mokhtar fathi

This study examined the effects of dietary inclusion of silymarin on performance, and physiological responses of broilers exposed to heat stress (HS) conditions. A flavonoid complex known as silymarin is extracted from the Silybum marianum plant, which is renowned for its medicinal properties. A total of 500 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were divided into five dietary treatment groups with five replicates each. Thermoneutral (TN), heat stress (HS), and HS with a diet supplemented with four different silymarin at rates of zero, 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg, respectively (S0, S1, S2, and S3 groups). Broiler chickens were reared under normal conditions until d 25 and after that the heat stress (34 ± 2◦C) was applied for eight hours (0900 to 1700 h) from d 25 to 42. Exposure to HS significantly reduced feed intake, weight gain, antioxidant capacity, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), and Lymphocytes (LYM) in and elevated feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, serum malondialdehyde, and heterophils (HET) compared to the TN group. Moreover, HS decreased the immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and caecal lactic acid bacteria population (CLBP), but increased caecal coliform population (CCFP), and total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in serum (P < 0.01). Among the HS groups, supplementary silymarin improved growth performance indices and reduced mortality (P < 0.01). The HET and HET to LYM ratio was reduced by silymarin supplementation. The HS-induced effects on of TG, TC, ALT, and AST concentration in serum were alleviated by dietary silymarin supplementation (P < 0. 01). Moreover, the HCT, HGB, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, IgM, and IgG level were increased. Silymarin inclusion reduced malondialdehyde in serum (P < 0.01). In addition, CLBP increased, and CCFP decreased by silymarin inclusion. In conclusion, silymarin inclusion may be used to alleviate the physiological responses of broilers exposed to heat stress.

Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (ascites) is one of the most common metabolic syndromes in today's fast-growing broilers. It is associated with rapid growth and is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal spaces. Effective factors in the occurrence of ascites syndrome included free radicals in the body such as superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. By reducing the capacity of the body's antioxidant systems, free radicals make the bird susceptible to various diseases. Free radicals are produced in the body by damaging the cell membrane leading to cell death and ultimately tissue damage. Therefore, by increasing cell protection from such injuries, one of the common causes of ascites and heart failure abnormalities can be prevented. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce the half-life of nitric oxide (vasodilating agent), causing a decrease in the ability of vasodilation and providing the basis for the occurrence of ascites. B-blockers (or b-adrenergic antagonists) are a group of drugs widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, namely arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and angina pectoris as well as other types of pathologies such as anxiety or glaucoma. Part of the beneficial cardiovascular effects shown by this group of compounds has already been associated with the antioxidant properties that some of them seem to possess. It demonstrated a concentration-dependent membrane anti-peroxidative activity for propranolol, pindolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and sotalol. Of the five b-blockers examined, propranolol was the most potent agent, and the activities seemed to correlate with the drugs’ hydrophobicity. Further studies indicated that the antioxidant activity of propranolol was independent of its pharmacological activity and was related to its intrinsic chemical properties rather than to its quinidine-like membrane stabilization effect. The antioxidant properties of propranolol were later corroborated using membrane and cellular models. More recently, propranolol’s antioxidant-related cardioprotective effects were studied in rats, showing that the chronic treatment with this b-blocker was found able to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus, it is now accepted that propranolol is an important therapeutic tool against oxidative stress by stabilizing membranes, including lysosomes, inducing the activity of antioxidant and other beneficial enzymes, increasing endothelial nitric oxide production, and directly protecting isolated membranes, cardiovascular cells, and tissues against oxidative injury. So far, there have been few studies on the effects of propranolol in broilers. Therefore, the current research was designed to evaluate the propranolol on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and the status of some hematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens under induced ascites.  The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with four treatments in four replicates and 10 chickens in each replicate. Experimental treatments included: 1- positive control group (no induce ascites, basal diet), 2- negative control group (inducing ascites and fed with basic diet), 3 and 4- propranolol groups (inducing ascites, supplemented with 50 and 100 ppm propranolol). To induce ascites, water containing 7 g per liter of salt was provided to the chickens from day 15 of age. Growth performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated for the total period. On the last day of the experiment (42 d), two birds were randomly selected from each cage and after sampling from the wing vein, they were killed and the ascites index was calculated as the ratio of the weight of the right ventricle to the weight of total ventricles (RV/TV). The mortalities were collected as soon as they were observed and after weighing to correct the feed conversion ratio, were necropsied to investigate the cause of death. Serum antioxidant parameters include the level of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were determined. In addition, the serum enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. The results showed that induction of ascites increased RV/TV, mortality due to ascites, and feed conversion ratio; while it decreased feed intake, and live weight (P<0.05). Additionally, ascites induction increased the number of white and red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, heterophile, and decreased lymphocytes (P<0.05). The levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes were decreased in ascites-induced broiler chickens. At the same time, it decreased the level of serum malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes (P<0.05). Inclusion of propranolol had no significant effect on growth performance (P>0.05), but it significantly decreased the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles and ascites related-mortalities (P<0.05). Moreover, inclusion of propranolol reduced the number of white and red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, heterophile and increased lymphocytes compared to the negative control birds (P<0.05). In addition, propranolol enhanced the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in serum (P<0.05). In conclusion, propranolol inclusion at 100 ppm may be used to alleviation the physiological responses of broilers exposed to ascites. In conclusion, propranolol inclusion at 100 ppm may be used to alleviation the physiological responses of broilers exposed to ascites.

Ascites is one of the most common metabolic syndromes in today's fast-growing broilers and is associated with rapidly growing and characterized by accumulation of fluid in the abdominal spaces. Effective factors in the occurrence of ascites syndrome, can mention free radicals in the body such as superoxide, hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. By reducing the capacity of the body's antioxidant systems, free radicals make the bird susceptible to various diseases. Free radicals produced in the body by damaging the cell membrane lead to cell death and ultimately tissue damage. Therefore, by increasing cell protection from such injuries, one of the common causes of ascites and heart failure abnormalities can be prevented. In addition, free radicals from oxygen derivatives reduce the half-life of nitric oxide (vasodilating agent), causing a decrease in the ability of vasodilation and providing the basis for the occurrence of ascites. Therefore, it is suggested that antioxidants can prevent ascites and improve performance in broilers. Medicinal plants are among the rich sources of natural antioxidants that do not have the harmful effects of antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants. For this reason, the use of medicinal plant extracts is an important step in animal nutrition to increase the immunity of poultry. The mentioned extracts have strong antioxidant, antibacterial and digestive properties. Probably, the positive effects of medicinal plants are due to the active compounds found in plant extracts such as menthol, thymol, carvacrol. In order to investigate the effects of aqueous ethanol extract of Vinifera Vitis (V.V) on the performance, antioxidant status and blood parameters of broiler chickens under induced ascites. 

A total 300 one-day-old chickens (Ross, 308) were done in the form of a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications (15 chickens in each replication). Experimental treatments include: 1- positive control group (without inducing ascites and fed with basal diet), 2- negative control group (inducing ascites and fed with basal diet), 3 and 4- Vinifera Vitis groups (ascites induction with 1000 and 2000 ppm of Vinifera Vitis extract). To induce ascites, water containing 1200 mg of sodium (3 grams per liter of salt) was provided to the chickens from the 15th day of the experiment. Growth performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated for the total period. On the last day of the experiment (42 d), two birds were randomly selected from each cage and after sampling from the wing vein, killed and the ascites index was calculated as the ratio of the weight of the right ventricle to the total ventricles. The mortalities were collected as soon as they were observed and after weighing to correct the feed conversion ratio, were necropsied to investigate the cause of death. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as serum antioxidant parameters including the level of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, liver enzymes present in the serum including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also measured. 

The results showed that induction of ascites increased the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles, mortalities due to ascites, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and body weight (P <0.05). The administration of Vinifera Vitis extract improved the growth performance index and reduced the ratio of the right ventricle to the total ventricles and mortalities (P <0.05). Vinifera Vitis extract moderated the increasing effects of ascites induction on triglyceride and cholesterol compared to the negative control treatment (P <0.05). In addition, the induction of ascites caused a decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and an increase in serum malondialdehyde, the experimental treatments improved the antioxidant status compared to the negative control treatment (P <0.05). Also, induction of ascites increased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gammaglutaryl transferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. The supplementation of the experimental supplements decreased the serum level of the mentioned enzymes (P <0.05). The results of this research showed that the use of ethanolic extract of Vinifera Vitis has positive results on the performance and stress reduction of broiler chickens affected by ascites and it can be effectively used from the level of 2000 ppm of the ethanol extract Vinifera Vitis was used in the diet of broiler chickens to reduce stress and improve performance.

Heat stress has adverse effects on the health and performance of broilers. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of black seed (BS) supplementation on broilers subjected to heat stress (HS). A total of 500 (day-old) Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into five groups with five replicated pens (20 broilers per pen): thermoneutral (TN), heat stress (HS), and HS with a diet supplemented with three different levels of black seed (Nigella sativa) powder (BSP (at rates of 5g/kg (BSP-5), 10 g/kg (BSP-10), and 15 g/kg (BSP-15. Exposure to HS reduced feed intake, and weight gain and elevated feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality (P < 0.05). Also, low antioxidant enzyme activity (such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and high malondialdehyde levels in serum, liver, and spleen were observed in the birds of the heat stress group compared to the TN treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, HS elevated interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and lowered interleukin-10 levels in serum, liver, and spleen (P < 0.05). In addition, heat stress causes an increase in ALT, AST, ALP, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels compared to the TV group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HS group, broilers in the BSP-10 group had a higher body weight gain, a lower feed conversion ratio, and mortality (P < 0.05). Broilers in the BSP-10 and BSP-10 groups showed higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities and lower malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and spleen compared to the HS group. BSP supplementation at 10 and 15 mg/kg reduced TNF-α and interleukin-6 levels and enhanced interleukin-10 in serum, liver, and spleen compared to the HS group. Additionally, BSP supplementation at 15 mg/kg reduced the effect of the heat stress on ALT, AST, ALP, triglycerides, and cholesterol compared to the HS group. Obtained results showed that BSP in diet during heat stress may have a role in the reduction of the changes exerted by heat stress in broiler chickens.

In this experiment, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (25 series). A group of 25 was induced with diabetes. Experimental groups included: (healthy control), healthy recipient of mixed bacteria isolated from Yogurt, healthy recipient of pure lactobacilli bacteria, healthy recipient of mixed bacteria isolated from yogurt plus oleic acid, healthy recipient of pure lactobacilli bacteria plus oleic acid, diabetic control, diabetic recipient of mixed bacteria isolated from yogurt , Diabetic receiving pure lactobacilli, diabetic receiving mixed bacteria isolated from yogurt plus oleic acid, and diabetic receiving pure lactobacilli plus oleic acid. The results showed that in healthy mice, all experimental treatments significantly increased blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased LDL. In healthy mice, the probiotic Lactobacillus significantly reduced the blood HDL of healthy mice. In diabetic rats, supplementation of all experimental treatments significantly reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL and HDL. In this group, the greatest effect of reducing blood glucose, cholesterol and LDL was related to probiotic treatment produced from yogurt plus oleic acid. In both healthy and diabetic groups, experimental treatments significantly increased serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and CK). The greatest effect of increasing the serum activity of liver enzymes in the diabetic group was related to the treatment of lactobacillus plus oleic acid.

Regarding the role of arginine in vasodilatation and reduction of blood pressure and the possibility of replacing this amino acid with guanidinoacetic acid, a test was conducted with 400 chicks in 5 treatments (control, two levels of 0.5 and 1% arginine, and two levels of 0.15 And 0.3% Guanidininostech) in four replications in a completely randomized design. Birds were subjected to a cold temperature program for induction of pulmonary hypertension syndrome. Blood parameters (RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and heterophile / lymphocyte), biochemical parameters (lactate, urea, uric acid and nitric oxide), enzymatic parameters (LDH, AST, ALT, CK) and antioxidant TAS, MDA, GPX, SOD) in plasma were measured at the end of the experiment (day 42). The results showed that supplementation of 1% arginine and 0.15% guanidinoacetic acid significantly decreased the heterophilic/ lymphocyte index, hematocrit, urea and uric acid, and increased nitric oxide (P <0.05). Treatment with 1% arginine and 0.15% guanidinoacetic acid reduced malondialdehyde and increased activity of superoxide dismutase and creatine kinase in plasma (P <0.05). The level of 1% of arginine also significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in the plasma. Other measured parameters were not significantly affected by experimental treatments (P> 0.05). In general, the results of this experiment showed that, given the lower price of guanidinoacetic acid compared to arginine, it is possible to effectively use 0.15% guanidinoacetic acid to replace arginine supplementation in preventing reduce stress.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of furosemide on oxidative stress, mortality due to ascites and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 450 Ross 308 days-old chicks were assigned to 3 groups (control and two treatments of 30 and 60 ppm zamide) in a completely randomized design with 5 replications and 30 chicks per replicate. The birds were subjected to a special cold temperature program to induce ascites. Blood parameters: red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and oxidative stress parameters such as; Plasma antioxidant capacity, plasma malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, glucose, protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Performance parameters of body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also evaluated. Deaths were recorded daily and described to differentiate the cause of death and determine ascites. The results showed that administration of 60 ppm of furosemide significantly reduced weight and feed intake as well as improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). In addition, furosemide, significantly decreased ascites index and ascites losses (P<0.05). Also, level of 60 ppm furosemide, increased white blood cells, plasma antioxidant capacity, glutathione-peroxidase activity). Decreased plasma protein, malondialdehyde and activity of plasma aspartate, aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase (P<0.05). The results of this research show that the level of 60 ppm Furosemide can reduce the problems caused by high blood pressure in birds with this metabolic syndrome by improving its antioxidant status.

Chitosan is one of the derivatives of marine crustacean chitin shells and a polymer of glucosamine, which is obtained from the deacetylation of chitin. The biological activities of chitosan, such as its cholesterol-lowering effects, as well as its antibacterial and antioxidant effects, are well known in some species. Therefore, this experiment was performed to investigate the effects of chitosan on antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. For this study, 400 male broilers of Ross 308 strain were assigned to four treatments, five replications, and 20 chickens for each replication in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included 1) basic diet, and treatments 2, 3, and 4) were levels of 0.5, 1, and 2 g of chitosan per kg of basic diet, respectively. Blood and biochemical parameters including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit, monocyte, heterophils and lymphocyte count, triglyceride and blood cholesterol, antioxidant enzyme activity including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide disodium, and peroxidase Plasma hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Growth performance parameters including weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also calculated for the whole experimental period. The results showed that different levels of chitosan significantly improved the antioxidant indices by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Growth performance parameters and other blood parameters except white blood cell count were not significantly affected by different levels of chitosan. The use of chitosan significantly improved antioxidant parameters (increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and simultaneously decreasing the level of liver enzymes) in broilers. Therefore, the use of proposed chitosan levels in this scheme is recommended to improve the antioxidant status of broilers in conditions of oxidative stress.

With the increasing use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical applications, concerns about their possible negative effects on the body have also increased. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of gold nanoparticles on the activity of ALT and AST, ALP enzymes as well as fat profile (TG, Chol, LDL) in male rats. For this study, 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing 200±50 g were divided into 3 groups of ten. The control group, salin and the other two groups were received gold nanoparticles at 100 and 1000 mg / kg body weight by gavage for 3 weeks. The results showed that the level of 100 mg of gold nanoparticles compared to other groups significantly reduced the serum levels of all three liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP. Meanwhile, the 1000 mg group of gold nanoparticles compared to the other two groups, caused a significant increase in the level of ALT, AST and ALP (p<0.05). In addition, while the 100 mg group of gold nanoparticles had no significant effect on serum lipid parameters, the 1000 mg group caused a significant increase in all three lipid indices of cholesterol, triglyceride and blood LDL (p<0.05). In general, the results of this study showed that the level of 100 mg of gold nanoparticles reduced the serum level of liver enzymes and this level can be successfully used in pharmaceutical applications.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf extract (BLE) in drinking water on growth performance, hepatic and serum-antioxidant related parameters, enzyme activity and biochemical parameters of serum,  and breast muscle lipid peroxidation of (after storage at 2-3°C,  for 1, 7 and 14 d).  A total of 450 one-day-old male broiler chickens of Ross 308 were randomly divided to three groups, with five replicates of 30 birds and allocated to the following treatments including control (only drinking water), or drinking water supplemented with either 300 or 600 ppm of BLE. At the end of the experiment (day 42), Two birds were randomly selected from each cage and decapitated. There were no significant effects of dietary treatments on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the broilers. Basil leaf extract significantly increased the hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased lipid peroxidation in the liver and serum. Serum-enzyme activity (aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase) and biochemical parameters (low density lipoprotein and cholesterol) were significantly decreased by basil leaf extract. Moreover, BLE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde formation in breast muscle during storage period.  In conclusion, supplementation of basil leaf extract significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of broilers and consequently increased the oxidative stability of frozen meat.

Conjugated linoleic fatty acid (CLA) in milk fat has a positive effect on cardiovascular health, so efforts have been focused on increasing this fatty acid in cow's milk. Ionophores, including monensin, have been shown to increase milk production performance and immune capacity in the diet of lactating cows. In addition, monensin may have beneficial effects on milk production and the body's immune system, as well as milk composition and the pattern of milk fatty acids in dairy cows. Therefore, the main purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of monensin on the production, composition and pattern of milk fatty acids in Holstein cows

4 lactating Holstein lactating cows (mean calving 3.5) with an average weight of 507±14 and lactation days 91±16 days in a rotating Latin square design (rotating) 4× 4 randomly Four experimental diets were allocated. Experimental diets included levels of 0, 250, 350 and 450 mg monensin per kg of dietary dry matter. Each cow received all experimental diets over 4 periods. The length of each experimental period was 21 days, of which the first 14 days of each period were considered for adaptation of cows and the last 7 days were considered for data collection. Diets were balanced using NRC (2001) software. The ratio of forage to concentrate in all four diets was 44 to 56%. The cows were milked twice a day and the record of both meals was recorded as a daily record. Feed and manure samples were analyzed for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, NDF. Milk production was also recorded daily in a 7-day data collection period. Milk sampling was performed on days 17 and 18 of each experimental period. The pattern of milk fatty acids in the nutrition laboratory of Ilam Veterinary Office was determined by gas chromatography.

The results of this study showed that the addition of monensin significantly increased the production of raw milk and corrected milk for 4% fat (p<0.05). Monensin also reduced the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in milk fat, but had no significant effect on the concentration of medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids. The addition of monensin decreased the concentration of saturated fatty acids and increased the unsaturation of 18: 1 (omega-9) and 18: 1 (trans-9) and conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11) in milk

In general, this study showed that monensin increases milk production, concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat and decreases the concentration of short chain fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in milk fat.

Breast cancer accounts for about 10% of all cancers in the world and accounts for 30% of all cancers in women. Therefore, its early detection will play an important role in its treatment. Because lncRNAs are expressed differently in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues, they increase the potential of these molecules as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Also, changes in the expression of lncRNAs in patients with different types of cancer subtypes and different races intensify the importance of using these molecules as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of GAS5, NEAT1 and SRA lncRNAs in cancer specimens with cancer and in healthy individuals. In this study, from the tumor tissue of 22 patients with breast cancer and also 22 samples of healthy tissue from individuals under the direct supervision of a pathologist and according to clinical signs and laboratory findings were collected from hospitals in Isfahan. After RNA extraction from tumor and normal tissue, cDNA was fabricated according to RT-qPCR method. The lncRNA expression level of GAS5, NEAT1 and SRA genes was calculated by ∆∆CT method. The expression pattern was analyzed using Rest 2009 software as well as SPSS version 16. Real Time Reverse transcription-PCR results showed that the mean relative gene expression in tumor samples was significantly lower for GAS5 and NEAT1 lncRNAs than normal samples. But no expression change was observed for lncRNA SRA.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of prebiotic (Fermacto) on performance and some blood parameters of broiler chicks under induced ascites. 240-old chicks from Ross 308 strain were randomly divided into three treatments and each treatment was divided into four replicates. The dietary treatments included: control and two levels (2 and 4 g/kg feed) of prebiotic (Fermacto). For ascites induction, all birds received 1.5 grams salt per liter from day 6 to day 13. The relative weight of the intestines was measured relative to the body weight at end of experiment. The birds of the negative treatments were subjected to an induction program. Prebiotic supplements were added to the feed from the 12th day of the experiment. Both prebiotic levels significantly reduced feed intake & reduced feed conversion and increased weight gain in comparison with control treatment (P<0.05). Both prebiotic levels significantly decreased the hemoglobin, red blood cells, protein and hematocrit in birds were induced ascites (P<0.05). Both prebiotic levels significantly decreased ascites and RV / TV index (P<0.05). The results of intestinal morphology indicated that the weight of the intestines (dissected from below the gizzard to the ileal cecal junction) was not significantly different between the experimental groups. in Conclusion, it is possible to successfully use a 2gg/kg diet of prebiotic (Fermacto) in broiler chickens as an effective factor in reducing functional problems and ascites mortality.

Selenium is an essential trace element that is indispensable for normal functioning of the body and thus plays a critical role in the maintenance of optimal health. It is known to have important role in a number of biological functions, such as antioxidant defense, immune function, reproduction and thyroid hormone metabolism. Eggs and meat are considered to be good sources of Se in human diet. Egg Se content can easily be manipulated to give increased levels, when organic selenium as selenomethionine is included in layer diets. Recently, Nano-Se which is bright red, highly stable, soluble has attracted widespread attention because nanometer particulates exhibit novel characteristics such as a large surface area, high surface activity, high catalytic efficiency, strong adsorbing ability, high bioavailability and low toxicity. It is also, Selenium concentration of whole eggs, yolks and albumins higher in selenomethionin-fed laying hen than in sodium selenite. Also, research has shown that the addition of organic selenium to the diet of commercial laying hens significantly increases the selenium concentration in egg yolk and egg albumins. Since there is little information about the antioxidant effects of selenium nanoparticles on antioxidant status in laying hens, the main goal of this study was to compare the antioxidant effects of nano-selenium in laying hens and the oxidative stability of eggs during storage in the warehouse was.

This experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 10 birds per experimental unit in a total of 160 laying hens of HY-Line W36 from 30 weeks of age. The experimental diets included: 1- control diet 2- control diet plus 0.2 mg/kg nano selenium 3- control diet plus 0.3 mg/kg selenium 4- control diet plus 0.5 mg/Kg, nano selenium was available to experimental birds for 8 weeks. Performance parameters including, egg percentage, egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion coefficients were calculated for the whole trial period. At the end of the experimental period, blood parameters and yolk metabolites from each experimental unit including: blood serum metabolites and yolk metabolites were also calculated. The blood serum metabolites tested included: determination of malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase and total antioxidant. Egg yolk metabolites were tested to determine the concentration of yolk selenium and yolk fat proxide number. Data from blood metabolites and yolk metabolites were analyzed in a completely randomized design, under the GLM procedure, using statistical software version 1/9 (SAS, 2003). Mean comparison was done using Tukey test at 5% level.

The results showed that the addition of nano selenium increased egg production and improved feed conversion ratio. Effects of different levels of nano selenium on serum malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were not significant. Supplementation of diet with 0.5 mg / kg Nano selenium showed the highest selenium in yolk. Serum antioxidant capacity increased curvature by increasing the level of nano selenium up to 0.3 mg/kg feed, but decreased by 0.5 mg/kg feed. Peroxidation of yolk fat was influenced by storage time and experimental treatments, so that levels of 0.2 and 0.3 mg of nano selenium caused a significant decrease in egg malondialdehyde on day one and 15 days after storage. Other biochemical parameters of serum were not significantly affected by experimental treatments. Selenium has shown to increase the activity of glutathione peroxidase and decrease the sensitivity of yolk to oxidative damage during storage, and selenium, by slowing down the process of carbon dioxide removal from the crust, reduced the weight loss and increased the unit size, thereby reducing egg corruption. Increasing levels of selenium can have toxic effects on the antioxidant capacity of the body. It has been reported that high nano-selenium levels induce oxidative stress and possibly increase free radicals and increase serum lipids malondialdehyde.

The results of this study indicate that addition of nano selenium up to 0.3 mg / kg can, improved feed conversion ratio and increase egg production egg storage time by increasing the egg yolk selenium level by preventing the peroxidation of the lipids. Nano selenium used in the proposed levels in this study, improved the health of laying hens by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the serum.

A study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant effects of selenium nanoparticles and sodium selenite on the antioxidant status, enzymatic activity and plasma lipid parameters of Pullet Chickswith 1050 birds in 7 treatments for 6 weeks. The treatments included three levels of 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 (ppm) sodium selenite and nano selenium. The antioxidant indices measured in the heart, liver and plasma include glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAS). Activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured and lipid parameters including total triglyceride, total cholesterol and plasma LDL were determined. The results showed that sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and reduced levels of malondialdehyde in the plasma, heart and liver. The highest antioxidant effect was related to 0.6 ppm sodium selenium and 0.3 ppm selenium nanoparticles. There was no significant effect on total antioxidant capacity of plasma, heart and liver in experimental group (P<0.05) .There was no significant effect of experimental treatments on plasma enzyme activity (P<0.05). Sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles at levels of 0.3 and 0.6 ppm significantly decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL in the plasma of birds (P<0.05). Conclusion 0.3 ppm of selenium nanoparticles and 0.6 ppm of Sodium selenitecan be successfully used to improve the antioxidant status and reduce plasma bad fats.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of different levels of peribiotic of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (Celmanax) on performance and some blood parameters of broiler chicks under induced ascites. 320 day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates. The dietary treatments included: positive control (corn – soybean meal basal diet), negative control (induced ascites with sodium chloride supplementation in the drinking water), negative control with supplementation of (2 and 4 ml per liter of drinking water of mannan oligosaccharide. Feed intake, Body weight and feed conversion ratio were measured at the end of the experimental period (42 d). Dead birds were dissected for ascites symptoms. Blood and ascites parameters (Right ventricular weight to total ventricles ratio (RV/TV) were also measured at 42 days of age. The statistical analysis of the data was done by using SAS software and comparison of the means were done by Tukey test at a significant level of 5%. The results showed MOS increased weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio in birds with ascites (P <0.05). Both MOS levels significantly decreased the hemoglobin, red blood cells count, protein and hematocrit content of  birds reared under induced ascites (P <0.05). In addition, supplementation of 4cc/l  MOS on drinking water significantly decreased mortality rate caused by ascites (3.3%) and RV/TV index (P <0.05). In Conclusion, the supplementation of 4 cc MOS per liter of drinking water can improve growth performance of broiler chickens and can reduce the mortality rate of chickens reard unedr induced ascites.

An experiment was conducted with 600 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) to investigate the effects of Dillaqueous extracts (Anethum graveolens) on blood and growth performance in broiler during a 42-days period. The chickens were divided to four treatments (0, 5, 10 and 20 ml of dill aqueous extracts in drinking water) of five replicates each. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured. At the end of the experiment (day 42), 2 chickens from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. The heart was removed; weights of right and left ventricles were determined separately and ascetic index was calculated. Plasma activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant status (TAS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content of plasma were determined. Results showed that 5ml dill aqueous extracts, significantly increased the body weight and reduced the ascetic index, mortality due to ascites and feed conversion ratio (P

Introduction Broiler chickens are intensively selected for productive traits. The management of these highly productive animals must be optimal to allow their full genetic potential to be expressed. If this is not done, inefficient production and several metabolic diseases such as ascites become apparent. Investigations in mammals indicated that the b- adrenoreceptor characteristics are differentially regulated by chronic hypoxia and play an important role in the cardiovascular system. The density of b-adrenergic receptors was higher in cardiac cells of ascites sensitive birds compared with ascites-resistant ones. Moreover, the characteristics of b-adreno receptors are different in cardiac cells of birds with right ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure compared with healthy birds. Treatment with the selective b1-adrenoceptor blocker, atenolol, abolished right ventricular hypertrophy in response to hypoxia compared with normoxic condition in rats.
Materials and Methods This study investigated the comparative effects of different levels of atenolol Growth performance, Mortality due to ascites, antioxidant status and blood parameters in broilers under induced ascites. Six hundred one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (Positive control, negative control, and two levels of 30 and 60 ppm atenolol) with five replicates of thirty birds were applied. Birds in positive control were reared in natural temperature without atenolol, the other bird groups were reared in cold temperature with 0, 30 and 60 ppm atenolol. The average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) for each group of birds were calculated and mortality was daily weighed, recorded and used to correct the FCR. Observations were made daily to record the incidence of ascites and mortality. Diagnosis of ascites generally depends on observation of the following symptoms: (1) right ventricle hypertrophy, cardiac muscle laxation; (2) swollen and stiff liver; (3) clear, yellowish, colloidal fluid in the abdominal cavity. Hematological, biochemical and pathological tests were done at day 49; total red blood cell (RBC), Wight blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) total antioxidant status (TAS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content of plasma were determined. At the end of experiment (wk 7), 2 chicks from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. Then ascetic Index, RV/TV, (ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight) were calculated.
Results and Discussion The results showed that, the atenolol-treated birds had lower right ventricle to total ventricle ratio and mortality due to ascites compared with the control birds. Moreover, atenolol, significantly, reduced feed conversion ratio & average daily feed intake and reduced feed conversion ratio. It is also, atenolol, significantly lowered the lactate dehydrogenase activity in plasma. Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activity in plasma were not significantly affected by atenolol supplementation. Other blood parameters and antioxidant incidences were not affected by atenolol. It has been proved that exposure to high altitude results in increases in Plasma and urinary catecholamine, hormones that are known to increase hypertrophic actions of heart tissue and consequently changes in the function of myocardial cells such as contractile activity and cardiac output that could lead to ventricular hypertrophy. It has also been reported that the b1-adrenoceptor blocker numerically reduces the ascites incidence in broiler chickens and may have been used as a prophylactic agent. It is known that that the hypertrophic effect of catecholamine in rats such as cardiac contractility, cardiac output and, finally, right ventricular hypertrophy could be reduced by a b1-adrenoceptor blocker. This might explain, at least partially, the mechanism by which atenolol reduces cardiac output, and hence might reduce pulmonary hypertension and, finally, ascites incidence in broiler chickens. Although this study shows the involvement of b-adrenergic receptors in heart failure syndrome in birds, more studies should be carried out for better understanding of the exact mechanisms that could contribute to change in cardiac function and, consequently, pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens.
Conclusion This study showed that inclusion of atenolol in broiler diets had remarkable effects on Performance. Moreover, According to the results of this research, atenolol could reduce mortality due to ascites in broilers. We suggested that the optimal level atenolol in diet is 60 ppm.

One hundred and sixty one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) in a 6-wk period were conducted to 2 groups (with 4 replicates for each group), 20 chicks for a replicate. One group of these chickens was raised in normal temperature (NT) treatment and the other in cold temperature (CT) treatment to induce ascites. At the end of the experiment (wk 6), 2 chickens from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. The heart was removed; the right ventricle was dissected away from the left ventricle and septum. Weights of right and left ventricles were determined separately. Plasma levels of, Uric acid, urea, glucose, total proteins, triglyceride, HDL, cholesterol, were determined at day 21 and 42. Mortality was necropsied daily to determine cause of death.Results in blood parameters showed that at day 42, birds in CT group, had greater (P < 0.05) plasma glucose& red blood cell and lower plasma protein, than NT group. Also at day 42, birds in CT group, had greater (P < 0.05) plasma cholestrol and lower uric acid, than NT group. Other blood parameters neither were nor significantly (P > 0.05) affected by treatments. Throughout the study, the right ventricle- to-total ventricle ratio as determine the incidence of ascites and total mortality percentage due to ascites of CT-treated birds at the end of experiment were greater (P < 0.05) than those of NT treated ones.

320 one-day male broilers (Ross 308) were divided in 4 treatments (with 4 replicate and 20 chicks for a replicate). All of broilers reared under a cold environmental temperature to induce Ascites. Experimental treatments were included 1: was fed a commercial corn-soybean meal- based diet meeting NRC (1994) including 1.2% Arg and 40 IU of Vitamin E/kg (Control), 2: Control with 400 IU of Vitamin E/kg of feed 3: Control with 0.3% Arg in water and 4: combination of both Vitamin E and Arg. At d 14, temperature was reduced to amplify the incidence of Pulmonary Hypertension. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly from week 3. Hematological, biochemical and pathological tests were measured at day 21 and 42; total red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, activity of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase. At 42 days of age, 2 chicks from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered and then ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight calculated.The our results showed that Arg treatment had the highest body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio in total period. Red blood cell, hematocrit, hemoglobin and plasma level protein was significantly lower in Arg and Arg- Vitamin E treatments compared to other group at d 42. Plasma protein was lower in Arg- Vitamin E treatment compared to control treatment. Also, lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly lower in Arg group and alanine transaminase activity was significantly higher in Arg- Vitamin E group at d 21. Moreover, ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle and mortality due to Ascites, were significantly lower in Arg group.

One hundred and sixty one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross308) in 2 groups of 4 replicates and 20 chicks for each replicate were used. One group of these birds was raised in normal temperature (control birds) and the other group was raised in cold temperature for induce PHS (PHS birds) Glutathione peroxidase (GPX)، superoxide dismutase (SOD، total antioxidant status (TAS)، and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of both plasma and liver were determined at days 21 and 42 of age. At the end of the experiment (week 6)، 2 chicks from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. The heart was removed، the right ventricle was dissected away from the left ventricle and septum، and the ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight (RV/TV) was calculated. Plasma GPX and SOD activities of control birds were greater than those of PHS birds at day 42 of age (P)