جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « ضریب تبدیل غذایی » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

Introduction: 

In order to maximize poultry production, it is important to have knowledge of the bird's requirements. This can help to increase their production capacity. Since feed is a major expense in poultry production, it is crucial to consider the main components of the feed. Energy and protein are vital nutrients for poultry. Energy is necessary for body function, while protein is an essential constituent of all tissues in the bird's body. Proteins have a significant impact on the growth performance of birds, and they are also the most expensive nutrient in broiler diets. A lot of research has been done to better utilize feed by the animal and reduce feeding costs. This is important because diets that contain excessive amounts of certain nutrients can lead to nutrient loss and increased breeding costs. The Khazak hen is a native hen of the Sistan region and is known for its small body size. Achieving better growth performance in this bird requires determining the optimal levels of energy and dietary protein in different phases of production. Since there is no information about the optimal level of energy and protein in the growth period for Khazak chickens, so this study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of energy and protein on growth performance of Khazak native chickens and select the best combination of energy and protein levels at 7 to 91 days of age.

The research was performed on Khazak chickens in the Research Center of Domestic Animals (RCDA) in the University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran. A total of 360 seven- day- old chicks were randomly allocated to 9 dietary treatments including three levels of energy (2600, 2800 and 3000 kcal / kg) and protein (17, 19 and 21%) as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with four replications, and 10 birds in each replication. The chicks entered the experimental pen in seven days of old and they were examined with experimental diets for 12 weeks. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experiment. Eenvironmental conditions in terms of light, temperature and humidity were considered similar for experimental treatments. Weighing chickens and feed intake were measured weekly. Other parameters including average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, daily energy and protein intake, energy and protein efficiency ratio were calculated based on the body weight and feed intake data, in three age ranges (7 to 35, 35 to 63 and 63 to 91 days of age) and the whole period. The collected data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS software version 9.1 and the means were compared with Tukey test at 5% level.

The study results indicate that varying energy and protein levels had a significant impact on weight gain, feed intake (except during the 63-91 day age range), feed conversion ratio, and energy and protein intake (excluding the 63-91 day age range) during all three periods studied as well as over the entire period (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the interaction between energy and protein showed a significant effect on all variables studied across all periods (P < 0.05). However, the impact of energy and protein levels on protein efficiency ratio (PER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) was not significant. During the starter period, physical limitations may cause birds to consume less energy with low-density diets. Thus, when birds consume diets that are low in energy and protein during this period, their energy consumption declines due to these physical limitations. The study results indicate that determining optimal energy and protein levels in the diet is crucial for maximizing the performance of native chickens. To balance poultry performance and economic production, an applied feeding program that compromises between the animal's nutritional requirements and management needs is necessary. Consequently, one approach to achieving this balance is by developing a diet formulation that can regulate a specific ratio of protein to renewable energy.

Although, the many performance variables were not significant between energy levels of 3000 with 2800 kcal/kg and protein levels of 21 with 19%, but the negative effect on performance was observed by reducing energy level to 2600 kcal/kg and protein level to 17 %. So level of 2800 kcal/kg and 19% for energy and protein suggested for these ages of chickens.

Sheep and goat meat is considered as one of the main sources of red meat in Iran. Lori-Bakhtiari sheep is one of the most important breeds among the native sheep breeds in Iran with a large population and acceptable meat quality and also adaptability to poor ranges. Weaning lambs is the removal of a milk-based diet, either provided by the ewe or milk replacement in a hand-rearing system, onto forage or grain-based diet. As with any management practice such as a change of diet or significant social change for the animal, the period may be stressful and careful management is essential. The time of weaning is very important in lambs since it affects feed consumption; growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. Range sheep operations traditionally have allowed lambs to graze with their dams until late spring or early summer. This poses a problem when severe drought conditions and forage availability is limited. Early weaning can provide some very appealing benefits: More pasture will be available to maintain the retained ewe flock if lambs and cull ewes are removed earlier in the year; The ewe’s nutrient requirements are reduced after weaning, which will cause ewes on pasture to eat less and lose less weight; Lambs use supplemental feed more efficiently for growth than ewes use it for milk production; Placing lambs in a feedlot will reduce predator losses. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of weaning age and rearing type on the growth performance of Lori-Bakhtiari male and female lambs. 150 Lori-Bakhtiari ewes were synchronized during the mating season and then randomly mated with Lori Bakhtiari rams. A total of 110 ewes gave birth in the lambing season with a range of 10 days, of which 113 healthy lambs (59 male lambs and 54 female lambs) were selected and studied at two months of age. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design. Male lambs were divided into six treatments including early-weaned fattening lambs (10 heads), early-weaned non-fattening lambs (10 heads), traditional weaned fattening lambs (10 heads), traditional weaned non-fattening lambs (8 heads), late weaned fattening lambs (10 heads) and late weaned non-fattening lambs (11 heads), and Female lambs were studied in three treatments including early weaning (17 heads), traditional weaning (20 heads) and late weaning (17 heads). Weaning of lambs in early weaning, normal weaning, and late weaning was performed at the mean age of two months, three months, and four months, respectively. The fattening of male lambs continued until the age of six months. Other non-fattened weaned lambs (male and female) were raised with their dams up to six months of age without access to the mother's breast. Lambs had access to dry forage (in winter) and wet forage (in spring and summer) in addition to milk before weaning. At birth, the weight of all lambs was measured and the sex and type of birth (single and twin) of lambs were recorded. The weight of all lambs was measured and recorded at two months and then monthly up to six months. Daily weight gain in monthly periods and final weight gain in lambs of different treatments were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed by SAS software and MIXED procedure. At three months of age, early-weaned fattening lambs were heavier than the lambs of other treatments (P<0.05). At four months of age, early-weaned fattening lambs weighed more than traditional weaned fattening lambs and traditionally weaned fattening lambs weighed more than male lambs in other treatments (P<0.05). At this age, the weight of male lambs in traditionally weaned non-fattening, late-weaned fattening, and late weaned non-fattening treatments was not statistically significant. Also, in five-month-old male lambs, the weight of early-weaned fattening lambs was higher than the lambs of other treatments (P<0.05). The five-month weight difference of lambs was not significant in non-fattening treatments. At six months of age, early-weaned fattening lambs weighed more than traditional weaned fattening lambs, and traditionally weaned fattening lambs weighed more than male lambs in other treatments (P<0.05). In general, at six months of age, fattening lambs weighed more than non-fattening lambs (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the weights of lambs of non-fattening treatments at the age of six months.In male lambs, early-weaned fattening lambs from two to three months of age gained 293 g / day, which was significantly higher than the lambs of other treatments in the same period (P<0.01). The average daily weight gain in male lambs from three to four months of age was higher in early-weaned and traditional weaned fattening treatments than in other treatments (P<0.01). In males and from two to six months of age, the mean daily weight gain in early-weaned fattening, traditionally weaned fattening, and late weaned fattening treatments was 242, 226, and 212 g / day, respectively, and the difference between early-weaned fattening and late weaned fattening treatments was significant (P<0.01). During these four months, the average daily weight gain was equal in the non-fattening treatments. During the same period, the mean daily weight gain in fattening lambs was higher than the average daily weight gain in non-fattening lambs (P<0.01).There was no statistically significant difference between female lambs in different treatments for weight at the same age. Also, there were no significant differences in terms of average daily gain in the rearing period between female lambs in different treatments. Data obtained in this study indicated that weaning of male lambs at two months of age and fattening them until six months of age had positive effects on their growth and final weight and weaning of female lambs at two months of age hadn’t a negative effect on their weight gain until six months of age.

This study aimed to compare the effects of combined buffer and sodium bicarbonate on growth performance and ruminal parameters of Holstein young bulls with an average weight of 330.8±43.1 kg and an age of 240 days, fed with a high-concentrate diet. The experiment was conducted for 90 days with 10 days of habituation in a completely randomized design with three dietary treatments and 10 replications, and a forage: concentrate ratio of 20 to 80%. Experimental diets included a control diet (without buffer), a basal diet with 1% sodium bicarbonate, and a basal diet with 1% mixed buffer. Daily feed intake, monthly weight gain, and digestibility were measured. The experimental diets did not affect feed intake, weight changes, and digestibility. The best feed conversion ratio for bulls was in treatment of diet containing the mixed buffer supplement (P<0.05). Daily weight gain was higher in bulls fed with the combined buffer than that of the control group (P<0.05). Rumen ammonia nitrogen was higher in the control group than the bulls receiving mixed buffer (P<0.05). The pH of rumen fluid was lowest in the control group, two hours after feeding (P<0.05). The present study results showed that the mixed buffer had a better performance in controlling the rumen acidity of bulls fed with high concentrate diets compared to sodium bicarbonate, especially in terms of improving feed conversion ratio, and it seems to be necessary to add it to such diets.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Bitter Orange blossom powder (BOBP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broiler chickens under heat stress condition. A total of 200 one day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) randomly were divided into five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 10 birds each. The experimental treatments including control (basal diet), the basal diet with Neomycin (0.2% of v diet) and 3 levels of BOBP (0.5, 1 and 2% of diet). Birds submitted to heat stress (32±2ºC from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM) from 15 to 42 d of age. Blood samples were taken from 8 birds per treatment at the end of experiment. The results showed that, average mortality was significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatments groups (3.75%) than in the control group (22.5%). The diet supplemented with BOBP had no effects on feed intake and weight gain of chicks during different periods (P>0.05). In the grower phase (11-24 d), the lowest fed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in 0.5% BOBP, which were significantly different from 2% treatment (P<0.05). Birds receiving diet supplemented with 1% BOBP revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower blood glucose compared to the control group (211 vs 225.8 mg/dl). LDL level was lower (p < 0.05) in 2% BOBP treatment (57.4 mL/dL) compared to 0.5% (69.6 mg/dl). The feeding of BOBP did not induce any significant effect on the whole carcass, breast, drumstick and internal organs weight of broiler chickens (P<0.05). In conclusion, BOBP may be effective in attenuating heat stress effects due to its illustrated antioxidant effects.

This experiment was performed to evaluate the different ratios of organic and inorganic Iodine (0:100, 25:100, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0) on the performance, blood parameters and serum thyroid hormones in broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments were tested in 5 replicate pens. The results showed that there was no significant difference between treatments in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The highest concentrations of T3, TSH and TRH were detected in 75% organic Iodine treatment (p < 0.05). The diet contained 100% organic Iodine was highest concentrations of tetraiodothyronine (T4) among treatments (p < 0.05). In blood serum, chicks fed with a diet containing 75% organic Iodine treatment were found to have the highest levels of glucose, total protein, nitrogen urea and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the concentration of creatinine and uric acid blood. Generally, according to the results of this experiment, the replacement of mineral supplement with organic supplementation of iodine without negative effects, affected on blood parameters and concentration of thyroid hormones, so that the highest concentration in treatment of 75%organic iodine + 25% inorganic iodide was observed.

This study was done in order to estimate genetic parameters of growth and feed efficiency traits in Japanese quail. The data set consisted of 7762 records for feed efficiency traits and 12113 records for body weight gain traits were collected at Research Center of Special Domestic Animals, University of Zabol. The following traits including body weight gain from 20 to 25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45 and from 0 to 45 days of age, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and residual feed intake from 20 to 45 days of age were evaluated. The genetic parameters were estimated through single and bivariate animal models via Gibbs sampling method. Heritability estimates for body weight gain varied from 0.02 to 0.23 and for feed intake, feed conversion ratio, residual feed intake was in ranges of 0.04 to 0.11. Genetic correlations estimates between body weight gain and feed conversion ratio 20-25, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio 25-30, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio 30-35, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio 35-40, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio 40-45 were -0.56, -0.49, -0.57, -0.70 and 0.25 respectively. Considering estimated genetic correlations of this study, we recommend that selection for body weight gain and decrease feed efficiency have potential to improve feed efficiency traits in Japanese quail. It is expected that by selecting for these traits the costs of breeding programs such as feeding and phenotyping would be reduced.

The aim of this research is to estimate the methionine requirement of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) from 7 to 21 d of age using linear and quadratic broken-line regressions under chronic heat stress. A total of 480 quails were distributed according to a completely randomized design in 6 experimental treatments (diets containing 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60 and 0.65% of methionine), with 4 replicates of 20 birds each. The basal diet was based on the corn-soybean meal and was formulated in mash form. Supplemental DL-methionine was added to the basal diet at the expense of corn starch to create experimental diets. The birds were fed a standard diet up to d 7, and then were weighed and randomly allotted to the experimental treatments. Birds exposed to chronic heat stress from 8 d of age for 6 h daily (37 ± 0.8°C from 10 AM to 16 AM). The optimal amounts of methionine for body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast meat yield were obtained with 0.55, 0.57, and 0.60% of the diet as estimated by linear broken-line regression. However, based on the quadratic broken-line regression, the corresponding values were estimated at 0.58, 0.59, and 0.62% of the diet, respectively. According to the findings of this study, It seems that amounts of methionine higher than the usual recommendations are needed for Japanese quails to achieve optimal performance under chronic heat stress.

The aim of the present experiment was to determine the effect of using the vitex agnus-castus (vitex) leaves as an alternative for alfalfa hay in the diet of fattening male goat kids on the performance, ruminal fermentation, digestibility of the nutrients and some blood parameters. The experimental treatments were 1) control (without vitex) and 2) replacement of vitex leaves with 60% alfalfa hay in the control diet(equal to 18% of diet). Sixteen fattening male goat kids with the average weights of 18 ± 2 kg and ages of 4.5 months were randomly assigned to the two treatments and eight replications for 60 days. Feed consumption, weight changes and feed conversion ratio were measured every 15 days. Dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by theexperimental treatments in the entire experiment period. Compared to the control diet, concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (P =0.08) and cholesterol (P =0.07) tend to decrease whereas blood glucose concentration (P=0.08) tend to increase in the kids fed with the diet containing vitex leaves. Ammonia nitrogen concentration and pH of the rumen liquor in treatment containing vitex leaves were significantly lower compared to the control group (P <0.05). Consequently, the vitex leaves can be used up to 18% of diet in the feeding of fattening male goat kids as an appropriate replacement for 60% of alfalfa hay without having the negative effects on their digestion and performance.

The aim of this study was to compare the performance, quality and quantity of meat and egg production and fertility of seven quail strains (Italian speckled, Wild, Tuxedo, Scarlett, English White, A & M Texas and White Button). For this purpose, 125 Wild, 159 Italian speckled, 58 Scarlet, 56 Tuxedo, 81 English white, 92 A & M Texas and 57 White Button one-day-old chicks were hatched and reared from the first day under the same conditions. To calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of strains, weight and feed intake of all quails were measured from 21 to 35 d of age. At day 42, 10 birds of each strain were randomly slaughtered and after measuring the carcass components, samples of breast and thigh meat were evaluated for their quality and chemical composition. After beginning the egg production, daily egg production was recorded and quality and quantity of egg parameters were recorded and fertility and hatching were evaluated. The results showed that strain had a significant effect on feed intake, weight gain, FCR, culling risk in week 6, oxidative stability of meat on  day 30, drip loss on days 1 and 7, chemical composition of meat (except for ash), quality and quantity of egg parameters (except for albumen height and Haugh unit) (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, Wild strain and Tuxedo had the best performance and meat quality, respectively. The highest and the lowest egg production and fertility percentage were observed in English White (84.84 and 75.47%) and White Button strains (74.66 and 64.26%), respectively. In most egg quality parameters, A & M Texas strain was better than other strains. These results suggest that in quail production, suitable strain should be selected based on the purpose of rearing.

This experiment was conducted to compare the effect of some poultry probiotics produced in Iran on performance parameters, economic indicators and small intestinal morphology of broilers using 500 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replicates per each treatment. The experimental treatments were: 1- basal diet (control), 2- basal diet + Bacto-Gene® probiotic, 3- basal diet + Di-Pro® probiotic, 4- basal diet + Hypro-Tect® probiotic and 5- basal diet + Probitaz® probiotic. At 24 and 41 days of age, one male broiler chick was slaughtered from each experimental unit. Orthogonal contrasts were done to compare the effect of probiotics versus control. The results of this study showed that the treatments containing probiotic had no significant effect on body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The utilization of probiotic Hypro-Tect® resulted in significant reduction in feed consumption in whole experimental period compare to other treatments containing probiotic (P≤0.05). The final body weight, European efficiency factor, economic indices and carcass percentage were not affected by experimental treatments. The utilization of probiotics had no significant effect on intestinal relative length and morphological indices of jejunum and ileum. In orthogonal contrast, the utilization of treatments containing probiotic increased feed cost as compared to control group (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, it seems that the utilization of studied probiotics had no significant effect on performance parameters, economic indices and small intestinal morphology of broilers reared in optimal condition as compared to control group.

Inorder to evaluate the effects of four sources of fiber (soy hulls, barley hull, rice husk and corn husks) each with two particle size (with 1 and 2- mm of geometric mean) on performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood parameters, small intestine morphology and secum bacteria in broiler chicken, 540 Ross308 broiler male chicks from 1 to 42 days were used in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2×4, with nine treatments (one control treatment), four replications and 15 broilers in each replicate.Weight gain in the starter and finisher periods, feed intake during the finisher and the whole period, and feed conversion ratio in the growr, finisher and the whole period of breeding were affected the entire fiber source. The treatment with coarse barley hull had more weight gain, lower feed intake, and less conversion ratio (P<0.05). The most unfavorable feed conversion ratio observed in treatment containing rice husk. Crude protein (P<0.0493) and ether extract (P<0.0004) digestibility in corn husks fed diets was higher than other treatments. In duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the highest and lowest villus height were observed in barley hull treatment and control group, respectively (P <0.05). The depth of crypt was affected only in the jejunum and crypt diameter in all three parts of the intestine (P<0.05). The number of intestinal Lactobacilos in the chiks fed diets containing corn and barley hulls was significantly more than those fed with diets containing soya and rice hull. The fibers particle size had significant effect on E.Coli and coliform bacteria (P<0/007). However, with adding a fiber source such as barley or corn hull, to broiler diets would have beneficial effects in yield, health and welfare of the bird.

The aim of this experiment was to determine the digestible valine requirement of male Ross ‎‎308 broiler chicks in grower period. To evaluate valine requirement of male broiler chicks ‎based on growth performance, a total of 450one day old male broiler chicks from8 to 21days ‎of age, was assigned to 6 treatments with 5 replicate using a completely randomized design. ‎Dietary valine was supplied in 6 levels from 0.74, 0.79, 0.84, 0.89, 0.94 and 0.99for the ‎experimental period. Results of this study showed that the quadratic broken line model were ‎used for determine of digestible valine requirement for Ross 308 male broiler chicks is the well ‎fitted base on weight gain, feed conversion ratio and breast weight and Evaluated digestible ‎valine content for these three performance parameters were 0.93, 0.91 and 0.84 % of diet ‎‎(Val/lys were 88, 86 and 79%), respectively. The result of this experiment showed that the all ‎performance parameters and cell modified immune response were significantly affected by the ‎valine supplementation in diet (P< 0.01). The broiler chickens fed with 0.89 % of digestible ‎valine level had the highest cell modified immune response (1.13±0.05 mm) and the lowest ‎feed conversion ratio (1.42±0.02) (P<0.01), and also The broiler chickens fed with 0.74 % of ‎digestible valine level had the lowest cell modified immune response (0.44±0.03 mm) and the ‎highest feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.06). ‎

Based on studies conducted in response to concerns about the use of antibiotics and other growth promoters, the demand for the use of natural growth stimulants in the livestock feed industry has increased in the last 5 to 10 years because, unlike antibiotics There is no tissue residue from the use of natural growth stimulants by livestock and poultry and does not produce microbial resistance. Other additives, including sodium humate, are obtained from organic matter decomposition, were raised. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sodium humate on the performance, rumen parameters and Blood parameters included glucose, total protein and cholesterol, and ammonia nitrogen rumors and volatile fatty acids of Holstein calves.

Fourtyeight newborn Holstein calves with mean birth weight was 37 ± 2 were studied in four treatments in a completely randomized design for 75 days. Calves received 4 liters of milk replacer (10% of birth weight) from day 4 of birth twice a day at 8 and 16 hours. Treatments were included as1) control (milk replacer supplement without supplementation), 2) milk replacer feeding with addition of 5 grams of sodium humate, 3) milk replacer feeding with addition of 10 grams of sodium humate, and 4) milk replacer feeding by adding 15 grams of sodium humate. In addition to milk replacer, each animal had free access to water and starter. Blood samples were taken at 30, 60 and 75 days of age, as well as rumen fluid sampling in 35 and 75 days of day after 3 to 4 hours after feeding using a vacum pump for sampling from the abdominal fluid Feed intake and calves weight were measured daily and weekly respectively.

Feed intake, Feed conversion, apparent digestibility cofficients of nutrients, volatile fatty acid concentrations, ruminal pH and growth parameters were affected by treatments (p <0.05). In the entire period, there was no significant difference in feed conversion among treatments. The effect of adding sodium humate to milk were different on blood and rumen parameters. Total volatile fatty acids in the group consuming 5 grams of sodium humate daily was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). The amount of ammonia nitrogen concentration was affected by treatments at the end of the period (P = 0.04). In the end of the period, the lowest amount of ammonia nitrogen was related to treatment 2 (5 gr sodium humate). The prevalence of diarrhea was 8.33, 3, 4and 4.66 percentage respectively. General health score for calves consuming 5 grams of sodium humate was significantly higher than other treatments.

In this experiment, calves consuming 5 g of sodium humate of body weight gain, health status, blood and rumen parameters were in more favorable. The consumption of 5 grams of sodium humate had positive effects on blood and rumen parameters.

 

Trace minerals, as metabolic modifier agents, increase nutrients utilization efficiency in domestic animals. Selenium has important metabolic and antioxidant functions in animal cells. However, there is not enough information regarding selenium requirements of Iranian local sheep. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the effects of feeding selenium-methionine (Se-Met) supplement on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, ruminal fermentation status and some blood metabolites of fattening male lambs.

Fifteen Kermani male lambs with average body weight of 32.2 ± 1.09 kg were assigned to 3 treatments with 5 replicates each, as a completely randomized design for 10 weeks including 2 weeks of adaptation and 8 weeks of data collection. The experimental treatments were (1) basal diet without supplemental Se, (2) basal diet plus 0.5 mg/kg diet of Se-Met, and (3) basal diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg of Se-Met. Daily feed intake and body weight were measured. The nutrients digestibility was determined via total feces collection method at the end of study. Sampling from the rumen fluid was done on the last day of the final week of the experiment just two hours after morning feeding using the esophagus-tube connected to vacuum pump for pH and ammonia nitrogen determination. Blood samples were also drawn from jugular vein at the end of experiment and serum was used for metabolite analysis. The statistical analysis of data was done by using SAS software.

Based on the results, average daily feed intake and gain were not affected by the experimental treatments (P>0.05). However, lambs fed 0.5 mg Se-Met tended to have improved feed conversion efficiency compared with those on the control diet (P=0.07). Feeding male lambs with 1 mg/kg of Se-Met supplement increased dry matter and organic matter digestibility compared to the control lambs (P<0.05). Despite the higher values for fat as well as neutral and acid detergent insoluble fiber digestibility, their difference with that of the control was not statistically significant. Moreover, NH3-N concentration and pH of ruminal fluid were not affected by the experimental treatments (P>0.05). Feeding 1 mg/kg of Se-Met increased serum glucose concentration (P=0.03), however, serum total protein, triglyceride and urea concentrations were not different among experimental groups (P>0.05).

It can be concluded that dietary supplementation of 0.5 mg Se-Met/kg of diet improves feed conversion efficiency and 1 mg Se-Met increases dry matter and organic matter digestibility as well as blood glucose of fattening lambs without any adverse effects on ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration

Most parts of Iran are located in arid and semi-arid areas which animals undergo feed shortage due to poor natural vegetation. Metabolic modifiers such as anabolic steroids, somatotropin, beta agonists, vitamins and minerals, fed in extra-nutritional levels, increase growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass leanness, profitability of livestock production and decrease carcass fatness. Moreover, heat and transportation stress results in decreased feed intake, body weight, average daily gain and reproductive performance of animals. Chromium (Cr) and selenium (Se) are micronutrients which could be considered as metabolic modifiers. It has been reported that dietary Se supplementation improves reproductive performance, oxidative stress, immune system, as well as growth performance of the animals. Cr supplement, as a constituent of low-molecular-weight Cr-binding substance (LMWCr) or chromodulin, also increases glucose tolerance by potentiating the action of insulin. However, there are a few information regarding the effects of organic Se and Cr supplements on performance and blood metabolites of ewe lambs under transportation stress. Thus this study aimed to evaluate the impacts of feeding selenium-methionine (Se-Met) and Chromium-methionine (Cr-Met) supplements on growth performance and blood metabolites of ewe lambs.
Twenty-four Baluchi ewe lambs with mean body weight of 24.2 ± 0.4 kg and 4 months old were allocated randomly to 4 dietary treatments including (1) control diet (no Se or Cr supplementation), and control diet supplemented with (2) Se-Met (1.5 mg kg-1 dry matter (DM)), (3) Cr-Met (0.8 mg kg-1DM) and (4) Se-Cr-Met (1.5 mg of Se-Met plus 0.8 mg of Cr-Met kg-1DM).The whole experimental period divided into two periods of adaptation (2 weeks) and data collection (9 weeks). A transportation stress was applied by transporting the animals in a truck in a bumpy road for 30 minutes in 8th week of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at commencement and the end of experiment. For transportation stress, blood samples were obtained just before the lambs were loaded and unloaded from the truck. Serum glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein and albumin concentrations were measured by spectrophotometer and cortisol by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS software. A mixed model with fixed effects of treatment, time and random effect of lamb within treatment × time were used. A paired T-test was used to compare the blood metabolite concentrations pre-transportation with post-transportation stress.
The results indicated that, feeding ewe lambs diets contained organic Se and Cr supplements improved average daily gain )ADG( and feed conversion ratio (FCR: control, Se, Cr, and Se-Cr were 5.99, 5.41, 5.22, 5.45 respectively). Lambs in Cr-Met group showed the highest feed intake and live weight gain compared those in the control. Blood glucose concentration decreased in Cr-Met fed lambs in comparison with control animals. Feeding Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplements had no effect on blood urea, creatinine, cholesterol, total protein and albumin concentrations. Based on the findings, blood glucose and cortisol concentrations were increased in response to transportation stress. Feeding Cr reduced the concentration of blood cortisol. It seems that the beneficial effects of Cr are associated with its role in carbohydrate and protein metabolisms. Chromium potentiates insulin action by enhancing its binding to target cell receptors and also by improving its post-receptor signaling. Insulin increases protein synthesis, efficiency of amino acid transport, and carbohydrate and lipid utilization and reduces protein degradation. Selenium supplements also improve feed efficiency by increasing triiodothyronine activity and enhancing antioxidant status. Moreover, Cr can prevent the deleterious effects of transportation stress.
It could be concluded that feeding ewe lambs with organic selenium (0.8 mg kg-1) and chromium (1.5 mg kg-1) supplements may improve feed to gain ratio and ameliorate the changes in blood glucose and cortisol concentrations in response to transportation stress.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding Ethanolic lemon pulp extract (ELPE) to drinking water of broiler chickens on performance, immune system and blood serum parameters. We used 450 male and female day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) allocated in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications and 18 chicks per each. Treatments include no ELPE (control), 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 percent ELPE in drinking water from 2d until the end of experiment. Adding ELPE to drinking water did not have any effect on feed intake, average daily gain and Feed conversion ratio. The highest amount of IgM and the lowest amount of IgY belonged to group that fed 1.6 percent ELPE. ELPE treatments significantly increased response to Phytohemagglutinin-M (PHA-M) injection compared to control group. The levels of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein were significantly lower in 0.8 and 1.6 percent ELPE treatments compared to other groups (P

The effects of different dietary levels of olive leaf powder (OLP) as a natural antioxidant on growth performance, carcass traits, some blood parameters, small intestinal morphology and feed digestibility in broiler using a total of 300 one-day-old Cobb500 broilers were studied in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates and 20 chicks for each replicate, up to 42d. The experimental diets included: corn-soybean meal basal diet (negative control), basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg of alpha-Tocopheryl acetate (positive control) and three basal diets containing 2, 2.5 and 3 percent OLP. The results showed that during total experimental period (1-42d), weight gain was decreased (P

The use of agricultural residues for feeding of livestock and poultry play an important role in reducing production cost.
This experiment was conducted for evaluation the effects of different levels of tomato pomace (TP) on dry matter intake, body weight gain and blood metabolites of male Holstein calves.
This research was conducted using 12 Holstein male calves in a Completely Randomized Design with 3 treatments and 4 calves in each group. Experimental diets were 1) control (no TP), 2) diet with 8% TP on dietary dry matter (DM) basis and 3) diet with 16% TP on dietary DM basis.
Using TP had significant effects on body weight gain and feed intake and feed conversion (FC) ratio (p It can be concluded that up to 8% of TP successfully can be used in beef cattle diet without any undesirable effects on animal production.

Nowadays, the healthiness and high quality as well as quantity of aquatic are of great importance and the role of diet components is well recognized (20). Fish needs energy and nutrients in order to achieve desirable level of growth and development and reproduction (11). In recent years application of immune system stimuli has been widely adopted in order to enhance the immune system of fish and non-specific immune responses and protect against disease. So it seems that using stimulator of the immune system is the perfect solution for the control of aquatic animal diseases. Using chemical drugs and antibiotics in aquaculture have consequences, including the risk of pathogens resistant to these drugs, the drugs persistence in the meat and fish as well as environmental pollution. Taking herbs and medicinal plants such as garlic fraught with same effect as antibiotics can be served as an alternative to medications and antibiotics. In this study, 180 gourami fish with average weight 0.10 ± 4.33 were prepared from reproduction and breeding center of ornamental fish in Golestan province. To add the garlic oil to the diets, the standard meal was purchased from commercial fish feed company of Mazandaran province and were ground using a mortar. Then, garlic oil at levels of 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 g/kg was added to water and mixed. Fish were fed for 8-weeks in three times by 3% body weight per day at hours 8-14-20. Fish diets and their growth rate monitored by conducting bio-survey at the beginning and during the growth for,every 15 days. 10 fish were sampled from each replicate to take serum. After anesthesia using 0.7 ml 2-phenoxyethanol, fish were dried, and about 2 ml of blood was taken by cutting the tail. In hematology laboratory, number of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured according to standard methods. Glucose levels and serum protein were measured by spectrophotometry using a diagnostic kit (Sigma, America). Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS software. Significant differences (P

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of soybean lecithin on performance and blood lipids of broiler chicks. A total of 180 one day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with nine treatments (diets with 0، 0. 2، 0. 4، 0. 6، 0. 8، 1، 1. 2، 1. 4، and 1. 6 percent of soybean lecithin) and four replicates for 47 days-rearing period. In order to evaluate the biochemical factors of blood including cholesterol، triglyceride، high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein، blood sampling from chickens were taken in day 41. The traits of weight gain، feed intake and feed conversion ratio were evaluated at the end of each period. The results showed that different levels of soybean lecithin had no significant effect on weight gain، feed intake and feed conversion ratio traits during each period. Increasing in the level of lecithin، decreased the concentration of cholesterol، triglyceride and low density lipoprotein and increased the high density lipoprotein concentration in blood plasma (P<0. 05). In conclusion، dietary inclusion lecithin up to 1. 6 percent، have no any effect on broiler performance، but could reduce cholesterol، triglyceride، and low density lipoprotein and increase high density lipoprotein in blood’s plasma.