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

Abstract Objective: Increasing feed costs and the shortage of conventional forage resources highlight the utilization of unconventional and readily available feed sources, such as green space tree leaves, as a practical strategy in ruminant nutrition. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting a portion of dietary forage with different levels of plane tree (Platanus orientalis) leaves on feed intake, productive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and the antioxidant system status in Saanen dairy goats.
Method: The experiment was carried out using 18 multiparous Saanen goats (average milk yield 1.75 ± 0.72 kg/day and lactation days 52.7 ± 13.4) in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replicates over a period of 56 days (14 days of adaptation and 42 days of the main experimental period). The experimental diets were as follows: 1- control (basal diet without plane leaves), 2- replacement of 20% of forage with plane leaves, and 3- replacement of 40% of forage with plane leaves, all of which were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Throughout the experimental period, dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk samples were collected for composition analysis, blood samples were taken to assess biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, lipids, and liver enzymes) and oxidative status indicators (total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde), and fecal and feed samples were gathered to determine apparent nutrient digestibility. The collected data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS software.
Results: Replacing 20% of the dietary forage with plane leaves resulted in a significant increase in dry matter intake, daily milk yield, and 4% fat-corrected milk in Saanen goats compared to both the control group and the 40% replacement group (P < 0.05). Although the percentages of milk fat and total milk solids decreased in goats receiving plane leaves in their diet (P < 0.05), the daily yield (g/day) of protein, fat, non-fat solids, and total milk solids in goats from the 20% replacement group was significantly higher than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio and body weight changes were not affected by the experimental treatments. No significant differences were observed among treatments regarding the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, and acid detergent fiber. However, replacing 40% of the conventional dietary forage with plane tree leaves led to a significant decrease in the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and a significant increase in the digestibility of ether extract (P < 0.05). Regarding blood parameters, triglyceride concentration was higher in the 20% replacement group, while low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly higher in the 40% replacement group compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Liver enzyme activities, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, were not influenced by the dietary treatments. However, serum malondialdehyde concentration in the 40% plane leaf replacement group showed a tendency to decrease (P = 0.086).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that plane tree leaves can serve as an alternative feed source, replacing up to 20% of the conventional forage in the diet of Saanen dairy goats. This level of substitution, while improving feed intake and productive performance, does not exert significant adverse effects on liver health, nutrient digestibility, or the antioxidant status of the animals. Higher substitution levels (40%) may be associated with a reduction in milk fat percentage, possibly due to the presence of secondary compounds. Therefore, the optimal utilization of this feed resource necessitates adherence to an appropriate substitution level.

Abstract Objective: he poultry industry, as a major contributor to animal protein production, continually seeks novel, accessible, and cost-effective feed resources to enhance growth performance, carcass quality, and bird health. The use of food industry by-products, such as whey powder as a protein source and corn gluten as a source of both protein and energy, represents a practical strategy to reduce feed costs while potentially improving gastrointestinal health in poultry. Given the pivotal role of gastrointestinal health in nutrient utilization, growth, and feed efficiency of broiler chickens, evaluating the combined inclusion of whey powder and corn gluten in broiler diets is both scientifically and economically justified. This dietary approach may optimize growth performance, improve the essential amino acid profile, enhance the biological value of dietary protein through greater nutrient absorption, and promote bone quality by increasing mineral deposition. Moreover, the combination of these ingredients may provide a nutritionally balanced diet with adequate energy and high-quality protein. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different inclusion levels of whey powder and corn gluten on growth performance, tibia bone characteristics, and serum mineral concentrations in Arian broiler chickens. Method: An experiment was conducted using 585 one-day-old male Arian broiler chicks arranged in a completely randomized design with a 3×3 factorial structure. The experiment consisted of nine dietary treatments with five replicates per treatment and 13 chicks per replicate. The dietary treatments included: (1) 0% whey powder + 0% corn gluten (control), (2) 3% whey powder, (3) 6% whey powder, (4) 3% corn gluten, (5) 6% corn gluten, (6) 3% whey powder + 3% corn gluten, (7) 3% whey powder + 6% corn gluten, (8) 6% whey powder + 3% corn gluten, and (9) 6% whey powder + 6% corn gluten. Growth performance parameters, including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, were recorded periodically throughout the experiment. Tibia bone characteristics—namely ash content, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium concentrations, length, weight, and width—as well as serum mineral concentrations, were determined at 45 days of age. Data were analyzed using SAS software. Results: Chicks receiving diets containing 6% whey powder exhibited significantly higher average body weight and feed intake compared with those fed diets without whey powder (P<0.05). In contrast, inclusion of corn gluten at the 6% level resulted in the lowest average body weight and the highest feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). No significant interaction effects between whey powder and corn gluten were observed for average body weight or feed conversion ratio. However, interaction effects between different levels of whey powder and corn gluten, compared with the control treatment, significantly increased tibia bone ash, calcium, and phosphorus contents (P<0.05). In contrast, varying levels of whey powder and corn gluten did not significantly affect serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or iron. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, the combination of 6% whey powder and 3% corn gluten demonstrated consistently better outcomes with respect to growth performance and tibia bone characteristics in Arian broiler chickens. These inclusion levels were associated with increased tibia mineralization, particularly calcium and phosphorus deposition, which contributed to improved bone quality. Although these findings provide consistent evidence supporting the potential benefits of this dietary combination, they are specific to the Arian broiler strain and the conditions of the present experiment. Therefore, the inclusion of 6% whey powder and 3% corn gluten may be considered a suitable dietary strategy for Arian broiler chickens, warranting further validation under different production conditions.

Abstract Introduction: Today, animal nutritionists and experts are looking for solutions to produce high quality animal products. In lamb meat, post-mortem biochemical changes, such as lipid oxidation, lead to off-odours and flavour development that have negative impact on the shelf life of these products. Therefore, the possibility to extend the shelf life of lamb meat is a primary objective of the meat industry. Some of plant compounds are excellent source of natural antioxidants that can improve the shelf life and quality of meat mainly by inhibiting fat oxidation and microbial growth. Saffron petal (SP) is one of the by-products of saffron, which is a plant source rich in flavonoid compounds and anthocyanins, and annually large amounts of it discard as a waste product. Also, the use of these residues in animal feed, cause the reduction of environmental pollution. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the effect of feeding of SP on performance, blood parameters and antioxidant status of blood and meat of Afshari fattening lambs. Materials and methods: Eighteen male Afshari lambs aged four to five months with an average initial weight of 17±2.5 kg in a completely randomized design were used. Experimental treatments were included: 1) control (basal diet without SP), 2) basal diet supplemented with 1.5% SP and 3) basal diet supplemented with 3% SP (DM basis). The experimental period was 84 days and lambs were slaughtered at the end of the experiment. Results and discussion: The results showed that the addition of SP to the diet had no effect on feed intake, daily weight gain and nutrient digestibility. The amount of plasma urea in lambs fed with both levels of SP and the concentration of plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride in lambs fed with 3% of SP significantly decreased (P<0.05). In lambs fed with 3% SP, the total antioxidant capacity and activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in blood and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was increased and the amount of malondialdehyde in the blood and LL muscle was decreased (P<0.05). But the activity of superoxide dismutase in the blood was not affected. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this research showed that adding 3% of SP to the diet of fattening lambs without affecting the performance, improved the antioxidant status of the blood and increased the shelf-life durability of meat.

Abstract Introduction: The use of agricultural plants resistant to environmental stresses, such as fodder beet, is inevitable in water shortage conditions. Such products have high moisture, which makes it difficult to store them. Total mixed ration (TMR) silage can be a good solution for this problem. This research was carried out in order to evaluate the feasibility of using of using TMR silage containing 25 or 35% of fodder beet (DM basis) in the feeding of fattening lambs by in vitro and in vivo methods. 
Material and Methods: In the in vitro experiment, diets containing two levels of fodder beet (25% and 35%, DM basis) were ensiled as TMR silage for 60 days and some important silage fermentation properties were evaluated. In the in vivo study, diet containing 25% fodder beet was used in the feeding of fattening lambs in two forms of TMR silage (60-days silage) and TMR for 70 days.
Results and Discussion: The amount of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber , water-soluble carbohydrates, crude fat and ash in the whole plant (aerial organ and root) of fodder beet were 17.1, 11.1, 35.9, 19.6, 50.1, 0.59 and 8.1 percent, respectively. Silage fermentation properties and aerobic stability were significantly affected by diet and time (P<0.05). Increasing the level of dietary fodder beet, decreased pH and concentrations of CP, true protein and starch of experimental silages. The pH value of silage containing 25% fodder beet on the 15th day and the pH value of silage containing 35% fodder beet on the ninth day of the aerobic stability test compared to the concentration on the first day of reopening suffered aerobic spoilage with an increase of half a unit (4.73 vs. 4.17 and 4.53 vs. 3.94, respectively) which indicates the weaker aerobic stability of silage containing 35% fodder beet. Lambs fed with TMR silage, consumed more (P<0.05) dry matter than the control group (1914.7 vs. 1756.9 g/day), and other performance indices did not show significant differences. The concentration of all blood parameters in the experimental lambs was in the normal range, which shows that the lambs did not suffer from metabolic problems or special complications by feeding the experimental diets.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this research, feeding TMR silage containing 25% fodder beet caused better fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability compared to 35% level, and it seems that it can be used for feeding fattening lambs, without any adverse effect on performance and health.

Abstract The effect of using different levels of olive cake on production, milk composition and antioxidant atatus of dromedary camels, an experiment using 9 Turkmen dromedary camels with milk production of 5 ± 0.7 kg/day and average weight of 500 ± 30 kg a 3 three-week periods (14 days of adaptation and 7 days of sampling) was investigated in the form of a change over design with 3 treatments and 9 replications. The experimental treatments were included: 1- control group, 2- treatment containing 15 percent olive cake and 3- treatment containing 30 percent olive cake. Feed intake and milk production were not affected by experimental treatments. Milk fat percent a nd yield and milk protein percent (2.5, 0.11 kg and 2.66, respectively) decreased due to use of olive cake in the diet (P<0.05). There was no difference in the concentration of most of fatty acids and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the milk of camels fed experimental diets, but concentration of palmitic acid in camels that consumed 30 percent olive cake was lower than control group (P<0.05). According to the results of this research, the use of olive cake (in the level of 30 percent of ration DM) in camel feeding, may have positive effects on increasing the nutritional value of dairy products especially in arid and semi-arid areas.

Abstract In this research, the effect of increasing the amount of alfalfa hay in the starter diet on the performance, blood parameters and health of Holstein dairy calves fed according to the milk feeding pattern by step down method using 24 female Holstein calves with 4±1 day of age and birth weight of 41.2 ±3 kg were studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight calves in each treatment for 56-days (until weaning). Experimental treatments include: 1) feeding milk without alfalfa hay, 2) feeding milk with five percent of alfalfa hay (based on dry matter of the diet) and 3) feeding milk with 10 percent of alfalfa hay (based on dry matter of the diet). there was no difference between experimental treatments in terms of dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, fecal score, skeletal growth indices and ruminal pH. The concentration of propionate in the rumen of calves fed with milk and five percent alfalfa hay was significantly higher than the control and 10 percent forage treatments (P <0.05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen of calves fed milk and five percent alfalfa forage was significantly higher than of calves of other treatments. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration was higher in calves fed the starter containing five percent of dry alfalfa than calves in other treatments (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, replacing part of the starter of dairy calves fed with high amounts of milk and alfalfa hay improves their rumen development.

Abstract In the present study, the chemical composition and nutritional value of quinoa crop residues were determined using insitu and invitro gas production techniques in comparison with alfalfa hay. After harvesting, whole quinoa plants were dried at environmental temperature, the seeds were separated, and the crop residues were used for the experiment. The results showed that the content of gross energy, dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and lignin of quinoa was higher than alfalfa hay (P<0.05). Crude protein concentration of quinoa (12.29%) was lower than alfalfa hay (14.32%). The main part of the tannin in quinoa was hydrolysable. Although the degradation rate and post-ruminal digestibility of quinoa and alfalfa hay were similar, ruminal, and total tract digestibility of quinoa were lower than alfalfa hay (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in gas production rate (c) between quinoa and alfalfa hay, however, it’s gas production potential (b) was lower than alfalfa hay (P<0.05). Organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and net energy of lactation in quinoa crop residues were also lower than alfalfa hay (P<0.05). Based on the results of this study, quinoa crop residues have suitable nutritional potential for replacing part of the forage to meet part of the nutritional requirements of ruminant feeds. However, invivo studies are recommended to determine it’s appropriate level in the diet.

Abstract In this study, the nutritional value of four camel rangeland plants, including Alhaghi Sp (AS), Haloxylon persicum (HP), Seidlitzia rosmarinous (SR) and Tamarix Gallica (TG) in different phenological growth stages including vegetating, flowering and seeding were evaluated. Rangeland species were randomly sampled and their chemical composition were measured. Rumen digestibility of dry matter was assessed using a fistulated camel. The results showed that the amount of crude protein of AS and SR was higher than that of other species, Also, the lowest levels of natural detergent fibers, acid detergent fibers and tannins were observed in SR (P <0/05). Slowly degradable fraction, degradation rate and effective degradability of SR was significantly higher than other species (P <0/05). Results of this study showed that SR was better than other rangeland species due to its high crude protein content and lower acid detergent fiber and phenolic compounds, so it was used instead of alfalfa at three levels of zero, 50 and %100 in camel’s diet. Feeding SR did not affect milk yield and its components including fat, lactose and total solids. Dry matter intake of dairy camels decreased with increasing of SR in diet, but milk protein and urea nitrogen increased (P <0/05). The results of this study indicated that replacement of alfalfa hay with SR in feeding dairy camels while maintaining camel production performance, reduce the cost of feeding camel and made it more economical to rear this valuable livestock.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bentonite, kaolin and activated carbon on the absorption of Cu, Fe and Mn by in vitro and in vivo methods in Baluchi lambs. In vitro experiment, the binders effect on the minerals absorption was investigated in a completely randomized design with factor arrangement with standard solutions of Cu, Fe and Mn with concentrations of 7, 20 and 30 mg/l, respectively, four levels of binders (no binders, 10, 20 and 40 g/l) and three pHs 5.5, 6.4 and 7.5 and incubation for 60 min. In vivo experiment, bentonite, kaolin and activated carbon including 0, 10 and 20 g/kg DM were added to diet of 36 fattening lambs (6-7 months) for 90d in a completely randomized design. Feed intake, weight gain and blood and wool concentration of Cu, Fe and Mn were measured on 0, 45 and 90d. In vitro experiment, activated carbon had the highest and kaolin had the lowest mineral absorption by increasing binders levels and pH (P<0.05). In vivo experiment, the effect of treatments on feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and blood and wool concentration of Fe were not significant.The concentration of Cu and Mn in the blood and wool in lambs fed with binder were lower than control treatment (P<0.05). In general, the use of binders, especially activated carbon at low concentrations, causes less absorption of minerals. In vitro methods can be used to select binders instead of animal experiments.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the buffering capacity of some buffer mixtures and the effect of their inclusion in the diet on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters. For this purpose, five buffer mixtures were prepared as: 1) containing 15% sodium bicarbonate + 15% magnesium oxide + 35% magnesium carbonate + 35% sodium bentonite; 2) containing 35% sodium bicarbonate + 35% magnesium oxide + 15% magnesium carbonate + 15% sodium bentonite; 3) containing 20% sodium bicarbonate + 40% magnesium oxide + 20% magnesium carbonate + 20% sodium bentonite; 4) containing 40% sodium bicarbonate + 20% magnesium oxide + 20% magnesium carbonate + 20% sodium bentonite; and 5) containing 16% sodium carbonate + 35% magnesium oxide +22% magnesium carbonate + 5% sodium bentonite and 22% monobasic potassium phosphate. Buffering capacity and buffer value index were measured. Then the effect of buffer mixtures on gas production potential, pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) was investigated. Buffering
capacity and buffer value index of buffer mixture 2 was higher than other buffer compounds (P<0.05). Buffer mixture 4 increased gas production (P<0.05). IVDMD was the same between the buffer mixtures and only buffer mixture 4 and 1 were different (P<0.05). The use of buffer mixture 2 increased the pH of the batch culture (P<0.05). Overall, the results of this experiment showed that the use of buffer mixture
2 could have an effective role in preventing pH drop and consequently reducing acidosis.

Abstract The fresh Pomegranate seed pulp (PSP, containing 47.5 percent dry matter) was ensiled within plastic buckets (three kg weight) for 70 days and then chemical composition, phenolic compounds concentration and DM ruminal degradability parameters and ruminal, post-ruminal and total tract digestibility of DM were measured. The results showed that ensiling significantly decreased total phenolic compounds, total tannins, gallic acid, tannic acid, penicillin and punicalagin A content of PSP but condensed tannins, ellagic acid and punicalagin B content were not affected by preservation method. DM ruminal degradability parameters, rapidly and slowly potentially degradable fractions and effective degradability on passage rate of 0.02, 0.05 and 0.08 per h were not significantly affected by treatments but ensiling increased the ruminal and total tract digestibility of DM and decreased the DM degradability rate constant and DM post-ruminal digestibility. Based on the results of this study ensiling could improve the nutritional value of PSP.