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

Abstract The present experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract and vitamin E on performance, biochemical parameters of blood and immune system of broilers. Two hundred and forty one-day-old male broiler chicks Ross 308 were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications, each replication containing 15 chickens. Experimental diets include 1- control (basal diet without thyme and vitamin E), 2- basal diet+ 250 mg/kg thyme extract, 3- basal diet+ 100 mg/kg vitamin E and 4- basal diet+ 250 mg/kg thyme extract+ 100 mg/kg vitamin E. The results showed that the increase in body weight and feed conversion ratio throughout the period in the diet containing a mixture of thyme extract and vitamin E were significantly increased and decreased, respectively (P<0.05). Differences in cholesterol and LDL concentrations in treatments containing thyme extract and vitamin E, as well as their mixtures, were significantly reduced with control (P<0.05). Thymus weight increased significantly compared to the control in all experimental treatments (P<0.05). In general, the results showed that the use of a mixture of thyme extract and vitamin E in the diet of broilers can improve performance and strengthen the immune system.
 

Abstract Effect of using eucalyptus (Eucalyptus SPP) leaf chloroform oral extract (EE) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) powder (BP) in diet on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters and microbial populations of intestine and syrinx was investigated in a 42 days trial with 160 Cobb 500 day-old chicks divided into four treatments and four replicates as a completely randomized design. The treatments were 1- basal diet (control), 2- basal diet and adding 0.1 % EE solution in drinking water, 3- diet having 0.2% BP, and 4- diet having 0.2% BP and 0.1% EE solution in drinking water. Over the study, feed intake of chickens consumed oral EE or BP in diet and/or the combination of them was lower than chickens in control group (P<0.05). Weight gain and feed conversion ratio of chickens were not affected by the treatments. Oral EE resulted in greater percentile lungs weight and lower heart and abdominal fat weights in chickens (P<0.05). Using oral EE or BP in diet and/or the combination of them caused a significant decrease in serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and uric acid in chickens (P<0.05). Hematological parameters of chickens were not affected by the experimental treatments. Chickens consumed oral EE or BP in diet and/or the combination of them showed a significant lower intestinal E-coli population than control birds (P<0.05). Furthermore, using oral EE caused a decrease in Mycoplasma population of broilers Syrinx (P<0.05). The results showed that using oral EE leads to lowered abdominal fat and microbial populations of intestine and syrinx while adding BP in diet leads a decrease in microbial populations of intestine in broiler chickens.

Abstract Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, health index, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites and feed consumption behavior of infant calves using 18 Simmental infant male calves aged about 20 days and initial body weight 47±2.4 kg was studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. Treatments included: 1- control group (without yeast), 2- treatments containing 2.5 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast per day and 3- Treatments containing five grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast per day. The trial period was 60 days, which included a seven-day acclimatization period. Dry matter intake and daily weight gain were measured and feed conversion ratio was calculated. Digestibility of nutrients and blood metabolites were measured. Calves receiving five grams of yeast had higher weight gain and better conversion ratio (P <0.05). Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and nitrogen urea concentrations were not affected by experimental treatments. Dry matter digestibility was higher in calves consuming 5 g of yeast than the control group (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, the use of yeast improves daily weight gain and improves feed conversion ratio as well as significantly increases dry matter digestibility, so it is possible to use Sacromycis cerevisiae in the diets of suckling calves, Used at a level of five grams per day.

Abstract The effect of Betaplus probiotic levels in the diet on growth performance and histomorphometry of Japanese quail jejunum was investigated by using 288 broiler chicks with six treatments of four replications and 12 birds per each in a completely randomized design from one to 42 days of age. Treatments included: control group (without additives); three diets containing levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg of Betaplus probiotic; diet with deficient in protein, and diet with deficient in protein and contained 1 g/kg of Betaplus. Feed intake, body weight and increase body weight were measured weekly and conversion factor was calculated. At 42 days of age, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate and the traits related to carcass dissection were assessed. For histomorphometrical evaluation of the intestine, the jejunum samples were collected. The utility of betaplus probiotic at level 1 g/kg improved food intake, weight gain, conversion factor and some histomorphometrical parameters of jejunum (p <0.05), In birds were feed with level of 1.5 g/kg Betaplus, the villi thickness and crypt diameter and number of the goblet cells were decreased (p <0.05). According to the results, the use of Betaplus probiotic at level 1 g/kg in the diet improves the growth performance and histological parameters of the jejunum in Japanese quail.

Abstract The effects of valine supplementation on performance, immunity and behavoural indices of broiler chickens reared under heat stress condition was evaluated. Total of 420 male and female Ross-308 broiler chickens were allocated to 6 treatments with 5 replicates in a completely randomized design. Experimental groups were as fallows: positive control (fed basal diet and reared under Ross-308 recommended rearing temperature), Nagative control (fed basal diet and reared under heat stress (HS)), and four treatment groups fed basal diet supplemented with 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent valine above the Ross-308 valine recommendation and reared under HS. Heat stress significantly decreased feed intake, body weight and European production efficiency factor (EPEF), antibody titer against NewCastle, lymphocyte percentage, serum total protein concentration and alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and increased heterophile percentage, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio, rectal temperature and tunic immobility of broiler chickens (P < 0.05), but 5% valine supplementation improved BW of broiler chicken at the end of grower and BW and EPEF at the end of total period; 10% valine supplementation increased relative weight of breast and thigh muscle and 15 and 20% valine supplementation increased lymphocyte and decreased heterophile percentage as compared to control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 5% valine supplementation improved final body weight and feed convertion ratio of heat-stressed broiler chikens and 15 and 20% valin inclusion improved blood immune cell percentages but had no effect on humoral immune response and tunic immobility test of HS broiler chickens.

Abstract In this research the effect of Bioplus B2 probiotic and galactooligosaccharide prebiotic (GOS) on performance, egg quality, and some blood parameters of commercial laying hens were investigated in a sample of 216 hy-line laying hens (w36) with the same average weight aging 50 to 62 weeks for a period of 12 weeks in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 6 replications and 6 hens per each replication in the cage system. Experimental treatments included 1) without additives (as control), 2) diets containing 0.1% Bioplus B2 probiotic, 3) to 6) diets; containing, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.20 % of galactooligosaccharides prebiotic, respectively.  The results indicated that both egg weight and mass was increased significantly (P<0.05) in the Bioplus B2 probiotic treatment. Egg production percentage, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments. Using galactooligosaccharide at the levels of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 percent improved dry eggshell weight significantly while the levels of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.2 percent increased eggshell weight per unit area compared to the control (P<0.05). Total protein and albumin of serum increased in the Bioplus B2 treatment (P<0.05). Using Bioplus B2 probiotic and 0.15% galactooligosaccharide significantly decreased blood cholesterol level (P<0.05). In general, the results showed that the using of prebiotic galactooligosaccharide at the level of 0.15 % increases the weight of eggshell per unit area, decreases the blood serum cholesterol, and improves some performance traits compared to control group, therefore it can be used instead of probiotic Bioplus B2.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of decreasing dietary protein content with supplementing protected methionine (pMet) and lysine (pLys) on intake, milk yield, metabolic status, and apparent digestibility of nutrients in Holstein fresh cows. Immediately after calving, 16 cows with the similar BCS and parity were randomly assigned to two treatments. Experimental diets provided equal amounts of lysine (132 to 133 g/d) and methionine (40 to 43 g/d). The treatments were: a diet containing 18.35 % CP without supplementing pMet and pLys (HP); and a diet containing 16.45 % CP with supplementing rumen-protected amino acids (LPML). Individual dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily during fresh period. Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 d after calving to determine the serum concentrations of mineral and metabolites. Feed intake was not affected by experimental diets but milk yield was higher for HP cows than cows in LPML (P < 0.01). The yield of milk protein, lactose, fat and concentration of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) were higher in HP cows compared to LPML (P < 0.05). Compared to HP cows, cows in LPML had lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and higher serum concentrations of total protein and globulin (P < 0.01). Based on the results of the present study, reducing dietary protein content while maintaining the supply of limiting amino acids decreased lactational performance and feed efficiency of Holstein fresh cows.

Abstract In this research the effect of using domestic (Multibehcil) and imported (Bioplus B2) probiotic supplements and Avilamycin antibiotics were investigated on performance, parameters of blood lipid and small intestine morphology by a sample of 360 male Ross-308 broilers aging 11 to 42 days-old in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 4 replications and 15 chickens per each replicate. Experimental treatments included 1) without additive (control), 2) diets containing 0.1% of commercial bioplus B2 probiotic, 3) diets containing 0.01% of avilamycin antibiotic and treatments 4) to 6) diets containing 0.05%, 1% and 0.15% of Multibehcil, respectively. The results showed that body weight and feed conversion ratio was improved by using bioplus B2 probiotic and antibiotic (P < 0.05). Body weight and feed conversion ratio in birds receiving 0.1% and 0.15% of Multibehcil were not significantly different from birds receiving bioplus probiotic. Feed intake was not affected by the experimental treatments. Humoral immune response and intestinal morphological parameters in birds receiving 0.15% of Multibehcil was not significantly different from the control group and it was statistically equal to the groups receiving bioplus probiotics and antibiotics. The LDL level of blood showed a significant decrease in Bioplus B2, antibiotic and 0.15% of Multibehcil treatments (P < 0.05). In general, the results indicated that using of Multibehcil at the level of 0.15 percent can be a suitable alternative for both Bioplus B2 and Avilamycin during grower and finisher period in broilers.

Abstract The effect of heat processing of wheat grains and enzyme supplementation on its apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and digestibility of protein and dry matter as well as the effect of their use in the diet on the growth performance, jejunum morphology and microbial population of ileum were investigated. For this purpose, 480 broiler chickens in a 4×2 factorial experiment with three levels of heat processing of wheat at 55, 70 and 85 °C for 2.5 minutes (with one treatment without thermal processing) and Rovabio enzyme (0 and 500 g/ton of diet) was used in a completely randomized design with eight treatments, six replicates of 10 birds each at the age of 25-42 days. Heat processing of wheat at 55 and 85 °C increased its AME compared to unprocessed treatment; So that the AME of processed wheat at 85 °C was 2.49% higher than unprocessed wheat (P<0.05). Enzyme supplementation significantly increased the AME of wheat (P < 0.05). Wheat processing at all three temperatures reduced the height of jejunum villi compared to the unprocessed group (P < 0.01). Also, processing of wheat at 70 and 85 °C increased the population of lactobacilli compared to treatment without processing (P = 0.05). The use of enzyme in the diet reduced the feed intake of the birds and the height of jejunal villi (P<0.05). Overall,, enzyme supplementation and heat processing of wheat improve its AME but have no remarkable effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens.

Abstract To study the effects of replacing canola meal with black seed meal on performance, blood parameters and carcass characteristics, eighteen male lambs (with initial BW, 29.5 ±1.5 kg and 110 ± 7 days of age) were used in a completely randomized design with 3 different treatments over 90 days. Experimental treatments were: 1) control; diet containing 9% canola meal, 2) diet containing 4.5 % canola meal plus 4.5 % black seed meal and 3) diet containing 9 % black seed meal. The amount of dry matter, ash, crude protein, fat, NDF, ADF, and ADIN of black seed meal was 92.60 ±0.58, 7.24±0.27, 35.8±1.0, 12.31±0.51, 24.56±1.24, 13.0±0.79 and 2.15±0.17, respectively. There were no significant differences between treatments for digestibility of organic matter, NDF, fat and protein. Daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, final body weight, carcass efficiency, weight of liver, heart, kidney and testis were not differed between experimental groups. However, lambs fed with black seed meal had lower level of subcutaneous fat, tail-fat and total body fat deposition compared to control group (P<0.05). Feeding 9% black seed meal increased blood total protein and albumin concentration compared to the other experimental groups (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that it could be feasible to use black seed meal up to 9% in finishing lamb diet.

Abstract The effects of different levels of mild metabolic acidosis by anionic diet on the performance of transition dairy cows were investegieted in 12 cows from 3 weeks (wk) before calving. One wk before calving, cows assigned to two groups according to urine pH (UpH) to recommended level (R UpH=6.2 to 7) and less than 6.3 (low UpH). The average prepartum urine pH was 6.7 and 5.8 for R UpH and low UpH groups, respectively (P<0.01). The prepartum serum concentration of Ca was not affected by the experimental groups, but significantly increased in the low UpH group within 2 h after calving. A trend was observed for higher serum concentration of phosphorus in the low UpH cows before calving. Although no significant difference was observed in prepartum DMI, but postpartum DMI and milk production were higher during wk 1 after calving in low UpH group (P<0.05). Total concentrations of protein and globulin were decreased on the day before calving in low UpH group. Also, after calving the concentrations of BUN, total protein, globulin, and milk protein were lower in this group of cows (P<0.05). Therefore, the induction of higher levels of metabolic acidosis in comparison to the recommended level before calving, can improve serum concentration of Ca and performance of transition cows.

Abstract The effects of chicory root powder on performance, digestibility, immune system and carcass characteristics of broilers were investigated using 360 pieces of Ross 308 strain day-old broiler chicks (male and female), in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates and in a growth period of 1-42 days of age. The experimental treatments were consisted of a basal diet and diets containing the levels of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 percentages ofchicory root powder. Feed intake and weight of birds were measured periodically and body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Nutrient digestibilities were measured at 33-36 days of age. The use of chicory root powder in the feed of broilers caused an improvement in feed conversion ratio at 1-14 and 28-42 days of age (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on perfomance traits in the whole of experimental period. The digestibility of protein and fat in broilers fed with 0.75% chicory root powder were higher than the other diets (P<0.05). The relative weight of liver decreased in broilers fed with chicory root powder (P<0.05). Feeding of broiler chickens with 0.25 percent dietary chicory root powder increased the number of lymphocytes and decreased the number of heterophils (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, the use of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% chicory root powder in broiler ration does not have significant effect on production performance of broiler chickens but improves the immune system activity of broilers.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of dill powder on growth performance, hormonal immune system and cecal microbial population of broiler chickens using 420 mail broiler Ross 308 strain in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replicates. The treatments were including control diet, diets containing 0.2, 0.5 and 1 percent dill powder and a diet that contained 200 mg/kg flavomycin antibiotic. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were higher in chickens fed with flavomycin and dill powder at the levels of 0.5 and 1% in diet (P<0.05). Abdominal fat was lower in birds received 1% dill powder than those administrated by antibiotic and control group (P<0.05). The Escherichia coli and lactobacilli count in birds fed dill powder containing diets were lower and higher than birds fed control and antibiotic containing diets, respectively (P<0.05). Second antibody titer against SRBC was higher in birds fed by 1% dill powder in diet compared to birds fed the control diet (P<0.05). In challenge with NDV and influenza viruses, birds fed dill powder had higher antibody titer compared to those fed control and antibiotic containing diet (P<0.05). According to results of the present experiment, using 0.5 or 1% dill powder in diet improves performance, immune responses and intestinal microbial environment of broiler chickens and can be used as a good replacement for antibiotic growth promoters.

Abstract To investigate the effect of oral administration of prepared specific egg yolk antibody (IgY) against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K99 on growth performance, health, the prevalence of diarrhea of neonatal calves, an experiment was conducted using 60 newborn calves in a completely randomized design with two treatments. Calves were kept individually. Calves in the control group received only milk or colostrum for 30 days and calves in the treatment group received milk or colostrum with IgY against inactivated K99. During the experiment, health parameters and the prevalence of diarrhea were recorded daily, and growth performance was evaluated weekly. The results showed that average daily gain, starter dry matter intake and feed and milk efficiency were higher in the IgY group than the control group (P<0.05). The general health score in the IgY group was higher than control group and fecal and ear scores in this group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). The count of fecal coliforms in the IgY group was decreased by approximately one log compared to the control group (P<0.05). The results of the present study showed that oral administration of IgY against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K99 has beneficial effects on health and average daily gain of suckling Holstein calves and It can be a good way to replace antibiotics.

Abstract Effect of different processing methods of corn grain were investigated in 36 Holstein suckling female calves (body weight = 38.2 ± 1.20 kg) on performance and blood and ruminal parameters. Treatments were whole corn, ground corn, cracked corn and steam-flaked corn. Starter diets were mixed five percent of the chopped wheat straw and offered to calves from day 4. Milk was fed in a gradual step-up step-down method to all calves. Calves weaned at 71 days and total intake of starter and body weight of calves were measured until 84 days. Starter intake and ADG were significantly higher for cracked corn and steam-flaked corn than for ground corn and whole corn treatments in pre- and post-weaning and overall period (P≤0.01). At weaning and day 84, the average body weight of calves fed cracked corn and steam-flaked corn were significantly higher than those fed whole corn and ground corn treatments (P≤0.01). Treatments also affected serum protein of calves (P<0.05). According results of this study, feeding calves with cracked corn or steam-flaked corn increased feed intake and improved ADG and body weight through pre- and post-weaning periods.

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 In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of corn gluten feed on performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology and some blood serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens, an experiment was conducted using 500 male Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with four treatments, five replicates and 25 birds per replication. The experimental treatments included levels  of zero (control), 2.5, 5 and 7.5 percent corn gluten feed in the diet which fed to broilers from 15 to 42 days of age. The results showed that dietary inclusion of corn gluten feed up to 7.5 percent had no significant effect on average weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio
compared to control treatment. Also, jejunal morphological indices and blood biochemical parameters including triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, livability, European broiler index and feed cost per kg of weight gain were not affected by dietary treatments. Antibody titer in response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) injection was higher in treatment containing 2.5 percent corn gluten feed comparing to other treatments (P<0.05). Based on the obtained results, corn gluten feed can be included in grower and finisher diets of broilers (15 to 42 days of age) up to level of 7.5 percent without any adverse effect on performance.

Abstract The aim of this research was to study the effect of adding enzyme preparations and ration formulation on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal microflora of broilers. Two hundred and fifty six day-old male and female broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in a 2×2×2 factorial experiment consisting of two methods of diet formulation (total and digestible amino acid), two levels of Natuzyme Plus (0 and 0.035%) and two levels of Multi-behzyme (0 and 0.02%) as additives. The factors were arranged as a completely randomized design with eight treatments and four replications. Diet formulation based on total amino acids improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the grower and finisher and total periods, but decreased daily feed intake during the finisher and total periods (P ≤ 0.05). It also increased dry matter digestibility, dressing percentage and intestinal length, but it decreased fat digestibility (P ≤ 0.05). Natuzyme Plus increased dry matter, crude protein and fat digestibility and decreased the number of E .coli in the cecum. (P ≤ 0.05). Multibehzyme improved ADG during the grower period, FCR during the finisher period and total period and it increased dry matter, crude protein and crude fat digestibility (P ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that Multi- behzyme could be replaced with Natuzyme Plus, and its inclusion in the diets formulated by digestible amino acid and low protein content can improve the negative outcome of low level protein diets.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using hydroalcoholic sage extract after experimental copper poisoning on performance and blood metabolites of Japanese quail, in a completely randomized design with 320 one-day old Japanese quails in 4 treatments with4 replicates and 20 birds per each replicate. Experimental treatments were: 1) control (basal diet), 2) basal diet + 750 mg/kg copper sulfate, 3) basal diet + 10 g/kg sage extract and 4) basal diet with 750 mg/kg copper sulfate and 10 g/kg of sage extract. The feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly and calculated for starter, grower and whole periods. The results of this experiment showed that in starter period, FI was highest in control group compared to other treatments (P <0.05). In the starter and total periods, the average BWG of birds that received diet contained copper was significantly lower than birds in control and the birds that received diets supplemented with sage extract (P <0.05). In the starter period, the FCR was improved when diets supplemented with sage extract in comparison with the birds that received copper (P <0.05). Higher levels of blood glucose and triglyceride and lower levels of HDL and LDL were observed in birds receiving copper in their diet (P <0.05). The results of this experiment showed that supplementation Japanese quail’s diet with sage extract can improve BWG and FCR in starter period, and it may alleviate harmful effect of copper poisoning.

Abstract Effect of different levels of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium and flavophospholipol antibiotic on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and immune responses was studied using 200 day-old chickens, Ross 308 broilers with five treatments, four replicates and 10 chickens per each replicate with completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were included basal diet with
no additives (control group), and the basal diet containing hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (150, 300, 450 ml/kg diet) and flavophospholipol antibiotic (500 mg/kg diet). During the experimental period, birds fed with diet containing 450 ml/kg Allium hirtifolium extract had a higher weight gain than control birds (P<0.05). The effect of treatments on carcass characteristics was not significant. The
malondialdehyde value of legs muscles in birds fed with different levels of Allium hirtifolium extract was lower than the control group (p<0.05). The meat water holding capacity and drip loss in chickens fed with diet containing 450 ml per kg of Allium hirtifolium extract were higher and lower than birds receiving antibiotic respectively (p<0.05). The antibody titer against sheep red blood cells in chickens fed with
diet containing 450 ml per kg diet of Allium hirtifolium extract was higher than control birds or birds receiving antibiotic (p<0.05). According to the results of the present experiment, using 450 ml/kg diet of Allium hirtifolium extract could improve performance, meat quality and immune responses of broiler chickens, and can be used as a good replacement for antibiotic growth promoters.

Abstract This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different inclusion levels of free and microencapsulated essential oil of Ajowan (EOA) herb in broilers diet on growth performance and some ileal bacteria population. A total of 320 one-day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design with 2×4 factorial arrangement. The dietary factors were 2 different forms of EOA (free and encapsulated) and 4 dietary inclusion levels of EOA (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Growth performance parameters were recorded throughout the experiment, and intestinal organs weight and ileal microbial population were measured on 42 day of age. Broilers fed encapsulated EOA in diet had higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio during 1 to 21 day of age than those fed free EOA (P<0.05). Higher relative weight of liver (% of live weight) was achieved in broilers fed diets supplemented with encapsulated EOA (P<0.05). There was a significant interaction between the form and dietary levels of EOA on E. coli count (P<0.05). As a general conclusion, use of encapsulated EOA led to an improvement in body weight gain, FCR, and European Production Index, in the first three weeks of growth and in the whole period of growth phase, respectively.

Abstract The effects of high stocking density and threonine (Thr) supplementation on performance and immunity in broiler chickens was evaluated. In this experiment 495 male Ross-308 broiler chickens were allocated to 4 treatments with 5 replicates in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatment consisted of: 1) basal diet as control with low density (10 birds/m2), 2) high density group (15 birds/m2 which fed basal diet) and 3 and 4) high density group which fed diet containing 10 and 20 percent Thr higher than requirment, respectively. The results showed that high stocking density decreased feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio at different period of production and increased European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Thr supplementation also reduced growth performance parameters (P < 0.05).
Dietary treatments deseased antibody titer against NewCastle, but avian influenza virus, cell mediated immunity against phytoheamaglutinin, blood metabolites, blood cell count, and serum spartat aminotransferase and malondialdehyde concentration did noy change significantly. Serum alanine aminotransferase concentration in broiler chickens fed diet containing 20 percent Thr higher than requirment was higher than the others (P < 0.05). In conclusion, under the condition of this study (15 birds/m2), Thr supplementation (both of the levels) did not improved broiler chickens performance and immunity and more research is needed in this subject.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying levels of digestible protein (DP) and dietary electrolyte balances (DEB) during the finisher period on performance, blood parameters and small intestine histology of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. A total of 500 mixed sex chickens (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design as a 2×5 factorial arrangement with two levels of DP (%16.5 and %19) and five levels of DEB (150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 meq/kg of diet)with five replicates of 10 birds each during the finisher period. The chicks were exposed to heat stress of 32±2 °C for eight hours/day during 28-42 days of age. Increasing DP levels did not have a significant effect on weight gain under heat stress during the finisher period. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chickens fed 16.5% DP diet was significantly more than 19% DP fed birds (P<0.05). The highest weight gain and lowest FCR were observed in chickens fed 200 mEq/kg of diet EBD which were significantly different only with 300 and 150 mEq/kg EBD treatments. The highest weight gain was observed in broilers fed diet containing 16.5% DP and 200 mEq EBD. Broilers fed diet containing 19% DP in compare to those fed 16.5% DP had lower plasma triglycerides and higher total protein, creatinine, and uric acid contents. Increasing digestible protein from 16.5% to 19% had no significant effect (P>0.05) on small intestine morphology. Diet containing 250 mEq/kg of diet EBD significantly (P<0.05) increased villi surface of small intestine in chickens suffering heat stress. It is concluded that, feeding of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress during the finishing period with diet containing 16.5% digestible protein and 200 mEq/kg dietary electrolyte balances is recommendable.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different metabolizable protein levels in diet during the peri parturition on performance and blood parameters of Afshari ewes and lambs. Thirty two once lambing ewes in the last six weeks of pregnancy and the first six weeks of lactation with diets before and after parturition containing rates of NRC recommended and 20% higher one as low and high amount of metabolizable protein respectively requirements of ewe with two lambs as Factorial experiment in a completely randomized design were fed. Dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score ewes and their changes, weight lamb in the first and third weeks, and daily weight gain of lambs were not affected by treatments. Amount and composition of the colostrum were not affected by the treatments, but milk yield increasing was observed at low metabolizable protein before and after lambing treatment(p=0.007) as compared to other treatments. Urea (P = 0.0001) and cholesterol (P = 0.02) of plasma were significantly higher in high metabolizable protein than the low metabolizable protein in late gestation. Reducing insulin resistance (P = 0.03) and increasing insulin sensitivity (P = 0. 01) were observed in the treatment low metabolizable protein before and after lambing. No significant difference was observed on the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and other blood cells between the treatments. The results of this study, the percentage of metabolizable protein by the NRC for Afshari ewes during late gestation and early lactation is advisable.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of camphor levels on performance, organ weight, testosterone and thyroid hormones, intestinal selective bacteria, and meat peroxidation of Japanese quail. Two-hundred 1-d chicks were allocated in 20 cages with five treatments and four replicates (10 chicks per each cage) using complete randomized block design. Treatments were including: 0, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 ppm camphor which dissolved in soybean oil. Blood sample was taken then quails were slaughtered at 42-d of age. Results revealed camphor unaffected the carcass and organs weight. Also feed conversion ratio, feed intake, live body weight, and thyroid hormones unaffected by using camphor supplementation in the diet. Results showed that camphor could enhance libido by increasing the production and secretion of testosterone (P< 0.05). Dietary camphor had a significant effect on the intestinal microbial population, so that could reduce the aerobic bacteria and coliforms, whereas increased the lactic acid bacteria and spore former bacteria (P< 0.05). Meat malondialdehyde level has been also changed significantly in both sexes by camphor dietary supplementation, which increased by using 62.5, 125, and 250 ppm camphor (P< 0.05). According to the current results, using camphor is recommendable for successfully reproduction in male birds.