saleh tabatabaei vakili

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing body of research on the effects of nanoparticles on semen parameters. Nanoparticles are molecules with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Due to their unique properties, nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in biotechnology, medicine, animal reproduction, and veterinary sciences. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio increases reactivity and enhances their ability to penetrate biological tissues. These particles possess high chemical stability, allowing them to remain stable under various environmental conditions, and their nanoscale size enables them to cross biological cell membranes, enhancing cellular efficacy. Zinc is one of the essential elements influencing sperm health. It plays a critical role in sperm viability and motility and affects protein metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, and sperm membrane stabilization. Most enzymes, including carbonic anhydrase, carboxypeptidase, and superoxide dismutase, require zinc as a cofactor. Zinc's positive effects on semen quality are attributed to its ability to enhance sperm antioxidant capacity, thereby mitigating oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are highly reactive, short-lived molecules (10^-9 seconds) derived from oxygen and characterized by one or more unpaired electrons. Due to their unstable chemical nature, they react with nearby organic molecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA to achieve stability. While controlled ROS production plays a physiological role in key sperm processes—such as motility activation, transient adhesion to the uterine tube, capacitation, increased sperm activity, acrosome reaction, and sperm-oocyte fusion—excessive ROS levels lead to oxidative stress. This stress can cause lipid peroxidation of the sperm's cytoplasmic membrane, acrosomal membrane damage, DNA oxidation and fragmentation, and ultimately chromosomal abnormalities. Zinc helps prevent ROS production and defective sperm and leukocytes. It also exhibits antioxidant effects by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and reducing antisperm antibody levels. Oxidative stress in sperm is associated with accelerated oxidation of cellular components and excessive ROS production. Spermatogenesis occurs in three sequential stages (spermatocytogenesis, spermiogenesis, and spermiation) in the seminiferous tubules. In birds, the duration of spermatogenesis is significantly shorter than in mammals—approximately 25 days. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in avian sperm cell membranes renders them particularly vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. Therefore, maintaining a balance between ROS production and the protective function of the antioxidant system is essential for proper cell function. The predominant polyunsaturated fatty acids in avian sperm membrane phospholipids include arachidonic acid (C20) and docosatetraenoic acid (C22), making the sperm highly susceptible to oxidative damage, which can impair sperm morphology and reduce motility. It is believed that this is a major cause of fertility loss during semen storage in birds. Some metalloenzymes (such as lactate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase), which are important for sperm motility, may contain zinc in their structure. Zinc oxide nanoparticles improve acrosomal membrane integrity, preserve membrane health, enhance acrosomal function, and positively affect mitochondrial performance and its functional integrity 

Semen samples were collected twice weekly for five weeks from 18 Bronze turkeys. After pooling the samples to eliminate individual variation, they were divided into four groups. Different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) were added to the semen extender, and sperm quality parameters (total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and abnormality) were evaluated at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours of storage at 4°C.

Significant improvements in sperm quality parameters were observed at 24 and 48 hours in groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL of nano-zinc oxide. The 100 µg/mL treatment showed the best overall performance in maintaining sperm quality over time, while the control group exhibited the lowest performance. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles led to statistically significant improvements in sperm quality parameters compared to the control group.

The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles to turkey semen extender improved sperm quality during liquid storage at 4°C. Among the tested concentrations, 100 µg/mL demonstrated the most effective performance in enhancing sperm quality parameters.

Superovulation is a crucial component of assisted reproductive technology. Inducing superovulation with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation, potentially affecting reproductive outcomes.

This study aimed to examine the effects of GnRH treatment on superovulation response and embryo recovery in Holstein heifers.

Twenty-one Holstein heifers (age: 135.15 months; weight: 361.05 kg) were selected based on their general health status and ovarian function. All heifers received two consecutive doses of prostaglandin F2α and underwent superovulation. The heifers were inseminated twice: Once at the onset of standing estrus and again 12 hours later. In the treatment group (13 heifers), a single dose of GnRH was administered simultaneously with the second insemination. The superovulation response was evaluated based on the number of corpus luteum (CL), unovulated follicles (UoF), total recovered embryos/ova, and the number of transferable embryos, using logistic regression with the GENMOD procedure in SAS.

The mean number of CL was not significantly greater in the control group (13.6) compared to the GnRH group (11.4). The average number of UoF was similar between the two groups (P = 0.1853). However, the control group had a significantly higher average total number of recovered embryos/ova (7.7) compared to the GnRH group (2.1). Additionally, the control group progesterone more transferable embryos, with an average of 2.5, while the GnRH group averaged 0.7 (P < 0.0062).

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone likely deactivated the oviduct by disrupting the balance of estradiol and estrogen, leading to a reduction in both the total number of embryos and the number of transferable embryos in heifers.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of injection of PMSG and GnRH hormones on reproductive performance of Arabi ewes in the breeding season. 75 ewes were divided into 5 groups. The first group had no estrus synchronization program and no hormonal injection (control). Vaginal progesterone sponge (MAP) was inserted into other groups for 14 days. Simultaneously with the withdrawal of sponge, they were treated with: 1- injection of 500 IU of PMSG, 2- injection of 100 micrograms of GnRH, 3- injection of 500 IU of PMSG plus 100 micrograms of GnRH and 4- without injection (MAP only). One healthy and fertile Arabi ram was assigned to each of the 5 ewes. Estrous behavior of ewes was recorded for 7 days. The estrous response, return to estrus, pregnancy length, lambing rate, prolificacy rate, fecundity rate and the ratio of the birth of male and female lambs, were not affected by treatments. Injection of PMSG and GnRH were able to reduce the time of estrus onset coMAPred to sponge treatment alone (P<0.05). The birth weight and weight of 30, 60 and 90 days in lambs, although were affected by the treatments (P<0.05), but no obvious effect of hormone injection was observed on these parameters. In general, the injection of PMSG and GnRH in the estrus synchronization program of Arabi ewes, although was an effective method in estrus onset time, but could not have a significant effect on the other reproductive performances of the animal during the breeding season.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on performance, blood and reproductive parameters in Japanese quail. 320 one-day-old quail chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments were included 1- untreated (control), 2- levothyroxine (70 μg / l), 3- propylthiouracil (15 mg / l) and 4- propylthiouracil first and then levothyroxine. Performance parameters were recorded weekly. On day 42 of rearing, one male and one female were selected from each replicate and blood samples were taken to evaluate blood parameters. On day 62 of rearing, the bird's eggs were collected and transferred to the incubator. Food conversion ratio, feed intake and weight gain were not affected by the treatments. In male blood serum, triglyceride concentration in all therapeutic treatments and alanine aminotransferase concentration in propylthiouracil-levothyroxine treatment significantly reduced (P≤0.05). In female birds, blood LDL concentration decreased in levothyroxine treatment compared to control and alanine aminotransferase increased in this treatment compared to other groups (P≤0.05). The highest serum alkaline phosphatase concentration of females was observed in propylthiouracil treatment (P≤0.05). Other blood biochemical parameters and fertility percentage were not affected by the treatments. The lowest percentage of total hatching and hatching of fertile eggs and the highest percentage of embryonic mortality were related to the treatment of propylthiouracil-levothyroxine (P≤0.05). In conclusion, induction of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism with drugs did not have a significant effect on most functional, reproductive and blood parameters in Japanese quail.

The aim of present study was to evaluation the effect of different levels of soybean lecithin in tris extender replaced with egg yolk on semen quality parameters of Arabic ram after freeze-thawing process. For this purpose, the experiment with numbers of 8 adult and healthy Arabic rams with an average weight of 75 ± 5 kg were used in a completely randomized design. Semen samples were collected using electro ejaculator. Semen samples were mixed and after dilution, were divided in to 5 experimental groups. Treatments were increasing levels of soybean lecithin (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 percent) and egg yolk (15 percent) in tris base extender and 5 percent of glycerol. The 5 numbers of 0.5 ml straws from each treatment were filled. The straws were equivalence for 2 hours in 5˚C and then freezed. After 2 weeks, straws were thawed at 37˚C. Qualitative parameters of spermatozoa including the motility, viability, morphological abnormalities, membrane integrity and the pH of semen were evaluated. The resulted of this experiment showed that extender containing 1.5 percent of soybean lecithin significantly improved total motility and progressive motility, viability, morphological abnormalities and membrane integrity of Arabic ram spermatozoa compared to the other levels of lecithin as well as egg yolk (P<0.05). The most improvement have been observed at the 1.5 % soybean lecithin. Therefore, this level can be used in tris extender for maintaining of Arabic ram spermatozoa in freeze condition.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of asparagus extract on quality semen of Arabian rams at different storage times at a temperature of 4degrees Celsius. Sperm collection was performed from 10 Arab rams with an average age of 2.5 years per week (once a week) for six weeks. Afteradding 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5% asparagus extract to the semen diluent, sperm quality parameters were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after storage inliquid condition. At zero hour, sperm viability in diluent had 3% asparagus extract was higher than diluent containing 0 and 4.5% extract (P<0.05).After 24 hours of semen storage, the parameters of total motility, progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were higher in spermdiluent containing 1.5 and 3% of the extract (P<0.05). Qualitative parameters of sperm in 48 hours after sperm collection and storage in diluentcontain 3% of extract had significant and better performance (P<0.05). The highest rate of plasma membrane integrity, progressive motility and totalsperm motility was observed in diluent containing 3% extract in 72 hours after sperm storage (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, the useof asparagus extract in the diluent at the rate of 3% improves the sperm quality of Arabian rams after cooling conditions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intra-egg injection of purslane extract levels on reproductive and blood parameters in Japanese quail. 600 Japanese quail eggs were used in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 30 eggs per observation. Treatments were: non-injection, normal saline injection and injection of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract into the air sac of eggs immediately before incubation. At the end of the incubation period, reproductive indices were assessed. Hatched chickens were reared and blood sampling was done at 35th day of breeding, and slaughter of birds was done at 58th day for evaluation the morphometric characteristics of genitalia. The highest hatching percentage and the lowest embryonic mortality rate were observed in the non-injected and normal saline groups (p<0.05). Embryo growth rate, age of embryonic death, and sera metabolite concentrations were not affected by the treatments. Serum estrogen concentration in female quail was not affected by treatments (p<0.05). The highest level of serum testosterone was observed in 0.2% of purslane extract (p<0.05). 0.1% purslane extract significantly increased the percentage of both testis weight compared to control group (p<0.05). The highest length of left testis was belong to 0.2% purslane extract (p<0.05). The diameter of largest ovarian follicle was higher in treatments of 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract than control (p<0.05). In general, due to adverse effect of experimental treatments on hatchability and embryonic viability rates, injection of purslane extract into Japanese quail egg sac is not recommended to improve reproductive performance.

In recent years, injection of stimulant solutions into fertilized eggs has been considered to improve reproductive and functional parameters in birds. So far, much research has been conducted to improve embryonic development in birds by manipulating egg nutrients. In one study, injection of dietary supplements into the eggs of birds improved hatching rate, reduced mortality rate, shortened breeding time duration, increased growth rate, and increased weight gain at the end of the rearing period (Johnston et al., 1997). Egg injection technology is not only a way to vaccinate birds against certain diseases, but it is also a practical way of injecting some of the nutrients needed by the developing embryo (Foye et al., 2005 and Uni et al., 2005). Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) is one of the most well-known medicinal plants. Essential oils (EOs) of shirazi thyme, that is a yellow or dark reddish brown liquid with a strong smell and a spicy and long-lasting, cooling flavour, extracted from the distillation of leaves and flowering shoots of this herb (Momeni and Shahrokhi, 1992). Essential oils comprise a complex mixture of volatile and non-volatile compounds produced by aromatic plants as secondary metabolites (Bakkali et al 2008). The main constituents of thyme EOs are flavonoide, glycosids, tannins, saponins, steroids (such as cytosterol), triterpenoids (such as oleanolic acid and ursolic acid), and volatile oils rich in monoterpenes (Martínez-Vázquez et al., 1996).Using nanoemulsions can be a great choice for the use of essential oils in foods (Jo et al., 2005). Changing the particle size to nanoparticles (size less than 100 nm) increases the surface-to-volume ratio and increases the reactivity, making it possible to use smaller amounts of these materials than materials with larger particles (Hernández-Sierra et al., 2008). The very small size of the synthesized nanoparticles can be effective in enhancing its antimicrobial effect (Krishna et al., 2011).

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of in-ova injection of different levels of nanoemulsion of thyme essential on reproductive (fertility, total hatchability, hatch of fertile eggs and embryonic mortality rates) and blood parameters (estrogen, testosterone, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, total protein) in Japanese quail.

The experiment was done by using 600 Japanese quail eggs in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replications and 30 eggs per replicate. Treatments were including: negative control (without injection), positive control (with water and emulsifier injection) as well as intra ova injection of nanoemulsified thyme essential oil at levels of 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The experimental solutions were injected into the air sac of the eggs before incubation.The daily collected eggs were kept in a room at a temperature of about 17-18 °C. The male to female quail ratio was 1:3 in the flock and the birds had free access to water and feed at all stages of the experiment. Lighting length was set at the production stage, 16 hours brightness and 8 hours dark. Experimental solutions were injected into the egg sac immediately before incubation. At the end of incubation, fertility or embryonic development, hatchability, embryonic mortality rates and age of embryonic mortality were determined. To investigate the percentage of embryonic mortality during the incubation period, the eggs that had not been hatched were broken and the eggs with embryonic losses were selected. To determine the stage of embryonic mortality, the incubation period was divided into three stages: 1 to 9 days old (black eye and feather absent), 10 to 17 days old (embryo with feather and yellow sac visible) and 17 to 18 days old (grown embryos without yolk visible externally) (Aygun and Sert, 2012). The hatched chicks from each treatment and replicate were weighed and then transferred to their own pan. Hatched chicks were reared for 8 weeks to evaluate blood parameters and genital characteristics. The ration used for all groups was similar throughout the trial period according to the recommendations of the National Research Association (NRC, 1994).

Results showed that not only the experimental treatments did not improve fertility, total hatchability, hatch of fertile eggs and embryonic mortality rates, but the highest concentration of thyme nanoemulsion (150 ppm) had a detrimental effect on these parameters compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). At the end of the breeding period, uterine weight and length, ovarian weight, weight and diameter of F1 to F3 follicles in female birds as well as testosterone concentration in male birds were not affected by levels of thyme essential oil (P>0.05). Sera estrogen concentration of female birds due to intra ova injection of higher dose of nanoemulsified thyme essential oil was higher compared to the positive control group (p < 0.05). Blood glucose in experimental treatments was not significantly different from untreated control group (P>0.05).Total serum triglyceride was lower in the treatment group receiving 100 ppm nanoemulsion essential oil than the control groups (p < 0.05). The highest cholesterol and LDL levels were in the water plus emulsifier group and the lowest levels of these parameters numerically were belonged to the 150 nm emulsion treatment. There was no significant difference in sera HDL and total protein levels between experimental treatments (P>0.05). Therefore, Blood parameters, except triglyceride, which were lower at 100 ppm concentration, had no significant changes compared to controls.

Injection of different concentrations of thyme essential oil nanoemulsions into the air sac of Japanese quail egg, not only did not improved reproductive parameters in, but also its high concentration (150 ppm) had a negative effect on these parameters. Changes in the morphometric characteristics of the reproductive system and blood parameters were also not significant. However, the concentration of triglyceride at 100 ppm level of thyme essential oil decreased compared to the control group. In general, in-ova injection of thyme essential oil nanoemulsion is not recommended to improve reproductive performance in Japanese quail.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood plasma leptin and progesterone concentrations in pre and post sexual maturity in Najdi female calves. For this purpose 7 female Najdi calves of Shushtar Breeding Station of Najdi cattle with average ages of 8 months and the average weight is 85/00±9/72 were used. For determination of the leptin and progesterone concentrations, multiple sampling before and after sexual maturity were performed. The results of this study indicate that in female Najdi calves, 13-16 month with 137.81±13.5 kg body weight was considered the age of sexual maturity. No significant correlation was found between plasma leptin and progesterone concentrations before (r=0.082, p>0.05) and after sexual maturity (r =0.096, p>0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation (r=0.73, p<0.01) between leptin concentration and body weight. Significantly positive correlation (r=0.84, p<0.01) were found between plasma leptin and age. The significantly positive correlation between plasma progesterone concentration and age (r=0.45, p<0.01) as well as body weight (r=0.44, p<0.01) were observed. In conclusion, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between leptin and progesterone concentration, but there was a positive correlation between leptin, progesterone and body weight and bud age of Najdi female calves.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of peppermint extract on semen quality of Arabi rams. Semen was collected from 12 Arabi rams weekly for 8 weeks and immediately mixed, and then were divided into 5 parts and received zero, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μl/ml of peppermint extract. At different storage times of diluted semen containing treatments (zero, 24, 48 and 72 hours) in liquid condition, semen quality parameters were evaluated. Immediately after sperm collection, the lowest total motility and sperm viability belonged to the level of 200 peppermint extract (P<0.05). At 24 hours, levels 150 and 200 of extract increased the rate of morphological abnormalities of sperms. At this time, the lowest level of sperm plasma membrane integrity was related to the level of 200 peppermint extracts (P<0.05). 48 hours after sperm storage, the highest total motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity of sperms were belonged to the control group (P<0.05). 72 hours after semen storage, no statistically significant differences were found among treatments for all sperm quality parameters. At this time, the highest concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma was related to the level of 100 μl/ml peppermint extract (P<0.05). In general, by adding different levels of peppermint extract to the diluent and maintaining the diluted semen of the Arabi ram in a liquid state at 5°C, the concentrations used of peppermint extract not only did not improve the qualitative parameters of the sperm, it also had a devastating effect.

The use of the plant Tribulus Terrestris can improve semen quality in some mammals and birds. However, little information is available about adult male lambs. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of different levels of Tribulus terrestris on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sperm of mature male lambs. In this study, 18 lambs of the arabi lambes age 3 monthes and average body weight 16.14±2 were divided into three groups of six in a completely randomized design, and received different levels of Tribulus terrestris including three groups: 1) without Tribulus terrestris (control), 2) 15 g/kg DM Tribulus terrestris and 3) 30 g/kg DM Tribulus terrestris for 5 months. The spermatogenesis was carried out by the electrocautery device two times a week from lambs after feeding Tribulus Terrestris. Quantitative and qualitative semen parameters including seminal volume and pH, sperm concentration, motility, survival and morphological abnormalities of sperms were evaluated. Results showed, the lowest semen volume was in the control group (p < 0.05). The highest concentration, motility and survival of sperm were from 15 g of Tribulus terrestris (p < 0.05). The level of 30 g of Tribulus terrestris showed the highest morphological abnormalities of sperm (p < 0.05). Mean pH was not affected by experimental treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, considering to all the measured parameters, adding 15 g of Tribulus terrestris per kilogram dry matter to the diet improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sperm in the freshly mature arabi lambs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lactation stage and numbers of parities on milk composition in Arabi ewe. Thirty Arabi ewes (10 ewe per each group from first, second and third parity) with average weight of 47 Kg in randomized design were used. After the parturition of ewes from each group, milk samples were collected every two weeks for two months to evaluate the milk composition. In the third parity ewes, the highest milk protein percent was related to the second month of lactation (p < 0.05). In the first, second and third parity, milk fat percent was increased with lactation progress (p < 0.05). The highest amount of total solid was belonged to ewes in their third parity in the 8th week of lactation (p < 0.05). In the first parity ewes, the amount of total solid was fluctuating with lactation (p < 0.05). In first and third parity of ewes, the percentage of milk lactose in the 8th week of lactation was higher than the previous stages of lactation. In the first parity ewes, pH increased with progress the lactation period (p < 0.05). In general, physicochemical characteristics of Arabi ewe milk, except ash and density, were affected by parity and lactation stage.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of different levels of the Lavandula angustifolia extract on semen quality of broiler chickens during storage in a liquid condition at 4°C. Semen was collected from 10 Ross-308 broiler breeder roosters twice a week for 4 weeks, and immediately mixed together after the initial evaluation. The semen samples were divided into 5 parts after dilution and each received 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 µg/ml levels of Lavandula angustifolia extract. Semen quality parameters were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after storage at 4°C. Adding different levels of Lavandula angustifolia extract resulted significant increase in total and progressive sperm motility after 6 hours of semen storage (P<0.05). The effect of Lavandula angustifolia extract on sperm survival rate was significant (P<0.05). So that treatment with 10 μg/ml of this extract at 12, 24 and 48 hours improved this parameter compared to control (P<0.05). Adding 10 μg/ml of Lavandula angustifolia extract to seminal fluid resulted significant increase in plasma membrane integrity of the sperm after 48 hours of semen storage (P<0.05). 24 and 48 hours after semen storage in liquid condition, the least amount of sperm abnormalities belonged to treatments of 10 and 15 μg/ml extract and the highest amount was in the control and high dose extract (P<0.05). In general, the addition of Lavandula angustifolia extract at 10 μg/ml to diluted semen of broiler roosters improved sperm parameters during semen storage at 4°C.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tribulus terrestris powder on thyroid hormones (T3 &T4) and IGF-I concentrations in blood serum of Arabi male lambs. For this purpose, 18 Arabi male lambs with an average age of 3 months and average weight of 16.14 ± 2 kg were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replications per treatment for 5 months. Experimental treatments included the zero (control), 15 and 30 gr/kg of Tribulus Terrestris powder in diet. The weights of lambs were measured monthly. At the age of 4-8 months, 5 consecutive samples were collected monthly to measure serum T3, T4 and IGF-I concentrations. The results showed thatTribulus terrestris powder had no significant effect on body weight. The concentrations of T3 and T4 were higher in lambs treated with Tribulus terrestris powder compared to control group (p<0.05). Concentrations of T3 at the age of 7 months and T4 at 8 months of age in lambs fed 30g/kg of Tribulus terrestris were significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). IGF-I concentration in lambs feed with 15g/kg of Tribulus terrestris at the age of 6 months was higher than control group (p<0.05). In general, the results of this study showed that feeding of 15 g/kg of Tribulus terrestris powder in Arabi male lamb diet by modulating thyroid hormones and IGF-1 and improving the reproductive system, prevents the reduction of sexual behavior and failure of reproductive activity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma leptin and blood testosterone concentration before and after puberty. Eight male Najdi calves with mean age of 7 months were used for this purpose. Blood samples were taken three times before and after reaching puberty. At each sampling period, a blood sample was collected to determine the plasma concentration of leptin from all 8 consecutive and 6 consecutive blood samples and at 20 min intervals from 4 animals to determine the plasma level of testosterone. The results of this study showed that the age of puberty in the Najdi race was 13-15 months old and the average weight was 120.08 ± 36.91 kg. Plasma leptin concentration was negatively correlated with testosterone (P <0.05, r = -0.43), age (P <0.01, r = -0.77), body weight (P <0.01, -0.39), testicular environment (r = -0.62, P <0.01) and testicular height (r = -0.72, P <0.01). In general, it can be concluded that with the onset of puberty and the increase in testosterone concentration, leptin concentration decreased due to the negative effect of testosterone on the production of leptin hormone in the body.

The effects of two different extenders were investigated (Tris- egg yolk and Andromed extenders) on semen quality and sex ratio during the dilution and freezing process in Holstien bull by using the real-time qPCR technique. The experiment was conducted using four 4-years old Holstien bulls for a period of four weeks in a completely randomized design. The PLP and SRY genes were amplified to isolate the specific fragments of X- and Y- chromosome sequences, respectively. Using Andromed diluent in comparison with Tris- eggs yolk improved semen quality during freezing and thawing. Using Andromed extender significantly increased the PLP gene expression (1.43±0.16), (P= 0/01) and reduced SRY gene expression (0.64±0.11), (P= 0/009). Using Tris- egg yolk extender led to a significant reduced in expression of PLP gene (0.3±0.06), (P< 0/0001) and s increased SRY gene expression during freezing (1.19±0.05), (P= 0/001). Based on the results, sperm dilution with Andromed extender and frozen semen with Tris-egg yolk increase birth of female and male in dairy cow herd, respectively.

The objective of this study was to investigate the additive effect of 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 on the productive and egg quality characteristics in Japanese quail. 320 adult Japanese quail were used. Experiment was done in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 16 quails in each replicate (12 female and 4 male birds) for 42 days. After 2 weeks of treatments, the productive characteristics of birds were recorded weekly for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment, 5 eggs were selected randomly from each replication and egg quality traits were examined. Feed conversion ratio and also some egg quality parameters including eggshell weight, egg width and diameter of thin albumen were influenced by levels of vitamin D3 (p<0.05). Although the egg quality parameters had no significant difference with control, but the egg shell weight and egg width percent were increased with increase the levels of vitami D3 from 4000 (15.90 and 2.67, respectively) to 8000 (14.41 and 2.51, respectively) IU/kg (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio in 4000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 (3.68) was significantly lower than the control (4.22) (p<0.05). The other egg quality characteristic as well as feed intake, percentage of egg production and egg weight were not affected by treatments (p<0.05). The results of this study show the improvement of feed conversion and eggshell weight and egg width in Japanese quail's, especially at the level of 4000 IU/kg of vitamin D.

During the semen storage, oxidative damage is one of the major causes of reduced motility and fertility of spermatozoa. Therefore, antioxidants such as zinc and vitamin C in seminal plasma may be have the important effects on reduce the lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa by prevent the destroy effect of ROS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of vitamin C and zinc in tris extender on spermatozoa characteristics of Arabi ram in liquid condition by 3×3×4 factorial arrangement with the use of completely randomized design. Treatments were included the levels of vitamin C (0, 150 and 300 μg/ml), zinc (0, 90 and 180 μg/ml) and storage periods of diluted semen (0, 2, 4 and 8 hours) in refrigerator temperature. Semen was collected weekly from 8 Arabic rams with 2-3 years old in breeding season and mixed together. The mixed semen was divided in to 9 parts and after dilution with tris, vitamin C and zinc levels were added. Spermatozoa characteristics include the progressive motility, viability and morphological defect rates were evaluated in various times of semen storage period. The effects of vitamin C, zinc and storage periods of semen on spermatozoa progressive motility, viability and morphological defect rates were significant (P<0.05). Also, comparison the means by Duncan test revealed that the highest motility and viability rates and lowest morphological defect rates were observed in zero levels of vitamin C and zinc (P<0.05). Therefore, vitamin C and zinc have no improved effects on motility, viability and morphological defect rates of spermatozoa in liquid storage condition of Arabian ram.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E on reproductive and productive parameters in Japanese quails. A total number of 240 female and 80 male Japanese quail were divided into five treatments with four replications in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets were zero control, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg kg-1 of vitamin E. Fertility and total hatchability were not affected by treatments. But, the lowest hatch of fertile eggs and the highest embryonic death were observed in control group (p

Subabul (leucaena leucocephala) is a multipurpose leguminous tree in the tropics and high-quality feed resource for ruminants especially during the dry season in most tropical and subtropical areas. Its leaf has high content of N (16 - 23 % crude protein) and Ca, a low content of tannins and phenolic compounds. The researchers reported dietary supplementation with leucaena silage could enhance feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in dairy steers. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of subabul as a replacement for alfalfa on rumen fermentation and digestion, rumination and blood metabolites of Najdi goat. Materials and
The eight Najdi goats with average body weight average of 35 kg that were fed with the control diet and diet containing subabul (50 percent of alfalfa) for 40 days. Animals were randomly treated with four replications. Forage to concentrate ratio was 50 to 50. The leave of subabul were collected from Mollasani and milled. Diets fed twice per day for 40 days. Daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen and blood parameters and rumination activity was recorded. Rumen fluid was collected from animals before the morning feeding. About 200 mg sample (1.0 mm screen) incubated with 35 ml buffered rumen fluid under continuous CO2 reflux in 100 ml vials for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, in a water bath maintained at 39°C. Cumulative gas production data were fitted to the exponential equation Y=B (1−e−Ct). Partitioning factor, microbial biomass, actually degradable organic matter was calculated by Makkar. Digestibility of dry matter and NDF of the samples were determined. Data were subjected to analysis as a completely randomized design using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS. Results and Discussion The results showed that the dry matter intake in goats fed with control treatment was more than treatment containing subabul (P Therefore, subabul as a substitute for 50 % of alfalfa had no negative effect on dry matter digestibility and fermentable parameters, so it can be used as a forage replacement in Najdi goat diet.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary nano-selenium supplementation on the glutathione peroxidase activity and sperm quality and quantity parameters of Arabian rams. In this experiment, twelve Arabian rams with an average weight of 73±3 kg and age of two to four years were used. Animals were divided into three groups: the control group (without -nano Selenium) and two experimental groups that received 0.4 and 0.8 mg nano-selenium per kg dry matter, respectively. The results showed that significant increase in semen selenium concentration and semen glutathione peroxidase activity in group 0.8 mg nano-selenium compared with the control group (P

This study was carried out to examine the effect of supplementation of canola and fish oils (5% fish oil, 3% fish oil 2% canola oil, 2% fish oil 3% canola oil and 5% canola oil) and Satureja khuzistanica essential oils (SkEO) (0 and 400 mg/kg), into a basal diet on productive performance, meat cholesterol, lipid stability and certain blood lipid components in broiler chickens raised under normal and heat stress conditions during day 22 to 42 of age. The experiment was conducted in a 4×2×2 factorial expriment using 640 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks in a completely randomised blocks design with 5 replicates of 8 birds in each replication. Oil source significantly decreased FCR, serum LDL and cholesterol content in thigh and breast muscles at day 42 of age. Inclusion of 400 mg/kg SkEO in diet significantly increased daily weight gain and decreased cholesterol content and TBARS concentration in thigh and breast muscles in heat stressed chicks. Heat stress condition significantly decreased FCR and increased TBARS as well as cholesterol content in breast muscle and serum cholesterol concentration during day 22 to 42 of age. It was concluded that supplementation of 400 mg/kg SkEO and canola oil into diet could have a positive effect on productive performance and reduce the meat and serum cholesterol concentration in broiler chicken.

The Effect of various amount of soybean lecithin replaced with egg yolk to protect the ram semen in times of one hour after semen collection, as well as 24 and 48 hours after the semen store at 5°C was evaluated. Semen was collected weekly for 8 weeks from 10 rams with 2-3 years old and average body weights of 64 kg. Semen samples were pooled and divided into 4 parts. Each part was diluted with one of the tris base extender containing 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent of soybean lecithin and 14 percent of egg yolk. The motility, viability, morphological abnormalities and membrane integrity of spermatozoa and pH of semen were evaluated. The results showed that 1.5 percent of soybean lecithin improved the motility and viability of spermatozoa at the first time (P

In this Research, effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on motility and fertility of indigenous rooster spermatozoa was evaluated using 20 and 48 indigenous roosters and hens, respectively. Semen was collected and pooled. In the first experiment, the pooled semen was diluted and divided into four aliquots.The treatments were included the diluted semen without BSA and with 1% BSA; In each group, spermatozoa motility was evaluated during 30 minutes of semen collection and 24 hours after semen storage in 4°C. Spermatozoa motility parameters were evaluated by computer assisted sperm analysis and routine methods. In the second experiment, hens were divided into 4 groups with 12 hens in each group and fresh diluted semen without BSA and containing 1% BSA as well as stored diluted semen without BSA and containing 1% BSA were inseminated. The eggs were incubated and proportion of fertile egg in each treatment group was recorded. By adding 1% BSA into the diluted semen of indigenous rooster, sperm motility parameters and fertility rate were not affected in fresh semen. However, after 24 hours of semen storage in liquid condition, BSA significantly preserved motility and fertility potential of spermatozoa (P