یوسف روزبهان

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of replacement alfalfa hay with different levels of pistachio by product (PB). In the first experiment, the effects of replacement alfalfa hay with levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75% of PB on rumen fermentation parameters after 24h of incubation were investigated with four treatments and three replications. Second experiment was designed to evaluate effect of diets contained of different levels of PB on dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein intake (CPI), average daily gain (ADG) of twenty twin bearing goat and their kids. Goats with a mean weight of 33.4 ± 2.69 kg feed over an 84-days period experimental diets with a ratio of 80% hay and 20% concentrate. Data from both experiments were analyzed in a completely randomized design. At 50 and 75% of PB replacement level, chemical composition and phenolic compound of experiment diet respectively were decreased and increased in comparison with control and diet contains25%ofPB (P<0.001). Gas production and estimated parameters after 24h of incubation were decreased linearly by replacement levels of 50 and 75% of PB (P<0.001). Partitioning factor (PF) was significantly increased at 50 and 75% of PB replacement level in comparison to other groups (P<0.001). DMI, CPI, ADG of goats and their kids were decreased linearly by replacement levels of 50 and 75% of PB (P<0.001).In general, replacement of alfalfa hay with levels of 25% of PB had no adverse effects on rumen fermentation parameters of goats and daily gain of their kids, however, levels more than 25% had adverse effects on the mentioned parameters.

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

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

This study was conducted to assess the nutritive value and performance of green fodder (GF) production in hydroponic system. A mixture of barley (100 kg) and corn (80 kg) seeds was prepared and grown in an automatic controlling growing chamber that contained 7 shelevs, each with 16 special trays capacity. From each shelf, 6 trays were taken out after 7, 8, 9 and 10 days (as treatment) and fresh weight was recorded and sampled. Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility was determined. The performance and cost of GF production were estimated. Results showed that the fresh GF yield was 5.25 times of the original seed nevertheless, dry matter obtained was 23.8% less than the initial spent seed. Crude protein (CP) content of GF was significantly higher than that of barley (P=0.0076) and corn grain (P=0.0071) but such elevation in CP was mainly related to non-protein nitrogen. Organic matter digestibility of GF reduced as compared to the barley (P=0.0079) and corn grain (P=0.0087) and ME content. No differences were obtained among the GF treatments for nutrient contents and digestibility.The estimated cost per kg DM, CP, TP and ME obtained from GF were respectively 3.12, 2.01, 3.12 and 3.11 times of barley and corn grains. Ovreall, not only there is a negative balance of nutrients during converting barley and corn grains to green fodder in hydroponic system, but also the price of nutrients obtained by GF is several times higher than the original grains.

The aim of this research was to compare the digestibility of two concentrates with chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and lignin as markers in the Turkmen horses. In a completely randomised experiment 16 Turkmen horses, weighting 433 ±50 kg and aged 8 ±3 years were used. The treatments were a control diet (Tc) contained 25 percent of imported concentrate and three diets contained 20, 25 and 30 percent of local concentrate, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The trial was carried out for a period of 28 days, started with 21 days of adaptation period and 7 days sampling and data collection. When Cr2O3 marker was used, the digestibility of OM (547 vs. 506), CP (545 vs. 527) and NDF (427 vs. 309) were higher (P

Sheep adapted to consume tannins rich feeds such as oak leaf (OL) appear to develop defensive mechanisms by their ruminal bacteria against these polyphenols. The capabilities of ruminal isolated tannins resistant bacteria from these animals to ferment a tanniniferous feed (i.e., pistachio hulls, (PH) which were incubated with rumen fluid from Holstein dairy cows was assessed. Six g positive cocci were isolated from the rumen of sheep and the 16s rRNA gene sequences showed them to be closely related to Streptococcus gallolyticus. In three runs of in vitro gas production (GP), the effect of two of the isolates incubated with bufferedruminal fluid of Holstein cow and PH was evaluated. The GP was recorded from 1 to 96 h of incubation. Incubating either of the isolates with PH caused a significantly higher in vitro gas production, estimated parameters, in vitro organic matter disappearance, metabolisable energy and volatile fatty acids than those without any isolate. The improvement in the ruminal parameters when either of the isolates was used suggested the possible presence of isolated tannins-resistant bacteria (Streptococcus gallolyticus sp.),however, in vivo studies must be conducted to confirm the in vitro results.

Twelve Turkmen horses with an average weight of 425 ± 4 kg and age of 6 ±1.8 years were used in the experiment. In all rations, the ratio of concentrate to forage was 65:35. Corn and oats, barley and wheat and barley with oats were used as a source of starch in 1, 2 and 3 ration respectively. Lignin and acid insoluble ash (AIA) were used as internal markers to determine the nutrient digestibility. Using lignin or AIA methods, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract and digestible energy were significantly increased in treatment 1 (P<0.05). Digestion coefficients of ash-free neutral detergent fibre, ash-free acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose were increased for treatments 1 and 3 (P<0.05). The digestion coefficients obtained by using both markers there was not significantly different (P >0.05) except in the case of ADFom and cellulose in diet 1 and ADFom, hemicellulose and cellulose in diet 2. However, the recovery rate of AIA and lignin were 106% and 91% respectively, the recovery rates of these markers are highly correlated with the total faecal collection method. In general, the inclusion of corn and oats in the ration has led to improve the nutrients digestibility compared to those without corn and oats.

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different doses of grape pomace extract (GE) on ruminal degradation and post-ruminal digestion of basal diet in dairy cow using a modified two-step in vitro method. The VFA، ammonia production and protozoa population determined. Six levels of extract were used: GE0: basal diet، GE1، GE2، GE3، GE4، GE5 contains 12، 24، 36، 48 and 60 µl extract/50 ml inoculum respectively. Ruminal degradation of DM (rdDM) in GE3، GE4، GE5 was lower comparing to GE0، but ruminal degradation of CP (rdCP) by adding GE was decreased. Digestibility of DM (tdDM) and CP (rdCP) in GE4 and GE5 diets were lower with comparing to GE0. Addition of GE increased the proportion of rumen escape CP (pdBCP) and degradability of bypass CP in HCl/pepsin (dBCP). The population of proteolytic bacteria only declined in GE4 and GE5 diets comparing to GE0. Total VFA، acetate concentrations and acetate propionate ratio were lower in GE3، GE4، GE5 diets compared to GE0. NH3-Nproduction، total number of protozoa، subfamily of Entodiniinae and genus of Dasytricha were decreased as the level of GE increased. With the By addition of GE، genus of Isotricha and subfamilies of Diplodiniinae and Ophrioscolecinae at the 12 and 24 h of incubation was lower than the control. In conclusion، GE supplementation has reduced protozoa population، NH3-N and protein degradation in the rumen and increased degradability of bypass CP

The effect of three levels of eucalyptus leaf (0، 28. 65 or 57. 37mg/200mg substrate)، which were either oven، freeze or air dried on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics was assessed. The studied parameters were in vitro gas production (IVGP)، methane production، ammonia (NH3-N) concentration، in vitro organic matter degradability، partitioning factor (PF) (ratio of substrate truly degraded to gas volume produced at 24 h of incubation) and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentration. Three subfamily of Entodiniinae، Ophryscolecinae، Diplodiniinae and family of Isotrichdaewere، also، identified and enumerated. Methods of air (L effect; P<0. 01) and freeze drying (Q effect; P<0. 05) have decreased the concentration of VFAs. However، oven drying method has increased propionic acid concentration (L effect; P<0. 01). Adding eucalyptus leaf has significantly decreased gas production from insoluble fraction (b) (L effect; P<0. 01)، IVGP at 24، 54 h (L and Q effect; P<0. 01)، methane production (L effect; P<0. 05)، NH3-N concentration (L effect; P<0. 01) and total VFAs (L effect; P<0. 01). However، such additive has improved PF (L effect; P<0. 01) only at 57. 31 level. Moreover، the inclusion of eucalyptus has significantly decreased total protozoa population (P<0. 01)، Entoodiniinae subfamily (P<0. 01) and Isotrichdae family (P<0. 05). The results suggest that eucalyptus leaves has positively manipulated in vitro ruminal fermentation، and oven dried method was more effective than two other methods.

Twenty male Raini goats with an average live weight of 30 ± 2.5 kg and 18 month of age., were used in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental diets and 5 replications to study effect of different levels By-Pass(UDP) protein(2.75, 4.86, 5.91 and 6.97 percent in dry matter) on growth and carcass characteristics. Metabolismable Energy (ME) level of the all diets were similar (10.04 MJ ME/Kg DM). The control treatment diet was offered the level of Undegradable protein (2.75 % DM) which recommended by AFRC (1998). The goats were weighted at fortinightly intervals during the 84 days experimental period. The average of daily live weight gain of treatment were respectivelity 68, 87.3, 99.5 and 117 g/days and feed conversion were respectvelity18.38, 13.86, 12.21 and 10.56. The result indicated that high levels By-Pass protein significantly (P<0.05) increased daily live weight gain and improvement feed conversion compared with control group (UDP = 2.75). But there was no such a significantly for dry matter Intake in different treatment (P>0.05). After completion of this period (84 days), in each treatment 3 goats and 12 goats all together were slaughtered, the high levels By-Pass protein diet had significantly increased warm and cold carcass weight compared with control diet (p < 0.05) The results indicated that growth rate and carcass gain were highest in goats fed the greater levels Bypass protein (higher than advised in AFRC). But it is not economically reasonable.

In a completely randomized design، the effect of four iso-protein and iso-caloric diets containing different levels (0، 8، 16 and 24%) of processed broiler litter was studied on the fattening performance of 60 Holstein male calves (with initial weight of 309±9kg and about 8-9 month age) for a period of 200 days. At the end of the experiment، all animals were slaughtered and then the carcasses، edible and non-edible parts were weighted after carcass inspection. Results showed that the average dry matter intake of calves fed diets containing four levels of poultry litter، were respectively 10. 17، 10. 28، 9. 97 and 10. 26 kg/d، daily weight gain were 1339، 1305، 1362 and 1311 g/d، and feed conversion ratio were 7. 7، 7. 9، 7. 4 and 7. 6 that were not affected by the experimental diets (P>0. 05). In addition، the carcass weight، carcass dressing percentage and organs were not different among the treatments (P>0. 05). Based on the visual tests، the carcasses and organs، no differences were observed between the animals received different levels of broiler litter. Economically، feeding cost was lower when the animals received diets containing 16 and 24% of broiler litter. Based on the results of this experiment، the processed broiler litter could be included in the diet of finishing calves، however it is recommended that the optimum level to be about 20% on the farm conditions.

Fifty Moghani male lambs with mean body weight of 28±1.9 kg were investigated in a completely randomized design for 98 days to assess the effect of replacing corn silage (CS) by amaranth silage (AS) on weight gain, rumen fermentation and blood parameters. Five iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets, in which CS replaced by different levels of AS (0, 75, 150, 225, or 300 g/kg of diet DM), were formulated to meet animal requirements. The diets were offered ad libitum and twice daily as total mixed rations. Dietary replacement of CS by AS, increased the daily feed intake, weight gain and molar proportion of butyrate, but diminished the ruminal proportion of iso-valerate, and blood content of triglycerides (P<0.05). The molar proportion of acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, valerate and pH of the rumen, and plasma levels of the glucose, total protein, albumin, creatinine, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Cl were similar among the experimental treatments. Overall, replacement of CS by AS up to 300 g/kg of dietary DM in diet of fattening Moghani lambs were possible, without negative effect on animal growth and blood parameters.

The objective of this study was to determine nutritive value of water extracted pomegranate peel with or without polyethylene glycol on in vitro gas production kinetic and ruminal parameters such as ammonia production, VFA and protozoa population. Water extraction of secondary metabolites decreased the total phenols (P<0.01), total tannins (P<0.01), free gallic acids (P<0.01) and galotannin (P<0.01). Addition of polyethylene glycol to non-extracted pomegranate-peel increased in vitro gas production at 24 h of incubation (P=0.01), in vitro organic matter degradability (P=0.047), metabolizable energy (P=0.018), truly degraded substrate (P=0.006) and asymptotic gas production (P=0.02), but microbial protein production, partitioning factor and gas yield were not affected. Extracting increased partitioning factor at 24 h of incubation. Adding polyethylene glycol to non-extracted pomegranate-peel increased total VFA (P<0.01) and acetate (P= 0.01) concentrations. N-NH3 production was increased with addition polyethylene glycol in non-extracted and extracted pomegranate peel (P<0.01). Inclusion of polyethylene glycol and using extracting increased population of total protozoa (P= 0.01) and subfamily of Entodiniinae (P<0.01), but adding polyethylene glycol increased subfamily of Diplodiniinae (P= 0.05). In conclusion, polyethylene glycol improved nutritive value of pomegranate-peel and extracting had negative effect on nutritive value of pomegranate-peel, but extracting has negative effect on nutritive value. However, suggests that in vivo studies for effect this by-product on the efficiency of protein and energy in ruminant.

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

Different levels of Grape pomace Extract (GE) were evaluated for their effect on in vitro gas production and as well on some such ruminal fermentation parameters as apparent degraded substrate، Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA)، and microbial protein production، in sheep، as ruminal inoculum donor. As for extraction، dried grape pomace and distilled water were mixed in an equal weight ratio. GE was added at three levels of 0، 15 and 30 mg of total phenolics content per gram of DM of basal diet. The basal diet was composed of alfalfa hay، soybean meal and barley grain. In vitro Gas Production (GP) was recorded at 3، 6، 8، 12، 16، 24، 48، 72، 96 and 120h of incubation. After 24h past، incubation was stopped، filtered and the apparent degraded substrate determined. Such ruminal fermentation parameters as 24 h Partitioning Factor (PF24)، Gas Yield (GY24)، In Vitro Organic Matter Disappearance (IVOMD)، Metabolizable Energy (ME) and Microbial Protein MP were also estimated. The addition of pomegranate extract did not affect the asymptotic GP (A)، Lag time (L)، ADS، GP24، GY24 IVOMD and ME، but MP (Q=0. 005) and PF2 (L=0. 023، Q=0. 004) values got increased. There was no influence observed on the total VFA and on the molar proportion of acetate، but propionate value (Q=0. 048) increased and while butyrate (L=0. 004) and the acetate to propionate ratio (Q=0. 001) decreased (at two levels of GE) as compared with control. With both levels of extracts، NH3-N concentration (P<0. 0001) decreased in comparison with control. Total protozoa counts and subfamily of Entodiniinae decreased in comparison with control، at times of 3، 12 and 24h past of incubation. Addition of GE deceased Isotricha (L<0. 0001، Q<0. 0001)، dasytricha (L=0. 003، Q=0. 030)، subfamily of Diplodiniinae (L=0. 0009، Q=0. 012) and Ophrioscolecinae (L<0. 0001، Q<0. 0001). In total، GE with no effect on IVOMD، increased microbial protein production، and decreased NH3-N، as well as protozoa population.

The effect of three levels (0، 28. 65، 57. 31mg /200mg substrate) of Golpar (Heracleum persicum: HP) on in vitro rumen ecosystem and on methane production was assessed. Gas Production (GP) was recorded from 1 to 54h past of incubation. The parameters studied were In Vitro Gas Production (IVGP)، methane production، ammonia-N concentration (NH3-N)، In Vitro Organic Matter Degradability (IVOMDe)، Partitioning Factor (PF)، microbial mass، and total Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) concentration. The effect of different Golpar levels on the total protozoa population، subfamilies of Entodiniinae، Ophryscolecinae، Diplodiniinae، and Isotrichdae family were also studied. The secondary Haracleum persicum (HP) metabolites significantly decreased rate of fermentation، gas production from insoluble fraction (b)، and as well gas production at 24 and 54 h Past of incubation. At first and second levels of application of HP، methane gas production decreased by 17. 3 and 11. 6 present، respectively. The inclusion of HP plant while reducing NH3-N concentration improved PF index. The addition of HP increased microbial mass at the two levels of qpplication by 17 and 18 percent، respectively. The introduction of this medical plant decreased the concentration of VFAs and as well، the acetic acid concentration. The reduction in total protozoa population، Entodiniinae subfamily and Isotrichdae family، also، revealed an antiprotozoal effect of HP. It can finally be suggested that HP plant bears the potential to positively manipulate in vitro ruminal fermentation through NH3-N concentrationreduction microbial mass production promotion and reduction in methane gas production.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of deep-stacking process on temperature and pathogenic bacterial survival of Broiler Litter (BL). Broiler litter، deep-stacked to 3 depths (30، 60 or 120 cm) and at 3 moisture levels (15، 25 or 35%) was made use of in a split plot design، experiment last for 21 days. Daily temperature of the deep-stacked BL at different depths and at different ambient temperatures were recorded. At the finite temperature of the deep-stacked BLs، representative samples were taken from different depths for later bacterial analysis. The effect of depth on temperature of deep-stacked BL was significant among the day’s 2 to 13 (P<0. 05). Higher moisture level increased the temperature of deep-stacked BL on days 1-4 and 9-21 (P<0. 05). The interaction effect of depth × moisture on temperature of deep stacked BL was significant (P<0. 05). Total count of bacteria in the deep-stacked BL treatments decreased as compared with the control treatment (P<0. 05) with the exception of the depth of 30 cm of 15% moisture and as well the depth of 120 cm of 25% moisture. Mean populations of Coliform bacteria in the depth of 30 cm with 25% moisture and in the depth 30 and 60 cm of 35% moisture amounted to zero. There were no Escherichia coli populations found in at the different depths of deep-stacked BL of 35% moisture. Mean populations of Salmonella in depths of 30 and 60 cm with 25 and 35% moisture contents and at the depth of 120 cm with 35% moisture content were recorded as zero. Overall، deep-stacking BL with 35% of moisture for 9 days (to reach the final destined temperature) decreased the total count of bacteria and other Coliforms and as well eliminated the pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella).

Forty-eight Mehraban male lambs each of 6 months of age and 32. 1 ± 3. 9 kg Body Weight (BW) were utilized to study the effects of administration of Echum amoenum Extract (EAE) on plasma metabolites and Methane gas. Following 2 weeks of adaptation and being fed a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) of 60 to 40-ratio concentrate to forage، the lambs were divided by their initial BW into 4 groups of 12 lambs each in a completely randomized design. The control group received only TMR، while the second، third and fourth groups receiving 0. 3، 1. 5 or 3 ml/Kg DM EAE extract for a 90 day experimental period. The Echum amoenum extracts were added to the diet fed to each lamb at the 8:00 h. Blood samples were collected at day 37 (S1) and day 72 (S2) from the jugular vein. The plasma metabolites studied were total protein، albumin، creatinine، Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)، glucose، triglyceride as well as cholesterol. The correlation among، and between these metabolites، was also assessed. The results indicated that creatinine، BUN and triglyceride were significantly different from control in day 37 of sampling.