آنتی اکسیدان

Artificial insemination is widely used as a basic technique in livestock and poultry breeding programs. The use of this technique requires sperm freezing, a process during which superior genes are widely expanded and more progeny can be obtained from a male animal with high genetic characteristics. However, sperm undergoes much damage during the cooling and freezing process due to the drop in temperature and cold shock and the subsequent excessive production of free radicals. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) of the sperm plasma membrane occurs due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damages the structure of the sperm membrane. The attack of free radicals on intracellular organelles, especially mitochondria and sperm DNA, can often disrupt sperm functions and have a very negative effect on sperm fertility. Therefore, adding antioxidant compounds to sperm thinners is considered essential for freezing and maintaining sperm quality. Curcumin, as a natural antioxidant compound obtained from turmeric root, with the characteristic of having a phenolic ring and a beta-di-ketone part in its structure, is capable of neutralizing free radicals and thus maintaining the quality of sperm cells. This compound has been introduced as a very strong antioxidant compound in most pharmaceutical, medical, and food industry studies, and even in some studies, it has been reported to be the co-base of known antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins E and C, and the superoxide dismutase enzyme. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of adding different levels of curcumin to diluents on the physical, structural, and biochemical parameters (oxidative stress) of ram epididymal sperm after the freezing-thawing process.

In this experiment, testicular tissue was collected from a slaughterhouse and transferred to the laboratory. Sperm cells were collected by cutting the tail of the epididymis. Sperm samples were selected after an initial evaluation and diluted in a Tris-egg yolk-based diluent with a concentration of 50 million sperm per milliliter. Different concentrations of curcumin, including 0, 10, 25, and 50 μM, were added to the sperm-containing diluent at 37 °C. Samples containing different concentrations of curcumin in different experimental groups were poured into a 15 ml Falcon and transferred to 5 °C in isothermal water for cooling. After about 2 hours, the samples reached equilibrium at this temperature. Then, the experimental groups were filled and sealed at the same temperature in one-quarter straws at the same temperature. The peyotes were frozen at a distance of 4 cm from the surface of liquid nitrogen by nitrogen vapor for 7 minutes and then immersed in liquid nitrogen. The frozen peyotes were kept in a nitrogen tank until the evaluation (about 1 month). Physical parameters, survival, apoptosis status, plasma membrane health, abnormality percentage, biochemical parameters (including measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT), and H2O2 concentration assay were evaluated after thawing at 37 °C for 30 seconds. The data obtained from the evaluations were analyzed by SAS software and the GLM procedure at a significance level of 0.05.

The results of kinematic parameters, such as the total kinematics (TM) of the diluent containing 10 and 25 μM curcumin, the progressive kinematics (PM) of the diluent containing all three concentrations of curcumin (10, 25, and 50 μM), and the speed in the mean path (VCL) diluent containing 25 μM of curcumin, showed significantly better performance than the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the experimental groups for the other kinematic parameters such as velocity in a curved path (VAP), velocity in a straight path (VSL), transverse head movement (ALH), linearity of kinematics (LIN), and the percentage of straight movement (STR) (p > 0.05). The analysis of structural parameters indicated that the diluent containing all three levels of curcumin (10, 25, and 50 µM) significantly increased the percentage of sperm plasma membrane health after thawing. Moreover, the diluent containing 25 µM of curcumin significantly increased the viability percentage compared to the other treatment groups, with better performance. The addition of the same level significantly reduced the percentage of early apoptosis compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the treatments in the percentage of secondary apoptosis, necrosis, and abnormalities (p > 0.05). The results of the evaluation of biochemical parameters (oxidative stress) showed that the MDA concentration and CAT enzyme activity did not differ significantly among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). In the case of SOD activity, dilutions containing 10 and 25 μM of curcumin, and for GPX, dilutions containing 25 μM of curcumin significantly increased the activity of these antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of all three concentrations of curcumin (10, 25, and 50 μM) significantly reduced the H2O2 concentration compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

The results of this experiment show that the use of curcumin in the freezing diluent can improve the quality of ram epididymal sperm after the freezing-thawing process. Therefore, it is recommended to use a curcumin concentration of 25 μM in the freezing diluent.

The use of probiotics and medicinal plants as growth promoters and alternatives to antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens leads to the prevention of the the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria, including coliforms, increased resistance to pathogens, promotes the synthesis of antioxidants and antibacterials, stimulates local immunity, and improves immune system function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of adding sea galangal (Alpinia officinarum) powder and probiotics on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood cell population, caecal bacterial population, and ileum tissue morphology of Japanese quail under heat stress conditions

The experiment was conducted using 480 quail chicks in a completely randomized design with 24 experimental units, six treatments, and four replications. Experimental treatments included: 1- Control (basal diet without galangal powder or probiotics); 2- Basal diet with 50 mg of galangal powder; 3- Basal diet with 100 mg of galangal powder; 4- Basal diet with 50 mg of galangal powder+ 0.2 g/kg lactofeed probiotic; 5- Basal diet with 100 mg of galangal powder+ 0.2 g/kg lactofeed probiotic; 6- Basal diet with 0.2 g/kg lactofeed probiotic only. Performance traits (weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) of quail chicks were evaluated at 10, 20, and 35 days of age and over the whole period. Carcass characteristics, blood cells, caecal bacterial populations, and ileum tissue morphology were also assessed.

The use of galangal powder and probiotics significantly improved feed intake and feed conversion ratio under heat stress conditions. Carcass yield was higher in quail that received galangal powder + probiotics (P<0.05). The heterophil level and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocytes count in quail fed diets containing galangal powder and probiotics were lower than in the control group under heat stress conditions (P<0.05). The population of lactic acid bacteria in the cecum of birds fed diets containing galangal powder and probiotics was higher than in other treatments (P<0.05). Under heat stress conditions, the total bacterial population and the population of cecum coliforms were higher in the control treatment than in other experimental groups. Villus height, crypt thickness, and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the ileum tissue were higher in birds fed 50 mg of galangal powder+ 0.2 g/kg probiotic than in the control treatment under heat stress conditions (P<0.05); while the highest crypt depth was observed in birds fed the control treatment. The parameters of crypt diameter, inner and outer muscle layer thickness of ileum tissue were not affected by any of the experimental treatments under heat stress conditions.

In conclusion, adding 50 mg of sea galangal powder + 0.2 g/kg lactofeed probiotics to the basal diet under heat stress conditions significantly improved carcass yield, caecal bacterial population, blood cell counts, and ileum tissue morphology of Japanese quail.

 Probiotics are live microbial feed supplements that exert beneficial effects on host animals by enhancing the balance of intestinal microbes (Fesseha, 2019). In poultry production, probiotics are increasingly viewed as alternatives to oral antibiotics due to growing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance (Ogbuewu et al., 2022). Bacillus probiotics, in particular, have shown significant promise thanks to their spore-forming capabilities and resistance to feed processing (Ogbuewu et al., 2022). The stability of Bacillus spores in various stressful conditions, along with their ability to produce a range of enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase, makes them suitable food additives (Lei et al., 2013). Research indicates that probiotic supplementation can enhance growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and antioxidant status in broilers (Jadhav et al., 2015; Ogbuewu et al., 2022). Additionally, probiotics contribute to improved intestinal health by promoting beneficial microflora and enhancing intestinal morphology (Ogbuewu et al., 2022). Likewise, probiotics can boost various performance and health parameters in poultry, including body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and overall intestinal health (Alhefny et al., 2022; Aziz et al., 2022; Hassan et al.,2023; Prentza et al., 2022; Smolovskaya et al., 2023).The administration of synbiotics has been associated with positive effects on gut health, survival rates, and the composition of gut microbiota in broiler hens, suggesting potential benefits for reproductive performance and overall health in later life (Prentza et al., 2022). Furthermore, the use of probiotics does not lead to antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria, nor does it cause the accumulation of antibiotics in bird tissues (Angelakis, 2017; Blajman et al., 2015). Common probiotic strains utilized in poultry include species of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus (Fesseha, 2019). Although probiotics demonstrate potential as growth promoters, their effects can vary depending on the specific strains used and their dosages (Ahmad,2006). The characteristics of an effective probiotic include the following:1. It is non-pathogenic.2. It exerts a positive effect on the host animal.3. It can survive in the intestinal environment.4. It remains viable under storage conditions.5. It has a high shelf life during processing.6. It competes effectively with harmful bacteria (Smirnov et al., 2005).

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of commercial probiotics on sperm traits, intestinal morphology, gut microflora, and antioxidant status in 65-week-old Ross 308 male broiler breeders. A completely randomized design was used with 5 treatments, 10 replications, and one male per unit, totaling 50 males. Sperm characteristics were assessed by collecting samples using the abdominal rub method every ten days. The eosin and nigrosine staining method determined the percentage of live and dead sperm. Antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were also measured. At the experiment's conclusion, all roosters were slaughtered to evaluate intestinal morphology and quantify E. coli and Lactobacillus populations.

The effects of varying levels of commercial probiotics on sperm parameters—such as volume, motility, live sperm percentage, sperm count, and abnormal sperm percentage—in 65-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders are detailed in Table 3. The study found that the experimental treatments did not significantly affect sperm volume, motility, or live sperm percentage. However, during the first and second months, sperm counts in groups receiving 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of probiotics were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Bacillus supplementation notably increased live sperm counts (Mazanko et al., 2018). Additionally, the percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly lower (P<0.01) in the 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg probiotic groups compared to controls. Consistent with our findings, vitamin E has been reported to enhance semen volume, sperm motility, and egg fertility, while vitamin C reduces dead sperm percentages (Khan et al., 2012; Khan et al., 2013). In the first month, supplementation with 150 and 200 mg/kg of probiotics, and in the second month with 50, 150, and 200 mg/kg, significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). Probiotics also significantly increased villi length, with the highest jejunum villi length observed in the 150 mg/kg group (1231 micrometers) compared to the control (1156 micrometers). The villus-to-crypt depth ratio was highest in the 150 mg/kg group, showing significant improvement over controls. Probiotic addition significantly increased Lactobacillus numbers in the jejunum and ileum (P<0.05), while E. coli counts in the jejunum were significantly reduced compared to the control group.

The study demonstrated that probiotics in poultry nutrition enhance the immune system by settling in the digestive tract, preventing pathogens from adhering to intestinal villi, creating acidic conditions, and producing bactericides. This, in turn, improves nutrient digestion. Additionally, roosters fed with 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg probiotics showed a significantly higher number of live sperm compared to the control group. Overall, based on sperm characteristics, intestinal morphology, gut microflora, and antioxidant status, 100 mg/kg of probiotics is recommended as the optimal dosage.

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.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of different levels of dietary fat and vitamin E on the growth performance and blood parameters of Japanese quail. The experiment was conducted with 320 pieces of one-day-old quail in the form of a completely randomized design with 20 experimental units including 5 groups, 4 replications and A number of 16 pieces of quail chicks were performed in each repetition. The experimental groups include: 1) base diet (control), 2) base diet containing 2% soybean oil, 3) base diet containing 2% tallow oil, 4) base diet containing 2% soybean oil and 200 mg/kg vitamin E, 5) base diet They contained 2% tallow oil and 200 mg/kg vitamin E. The results showed that the treatment containing 2% tallow oil and vitamin E increased the weight of the birds compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). The lowest feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were observed in the birds that received the groups containing soybean oil or tallow along with vitamin E. Persistence percentage was not affected by experimental groups (P<0.05). The highest level of production index was related to the birds fed with the level of two percent tallow oil and E. The effect of experimental groups on blood parameters including total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL was not significant (P<0.05). In general, the use of two percent tallow oil along with vitamin E in the diet of birds improved the performance of quails.

Oxidative stress is inevitable in broiler chicken production, and it affects the physiological, behavioral, and biochemical status of growing chicken which ultimately deteriorates meat quality. The imbalance among free radicals and antioxidant enzymes within living cells or tissues leads to the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and is a fundamental cause of oxidative stress. When the antioxidant mechanism within living cells weakens, the production of free radicals increases under physiological oxygen metabolism, and reactive species (i.e., reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species) are needed in cells in small quantities because they function as signaling molecules during homeostasis. However, excessive production of these species leads to oxidative stress. There is a mechanism in living cells to reduce the number of oxidative species through physiological scavenging. Numerous reactive oxygen species such assuperoxide and hydrogen peroxide are produced during oxygen metabolism. In addition, some reports showed that after the occurrence of oxidative stress, there are severe inflammatory reactions in the cells involved, which can lead to greater tissue damage and activate tissue apoptosis. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the emergence of a number of chronic disorders such as diabetes and cancer by inducing inflammation. To protect against free radicals, living organisms have a combined antioxidant defense system including enzymatic system (such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes in the cytosol and cell membrane structure) and a non-enzymatic system (such as glutathione, polyphenol, carotenoids, special dipeptides, proteins containing thiol group, polyamines, ubiquinol, flavonoids, bilirubin, uric acid, vitamin E with selenium, and vitamin C) in tissues. Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) have been used as alternative medicine for more than 2000 years due to their multisystemic positive effects. Many active components of black cumin have been identified, including dithymoquinone, thymoquinone, nigellone, thymohydroquinone, nigilline, melanthin, nigelamine, damascenone, pinene, and p-cymene. Black cumin contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, cobalt, zinc, and manganese, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Moreover, black cumin is rich in essential oils, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. The black cumin has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anthelmintic, hypocholesteremia, appetite stimulant, antidiarrheal, diuretic, antiulcer, spasmolytic and bronchodilatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and renal protective activities and has antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of black cumin on growth performance, antioxidant status, inflammatory responses, and biochemical and hematological changes in broilers under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide.

A total of 200 one-day-old chickens (Ross 308) were reared in the form of a completelyrandomized design with four treatments and five replications (10 chickens per replicate). Experimental treatments included: 1. Control group (fed with basic diet), and groups 2, 3, and 4 had levels of 50, 100, and 150 g of black seed per kg of diet. To induce oxidative stress, all birds received 1% hydrogen peroxide per liter of drinking water from 14 to 42 days of age. At 42 d, two birds were randomly selected from each cage and after blood sampling from the wing vein, were killed and dissected for liver and spleen tissue sampling. Growth performance, blood and biochemical parameters such as the number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, heterophil and lymphocyte, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol, as well as serum antioxidant parameters including the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were determined. In addition, liver enzymes present in the serum including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Also, to evaluate the effect of black cumin on the inflammatory response of broiler chickens under induced oxidative stress, serum interleukins including IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured.

The results showed that black seed supplementation in chickens under induced oxidative stress significantly improved the growth performance, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased MDA in serum, liver tissue, and spleen (P<0.05). Black seed supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine of IL-10 (P<0.05). Also, black seed supplementation did not affect red blood cells, hematocrit, or hemoglobin, but increased white blood cells, lymphocytes, and decreased blood heterophils (P<0.05). Serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT, AST, and ALP also decreased significantly under the influence of black seed.

Based on the results of this experiment, it appears that black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed supplement can improve the growth performance of broiler chickens due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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.

The present study was conducted in order to use different levels of curcumin in the diluting sperm epididymis of Shal breed rams during storage at five degrees Celsius in the form of a completely randomized design with four treatments in six replications. Sperm samples were extracted from the testicular tissue and used in the Tris-egg yolk diluent. Different concentrations of curcumin including 0, 10, 25 and 50 μM were added to the diluents. The samples were gradually cooled at 5°C and after stabilization at this temperature, in 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours, the parameters of total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity and the percentage of sperm abnormalities were evaluated. The results showed that the use of 25μM curcumin improved the parameters of total motility, progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity only at 6 and 12 hours, but no significant difference was observed at 24 and 48 hours compared to other treatment groups. Regarding sperm abnormalities, no significant difference was observed between the treatments in all the examined times. The results of this study indicate that using a concentration of 25μM curcumin can lead to the improvement of ram epididymal sperm quality in the initial periods of storage, but it loses its effect in longer periods of time. Therefore, it is recommended to use nanotechnology methods to improve the effectiveness of curcumin, especially during long-term storage of ram sperm.

During the last two decades, the use of antibiotics in poultry diets as animal growth promotors and growth inhibitors of harmful microorganisms has been stopped in different parts of the world (Roth et al., 2019), which led to a decrease in poultry performance and an increase in the prevalence of diseases (Jha et al 2019; Adhikari et al 2020). Researchers have proposed various ways to improve production efficiency, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotic, plant extracts, enzymes and organic acids (Gadde et al 2017; Yadav et al 2019). As the age of laying hens increases, the quality of the egg shell decreases, which is due to the increases in weight and size of eggs, the direct effect of age on the structure of the shell, decreased bone calcium uptake and etc (Curtis et al 2005; Curtis 2008). Heat stress has negative effects on the human health and animal performance and product quality. High ambient temperatures cause reduced egg production, egg weight, egg quality (especially egg shell thickness and strength), impaired immunity and poor poultry welfare (Elnagar et al 2010, Ebied et al 2012). The impaired performances of poultry subjected to heat stress (HS) have been associated with a number of factors, including poor appetite and reduced feed intake (due to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), impaired digestion and metabolism, altered endocrine status (increased corticosterone concentration and reduced thyroid hormones concentrations), metabolic shifts at the systemic and cellular levels and changes in body composition (Elnagar et al 2010, Azad et al 2010, Ebied et al 2012, Safdari-Rostamabad et al 2017). Therefore, it is important to design the strategies or ways of minimizing the negative effect of heat stress as part of methods to maintaining egg production, egg quality and poultry welfare. There are several strategies to reduce the effects of heat stress in the laying hens, including use of feed additive, vitamins, organic minerals and antioxidants. In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of MultiAct-L® (Contains probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, enzymes, organic form of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Co, Cr and antioxidants) on production performance, egg quality, Newcastle disease antibody titer, antioxidant capacity and gut morphology of laying hens subjected to HS in late laying cycle.

Two hundred and sixteen LSL-Lite laying hens (90 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with six replicates and twelve birds in each replicate. Dietary treatments were: 1) basal diet based on a corn-soybean meal 2) basal diet with 0.3 % MultiAct-L® and 3) basal diet with 0.5% MultiAct-L®. The birds were exposed to 36±1°C for 6 hours per day. Egg production, egg weight, feed intake, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly and mortality was recorded daily. Egg mass was calculated by multiplying the total number of eggs laid per hens by the average egg weight. At the end of experimental period, one bird from each replicate (close to cage average weight) was slaughtered, and blood samples were taken for analysis. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and then serum samples were separated at 3000 ×g for 10 min. Total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, albumin, calcium and phosphorus were measured using analytical kits. Serum titer to Newcastle disease virus was determined by hemagglutination inhibition test. Villus height, villus width, crypt depth, villus surface area and villus height/crypt depth were measured in the jejunum section of the small intestine. The data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of the SAS (2003). The Duncan multiple range test was used to determine the significant differences between treatment means.

MultiAct-L® did not affect the body weight gain of laying hens (P>0.05). The results also showed that feeding MultiAct-L® enhanced the feed intake, egg production, egg weight and egg mass (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was improved and mortality was lower in the treatments receiving 0.3 or 0.5% MultiAct-L® than the control group (P<0.05). In agreement with our findings, Deng et al. (2012) and Zhang et al. (2017) reported the significant increase of egg production, feed intake and egg weight by dietary supplementation of probiotic in laying hens subjected to HS. Supplementation of 0.3% MultiAct-L® to diet decreased the abnormal eggs (P>0.05). Shape index, Haugh unit, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness and egg specific gravity were not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). Similarly, Bozkurt et al. (2012) showed that egg quality parameters weren’t affected by dietary supplementation of essential oil or mannan oligosaccharide in laying hens subjected to heat stress. MultiAct-L® supplement did not significantly affect the titer of antibody against Newcastle disease virus at days 10 and 30 post-vaccination (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase among experimental treatments (P>0.05); however, dietary MultiAct-L® supplementation had increased the superoxide dismutase levels and decreased malondialdehyde levels in serum (P<0.05). Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, albumin, calcium and phosphorus in experimental treatments were not significantly different between the control group and the MultiAct-L®-treated groups (P>0.05). No significant changes in villus height, villus width, villus surface area, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio were observed between three groups at the end of the 8 weeks experimental period (P>0.05). Similarly, Deng et al. (2012) showed that villus height, villus width, crypt depth in the ileum weren’t affected by dietary supplementation of probiotic in laying hens subjected to HS.

As for the results of this study, Multiact-L® could improve laying performance and antioxidant status in laying hens subjected to heat stress during the late laying period.

Fertility is one of the main factors influencing the economic result in poultry flocks and it is influenced by several variables including breed, nutrition quality, flock age and sperm quality. As a result, the decrease in the fertility of beef mother herds after the peak of production is one of the most important factors in reducing the economic profit of breeding units. It has been shown that fertility decline at the end of the productive period can be partially prevented through artificial insemination. The requirement for optimal use of artificial insemination in any species is the possibility of storing sperm in liquid and frozen form. Fertility rate of poultry sperm in frozen conditions is facing a serious challenge compared to other species, this challenge may be related to some special physiological characteristics of rooster sperm that lead to increased sensitivity in frozen conditions. Ginger is a plant that has strong antioxidant substances, which increases the level of antioxidant enzymes and collects free radicals and protects the cell membrane against the risk of oxidation and peroxidation of fats. The main antioxidant compounds in ginger are gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols and some phenolic ketone derivatives, which have the ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This evidence shows that adding ginger powder to the diet of broilers can improve the quality of sperm after thawing and increase the fertility rate by improving the antioxidant properties of semen and protecting sperm from damage caused by freezing-thawing. In this research, twenty-seven Ras 308 breeding broilers were tested in the southern desert research farm in collaboration with Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.  At the age of 47 weeks, the sows were habituated for two weeks in individual cages and fed with basic ration and abdominal rubbing method for sperm collection. From the age of 49 to 60 weeks for 12 weeks, the sows were fed with a basic diet (control group) or diets with different levels of ginger powder (treatment groups) and kept at a temperature of 19-23 degrees Celsius and a photoperiod of 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness.  Experimental treatments included: control diet (no feeding of ginger powder), daily feeding of 7.5 grams of ginger powder and daily feeding of 15 g of ginger powder per kg of diet. During the test period, sperm samples were collected weekly by abdominal rub method and after initial evaluation, from the age of 51 weeks, they were frozen, and the quality parameters of semen, including total and progressive aspect, plasma membrane function, sperm viability and morphology after thawing were evaluated. took Frozen semen samples from weeks 59 and 60 were inoculated into broiler hens to evaluate sperm fertility after thawing. The effect of treatment and test weeks on most of the parameters measured including total and progressive motility, viability and function of sperm plasma membrane was significant. The interaction of treatment and test weeks significantly affected overall and progressive behavior, but its effect on survival tended to be significant. The effects of treatment, week and the interaction of treatment in week had no significant effect on the percentage of abnormal sperms. The study by Shafiq et al. (2015) improved the storage of rooster sperm using rosemary essential oil after the freezing and thawing process; The results of the research showed that the use of rosemary essential oil in the diluent improves the quality of rooster sperm, which is consistent with the present research.  Ginger comprises essential antioxidant compounds such as gingerols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and certain phenolic ketone derivatives. These compounds possess the remarkable ability to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, contributing to their sustained antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase plays a crucial role in safeguarding sperm in the tissues of the testis and epididymis. A decline in the levels of this enzyme within the body has been associated with infertility. Recognizing the significance of these antioxidant components and enzymes underscores their continuous impact on maintaining reproductive health. By being placed in the sperm plasma membrane, this enzyme protects the sperm nucleus and epididymal fluid from the attack of free radicals and causes the final swelling and development of sperms. Fertility percentage and sperm yield in chicks of hens fed with 7.5 and 15 g/kg of ginger powder in the diet increased significantly compared to the control group. Among the sperm parameters, sperm motility and viability are considered to be the most important factors influencing sperm transfer to SSTs; In this research, the total and progressive motility and survival were increased in the groups of 7.5 and 15 grams per kg of diet, which can be the reasons for increasing the fertility and hatching of chicks in these groups. In a research by Masoudi et al. (2021), they investigated the effect of milk thistle, carob and ginger on the reproductive performance of Ras breed broilers and reported that supplementing the diet with plant additives significantly improved the quality of sperm and fertility of the sows compared to the control group. In generally, the results of the present study showed that the addition of 7.5 and 15 g per kg of ginger powder in the diet significantly increased the total and progressive motility, the integrity and function of the plasma membrane, and finally, the fertility and egg retrieval of sperm after thawing.

Ascites is one of the most common metabolic syndromes in today's fast-growing broilers and is associated with rapidly growing tissues and characterized by accumulation of lymph fluid in the peritoneal spaces. Effective factors in the occurrence of ascites syndrome include 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 the use of 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, and carvacrol. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of sage on the performance, antioxidant status, and blood parameters of broiler chickens under induced ascites.
A total of 450 one-day-old chickens (Ross 308) were reared in the form of a completely randomized design with six treatments and five replications (15 chickens in each replication). Experimental treatments include 1. Positive control group (without inducing ascites and fed with basic diet), 2. Negative control group (inducing ascites and fed with basic diet), 3 and 4. Vitamin C group (inducing ascites with levels of 1000 and 2000 ppm vitamin C), 5 and 6- Sage group (ascites induction with 1000 and 2000 ppm of sage extract). To induce ascites, water containing 1200 mg of sodium (three grams per liter of sodium 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. Blood and biochemical parameters such as the number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, heterophil and lymphocyte, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol, as well as serum antioxidant parameters including the level of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured. In addition, liver enzymes present in the serum including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also measured.
The results showed that induction of ascites increased the ratio of the right ventricle to total ventricles, mortality due to ascites, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and body weight loss (P<0.05). Administering sage extract improved the mentioned traits and vitamin C also reduced the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles, losses due to ascites (P<0.05). Sage extract and vitamin C moderated the increasing effects of ascites induction on heterophiles, triglyceride, and cholesterol and increased red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin compared to the negative control treatment (P<0.05). In addition, the induction of ascites decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes and increased serum malondialdehyde, experimental treatments, especially sage extract, improved the antioxidant status compared to the negative control treatment (P<0.05). Also, the induction of ascites increased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gammaglutaryl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. The addition of experimental supplements, especially sage, decreased the serum level of the mentioned enzymes (P<0.05).
The results of this research showed that the use of sage extract compared to vitamin C has better results on performance, increasing antioxidant power, and reducing stress of broilers with ascites.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin A injection on reproductive performance in repeat breeder cows. One hundred and sixty-two multiparous Holstein cows with at least three consecutive unsuccessful inseminations were randomly assigned to experimental treatments. Treatments included (1) control: twice intramuscular injection 10 ml placebo30 days apart: 0.9% sodium chloride (n=87) and (2) vitamin A:  twice intramuscular injection 10 ml retinol palmitate 30 days apart (n=75). Animals submitted to double-ovsynch protocol and received their experimental treatments on the tenth day of the protocol (the day of the second injection of GnRH). The injection of retinol palmitate significantly increased the number of ovarian follicles larger than 10 mm compared to the control (P <0.05). Plasma concentration of superoxide dismutase enzyme tended to increase (P = 0.09) and malondialdehyde concentration tended to decrease (P = 0.08) under the influence of vitamin A injection. The conception rate at first artificial insemination was 25.29% and 34.66% for control and vitamin A treatments respectively, this difference was not significant (P = 0.19). The odds ratio of conception in the first service for vitamin A treatment was 1.57 times higher than the control treatment but was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). In conclusion, vitamin A injection improved antioxidant function and ovarian function. The reproductive performance improved, although not statistically significant.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on lipid profiles, thyroid hormones and liver enzymes of elderly broiler breeders. For this purpose the Number of 200 female Ross 308 broiler breeders by 45 weeks of age used in a completely random factorial design (2×4) including 2 levels of ginger (zero and 1.5%) and two levels of flax (zero, 1, 2 and 3%) as long as 10 weeks in 5 experimental treatments 5 replications and 5 hens per replication were performed. The results showed that consumption of ginger, flaxseed oil and co-consumption of ginger with flaxseed oil had no significant effect on triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and glucose (p<0.05).LDL concentration decreased in birds fed with 1.5% ginger powder (p<0.05). using 1.5% ginger powder in the ratio decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme, while, feeding flaxseed oil and co-consumption feeding of flaxseed oil and ginger oil had no significant effect on in control treatment group (p<0.05). Consumption of ginger, flaxseed oil and concomitant consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger reduced the enzyme alanine aminotransferase compared to the group receiving zero levels of ginger and zero flaxseed oil (p<0.05). Using ginger and flaxseed oil in the diet had no significant effect on thyroid hormones (p<0.05). Adipose tissue and liver parameters didn’t significantly affected by flaxseed and ginger oil (p<0.05). To wrap up, the results of present study revealed that, supplementing the mother's diet with 1.5% ginger and 2% flaxseed oil has a positive effect on liver enzymes.

Sperm cryopreservation has become an indispensable tool in reproductive biology. However, maintaining fertility in frozen sperm is very important. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of selenium nano-particles on the storage of dog semen at 4 ˚C during a period of 48 hours. In this study, 20 ejaculates were collected from 4 mix dogs and diluted in a Tris-based diluent. Then, they were divided into 4 parts in control and treated with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 µg selenium nano-particles groups. Sperm parameters including evaluation of total and progressive motility sperm, motility characteristics and viability of sperm were evaluated for 48 hours. The obtained results showed that in concentrations of 1 µg [progressive sperm (27.03±1.48), total motility (49.48±1.27) and viability (41.40±1.03)] and 0.5 µg [progressive sperm (30.76±1.67), total motility (53.18±1.54) and viability (43.15±1.58)] of selenium nanoparticles compared to the control group, but in the concentration of 1.5 µg was lower than the control group (p< 0.05). As a result, the present study showed that adding selenium nanoparticles in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 µg to dog semen can improve the parameters of dog semen after liquid storage, but in concentrations of 1.5 µg it causes toxic effects and overall agitation. And it reduces sperm viability.

Artificial insemination is one of the most accessible techniques for raising domestic animals. It has been proven that refrigeration significantly reduces the quality of sperm. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of crocin on the storage of dog semen at 4 ºC during a period of 48 hours. In this study, 25 ejaculates were collected from 5 terrier dogs and diluted in a Tris-based diluent. Then, they were divided into 5 parts in control, control dissolve (Dimethyl sulfoxide 5%, dissolve of crocin) and treated with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM crocin groups. Sperm parameters including evaluation of total motility, progressive motility, motility characteristics and sperm viability were evaluated for 48 hours. The obtained results showed that progressive motility and total motility during 48 hours of storage were significantly higher in 1.5, 1, and 0.5 mM crocin concentrations compared to the control group. Also, the examination of motility characteristics, except for STR, showed that the addition of 1.5 mM crocin significantly improved the characteristics compared to the control group. Investigating sperm viability showed that the addition of 1.5, 1 and 0.5 mM crocin significantly improves sperm viability. As a result, the present study determined that the addition of crocin to dog semen can improve the parameters of dog semen after liquid storage.

Rams usually experience summer heat stress. In addition, rams due to high sexual activity during joining season experience doubled stress. Following the stress, the production of free radicals increases and oxidative stress related damages occur. High levels of free radicals cause sperm viability reduction, infertility and alter post-absorptive carbohydrate metabolism and glucose tolerance. There are various strategies to reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The supplementation of antioxidants and some trace elements are important nutritional strategies have been recommended to combat harmful effects of oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of organic chromium or selenium on post-absorptive glucose metabolism and blood plasma antioxidant status in Mehraban rams.

Sixteen Mehraban rams (2-4 years old, with a body score of 2.5-3.5 and 70.14 kg in initial body weight) were randomly divided in to four groups (n=4). Treatments included two levels of Se 0 and 0.6 mg/ram/day (in form of yeast selenium) and, two levels of Cr, 0 and 1 mg/ram/day (in form of Cr-Methionine). The experiment lasted for 60 days. The supplements were fed daily and with the morning meal and total antioxidant capacity and malondyaldehyde levels were determined at days 30 and 60 of experiment. At the end of the experiment an intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed. To do this, 0.5 g of glucose/kg BW as sterile 50 % dextrose solution (w/v) was infused by jugular vein and subsequently blood glucose concentrations were determined at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min post-infusion. Then plasma glucose kinetics was calculated.

Time effect and treatment×time interaction did not impact malondialdehyde level and total antioxidant capacity. Interaction of chromium × selenium did impact total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) but, did not affect malondialdehyde level. Total antioxidant capacity was higher and malondialdehyde level was lower in chromium and selenium groups compared to control. Glucose basal and peak concentrations and amount of change (peak-basal concentrations) after glucose tolerance test did not differ among groups. Glucose concentrations were lower in chromium and selenium co-supplemented compared to chromium or selenium supplemented group at 15, 150 and 180 min glucose post-infusion and a significant chromium × selenium interaction was found (P < 0.05). Interaction of chromium × selenium did not impact glucose concentration at 20, 25 and 120 min post-infusion but glucose concentration at the mentioned time points in 1 mg level showed tendency to decrease compared to 0 levels. Plasma glucose clearance rate at 5 to 15 min post-infusion was higher and half-life was lower in chromium and selenium co-supplemented compared to selenium-supplemented group (P < 0.05). Main effect of chromium at the mentioned time interval was significant and 1 mg Cr/day had higher glucose clearance rate and lower half life (P < 0.05). Area under the curve at 5 to 15 min post-infusion did not differ between groups. Regardless of whether area under the curve was calculated from 0 to 30 min or 0 to 45 min, area under the curve was lower for chromium co-supplemented group compared to Se-supplemented group (P < 0.05).

Results of this study showed that organic chromium and selenium supplements alone or their combination improve the antioxidant status of rams in summer but, only the use of chromium alone or combined with selenium improves the post-absorption glucose metabolism characteristics. Also, the combined use of those two elements does not have a synergistic effect on post-absorptive glucose metabolism and blood plasma antioxidant status in Mehraban rams.

The present study was aimed to evaluate temporal changes in milk fatty acids and antioxidants of Saanen goat in response to berberine (BBR) supplementation during the transition period. Twenty-four primiparous Saanen dairy goats were used from 21 days before predicted parturition to 21 days after kidding. Experimental treatments were included: 1) control (without BBR supplement), 2) control + 1 g/d BBR, 3) control + 2 g/d BBR and 4) control + 4 g/d BBR. Body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) of individual goats were measured on days -21, -14, -7, 0, 7, 14 and 21 relative to parturition. Also, milk samples were harvested at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 following parturition. The results showed that dry matter intake (DMI), BCS and milk yield were increased with supplementation of 2 and 4 g/d BBR (P≤0.05). Milk lactose was also enhanced with increased BBR ingestion (P≤0.05). BBR consumption caused changes in milk fatty acids (FAs) profile in accordance with the energy balance. By supplementing 2 and 4 g/d BBR in transition goats, the level of de novo FAs were increased and free fatty acids (FFAs) were decreased (P≤0.05). BBR supplementation was also associated with a decrease in C18:1n9 fatty acid. The level of milk malondialdehyde (MDA) in goats supplemented with 2 and 4 g/d BBR was also decreased (P≤0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as well as the level of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in the milk of goats fed 2 and 4 g/d BBR was higher than the control (P≤0.05). In summary, these results showed that BBR supplementation as a new therapeutic strategy in transition period could improve lactation performance, energy balance, and milk antioxidant indicators.

Increased concerns about antibiotic resistance due to increased growth-promoting antibiotic inclusion in animal feed over the therapeutic dosage have been made scientists look for a proper alternative with similar benefits and without negative impacts on animal and human communities. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) has been considered as a possible alternative for both antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants (Mohammadi, 2020). Although few studies have investigated the effects of this herbal plant on the production performance of laying hens and quality traits of eggs stored under different environmental conditions and storage times (Nobakht et al., 2011, Paymard et al., 2013), previous studies have been reported confusing information in this case (Aydın and Bölükbaşı, 2020). Most of these studies have reported reduced egg production due to the supplementation of pennyroyal powder to laying hens’ diet. Also, it has been reported that pennyroyal supplementation has less or no impact on egg quality traits. However, it has been suggested that pennyroyal might have strong antioxidant properties due to its composition of essential oils and/or phenolic compounds, such as pulegone as a dominant compound, which may affect the quality traits of eggs, especially those stored for a long period of time (Ruberto and Baratta, 2000). Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of different levels of pennyroyal supplementation on the performance and egg quality traits of old laying hens that are highly prone to oxidative stress. In this experiment, one-hundred and twenty laying hens (Hy-line W36) with 53 weeks of age were provided farm the nearest commercial layer farm and distributed in three treatments, four replicate and eight birds per replicate with similar body weights (±5%) on a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments include 1) control diet (without pennyroyal supplementation), 2) 0.5%, and 3) 1% pennyroyal supplementation. In this study, two weeks were considered as an adaptation period and the birds fed with the control diet. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and birds fed the experimental treatments. The aerial parts of the pennyroyal were purchased fresh from a local store in West Azerbaijan, and their essential oil contents were measured by GC-mass spectrometry after air-drying and grinding. Chemical composition analysis has indicated that pulegone was the dominant component of the pennyroyal powder used in this study (17.11%). The present study consisted of two experiments; the first one for evaluating the production performance and egg quality traits, and the second one for evaluating the internal quality traits of the eggs stored under different storage times (7 or 30 days) and temperatures (4 or 25°C). Experimental diets based on the corn-soybean meal were formulated according to the nutritional recommendations of the Hy-line W36 strain and fed for eight weeks. The egg numbers and mean egg weight were recorded daily, and the feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and egg mass were calculated weekly. Two eggs were collected from each replicate to evaluate their quality traits at both experiments. Serum samples were obtained by blood sampling from the wings vein to evaluate serum biochemical parameters. The results of the present study indicated that pennyroyal supplementation has significantly reduced egg production and egg mass, and increased FCR (P<0.05). These findings are in agreement with the previous studies (Arjomandi et al., 2011, Nobakht et al., 2011, Paymard et al., 2013). According to the findings of the present study and previous investigations, the negative impacts of the pennyroyal supplementation might be due to the high content of pulegone (in this study 17.11%), which converts to menthofuran (a hepatotoxic composition) after being metabolized. Furthermore, pennyroyal supplementation significantly reduced the Haugh unit and increased albumen pH (P<0.05). These findings were in agreement with the study of Paymard et al. (2013) and disagreement with the other studies (Arjomandi et al., 2011, Nobakht et al., 2011); Since they have seen no impact of pennyroyal supplementation of egg quality traits. The probable reason for these negative impacts might be explained by the previous studies that investigated the other antioxidant alternatives, which have stated that polyphenolic compounds or essential oils of herbal plants could increase the albumen pH and therefore weakens the protein bonds between lysozyme and ovomucin of albumen (Ahn et al., 1999, Arpášová et al., 2014). Evaluation of the internal quality traits of the eggs stored under different times and temperatures indicated that the main effects of pennyroyal supplementation were not significant in desired parameters; however, the main effects of times on HU and ApH, and the main effects of different temperatures on YI, HU, ApH, and YH were significant (P<0.05). Additionally, significant interactions existed between pennyroyal levels and storage times in HU, YI, and YH (P<0.05). Also, Significant interactions were reported between pennyroyal levels and storage temperatures in ApH and YpH (P<0.05). Furthermore, significant interactions existed between storage times and temperatures in HU and YP (P<0.05). Though, no significant interactions were reported between all three factors. Almost no study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of pennyroyal supplementation on the internal quality traits of eggs stored under different times and temperatures. Therefore, according to the previous studies, oxidation of lipids in the egg's vitelline membranes, over time, increases the transfer of ions between the albumen and the yolk, which in turn increases the pH and ultimately reduces the Hough unit (Silversides et al., 2001). According to the findings of the present study, pennyroyal supplementation reduced production performance, egg quality traits, and internal quality traits of the stored eggs. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the pennyroyal powder supplementation in old laying hens’ diet to improve production performance and egg quality traits.

In this study, nutritional and digestibility value of tomato pomace before (TP) and after oil extraction (DTP) were measured. Lycopene content of TP and its rumen disappearance rate was determined. In a completely randomized design, gas production content of TP and DTP was measured in vitro. Ruminal disappearance of dry matter and lycopene of TP were determined at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation using fistula cows. Ruminal degradability parameters including rapidly degraded fraction (a), slowly degraded fraction (b), fractional rate of degradation (c), potential of degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) were estimated. Results showed that lycopene content of TP was 168 mg/kg DM. DTP contained higher crude protein, NDF, and ADF than TP. De-oiled TP showed higher gas production, digestibility of organic matter and short-chain fatty acids and lower N-ammonia as compared to TP. The values for a, b, c, PD and ED for dry matter were 57.1, 0.07, 66.4 and 49.3% and for lycopene were 3.87, 42.1, 0.076, 45.9 and 34.1, respectively. In conclusion, ruminal degradability of lycopene was about 30% meaning that about than 70% of lycopene by-passes the rumen. Moreover, de-oiled tomato pomace has reasonable nutritive values to be used in ruminant nutrition.

One of the major problems of mother herd industry is the accumulation of abdominal fats and increasing plasma fat index by furthering production period. These changes predispose chickens and roosters to metabolic diseases and fertility issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil and ginger powder on fat metabolism, lipid profiles and liver enzymes of broilers.

we used 72 pieces of Ross 308 broiler mother rooster by 45 weeks of age, in a completely randomized factorial design (4×2) including 2 levels of ginger powder (consisting 0 & 1.5 percent of ratio), 4 levels of flaxseed oil. (0, 1, 2 and 3percent of ratio) as long as 10 weeks in 8 experimental treatments with 3 replicate and 3 roosters per replication.

The results of present study revealed that consumption of ginger powder and flaxseed oil significantly reduced the triglyceride and plasma cholesterol concentrations in broiler compared to the control group (p<0.05).  Also, interactions of different levels of ginger powder and flaxseed oil on triglyceride and total plasma were significant (p<0.05). Consumption ginger powder significantly reduced low-density lipoproteins and increased high-density lipoproteins of blood plasma (p<0.05), while flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil had a significant effect on low density lipoproteins (LDL). And did not have any significant effect on high density lipoproteins (HDL) (p<0.05).  The Glucose concentration didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and also the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil (p<0.05). Using 1.5% of ginger powder in diet decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05), while using flaxseed oil and simultaneous consumption of flaxseed oil and ginger powder had no significant effect on aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (p<0.05). The main effect of ginger powder, flaxseed oil and the interaction effects of ginger powder and flaxseed oil in reducing plasma alanine aminotransferase were also significant (p<0.05). Liver weight, relative liver weight and abdominal fat weight, relative weight of abdominal fat weight didn’t affect by ginger powder and flaxseed oil and the simultaneous effects of ginger and flax (p<0.05).

Based on the results of the present study, supplementation of the mother rooster diet simultaneously with a level of 1.5% ginger powder and the level of 2% flaxseed oil had positive effect on lipid profile and liver enzymes.