed additive in commercial poultry farms.

In current experiment, to evaluate and compare the efficacy of ethanolic extractions of Thyme and Rosemary on performance, blood biochemical parameters and intestinal morphology of broilers encountered with aflatoxicosis, 300 day-old Ross 308 were employed in completely randomized design manner having 4 treatments of 1) Negative control (basal diet), 2) positive control (basal diet contaminated with 600ppb AFB1), 3) negative control with herbal additives (basal diet along with mixture of ethanolic extraction of Thyme and Rosemary, each for 500ppm) and 4) positive control with herbal additives (basal diet along with 600ppb AFB1 and mixture of ethanolic extraction of Thyme and Rosemary, each for 500ppm), with 5 replicates and 15 chicks each. Result showed that inclusion of 1000ppm of ethanolic extraction of Thyme and Rosemary mixture in broiler diets faced with chronic aflatoxicosis significantly (P

Introduction Using agro-industrial by-products in ruminants feeding could help in semi arid climate condition throughout the year. Raisin by-product is produced in huge magnitude in Malayer city, Hamedan province. Local different raisin by-products which produced during machinery cleaning and sorting of sun dried treated grapevine cluster (Vitisvinifera L. cv. Sultana), are as:1) some outer layer of flesh and skin and pedicle of berries; 2) rejected raisins mostly un-ripped berries with their pedicles and 3) peduncles and rachises with their lateral branches of clusters. They may have suitable nutritive value in ruminants. However, their nutrient profile and availability and anti nutrient factors such as lignin and tannin should be considered. Alfalfa hay is usually the important forage used in dairy cows diet. However, it has lower fiber digestibility and higher ruminal crude protein degradability. Increasing alfalfa hay fiber digestibility and decreasing ruminal crude protein degradability can help its feeding value. Raisin by-product may help to achieve those in the case of alfalfa hay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of raisin by-product in ruminant feeding compared with late flower alfalfa hay and consideration of its effect on in vitro fermentation of alfalfa hay.
Material and methods Based on completely randomized block design, two original samples (two blocks) for each of alfalfa hay and raisin by-product from local availabilities were collected. In first experiment, chemical and phenolic (total phenol and tannin) composition analysis was measured by two replicates for each block according to AOAC methods. In second experiment, in situ ruminal degradation kinetics of alfalfa hay and raisin by-product was measured using two fistulated Mehraban rams. For ruminal incubation times of 0, 3, 6, 16, 36, and 72 h respectively 2, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 filled nylon bags used which randomly assigned in animals. In situ trial was conducted in two runs. Nylon bag residuals from incubation time for each feed block within each run were pooled. In third experiment, gas production kinetics of alfalfa hay, raisin by product and their combination batches as 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in dry matter basis were measured at incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 in two runs and with three vials per time of incubation. Orskov and Mcdonal model used to calculate the in situ and gas production parameters. Potential nutrient supply using 24 h cumulative and chemical compositions were measured. Data was analyzed based on completely randomized block design using proc mixed SAS (9.2) which the effect of treatment was as fixed and the effects of block and run were considered as random. The LSD used to compare means differences and level of significant was P≤0.05.
Results and discussion Chemical composition results showed that total phenol and tannin and organic matter content in raisin by-product were significantly higher and dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and ash were lower than alfalfa hay (P

This study was conducted the effects of supplemental folic acid (FA) on egg folate content and blood plasma folate level, performance and egg quality of laying hens from 54 wk of age. In this study were used 80 Hy-line W-36 laying hen, allocated in completely random design to 4 treatments and 5 replicated cages contain 4 birds per cage. Experimental treatment were consisted of basal diet and 2, 3,4 plus three levels 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg folic acid in diet. Experiment period was week 8. Folic acid supplementation did not affect egg quantity consisting of weight, production percentage and egg mass, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg quality consisting of shape index, egg surface area Specific gravity, Shell weight, Shell thickness and Huagh unit (P>0.05). Yolk folate content and plasma were increased with folate supplementation.Based on regression relationships, showed that 137.5 mg folic acid/kg diets represent the best effects with respect to folate content of egg yolk.

In order to evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on ascites incidence using this experiment was conducted 136 male one day (chicken Ross 308) in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 4 replication and 17 chickens in each replicate. Treatments includes: diet contain 4 % soybean oil (n3:n6:0.112) and diet include 5.5% poultry oil (n3:n6:0.201). Birds were raised up to 48 days of age and exposed to a cool temperature (15±1°C) from day 21 thereafter. Blood samples (2 mL) were obtained from the wing vein at 21 and 48 days of age. At 21 and 48 days of age, 2 birds in each replication were slaughtered and the hearts, Liver and pulmonary artery were removed and dissected to measure right ventricular hypertrophy. The results have shown diet with 5.5% poultry oil significantly decreased blood viscosity (P<0.05). However concentration of thyroxin, rectal temperature and glutamate dehydrogenase activity were also significantly increased in this treatment (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde as an oxidative stress index significantly increased by diet contain 5.5% poultry oil. Based on results of this research it can be concluded that high ratio of n3:n6 in poultry oil couldn’t decrease ascites mortality as compare with soybean oil.

This study was designed to survey lactoferin effect (LF) on strength, tissue characteristics of tibia and performance in laying hens. A total of 1080 layer -breeder fertile eggs were divided into four treatments with 3 replicates, each treatment comprising 90 eggs; control treatment was injected with 100 μL of normal saline per egg; 2, 3 and 4 treatments including 22.5 (low), 45 (medium), and 67.5 (high) μg of LF in 100 μL of normal saline per egg respectively. Eggs were incubated, then healthy chicks were reared to 28 wk of age. In this study, tibia weight, at hatch, was numerically better in eggs injected with LF than the control (p>0.05). Further strength in the bones of LF treatments, is merely reflection of difference in the tibia cortical thickness and is not related to bone atrophy in the intra diameter of haversian canals. Egg weights from hens treated with high concentration of LF were also significantly greater than the control (p<0.05). The results of the present study show that tibia cortical thickness could be a suitable variable for evaluating bone status. The present study also shows that there is a middle correlation (r =0.49, p<0.01) between the tibia cortical thickness and the bone strength.

This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of in ovo injection of Nano silver, Thyme and Savory extracts to broiler breeder’s eggs and their effect on immunologic parameters. A total of 495 fertilized eggs were used in the pre-Experiment with 11 treatments by both 3 replications and 15 eggs in each. Treatments including: two controls (1- with injection and 2- without injection), treatment 3-11 injected with: 30, 45 and 60 ppm of Nano silver, 100, 150, 175 ppm of Thyme and Savory extracts. The eggs injected at 17th day of incubation. Result indicated that IgA and IgM were affected by treatment so that the IgA levels were significantly higher in all of the treatment rather than the control and the IgM levels were significant higher in 175 ppm thyme extract in comparison to 60 ppm Nano silver. Also in 14 and 21 days, response of the skin to Di-nitrocholorobanzen (DNCB), bursa and spleen of weights were not significant. The results showed that IgM and IgA, had better response to injection of Thyme and Savory extracts than Nano silver.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are groups of toxin fungus that are produced by different species of fungi of Aspergillus flavusand Aspergillus parasiticus. In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of aflatoxin B1 in diet on the performance, total of 450 Japanese quail at 1 d of age were studied in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 5 replications (15 pieces in each replication). Treatments consisted of five levels of aflatoxin B1 in the diet (50, 100 200, 500, 1000 ppb) with a control group (without aflatoxin B1), respectively.At 28 d of age, of each experimental unit 2 chickens after collection of blood samples, Slaughtered and internal organs weighed individually.The presence of aflatoxin B1 in the diet was significantly reduced feed intake and body weight gain at 28 d of age. At the end of the fourth week, with increasing levels of aflatoxin B1 in diets, liver and gizzard weight indicated a significant increase and decrease, respectively. Diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 indicated significant effect on blood parameters so that with increasing levels of aflatoxin B1 decreased total protein and glucose levels in blood. Overall, the results of this study showed that the presence of aflatoxin B1 in quail's diet, Caused adverse effects on blood parameters, Viscera weight and performance of Japanese quail. thus importance of emphasizing on birdsdiet (quail) redoubleto control pollution.

This study deals with comparison between the efficacy of an immune stimulant herbal compound and a commercial probiotic containing lactobacilli on performance, blood biochemical parameters, Immune response and intestinal bacterial counts in broilers. Two hundred and twenty five unsexed Ross 308 were randomly allotted to 3 groups of 5 replicate and 15 chicks in each replicate and fed with following treatments: 1) Basal diet (no herbal compound and probiotic), 2) Basal diet + 0.025% commercial probiotic and 3) Basal diet + 0.1% of an immune stimulant herbal compound () for 42 days. Results showed that addition of herbal compound decreased feed consumption of broilers compared with control group numericaly and decreased the cholesterol and liver enzymes significantly (P<0.05) compared with probiotic treatment. Antibody titers values get improved by incorporation of herbal compound when compared with other treatments. Total number of salmonella and coliforms were lower in probiotic group, while in herbal compound treatment, salmonella counts was (P<0.05) higher and E.coli counts was lower than other two groups, significantly (P<0.05).

An experiment was conducted with 240 Ross broiler chicks (mixed male and female) to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of pennyroyal in comparison with flavomycin antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on blood biochemical parameters, weight of internal organs and cecal bacterial counts in broilers. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design manner with 4 treatments, 3 replicates and 20 chicks in each replicate from 1 to 42 days of age. Treatment 1 was a control basal diet, treatment 2 was the basal diet with 0.45 % AGP and treatments 3 and 4 received 0.1 and 0.05 % pennyroyal ethanolic extract in the basal diet, respectively. The results showed that the ethanol extract of pennyroyal in both used concentrations, reduced harmful bacteria (coliforms, Salmonella and E.coli) in ceca (p<0.05)., No significant effect on the weights of internal organs was observed except for the gizzard. Ethanolic extraction of pennyroyal increased the serum cholesterol concentration and decreased the activity of ALT, when compared with control group.

In order to evaluate the different levels of a commercial plant-based growth promoter on performance, blood biochemical parameters, immune response and cecal bacterial population, 300 day-old Ross 308 (mixed sex) in 4 treatments, 5 replicates and 15 chicks in each replicate in a completely randomized design manner were employed. Experimental treatments were 1) control (basal diet, without any feed additive); 2) basal diet with 0.045% Flavomycin antibiotic growth promoter; 3) basal diet with 0.05% plant-based growth promoter and 4) basal diet with 0.1% plant-based growth promoter. Results showed that treatment having 0.1% plant-based growth promoter significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight and improved FCR in comparison with control group and also this treatment in decreased cholesterol content and increased HDL and immune response against ND, AI and IBD showed significantly (P<0.05) effective when compared with control and AGP fed groups. The groups fed antibiotic growth promoter have showed significant (P<0.05) decreased in cecal population of coliforms and E.coli than the control group, but for population of salmonella, only the treatment having 0.1% plant-based growth promoter has showed significant reduction (P<0.05).

Aspergillus flavus is among of fungi that caused massive contamination on feed. In this study، was study antifungal activity of different extracts of Aloe Vera plant on the growth، aflatoxin production and also its effect on profile of extracellular proteins of Aspergillus flavus. Six different solvents، acetone، ethanol، water، methanol، chloroform and ethyl ether were employed for extraction from Aloe Vera fresh leaves. Antifungal activity of the extracts was evaluated by Agar Plate Diffusion Plate method، using doses of 0، 2، 20، 200 and 2000µL in 20mL. Also، the acetone extract of Aloe Vera were used to evaluate and study on the production of aflatoxin B1 and extracellular protein patterns produced by A. flavus by HPLC and SDS-PAGE respectively. The maximum antifungal activity was observed in acetone extract، in concentration of 2000µL. Results obtained from HPLC analysis revealed the inhibition of aflatoxin production in 2000µL for 40. 94% and in 2µL for 18. 14%. The SDS-PAGE results showed that with decrease in fungal mycelium growth، the proteins production rate was also decreased. From this study it can be concluded that the acetone extract of Aloe Vera can be used as a more effective antifungal agent to inhibit the growth of A. flavus compared to other solvents.

Due to the wide spread of Aspergillus flavus contamination on the food stuff، its complete growth inhibition is inevitable. Aloe vera has anti-microbial compounds that have significant antifungal and antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to compare the antifungal activity of acetonic، ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Aloe vera on A. flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production. In this study، the antifungal activity of acetonic، ethanolic، and aqueous extracts of Aloe vera was evaluated using the agar plate diffusion method. Extracts were tested at different concentrations (0، 102، 103، 104 and 105 microliters /liter). To evaluate the effect of the extract on aflatoxin B1 production، the acetonic extract of Aloe vera was used and the amount of toxin produced was measured using the HPLC method. The maximum antifungal activity (100%) was observed in 105 microliters /liter of acetonic extract. The inhibition percentages of aflatoxin B1 production at 2،000 and 2 microlitters /liter concentrations in 50 ml of culture medium were 40. 94% and 18. 14%، respectively. The acetonic extract of Aloe vera can be more effective than the other solvents to prevent A. flavus growth and it can also reduce the production of aflatoxin B1by A. flavus.

Yoghurt is a unique fermented dairy product, consumed throughout the world and the trend of consumption is increasing due to its unique health benefits. Yoghurt mix is often supplemented with MSNF (milk solids-non-fat), it may contain as much as 5.7% unhydrolysed lactose. Lactose can be hydrolysed with an enzyme lactase. Deficiency of lactase in lactose-intolerant persons leads to gastrointestinal disorders; such consumers may find it difficult to consume lactose unhydrolysed yoghurt. The production of lactose hydrolysed yoghurt by pre-hydrolysing of lactose in the yoghurt mix by enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose was studied using standard materials and methods. Among the different levels of enzyme examined (0.12 to 0.56% of yoghurt mix with increment of 0.04% at each level), 0.16, 0.32 and 0.52% were found suitable to hydrolyse 50, 70 and 90% lactose in the yoghurt mix, respectively. Lactose hydrolysed yoghurt (LHY) prepared from 70% followed by 50% lactose hydrolysed mix (LHM) had significantly higher scores for body and texture, flavour and overall acceptability than control (P<0.05). However, 90% LHY secured significantly lower scores for sensory scores (P<0.05) and lactose hydrolysis in mix had no effect on colour and appearance of yoghurt at all levels of hydrolysis. Lactose hydrolysis reduced the setting time by 30-45 min over control (210 min) (P<0.05). The curd strength was checked by measuring penetration (mm/5sec) using a cone penetrometer. The yoghurt from 50, 70 and 90% LHM had shown significantly increased penetration of 280, 325 and 395 mm/5sec as compared to control (195 mm/5sec) and the amount of whey separation increased as the degree of lactose hydrolysis increased (P<0.05).