fermentation

Colostrum is a secretion product produced by the mammary glands immediately after birth. This vital and unique composition is designed to meet all the animal's needs when it cannot eat. For various reasons, maternal accidents can occur during pregnancy and birth, making it impossible to produce appropriate colostrum for the newborn calf. Therefore, the main task of the farmer is to provide suitable replacement colostrum as quickly as possible so that he can maintain the results of his year-long efforts to continue the generation. Various methods are used to preserve colostrum. Methods of colostrum storage include fermentation and freezing. Fermentation of the colostrum results in physical and chemical changes in the colostrum that can aid in the transfer of nutrients to the calf. This research was carried out to study and compare the effect of different methods of colostrum preservation on the efficiency of newborn calves of the Simmental breed and to recommend the use of one of the more suitable methods so that if the farmer does not have access to suitable colostrum, he can use.
To carry out this study, 32 newborn Simmental calves with an average weight of 39.5 ± 3.2 kg were used. The calves were divided into four equal groups (eight replicates per treatment), including 1. group fed with fresh colostrum from the mother (control), 2. group fed with fermented colostrum without any additives (fermented without additives), 3. the group that was fed colostrum fermented with low-fat yogurt (fermented with yogurt), and 4. the group was fed with colostrum that was kept frozen (frozen) in the freezer and heated to a temperature of 37 °C before consumption. Initially, a colostrum bank was used with 110 liters of colostrum from the first and second lactation cows, which started colostrum production at the same time by synchronizing parturition. Colostrum samples were separated and prepared in polyethylene (PET) plastic containers with a volume of two liters. In the fermented colostrum group, after filling the containers of the group with yogurt, two percent yogurt was added, and the containers were completely sealed and stored at room temperature until the experiment. The dishes belonging to the frozen group were stored in the freezer at -20 °C. In the first two days, all calves received two liters of colostrum per meal twice daily in the morning and evening. Feed was consumed daily. Calves were weighed at the beginning of parturition, on the 30th and 60th days of the schedule in the morning and before feed distribution, and from the 27th day of the calves' birth, the apparent digestibility of nutrients (dry matter) was measured. Samples were taken from three-day experimental rations and feces. Blood was collected from the jugular vein on days 0, 1, and 30. After serum separation, blood factors such as glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and total blood protein were measured. At the beginning of the course and the end of the project, body parameters were measured to check the growth status of the calf: hip width, height from withers, chest circumference, body length, chest depth, wrist circumference, and eye relief.
The results of different treatments of colostrum consumption in newborn calves concerning blood biochemical parameters showed that the amount of glucose in all three sampling times was not significantly different in all treatments, and the amount of blood protein and triglycerides were also not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Colostrum consumption with different storage methods had no significant influence on the amount of concentrate consumed, the digestibility of the dry matter consumed, the final weight of the calf, the daily weight gain, and the feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). Also, the results showed that there were no significant changes in physical indices among different groups (P>0.05). The use of colostrum with different storage methods had no difference in the amount of cells associated with the immune system, including types of white blood cells, and therefore the immune conditions were similar in all groups (P>0.05).
The results of this study showed that consumption of colostrum in simply fermented form or with the addition of fat-free yogurt, as well as colostrum stored in frozen form, had a positive influence on blood parameters in newborn calves compared to the control group that used fresh maternal colostrum. The use of colostrum stored in any of the mentioned methods, depending on the conditions of animal husbandry, can help provide the colostrum needed by the calf and solve the problem of the animal breeder.

Considering the characteristics of tomato pomace, which contains high amounts of crude protein, as well as pumpkin waste (including skin and fruit), which contain high amounts of soluble carbohydrates as an energy source, the combination of these two is better for preparing silage. It can support the fermentation process in silage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of bacterial and acidic additives on chemical acids, fermentation properties and digestibility in tomato pomace silage and pumpkin waste.

Representative of samples were packed manually, in triplicate into plastic bags and were stored at ambient temperature and allowed to ensiled for 90 days. The following treatments were applied to the forage samples: 1) tomato pomace and pumpkin waste silage mix (50:50), without any additives (control), 2) control + LAB made inoculant (8×109 CFU/ml), 3) control + organic acid and 4) control + organic acid + LAB made inoculants.

The results showed that there was a significant effect between the treatments in terms of dry matter in 45 days (p<0.05), The highest was observed on the 45th day in the 24.38 acid treatment.There was no significant effect between the treatments in terms of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p>0.05). But, as days passed after ensiling crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased. A significant difference was observed in the amount of ammonia nitrogen between the experimental treatments 45 days after ensiling (P<0.05), which was the highest on the 90th day of 2.50 in the bacterial treatment and the lowest on the 1st day in the acid treatment of 0.20. The pH value of different silages during the time after ensiling was not affected by the experimental treatments. The lowest pH value (3.85) was observed on the 90th day after ensiling in silage with added bacteria. As the time after ensiling increased, the pH decreased. Flake point was significant in all treatments and all days (p<0.05). The lowest was observed on the 1st day of 49.08 in the control treatment and the highest was observed on the 45th day of 93.86 in the bacterial treatment. There was no significant effect between treatments in terms of dry and organic matter digestibility, parsing factor, microbial mass production and gas production efficiency (p>0.05). However, the highest and lowest digestibility of dry and organic matter were related to treatments 2 and 1, respectively. In terms of microbial protein production efficiency, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The pH value at the end of the period was significant (p<0.05), and all the treatments had lower pH compared to the control. Also, the amount of ammonia nitrogen at the end of the period was significant (p<0.05) and the highest ammonia nitrogen belonged to the control.

In general, the results showed that the use of different additives did not have a significant effect on the nutritional value of the mixed silage of tomato pomace and pumpkin waste compared to the control treatment. Considering the cost of adding additives, as well as having information and technical knowledge regarding additives, it is recommended to consume tomato pomace and pumpkin waste without adding any additives.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing raw or fermented rapeseed meal with soybean meal on production performance and eggshell quality in broiler breeders. Rapeseed meal was fermented for 30 days with Lactobacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger, and 140 broiler breeders (Ross 308) in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of 3 × 2, including two types of rapeseed meal (raw and fermented) and three replacement levels with soybean meal (33, 66, and 100%) with a control group (corn-soybean) were performed with 5 replications for 12 weeks (three production stages). Results indicated that pH and glucosinolates values of rapeseed meal decreased significantly after microbial fermentation (P<0.05). Fermented rapeseed meal had no significant effect on body weight, egg weight, egg production percentage, and eggshell quality in comparison with raw rapeseed meal. The effect of replacing meal level on body weight and egg weight was insignificant, but with increasing the level of raw or fermented rapeseed meal in the diet a linear significant decrease was observed in production percentage and eggshell quality (P<0.05). The production percentage was significantly lower in hens fed 100% raw or fermented rapeseed meal compared to the control group (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, raw or fermented rapeseed meal at the levels of more than 66% replacement with soybean meal in the diet of broiler breeders negatively affected production performance and eggshell quality.

Using agro-Industrial by-products in animal nutrition is an efficient way to improve low quality materials to high quality feeds. Agro-industrial by-products are wasted often and their disposal may cause environmental problems, as they are perishable and potential pollutants. Tomato pomace (TP) is the main waste of tomato factories. In Iran, about 6.9 million tons of tomatoes are produced annually, from that about 575,000 tons of TP is produced. TP, as a by-product, is a good source of vitamin B1, B2 and a reasonable source of vitamin A. Additionally, TP contains important compounds such as carotenoids such as lycopene, which their presence in animal products can be important for consumer health. TP can be used as promising protein and fiber sources in ruminant nutrition. The chemical composition of TP in different parts of the country has already been reported. There are some discrepancies among the results in term of chemical composition. Different results obtained by various studies could be due to the different analytical methods used as well as differences in processing conditions. A few experiments have examined the potential use of TP in ruminant diets. For example, TP has been used in dairy cows without any negative effect on milk production. There are also reports of a positive effect of using TP in fattening lambs. However, information about the effect of TP on ruminal fermentation and digestibility parameters is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of dried TP and its replacement with wheat bran (WB) in vitro.

Initially the TP was prepared from Rojin Tak factory in Kermanshah. After that, TP samples have dried in the shade, and transported to the laboratory. Chemical composition and gas production parameters of TP and WB were measured using conventional methods. Dry matter (DM), ash, Ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) of the samples were determined. In the first gas production experiment, ruminal fluid was obtained from two male Lori sheep (live weight 47 ± 0.2 kg) fitted with permanent rumen cannula. Samples (250 mg on a DM basis and particle size 1 mm) were accurately weighed into 100 ml serum bottles. Each bottle was filled with 5 mL strained rumen fluid and 20 mL buffer solution, closed with a butyl rubber stopper, sealed with aluminum crimp, shaken and placed in a water-bath at 39°C. Gas production (ml/250 mg sample) after 24 h (GP24), 48 h (GP48), 72 h (GP72) and 96 h (GP96) incubation were determined. two parameters of b (GP from the fermentable fraction (ml)) and c ( rate constant of GP (ml/h)) were calculated based on gas production at 16 h The gas volume produced was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h using a digital pressure transducer. Fermentation parameters were determined after 24 h of incubation. Bottles were placed in an ice bath to stop fermentation and gradually warmed up to 25°C. The gas production volume was recorded and pH determined. From each bottle, a sub sample of supernatant (5 mL) was immediately preserved with 5 mL of HCl 0.1 N and stored at -20°C for ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) analysis. Fermentation residues were oven dried at 60°C for 48 h to estimate the DM disappearance. Furthermore, the in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter disappearance (IVOMD), short chain fatty acid (SCFA; mmol/g DM), microbial protein (MP; mg/g DM) and estimated metabolisable energy (ME; Mcal/kg DM) of TP were measured and compared to those of wheat barn (WB). In the second gas production experiment, the effects of 0 (control), 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% (dry matter basic) levels of TP substituted with WB on fattening lambs diet were investigated (on based nutrient requirements). In this section, fermentation parameters were determined only at 16 h after incubation.

The results showed that organic matter, ash, CP, NDF and ADF of TP were 940, 59, 172, 630 and 420 g/kg DM, respectively. In the present experiment, TP had more CP, EE, NDF and ADF than WB (P<0.05). TP showed lower gas production potential and gas production rate than WB (P<0.05). TP showed lower GP24, GP48, GP72 and GP96 than WB (P<0.05). The inclusion of TP in diets linearly increased partitioning factor and MP (P<0.05), but it linearly decreased IVDMD, IVOMD, SCFA and ME (P<0.05). The partitioning factor and microbial protein production of TP was higher than WB (P<0.05). It seems that low gas production for TP compared to WB was resulted due to high content of insoluble fiber in the TP, which requires more time for attachment and fermentation of microorganisms. Complete replacement of TP with WB increased partitioning factor and microbial protein production (P<0.05), with no negative effect on gas production, metabolizable energy and fermentation parameters (P>0.05). Increased microbial protein production with TP incubation is presumably related to the presence of phenolic compounds in TP. It has been shown that in low-concentration, tannins may improve microbial protein production by modulating rumen fermentation conditions. The experimental results showed that by adding TP, digestibility of dry matter and organic matter decreased. This reduction seems to be related to the higher cell wall part of the TP as compared to WB. It appears that carbohydrates in TP are digested slower than those in WB. This could be overcome by some chemical treatments. Another reason for the reduced digestibility of TP diets is probably due to higher fat content of TP.

In overall, using TP in the diets of fattening lambs had no negative effect on rumen fermentation parameters; therefore, based on chemical composition and lower price of TP compared to WB, using TP up to 10% of diets might be economically useful in lamb fattening.

The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different levels of forage corn on the improvement of fermentation properties and aerobic stability of the aerial part of Jerusalem artichoke silage. To prepare silages, this plant was ensiled with ratios of 0, 25, 50 and 75% of forage corn in laboratory silos with four replicates. The lowest pH (3.85) and the highest concentration of lactic acid (48.5 g/ kg DM) were observed in silages containing 75% and then in silages containing 50% of forage corn. In silages containing 50% and 75% forage corn, a decrease in the concentration of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen was associated with an increase in the population of lactic acid bacteria and a decrease in the population of mold and yeast. The highest ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid (2.2) was observed in silages containing 75% of forage corn. Silages containing 50 and 75% of forage corn had the highest crude protein and soluble carbohydrates. The highest aerobic stability in silages containing 50% of forage corn (584 h) was associated with no growth of mold in these silages. The results of the present research showed that the use of 50% forage corn during the preparation of aerial part silage of Jerusalem artichoke improved fermentation. Also, mixing these two forages with different levels of used forage corn improved the aerobic stability of silages and the highest aerobic stability was observed in the silage resulting from a 50:50 mixture of these two forages.

Nanotechnology brings new solution for improving ruminal fermentation. Meta-analysis study of the effect of nanoparticles on ruminal fermentation can help to better understand how to manipulate ruminal fermentation. After searching and selecting appropriate articles, data related to ruminal fermentation parameters were extracted. Meta-analyses were carried out using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis package, version 3. The effect sizes of across studies were calculated with fixed and random effect models. Possible publication bias was evaluated with funnel plot and statistical tests. The results of meta-analysis showed that the administration of nanoparticles in the diet, has a positive effect on gas production, total VFAs concentration and apparent dry matter digestibility. Addition of nanoparticles in the diet decrease N-NH3 concentration. The values of I2 for GP and TVFAs indicated moderate and values of I2 for N-NH3 concentration and apparent dry matter digestibility effect size indicated high heterogeneity, respectively. Administration of nanoparticles can improve ruminal fermentation process due to its positive effects on microbial growth, fiber degradation, DM digestibility, TVFAs concentration, and reduce the ratio of acetate to propionate and methane production.

Dried forage has long been used as a traditional method of storage of forage feedstuffs. However, the need to postpone forage harvest until maturity in order to obtain more dry matter reduces its digestibility. Adverse weather conditions can lead to loss of nutrients and overall decline in the nutritional value of dried fodder. One of the methods that is somewhat less dependent on climate conditions and used by ranchers to maintain plants. The product of fermentation under anoxic and acidic conditions is called silage. During forage ensiling due to the activity of lactic acid producing bacteria and in anaerobic conditions, water soluble carbohydrates in forage are converted to predominantly lactic acid acids, which reduce the pH and protect the forage against microbial spoilage. Corn as a plant with high production capacity and adaptability in most parts of the country can play an important role in providing forage to livestock, especially in winter. One of the main concerns in the preparation of a good silage is the rapid decrease in silage pH in the shortest time. Hay pH at harvest time is between 6 and 7 and after the incubation period with proper fermentation, pH can be equal to or less than 4, which this reduction in pH is due to production of lactic acid and other organic acids by bacteria. Accelerate the reduction of pH by adding lactic acid bacteria in food is very important to minimize depreciation. Recent studies have shown that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneriinhibits yeast growth and reduces the susceptibility to aerobic spoilage of various ensiled forages. This study was conducted to determine the effect of EM (containing yeast an lactobacillus) and Lalsil containing lactobacillus buchneri inoculants on chemical composition, fermentation profile and degradability of corn silage. This research were carried out to investigate the Effects of Different Biological Additives on Fermentation and Chemical composition of corn silage by using 2 experiments (Chemical composition assay, gas production) in a completely randomized design. The latest experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with 4 different treatments in three replications. The corn forage was harvested at the dough stage and then crushed by a chopper. The silage were kept at room temperature for 90 days. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fiber in acidic and neutral detergent, lactic acid content, water soluble carbohydrate, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total volatile fatty acids, pH were measured with 3 replicates. The four various treatments in the running order incorporated as: 1. control (without any inoculant), 2. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive Lalsil 1.8×106 CFU/g fresh forage (include lactobacillus buchneri), 3. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive at 0.02 percent, and 4. Corn silage treated with bacterial additive at 0.04 percent (at fresh weight). Crops were ensiled in triplicate laboratory mini soils for 90 days at room temperature. The results were analyze using SAS (2002) software with GLM procedure and using of Duncan’s test for comparing the averages (at 5% level). The results showed that the additive of the different Biological Additives used had the potential to positively change the chemical composition of corn silage. Treating corn silage with Lalsil and EM caused a significant decline in pH in comparison to control treatment (P<0.001). Supplementation of additives significantly increased dry matter content of corn silage (P <0.05). Statistical analysis of data from this experiment on corn silage pH showed that addition of Lalisil and EM significantly decreased corn silage pH (P <0.05). Also, the addition of EM to corn silage in 0.02 percent of supplementation had no significant difference with a control treatment. The EM treatments caused a significant decline in lactobacillus population in relation to Lalsil treatments (P<0.05). Experimental treatments in relation to control and the other treatments.  Addition of Lalsil and EM to corn silage had no significant effect on neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Treating corn silage with Lalsil and EM caused a significant decline in pH in relation to control treatment (P<0.05). The lowest pH is related to inoculated bacterial treatment.  Addition of Lalsil and EM had no significant effect on insoluble fiber in neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber. Lalsil additive reduced the amount of crude protein in the silage. The EM treatments caused a significant decline in lactobacillus population in relation to Lalsil treatments (P<0.05). DM disappearance was lower in EM treatments in at any level of supplementation in the early hours of incubation in relation to control treatment (P<0.05) as well as adding of Lalsil significantly reduced the DM disappearance (P<0.05). Adding different biological additives to corn silage reduces pH and can improve the aerobic stability, quality of corn silage in laboratory silos by altering the availability of water soluble carbohydrates.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum 92069 (LF) isolated from yogurt on chemical and microbialfermentation and aerobic stability of high moisture corn silage. After propagation and concentration determination LF was used to prepareexperimental treatments with concentrations of zero (control, LF0), 1×106 cfu/g fresh forage (LF1) and 2×106 cfu/g fresh forage (LF2). Three replicatesof each treatment were stored in laboratory silos for 90 days. The results showed that the chemical composition of silages (DM, NDF, ADF, CP,WSC) was not affected by addition of LF. LF2 had a significant lower pH compared to the control (P<0.05). LF1 and LF2 silages showed a higherconcentration of lactic acid (P<0.05). Concentration of acetic acid increased and mold population decreased in LF2 compared to the other silages(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between population of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in silages. The aerobic stability of LF0 and LF1silages decreased significantly compared to LF2 (P<0.05). During the aerobic stage after opening the silos, LF2 silage had the lowest pH (P<0.05).However, yeast population of silages during the aerobic stage was not affected by treatment. The results of this study showed that Lactobacillusfermentum 92069 has the potential to be used as a silage inoculant.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a weed forage that can grow in most parts of Iran; however, the nutritional value of this plant has been less considered. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of fresh and ensiled portulaca oleracea with or without wheat bran. Purslane was harvested during the flowering stage and ensiled in polyethylene containers for 60 days. Experimental treatments included: 1) fresh purslane, 2) purslane silage without additive, 3) purslane silage+16% wheat bran (fresh weight), and 4) purslane silage+32% wheat bran (fresh weight). The crude protein of the four treatments ranged from 19.27% to 26.86%. The highest concentration of ammonia nitrogen (10.85% of total nitrogen) and pH (4.72) of silage extract were observed in silage without additive, but the concentrations of lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were highest in the silages containing wheat bran (P<0.05). After ensiling, the true digestibility of organic matter (71.03%) and dry matter (70.05%), as well as potential gas production (28.90 mL), showed a significant decrease compared to fresh purslane (P<0.05). In general, purslane had a favorite protein content and digestibility in animal feeding. Although the nutritional value of fresh purslane was higher in comparison with silage, ensiling can reduce the problems of drying. Purslane silage without additive had low dry matter content and contained mildew, but the quality of purslane was improved when wheat bran was added to the silage.

This experiment was conducted to determine chemical composition and nutritive value of radish leaf (RL) in vitro. In the first stage, chemical composition of radish leaves were determined, then its fermentation parameters and nutrients disappearance was investigated using in vitro gas production (GP) and two-stage nutrient digestion methods compared to wheat straw (WS) and alfalfa. In the second stage, RL was included in the diet at the levels of 0, 50, 100, 150 or 200 g/kg dry matter (DM) and incubated in vitro. Results showed that DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin, Ca and P content of RL were 135, 752, 178, 385, 281, 52, 17.5 and 2.85 g/kg DM, respectively. Total volume of gas production and nutrient disappearance were significantly higher in RL compared to WS (p < 0.05), and most of these parameters were comparable with alfalfa. Including different levels of RL in the diet increased DM and OM disappearance (p < 0.05). Highest and lowest short chain fatty acids, and two-stage DM and NDF disappearance were observed by incubation of diet containing 200 g RL and control diet, respectively (p < 0.05). Overall, results of the present study showed that radish leaf has better nutritive value than that of WS, and it is comparable with alfalfa in term of rumen digestion of fermentation. Inclusion of this by-product in the diet up to 200 g/kg DM is recommended.

Introduction:

products such as sugar beet pulp and various types of brans are rich sources of fibers, each with different percentages of soluble and insoluble fibers. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) has a long rectum (about 8 meters) that occupies about 57 % of the length of its gastrointestinal tract, but in the broiler chicken the rectum is only about 3 % of gut tract. The microorganisms in the ostrich's large intestine can digest 38% of cellulose and 68% of hemicellulose. The dietary fiber is divided into two types of water-soluble and water-insoluble. The water-insoluble fibers are including cellulose, lignin and a part of hemicellulose. Due to the higher passage rate of the digestive tract, they are less fermentable than soluble fibers. Water-soluble fibers are mainly including pectin, gum, and mucilage. Soluble fibers reduce the contact of enzymes with digesta, due to increase viscosity, thereby reducing digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the fact that the effect of soluble and insoluble fibers in the digestive tract is different from each other and so far no research has been done on the effect of fiber source in ostriches. This study was aimed to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients of diets containing two fiber sources soluble and insoluble in ostrich chicks.     

Materials and Methods :

In order to evaluate the feasibility of using the higher levels of soluble and insoluble fibers in ostrich’s diet, this experiment was undertaken using 30 ostrich chicks in a completely randomize design with 5 treatments and 6 replicates in each treatments (one bird in each replicate) in three periods; prestarter (1- 2 months), starter (2- 4 months) and grower (4-6 months). The experimental treatments were as follows: 1-Control diet with standard fiber level, 2- Treatment contains 2% more soluble fiber than control (sugar beet pulp as the source of soluble fiber), 3- Treatment contains 4% more soluble fiber than control (Sugar beet pulp as a source of soluble fiber), 4- Treatment contains 2% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber) and 5- Treatment contains 4% more insoluble fiber than control (wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber). A total 30 ostrich chicks were reared at an average weight of 3082± 202.37 grams in cages. In order to determine the digestibility of nutrients, AME and AMEn, the total excreta were collected. Nutrients contents of feed and excreta were measured according to AOAC (1997) methods. The raw energy of feed and excreta was measured by the calorimeter bomb apparatus. Megazim kit was used to measure the total dietary fiber (AOAC Official Method 991.43). The amount of soluble fiber was calculated by subtracting the insoluble fiber from total dietary fiber. Data were analyzed using SAS software (2002) using mixed procedure for repeated measurements with a significance level of 0.05 by Tukey Cramer method.

Results and Discussion:

 Data showed that fiber source had no effect on nutrient digestibility. Ostrich rectum is longer than its small intestine (the rectum occupies 57% of the digestive tract and small intestine occupies 29% of the digestive tract) and a good place to ferment the plant fibers. Fiber digestive bacteria such as fibrobacter succinogenes and ruminococcus flavafaciens in ostrich's ceca and other fermenter bacteria in the ostrich's rectum enable it to have the proper ability to utilize fiber sources. Since the beginning of the experiment was from the age of one month, ostrich chicks had sufficient ability to use different fiber sources. The difference in the rate of digestive contents through the consumption of soluble or insoluble fiber sources had no significant effect on digestibility of nutrients. Soluble and insoluble fibers digestibility and ash digestibility increased with ageing (p < 0.0001). As birds age increase the bacterial activity increase in the rectum and ceca. There was no significant difference in AME in treatments that had more soluble fiber compared with the control group, but AME and AMEn increased significantly with increasing insoluble fiber compared to treatments that had more soluble fiber (p < 0.0001). Which is probably related to the effect of insoluble fiber in the small intestine. Insoluble fiber diets improve the efficiency of nutrients utilization due to increasing the villi height to crypt depth ratio, therefore increased AME and AMEn. The differences in AME and AMEn with consumption of insoluble fiber source in comparison with other treatments are related to the greater effect of different fiber sources on the small intestine. Insoluble fiber decreases the viscosity of digestive contents and increases the effect of digestive enzymes secreted from intestinal cells (such as alpha amylase) and improve the digestion of starch and other nutrients and increase the energy obtaining from the diet by the ostriches. AMEn significantly increased with aging that may due to the increase of the activity of older birds, increase the energy required for maintenance and activity and hence more consumption of energy by the bird. The microbial population of the cecum and colon of the ostrich (from 3 weeks onwards) is similar to the rumen, which has the ability to ferment the fiber and produce volatile fatty acids, which these volatile fatty acids provide part of the metabolizable energy.

Conclusion :

According to the results of this study, a suitable range for soluble and insoluble fibers in ostriches diets from one to two months old were suggested to be 7.5 to 11.5 percent and 16 to 20 percent, at the age of 2 to 4 months 7.6 to 11.6 percent and 20 to 24 percent and at the age of 4 to 6 months 8.25 to 12.25 percent and 25.5 to 29.5 percent, respectively.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing different levels of tomato pulp silage as a fiber source on yield, microbial fermentation, volatile fatty acid production and blood metabolites in Baluchi sheep. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with 30 Baluchi lambs with 3 treatments of 10 lambs and average weight of 25 ± 1.5 kg. The trial period was 90 days. Experimental treatments include: 1). the basal diet only corn silage 2). The basal diet + corn silage containing 5% tomato pulp 3). The basal diet + corn silage contained 10% tomato pulp. Results of dry matter intake and body weight change showed no significant difference between the experimental diets. Based on the results of this experiment, plasma glucose concentration was normal in all experimental animals and were not affected by the experimental diets. The amount of rumen fluid in the experimental sheep decreased with the use of tomato pulp silage in the diet and had a significant difference (p<0.05) with the control group. In general, according to the results, using tomato silage as a by-product of up to 10% can improve production performance.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of processed date pit on broiler performance. In this experiment, 280 broiler chicks were usedin a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replicates. The experimental treatments were: 1- control (diet without date pit), 2-10 percent raw date pit, and treatments 3 to 7- were 10 percent date pit that processed with steam pressure, NaOH, and fermented with Lactobacillusfermentum, Bacillus subtilis, and Aspergillus niger respectively. The crude protein content of processed date pit was higher, and the ether extractcontent was lower (exept NaOH) than raw date pit (P<0.05). The feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and cecal microbial populationof broiler chickens were not affected by experimental treatments. The small intestine length of birds that fed diets containing processed date pit withsteam pressure and NaoH was significantly reduced in comparison with birds resived diets containing fermented date pit with Aspergillus niger andwithout date pit (P<0.05). The highest amount of litter dry matter and lowest amount of excreta ash was observed in groups fed diet containing rawdate pit (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, the processing methods of date pit has no effect on broiler performance and cecal microbialpopulation. Therefore, due to the high cost of processing, and the favorable effects of feeding raw date pit on broiler litter quality, the use of raw datepit in broilers diet is recommended.

 Animal husbandry is one of the most important agriculture sectors, and with increasing population; demand for animal products has been increased. Currently, due to shortage of water and feed resources as well as increased compete for production of food between human and animals, cost of animal feeds has been enhanced considerably. The global price of feed ingredients such as corn, wheat, fish meal and soybean meal has increased by 160, 118, 186 and 108%, respectively in the previous years. Thus, in this situation, using agro-industrial by-products in the ruminant diets could reduce feed production costs and also improve profitability. Whole carrot tops (WCT) are one of such agricultural byproducts. It remains after harvesting the main product (carrot) and could be used as silage for animal nutrition. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber, ash, nitrogen free extract, Ca and P contents of WCT has been reported 144, 25.1, 151, 189, 493, 24.3 and 7.7 g/kg DM respectively. In another study, WCT contained 11−12% CP, 17% crude fiber and up to 18% ash due to residual dirt. Leaves in WCT have more nitrogen and ash but lower fiber content compared to stems. Due to phenolic content of WCT, using it in ruminant nutrition may be improves rumen protein metabolism via binding dietary CP content. WCT replacing 50% of berseem hay in the diet of Rahmani sheep increased nutrient digestibility. Adding WCT up to 20−30% at the expense of Trifolium alexandrium hay in growing rabbit rations improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. However, higher levels (67 to 100%), replacing clover hay in the diet, depressed the performance of growing rabbits. There are a few reports about investigating the nutrition value of WCT as a new by-product in animal nutrition. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate chemical composition, in vitro gas production (IVGP), fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility of WCT compared to alfalfa and wheat straw (WS) using IVGP technique. Effects of different dietary levels of WCT at the expense of forage potion up to 20 % of dry matter (DM) were also investigated using IVGP technique.  

This study was conducted in animal house and laboratories of Lorestan University. Two Lori sheep (about two years old) with permanent rumen fistula were used as rumen liquor donor in present work. A two-week diet adaptation period was followed by collection of the rumen contents from each sheep before the morning feeding. Four complete carrot plants were collected during October 2017 from commercial carrot field in Share-Kord city (Iran). At the first part, chemical composition, IVGP and fermentation parameters of WCT were determined compared to alfalfa and WS (totally three treatments). After that, different levels of WCT including 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % of DM (five treatments) were replaced with forage (alfalfa hay and WS) portion of diet and incubated in vitro using IVGP technique. Dry matter, CP, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin were measured.

 Results showed that CP content of WCT was significantly higher than WS, but it was comparable with alfalfa. At 16 h of incubation, highest and lowest volume of GP was observed by WCT and WS, respectively (P<0.05). However, highest and lowest GP at other incubation times, potential (b) and rate (c) of GP, DM, organic matter (OM), estimated metabolizable energy (ME), ammonia-N concentration and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were noted by incubation of alfalfa and WS respectively (P<0.05). Highest microbial protein synthesis (MPS) was observed by incubation of WCT and lowest amount was for WS (P<0.05). By inclusion of WCT up to 20 % of diet, except for MPS which was increased significantly (P<0.05), other IVGP and fermentation parameters were unchanged among dietary treatments (P>0.05).

 In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that WCT has potential nutritional value to be used in ruminant diets at up to 20% DM without the risk of digestive disturbances. Its nutritive value was also higher that wheat straw while it had a comparable CP content to alfalfa. However, further in vivo studies are needed to validate the benefits of introducing such a by-product in ruminant nutrition. Further studies such as determining potential anti-nutritional factors, as well as the mineral profiles of WCT, will be of great help for optimizing their incorporation in animal nutrition.

This study intended to investigate the effects of canola meal fermentation on its nutritional characteristics and broiler chickens growth performance using Lactobacillus fermentum and Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus oryzae. In this experiment, 280 male Ross day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 7 experimental treatments with 4 replicates containing 10 chicks each. Treatments included control diet, canola meal and fermented canola meal at 3 levels (5, 10 and 15%) each. Results indicated that fermentation of canola meal reduced the amount of glucosinolates and amino acids methionine and cysteine by 50%, while its sulfur content increased about 50% and protein content of fermented canola meal increased by 2.2%. At the level of 15%, processed and unprocessed canola meal had no effect on growth performance, weight of carcass parts, tibia mineralization and nutrient digestibility in grower, finisher and whole period .It is concluded that fermented canola meal increased TSH and ACTH levels. Also intestinal viscosity increased with consumption of both types of meal (P <0.05) but had no effect on jejunal morphology and ileum pH. canola meal meal (processed or unprocessed) can be used up to 15% in broiler diets without any adverse effect. However fermentation process reduces the glucoseinolate level significantly.