Journal of Animal Production, Print ISSN: 2008-6776., Online ISSN: 2382-994X

Abstract Objective: Young laying hens produce eggs with inferior eggshell quality, which is commonly reported as a problem in laying hens farms as it limits the productive life of hens and decreases table egg quality, which has a great negative impact on the poultry industry. In recent years, poultry research has often focused attention on the potent effects of dietary arginine (Arg) on poultry performance. Also, the use of amino acid supplements with an essential trace element (Copper sulfate; CuSO4) in the diets of laying hens has become essential as a result of their lack of access to fresh feed, storage in cages, and processing of feed. Methods: The effects of dietary copper and L-Arginine supplementation on production performance, egg quality parameters, and serum biochemical metabolites during 22 to 30 weeks of age with a total of 288 Hy-Line W-80 white laying hens were used in 2×3 factorial arrangements with two levels of supplemental Cu (8 and 16 mg/kg in the layer diet denoted as Cu8, Cu16) and three levels of LA [include the recommended level according to Hy-line (RHL), as well as 20% higher (LA20) and 40% higher (LA40) than the recommended level] in the diet, 6 replicates with 8 birds per cage, for 8 weeks. The eggs produced were collected daily and after weighing, the percentage of laying, feed intake, conversion factor, average egg weight and egg shape index were calculated weekly. On the last two days of each week, the eggs produced by each experimental unit were collected and tested for qualitative traits such as shell thickness, haugh unit, and etc. Feed intake of experimental units was calculated from the fraction of feed consumed at the end of the period from the feed allocated at the beginning of the period, based on hen days. At the end of 30 weeks, two birds with close to average weight were selected from each replicate and 5 ml of blood was collected from them with a syringe through the wing vein and transported to the laboratory using regular (non-heparin) blood tubes to measure serum biochemical parameters (LDL, HDL, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) and estradiol hormone. Results: Egg production of birds in response to Cu16+LA20 and Cu16+RHL diets increased, compared to birds fed with Cu8+RHL (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio of birds in response to Cu16+RHL diet decreased, compared to birds fed with Cu8+LA40 (P<0.05). The egg Shape index in birds fed Cu16+LA20 increased, compared to Cu8+RHL, Cu8+LA20, and Cu16+RHL diets (P<0.05). Cholesterol was decreased in the groups supplemented with Cu16+LA40, compared to those fed with Cu16+RHL and Cu8+LA20 treatments (P<0.05). The serum superoxide dismutase level in birds fed Cu16+LA40 increased compared to birds fed Cu8+LA20 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Adding 16 mg/kg copper with 20% and 40% higher of L-arginine than the recommended level can improve production, egg quality and serum biochemical parameters of laying hens at 22 to 30 weeks of age.

Abstract Objective: Optimizing the balance between metabolizable energy (ME) intake and expenditure is essential for broiler diet formulation and levels of other dietary nutrients for efficient conversion of feed into muscle mass. The Arian broiler is one of the meat breeds that originated in Iran and given that several decades have passed since the Arian line entered in the Iran; it is necessary to conduct continuous nutritional experiments to more accurately estimate their requirements in terms of improving growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass efficiency and increasing muscle mass by increasing the density of nutrients such as amino acids (AA). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary energy and AA levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Arian broilers. Materials and Methods: The effects of dietary energy and AA levels  on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Arian broiler chickens was investigated with a total of 720 one-day old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with six treatments, five replicates and 24 birds per each for 42 days. The experimental treatments included T1:control diet (energy and amino acid levels throughout the breeding period accordance with the guidelines for the Arian broiler strain), T2:diet with less energy level during the starter and grower periods and then according to the Arian requairements guide until the end of the period, T3:diet with less energy and amino acid levels during the starter and grower periods and then according to the guide until the end of the period, T4:diet with less energy level during the starter and grower periods and then higher amino acid levels in the finisher period, T5:diet with less energy and amino acid levels in the starter and grower periods and then higher amino acid levels in the finisher period, T6:starter and grower period diet according to the Arian requairements guide and then higher amino acid levels in the finisher period. Results: The daily weight gain of birds fed T6 increased compared to T3 and T5 (P<0.05). Birds that received T6 had a higher glucose level and lower low-density lipoprotein, compared to the birds that received the control diet (P<0.05). The relative breast weight and production index of birds that were fed T6 increased compared to the birds that fed T1 and T3 (P<0.05). Conclusion: The economic calculations of the design showed that it is possible to use the advantage of the energy and amino acid levels in the diet of Arian broilers. Overall, feeding a starter and grower period diet according to the Arian requairements guide and then higher amino acid levels in the finisher period which had positive effects on growth performance and economic indicators in Arian broilers, is recommended.

Abstract Effect of different sources of probiotic and prebiotic on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microflora, and blood metabolites using 720 Ross 308 commercial male broiler chickens in a 3×3 factorial experiment with three levels of probiotic (without probiotic, probiotic type I and type 2) and three levels of prebiotic (without prebiotic, prebiotic type 1 and type II), in a completely randomized design with nine experimental groups (four replications and 20 birds were studied in each replication. Birds that were fed with diets containing type 2 probiotics had a lower conversion factor (P<0.05). Diets containing prebiotic type 1 as well as diets containing probiotic type II and diets containing probiotic type II and two prebiotics under test reduced serum cholesterol and LDL concentrations (P < 0.05). The effect of the experimental treatments on carcass fat was not significant, but the birds fed diets containing prebiotic type 1 had less abdominal fat (P<0.05). At 21 days old, the population of ٍ E. coli in the ileum and ceca of birds that received probiotics, prebiotics, and their combinations decreased (P < 0.05). At 38 days of age, feeding the birds with probiotics and prebiotics and a combination of them reduced the population of E. coli in the ceca and increased lactobacillus in the ileum (P < 0.05). The results of this experiment showed that probiotics or prebiotics assayed in this study have positive effects on the increase of beneficial intestinal bacteria (Acid lactic bacteria), blood biochemical traits, and FCR in broiler chickens.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of emulsifier in diet with with energy reduction on performance, carcass characteristics and some of blood traits of broilers. A total of 540 one-day-old chicks of Ross 308 strain in a 3×3 factorial arrangement with three levels of emulsifier (0, 250 and 500 mg / kg) and three levels of dietary energy (requirement, and 45 and 90 kcal/Kg, 60 and 105 kcal/kg and 75 and 120 kcal/kg less than requirement for the starter, grower and finisher diets, respectively) in a completely randomized design with 9 treatments, 4 replications and 15 birds per replication were used. In total rearing period, feed intake increased by decreasing the dietary energy (P<0.05). Birds fed diets supplemented by emulsifier had higher weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). The relative weights of the liver, ceca, and abdominal fat were not affected by different levels of dietary energy. The emulsifier × diet interaction had no significant effect on cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol: HDL, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline Phosphatase. Adding emulsifier to normal diets or diets with more energy deficiency increased blood triglyceride concentration (P<0.05). Supplementing diets with mild energy deficiency by emulsifier increased serum Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.05). According to the results, the use of 250 gr/t emulsifier in low energy diets improved the performance of broiler chickens.

Abstract The effects of different sources of copper supplementation on growth performance, some blood biochemical and immune parameters, microbial population of small intestine and meat quality were investigated with using of 240 male broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates from 1 to 42 days. Treatments consisted of control treatment (basal diet without copper supplement) and four diets containing 16 mg/kg of copper-glycine, copper-sulfate, copper-nanochelate and copper nano-glycinec. The results showed that the use of different sources of copper had no effect on growth performance, some blood biochemical parameters and percentage of heterophil, lymphocyte, white blood cell, antibody titer against Newcastle disease, cholesterol, triglycerides and water holding capacity and pH of meat of broilers. Gastrointestinal relative weight in birds fed with diet containing copper-glycine was lower than the birds receiving copper-nanochelate (P<0.05). The total microbial population of ileum in birds fed diets without copper and copper-sulfate was higher than birds receiving diet containing copper-glycine (P<0.01). Meat malondialdehyde concentration of birds fed with diets containing copper-glycine and copper nano-glycine after 6 day of storage at refrigerator was lower than other birds (P<0.01). According to the results, the use of 16 mg/kg of copper from organic, mineral and nano sources in the diet has no effect on growth performance, immune system and ileal microbiota in broilers, but the use of copper-glycine and copper nano-glycine supplements in the diet reduces the oxidation of meat.

Abstract The effect of garden thyme essential oil (TEO) and rapeseed oil (RO) on performance, immune traits and intestinal morphology using 432 one-day-old  Ross 308 male broiler as a (3x3) factorial experiment in a completely randomized design including different levels of TEO (0, 300 and 500 ppm) and RO (1, 3 and 5 percentage) were evaluated with 9 treatments and 4 replicates. Throughout the rearing period, broiler chickens receiving 3% gained more weight than 1% of RO and chickens receiving 300 ppm gained more weight than those without TEO (P˂0.05). The use of 3% RO + 300 ppm TEO increased the thigh percentage compared to 1% RO. At 1 and 5 percentage levels of RO, with increasing levels of TEO in the diet, blood cholesterol and LDL concentrations decreased and blood HDL increased (P<0.01). Levels of 3% and 5% of RO + 300 and 500 ppm of TEO in broiler chicken diets increased lymphocyte percentage and antibody titer against Newcastle disease and decreased heterophil percentage and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio of blood (P<0.05). Broiler chickens receiving diet containing TEO had the highest ratio of villi height to crypt depth (P<0.01). Based on the results, the level of 3% rapeseed oil + 300 ppm thyme essential oil in the diet of broiler chickens can be used to improve performance, immunity and biochemical traits of blood.

Abstract The effect of feeding L-carnitine during pre-puberty on the quality parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed semen by using 12 Ross broiler breeder males (12 weeks) for 18 weeks, in a completely randomized design with three treatments (0, 250 and 500 mg / kg of L-carnitine in the diet) and four replications was performed. From the age of 26 to 29 weeks, semen collection was performed using abdominal massage. The sperms taken each time after dilution (with Beltsville diluent) were divided into two parts, one section was frozen and the other part was immediately examined. Motility (total and forward), viability, morphology, membrane functionality and lipid peroxidation parameters were evaluated. In fresh sperm, the correlation between L-carnitine and abnormalities was negative linear, and with viability was positive linear (P<0.05). Quadratic analysis was significant in forward Motility and MDA concentration (P<0.05). Birds that use diets containing L-carnitine, In terms of forward motility, viability, morphology and MDA concentrations in fresh sperm, And these traits, with the total motility and integrity of the plasma membrane of frozen sperm, were higher in comparison to the control group (P<0.05). Also, in the sperm after frozen-thawed, the correlation between L-carnitine and Motility (total and forward), viability and membrane integrity were positive linear (P<0.05), and the correlation between L-carnitine and MDA concentration was negative linear (P<0.05). The correlation between L-carnitine and Motility (total and forward), membrane integrity and MDA concentration were quadratic (P<0.05). According to the results, Dietary L-carnitine supplementation in pre-puberty improves the qualitative traits of sperm before and after freezing in the breeder broilers.

Abstract The effects of different sources of selenium supplementation and rosemary essential oil on growth performance, microflora population and intestinal morphology in broiler chicken with using of 480 male broiler chicks in a factorial arrangement (2x5) with 10 treatments and 4 replicates were investigated. Two experimental factors consisted of different sources of selenium (level of 0.3 mg/kg of diet from selenomethionine, nanoselenomethionine, selenitsodium, nano selenium bonza and without selenium) and rosemary essential oil (0 and 300 mg/kg of diet). Results showed that broilers received diet of without Se and rosemary essential oil had lower weight gain and feed intake.
Broilers received diet of nano selenium bonza with rosemary essential oil had lower feed conversion ratio as compared to the other broilers (P<0.05). Broilers fed on diets of nanoselenomethionine with rosemary essential oil and nano selenium bonza with rosemary essential oil were increased villus height in jejunum (P<0.05). The crypt depth of intestinal in birds which received nanoselenium was more than the birds that consumed other sources of selenium in the diet (P<0.05). Crypt diameter nano selenium bonza with rosemary essential oil treatment was higher as compared to other treatments (P<0.01). Selenomethionine and nanoselenomethionine alone and in combination with rosemary essential oil treatments had high lactobacillus population and lactobacillus population to total microbial population ratio of ileum as compared to without Se and rosemary essential oil treatment (P<0.05). Based on the results, inclusion nanoselenium (0.3 mg/kg) supplement with rosemary essential oil (300 mg/kg) into the diet of broiler chicken can improve performance, gut morphology and microflora.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine energy requirement for maintenance (MEm) and to estimate efficiency of energy utilization for gain (kg) using comparative slaughter technique (CST) and relative growth index (RGI: gain/BW^0.75) in growing turkey chicks from one to four kg of live body weight (LBW). Forty male turkey chicks (24 days of age, 800 ± 93 g LBW) were fed a standard diet (12.3 MJ ME) up to 4 kg of LBW. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME, and AMEn), nutrient digestibility of the diet, and energy balance were determined at two and three kg of BW. In CST, twenty chicks were randomly killed at four stages (five birds at each stage) at 1119 ±60, 2539 ±93, 3528 ±68, 3957 ±82 g of body weight, and the chemical composition of carcass were measured. Maintenance energy requirement (MEm) and efficiency of energy utilization for gain were determined by linear regression in CST. In RGI, the MEm and energy for growth were estimated by a regression of ME intake and relative daily gain. The results showed that in CST, MEm and efficiency of energy utilization for gain were 450 (kJ/kg BW^0.75/d), and 56% respectively. In RGI, the MEm and energy for growth were 3.66 (kJ/g BW^0.75/d), and 10.4 kJ per g gain. In conclusion, using RGI method is recommended to estimate energy requirement for maintenance and growth in growing turkey due to its simplicity.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-arginine on qualitative characteristics and fatty acid profile of Ross 308 aged broiler breeder roosters’ sperm. Twelve breeder roosters at age of 52 week were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates in each treatment for eight consecutive weeks. Experimental groups were consisting diets with levels of 0.52 (Ross recommendation 308), 0.68 and 0.83 present of arginine amino acids. Semen collection was performed every 14 days and in weeks 54, 56, 58 and 60 were tested. At the end of the trial, fatty acid profile of sperm was also evaluated. On week 56, semen volume in roosters with 0.68 present arginine was higher than other treatments (P<0.05). On week 60, levels of 0.52 and 0.68 percent arginine in semen volume, percentage of  total and progressive motility were higher than the level of 0.83 percent of arginine (P<0.05). On week 58, the percentage of abnormal sperm were lower in 0.68 and 0.83 percent arginine treatment compared to 0.52 percent arginine (P<0.05). Semen concentration, sperm plasma membrane functionality and sperm fatty acid profile were not affected by treatments used in this study. It can be concluded that 0.68 percent of arginine (30% higher than recommendation) of diet improve some qualitative sperm parameters in aged broiler breeder roosters.

Abstract The effect of different sources of Se, together with flaxseed on performance, egg physical qualities and some serum biochemical parameters in laying hens was investigated. In a completely randomized design, 384 "Hy-Line W36" hens (50 wks of age) were assigned to a 3×4 factorial arrangement comprising four replicates of eight for ten weeks. Birds received three basal diets containing 0, 5% and 10% of flaxseed, supplemented with no Se and one mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite, Se-enriched yeast and seleno-hydroxy-methionine(Selisseo). Inclusion of flaxseed decreased egg weight and egg mass(P

Abstract In order to study the impact of different levels of dietary metabolizable energy and crude protein on performance and nitrogen and energy metabolism of Japanese quail during growth period, 360 day-old Japanese quails were used in a 3×3 factorial experiment with three levels of metabolizable energy (2750, 2850 and 2950 Kcal/kg) and three levels of crude protein (24, 26 and 28 percent) in a completely randomized design with four replicates and 10 birds in each replicate. The feed intake and body weight gain were measured weekly and feed conversion ratio was calculated. The nitrogen intake, excretion and retention as gram per bird per day, percent of nitrogen intake and gram nitrogen per kilocalorie per metabolizable energy consumed and dietary apparent metabolizable energy content were measured during 26 to 28 days of age period. The results of this study showed that birds fed diet containing 2850 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 26 percent crude protein had significantly (P< 0.05) higher daily weight gain and higher nitrogen retention per each unit of metabolizable energy consumed and better feed conversion ratio. According to the results of this experiment, it seems that the best growth rate, the maximum nitrogen retention and the best feed efficiency of growing Japanese quail are achieved by feeding diets containing 2850 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 26 percent crude protein. Therefore, these values can be recommended as metabolizable energy and crude protein requirements of Japanese quail growing diet.

Abstract Effect of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic in protein-deficient diets on performance and intestinal histomorphometry were investigated in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment. The treatments were arranged in two levels of protein (recommended and 10 percent less than requirements), and four types of additives (without additives, probiotics Gallipro, prebiotic Technomos and a mixture of them) in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and four replicates and 25 birds per each. Birds fed on low protein diet had more feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio of birds fed on additives (probiotics, Probiotic and synbiotic) diets was lower than of others (P<0.05). The Relative weight of cecea in birds fed on diets containing low protein was higher than of others (P<0.05). An increase in crypt depth of duodenum and a reduction in villi length in jejenum and villi length: crypt depth ratio in deudenum and jejenum were observed by feeding protein dificeint diets (P<0.05). Villi length in the duodenum of birds fed on additive-less diet were lower than of birds fed diets containing prebiotic  or mixture of probiotic and prebiotic  (P<0.05). Villi length: crypt depth ratio in jejenum of birds fed on diets containing recommended protein and mixture of probiotic and prebiotic were higher than of others (P<0.05). Villi length in ileum were increased by adding the mixture of probiotic and prebiotic to the diet (P<0.05). Villi thickness in the ileum of birds that were received synbiotic was lower than of birds that fed on diets containing prebiotics (P<0.05). It could be concluded that using of probiotic, prebiotic and their mixtre in protein deficient diets, improve the feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail by improving intestinal histomorphometric parameters.

Abstract This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Humulus lupulus essential oils as an alternative to antibiotic and antioxidant on productive performance, lipids stability of meat and ileum microbial population in broiler chickens during days 1 to 42 of age. A total of 625 day-old Arian broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments (200 and 400 mg/kg Humulus lupulusessential oils, 100 mg/kg antibiotic avilamycin, 150 mg/kg protexin probiotic and control) and five replicates of 25 birds each. Broilers that were fed dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 400 mg/kg and antibiotic revealed higher feed intake than broilers fed dietary Humulus lupulusoil at level of 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). Dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 200 mg/kg and probiotic had best production index compared with Humulus lupulus oil at level of 400 mg/kg treatment (P<0.05). The Humulus lupulus oils (200 and 400 mg/kg) treatments showed lower thigh muscles malondialdehyde concentration compared with antibiotic and probiotic treatments as well as control group (P<0.01). Broilers were fed dietary 400 mg/kg Humulus lupulus oil had highest lactobacillus count of the ileum compared with other treatments (P<0.05). Dietary Humulus lupulus oil at level of 200 mg/kg improved broiler productive performance, however improvement of ileum microbial population and meat quality were observed when 400 mg/kg dietary Humulus lupulus oil was applied. 

Abstract Effects of chromium nano particles (NanoCr) on performance and meat quality of Japanese quail under physiological stress was determined by  using 360 birds in a completely randomized design with six treatments, four replicates and 15 birds per each, during  17- 35 d of age. The tratments were negative control (non-stressed), and five groups under physiological stress which fed on diets supplemented with different levels of NanoCr (0, 200, 400, 800 and 1200 µgkg^-1). Dexamethasone (0.6 mgkg^-1 BW) was added to diet for induction of physiological stress. Physiological stress reduced feed intake and growth, whereas increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) and thigh and breast muscles malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P<0.05). Stressed birds were fed on diets containing increased levels of NanoCr linearly improved weight gain (P< 0.02), and decreaced FCR (P< 0.05), MDA levels in breast (P< 0.04), and thigh muscles (P< 0.006). The results showed that supplementation of diet with NanoCr can alleviate the negative effects of physiological stress on performance and meat quality of quails.

Abstract In order to determine the optimal levels of energy and protein in grower diet of Japanese quail, 360 day
old Japanese quails were used in a 3×3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments that comprised three
levels of metabolisable energy (2750, 2850, and 2950 Kcal/kg) and three levels of crude protein (24, 26
and 28 percent) with four replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. Feed intake and
body weight were measured weekly and feed conversion ratio was calculated. At 35 d of age, four birds
(from both sexes) from each replicate were randomly selected and killed following blood sampling to
evaluate carcass traits. The blood samples were assayed for the sera concentrations of growth hormone.
Results indicated that birds fed on diets containing 2850 kcal/kg metabolisable energy and 26 percent
protein had higher daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratio and carcass yield (P<0.05). The sera
concentration of growth hormone was higher in birds fed on diet containing 2750 kcal/kg metabolisable
energy (P<0.05). This study indicated that Japanese quails can grow faster and more efficiently on diet
containing 2850 kcal/kg metabolisable energy and 26 percent protein. Therefore, the diet containing 2850
kcal/kg metabolisable energy and 26 percent protein could be recommended as dietary metabolisable
energy and protein requirements for growing Japanese quails.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of Artemisia Sieberi oil (zero, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) and antibiotic on performance and blood parameters in broiler chicken. 200 day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to five treatments, four replications with a completely randomized design. In total period, broilers were fed dietary Artemisia Sieberi oil at level of 300 mg/kg had higher weight gain than other experimental treatments (P<0.05). Control treatment had worse feed conversion ratio compared with broilers were fed dietary Artemisia Sieberi oil at levels of 100 and 300 mg/kg (P<0.05). The level of 100 mg/kg of dietary Artemisia Sieberi oil significantly increased the white blood cell value compared with other treatments (P<0.05). Red blood cell value significantly increased at levels of 100 and 300 mg/kg of dietary Artemisia Sieberi oils compared with other treatments (P<0.05). In this study, dietary Artemisia Sieberi oil at levels of 300 mg/kg improve broiler performance and can be considered as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter.

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the nutritional value of seaweed Gracilariopsis persica and to evaluate its utilization in layer nutrition. Metabolizable Energy and chemical composition of seaweed were measured. 100 Hy-line W-36 hens were allocated to five dietary groups with five treatment group (experimental diets containing zero, five, 10, 15 and 20 percent seaweed) and it lasted for 12 weeks. Egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight and egg mass were measured weekly. The results showed that the CP, CF, EE, Ca and P of the seaweed were 23.05, 7.2, 0.1, 0.9 and 0.34 percent, respectively. Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Apparent Metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen were 2185.04 and 2195.72 Kcal/Kg, respectively. The treatments contain more than five percent seaweed, decreased egg production and increased feed conversion ratio (P< 0.05). There was significant decrease in egg mass for more than 10 percent seaweed treatments (P< 0.05). These results showed that usage of five percent seaweed Gracilariopsis persica in the layer hens' diet doesn't have negative effect on production performances.

Abstract This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Natuzyme Plus (a multi enzyme) in diets containing wheat and canola meal on broiler performance. A total of 336 day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replicates. Experimental diets were: 1 . Diet based on corn-soybean meal (control), 2 . Diet containing 30 precent wheat and 3 . Diet containing 30 percent wheat + 10 percent canola meal, which Natozyme was added (350 g/ton) to these diets to make diets containing enzyme (totally six treatments). Adding enzyme to diet containing wheat and canola meal increased significantly feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at starter and overall rearing period (P< 0.01). Use of Natuzyme Plus in diet containing wheat and canola meal reduced significantly the relative weight of digestive organs in compared of same diets without enzyme. The results of this study indicate that the performance of broiler chickens fed the diets containing wheat and canola meal could be improve by supplementing with Natuzyme plus preparations.

Abstract The effects of phytase and glycosidase supplementation to diets containing rice bran on broiler performance were investigated by using 200 day old (308 Ross) broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates. The five dietary treatments were as: corn-soybean meal based diet; diet containing rice bran; diet containing rice bran supplemented with Natafous; diet containing rice bran supplemented with Safizyme, and diet containing rice bran supplemented with Natafous and Safizyme. The dietary levels of rice bran were 15, 20 and 25 percent for the starting, growing and finishing diets, respectively. Birds fed on rice bran + enzyme added diets consumed less feed (P< 0.05) than those fed on unsupplemented rice bran contained diets. The enzyme addition to rice bran containing diets improved the villi length and weight gain of birds at different rearing periods (P< 0.05). In conclusion, results showed that the Natafous or Safizyme supplementation in diets could improve the performance of broiler chicks when rice bran was used at a level of 15, 20 and 25 percent in starter, grower and finisher diets, respectively.

Abstract To study the effects of various levels of whole cottonseed (WCS) on performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters, an experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) with four diets containing zero, four, eight and 16 percent WCS on 20 Zandi male lambs with initial average weight 30.4 ± 1.8 kg and 5-6 months old for 90 days was performed. Energy and chemical composition of rations were similar. In comparison of control diet with diets contain WCS in aspect of feed intake, feed conversion ratio, the percent of the carcass and also abdominal fat was significant difference (P< 0.01). The effect of diet on concentration of blood parameters was significant (P< 0.01). Glucose concentration with increasing of WCS in diet was decreasing, whereas concentration of cholesterol and triglyceride in blood increased linearly. This experiment showed that the WCS could be included up to eight percent of the fattening male lamb’s diet.