Ali Reza Ghiasvand; Hassan Shirzadi; Hossein Ali Ghasemi; Kamran Taherpour; Shokoufeh Hasanvand; Ali Khatibjoo
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal arginine level in the diet of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and evaluate its effects on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass yield using broken-line and quadratic regression models.
Method: For this purpose, a total ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal arginine level in the diet of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and evaluate its effects on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass yield using broken-line and quadratic regression models.
Method: For this purpose, a total of 600 twenty-one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were divided into five different treatments with digestible arginine levels of 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, 1.50%, and 1.75%. Six replicates were used for each treatment, with 20 quails per replicate. The experimental diets were similar in all essential nutrients except for arginine. The experiment was conducted from day 21 to day 35, and during the experimental period, various performance parameters, including body weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass yield, were measured. Additionally, the effects of different arginine levels on the chemical composition of breast and thigh meat were evaluated.
Results: The results indicated that increasing arginine levels had a significant impact on body weight gain and feed efficiency in the quails (P<0.05). Specifically, the 1.25% arginine treatment showed the greatest body weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). This treatment showed a significant difference compared to the 0.75% and 1.00% treatments (P<0.05), with no significant difference compared to the 1.50% arginine treatment. No significant changes in feed intake were observed (P>0.05), indicating that greater arginine levels improved feed utilization efficiency due to increased body weight gain. To estimate the arginine requirement, both broken-line linear and quadratic regression models were employed. The broken-line linear model with a single slope identified breakpoints at 1.15% for body weight gain and 1.21% for feed efficiency. Additionally, the quadratic broken-line model predicted breakpoints at 1.30% for body weight gain and 1.29% for feed efficiency. The quadratic regression model showed that at 1.37% arginine, the greatest body weight gain was observed, and at 1.36%, the greatest feed efficiency was recorded. For carcass yield, the 1.25% arginine treatment showed the greatest carcass yield on day 35, with a significant difference compared to the 0.75% and 1.75% treatments. Both broken-line and quadratic regression models indicated that the optimal arginine level for the greatest carcass yield was approximately 1.12% and 1.26%, respectively. Additionally, the quadratic regression model predicted that the optimal level for carcass yield was 1.32% arginine. However, the chemical composition of breast and thigh meat was not affected by the arginine levels, and no significant changes in dry matter, organic matter, and ash content were observed.
Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the use of broken-line linear and quadratic regression models are effective tools for accurately estimating the arginine requirement in the diet of Japanese quails. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the optimal arginine level for improving growth performance and carcass yield in Japanese quails was set between 1.15% and 1.37%. These findings can contribute to optimizing dietary formulations in the quail farming industry, improving production efficiency, and reducing feed costs.
Maedeh Darkaleh; Zarbakht Ansari Pirsaraei; Essa Dirandeh; Mohammad Kazemifard
Abstract
Objective: Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stressors in the poultry industry, as it leads to reduced feed intake, body weight, and carcass quality, suppresses immune system activity, and consequently increases flock mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects ...
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Objective: Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stressors in the poultry industry, as it leads to reduced feed intake, body weight, and carcass quality, suppresses immune system activity, and consequently increases flock mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of basil and parsley seed powders on growth performance, carcass traits, the relative gene expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in blood and interleukin-two (IL-2) in liver tissue, as well as selected blood parameters of broiler chickens under heat-stress conditions.
Method: A total of 150 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were selected and weighed, then distributed into a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments with three replicates and 10 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included: 1) control (basal diet without basil or parsley seed powder); 2) basal diet supplemented with three g/kg basil seed powder; 3) basal diet supplemented with three g/kg parsley seed powder; 4) basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg basil seed powder + 1.5 g/kg parsley seed powder; and 5) basal diet supplemented with neomycin as a positive control (0.2% in the drinking water). To induce heat stress, the temperature of the rearing house was set to 32°C for six hours daily from days 21 to 35. Performance traits (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) were measured throughout the trial. At the end of the experiment, three birds per replicate (closest to the treatment mean body weight) were selected, weighed, and slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics, blood biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides), and the relative expression of target genes (HSP70 in blood and IL-2 in liver tissue).
Results: The treatments had no significant effect on feed intake and weight gain; however; the FCR during days 1 to 35 was lowest in the neomycin group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed among treatments for blood biochemical parameters. Supplementation with basil + parsley seed powder significantly affected gizzard weight and jejunum length compared with the control group (P<0.05). The relative expression of the HSP70 gene in blood was significantly reduced in the basil, parsley, and basil+parsley groups compared with the control and neomycin groups. The relative expression of the IL-2 gene in liver tissue was highest in the basil+parsley group and lowest in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Overall, this study indicates that the supplementation with basil and parsley seed powders in the diet of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions can reduce the relative expression of the HSP70 gene and increase the relative expression of the IL-2 gene in the birds.
Maryam Karimi- Zandi; Hassan Shirzadi; Ghasemi, Hossein Ali; Mohammad Amir Karimi-Torshizi; Kamran Taherpour; Enayat Rahmatnejad
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a toxin binder and organic acids on growth performance, serum lipid profile, health indices, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler chickens challenged with aflatoxin B1 and Clostridium perfringens.
Methods: A total of 420 one-day-old as hatched ...
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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a toxin binder and organic acids on growth performance, serum lipid profile, health indices, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler chickens challenged with aflatoxin B1 and Clostridium perfringens.
Methods: A total of 420 one-day-old as hatched Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups, each with 6 replicates of 10 birds. The treatments were as follows: Control – basal diet without additives or challenges; A – basal diet, challenged with aflatoxin; AM – basal diet with toxin binder, challenged with aflatoxin; AMO – basal diet with toxin binder and organic acids, challenged with aflatoxin; ACP – basal diet, challenged with aflatoxin and C. perfringens; ACPM – basal diet with toxin binder, challenged with aflatoxin and C. perfringens; and ACPMO – basal diet with toxin binder and organic acids, challenged with aflatoxin and C. perfringens. Aflatoxin B1 (500 ppb) was administered throughout the trial. C. perfringens (1×108 cfu/mL) was introduced from day 15 for ten consecutive days. Both the toxin binder and organic acids were added at 0.2% of the basal diet.
Results: Aflatoxin challenge significantly reduced specific growth rate and energy efficiency ratio (P<0.05). Supplementation with a toxin binder, either alone or combined with organic acids, alleviated these negative effects. The simultaneous challenge with aflatoxin and C. perfringens further decreased energy and protein efficiency ratios as well as specific growth rate (P<0.05). The toxin binder alone improved specific growth rate, while its combination with organic acids enhanced both energy and protein efficiency ratios. The combined challenge increased serum Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level (P<0.05). The inclusion of toxin binder lowered these values, and its effect was more pronounced when used with organic acids. Diets containing toxin binder also decreased the LDL to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and cardiac risk ratio in aflatoxin- and C. perfringens -challenged birds (P<0.05). Supplementation with both toxin binders and organic acids elicited superior improvements in these physiological indices relative to the toxin binder alone. Aflatoxin and dual challenges increased cooking loss in the pectoralis major muscle and reduced press loss and dry matter content in both pectoralis major and thigh muscles (P<0.05). Aflatoxin exposure alone increased the relative weight of the heart (P<0.05). The combined challenge reduced breast weight and increased heart and liver weights (P<0.05). The combined use of toxin binders and organic acids elicited the most pronounced improvements in these traits relative to the toxin binder alone.
Conclusion: Supplementing broiler diets with a toxin binder is a beneficial strategy when feed contamination with aflatoxin occurs. In cases of concurrent C. perfringens infection, the combined use of toxin binder and organic acids provides superior protection and performance benefits.
Hasan Azizabadi; seyedmohammad hosseini; Mohammadhasan Fathi Nasari; Zahra Tahami; Mohammadbagher Montazer torbati
Abstract
Abstract
objective: The poultry farming industry, as one of the most critical sectors in animal protein production, has always been in search of new, accessible, and cost-effective feed sources to improve growth performance, carcass quality, and health of birds. The use of by-products from the food industry, ...
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Abstract
objective: The poultry farming industry, as one of the most critical sectors in animal protein production, has always been in search of new, accessible, and cost-effective feed sources to improve growth performance, carcass quality, and health of birds. The use of by-products from the food industry, such as whey powder (a protein source) and corn gluten (a source of both protein and energy), can be an effective strategy for reducing feed costs and improving the gastrointestinal health of poultry. Given the significant role of gastrointestinal health in the growth and efficiency of broiler chickens, assessing the combined effects of these two feed ingredients (whey powder and corn gluten) in broiler diets represents a scientifically and economically sound nutritional decision aimed at optimizing growth performance, the essential amino acid profile of the diet, enhancing the biological value of consumed protein (higher absorption in the body), improving bone quality by increasing its mineral content. The combination of these two ingredients could provide a balanced diet with sufficient energy and high-quality protein. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of varying levels of whey powder and corn gluten on growth performance, tibia bone characteristics, and serum mineral concentration 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 arrangement, consisting of nine treatments, five replications, and 13 chicks per replication. The experimental treatments included: The experimental treatments include: (1) 0% whey powder+0%corn gluten (control treatment), (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. Performance traits, including feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, were measured periodically. Tibia bone characteristics, including ash percentage, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, length, weight, and width, as well as serum mineral concentrations, were evaluated at 45 days of age. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS software.
Results: chicks receiving 6% whey powder significantly had the highest average Body weight and feed intake compared to those fed diets without whey powder (P < 0.05). Additionally, the 6% corn gluten level significantly resulted in the lowest average body weight and the highest feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The interaction effects between these two feed ingredients on average body weight and feed conversion ratio were not significant. Examination of the interaction effects of different levels of whey powder and corn gluten compared to the control treatment significantly increased the ash, calcium, and phosphorus content in the tibia bone (P < 0.05). However, varying levels of whey powder and corn gluten had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, the optimal combination of 6% whey powder and 3% corn gluten showed better performance in improving growth traits and tibia bone characteristics in Arian broiler chickens. These levels resulted in an increased mineral density of the bone, particularly calcium and phosphorus, which enhanced bone quality and ultimately improved bird performance. Therefore, these levels can be recommended as suitable and optimal for inclusion in the diet of Arian broiler chickens.
ali Heydari Shad; hossein Moravej; mohammad Latifi; zeinab boroumandnia
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation and comparison of diet formulated based on apparent metabolizable energy, total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids on productive performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of broiler chickens.
Method: In this experiment ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation and comparison of diet formulated based on apparent metabolizable energy, total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids on productive performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of broiler chickens.
Method: In this experiment 252 pieces one-day-old female broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain in the form of completely randomized design with 7 treatments with 6 replicates and 6 birds in each replicate was performed. The treatments included: 1. NRC 1994 tables based on total amino acids, 2 and 3. Prediction regression equations of NRC 1994 tables with NIR data and proximate analysis of nutrition laboratory based on total amino acids, 4 and 5. NIR data based on total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids, 6 and 7. Prediction regression equations of internal articles with proximate analysis data of nutrition laboratory based on total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids. The birds from age 1 to 45 days received the experimental diets. Production performance traits, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of birds of different experimental treatments was calculated.
Results: Between the experimental treatments based on total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids in the whole rearing period, the highest mean weight gain (respectively 2789, 2774 and 2695 grams) belonged to treatments 6, 7 and 3 and the lowest mean weight gain (respectively 2535 and 2472 grams) belonged to treatments 1 and 4 (P<0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio (respectively 1.66, 1.67 and 1.68) in treatments 7, 6 and 5 was observed (P<0.05) but between other treatments difference was not significant. Also in comparison of experimental treatments based on total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids the highest relative breast muscle weight (respectively 37.0, 36.71 and 36.53 percent) significantly belonged to experimental treatments 3, 7 and 6 (P<0.05) and the lowest relative breast muscle weight (32.65 percent) belonged to experimental treatment 4 (P<0.05). Comparison of diets adjusted based on standardized ileal digestible amino acids and total amino acids showed that the use of standardized ileal digestible amino acids in diet formulation led to profitability and more economic efficiency in broiler chickens. In such a way that experimental treatment 7 compared to treatment 6 caused increase of 101 Tomans profit per broiler. Also, between diets adjusted based on total amino acids and standardized ileal digestible amino acids, experimental treatment 7 had the highest percentage of profit and experimental treatment 4 had the lowest percentage of profit.
Conclusion: With regard to the data obtained from this research it seems the use of prediction regression equations obtained from national researches in addition to improvement of bird performance in the whole period and increase of carcass characteristics, leads to optimal consumption of feedstuffs and increase of economic efficiency in production units and the use of them in diet formulation compared to tables and data of NIR device is recommended.
Fatemeh Imaninejhad; Somayyeh Salari; Hossein Motamedi
Abstract
Objective: This research aims to investigate the effects of processing rice and wheat brans using different fermentation methods (by bacterium, fungus, ruminal fluid) on the performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial population of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Bran (rice and wheat), as a byproduct ...
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Objective: This research aims to investigate the effects of processing rice and wheat brans using different fermentation methods (by bacterium, fungus, ruminal fluid) on the performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial population of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Bran (rice and wheat), as a byproduct is rich in nutrients and fiber, which can be used as an alternative food source in poultry nutrition in limited amounts. However, the presence of anti-nutritional compounds in bran such as fiber and phytic acid, limits its digestibility and absorption. It seems that fermentation processing can enable optimal use of bran by breaking down and increasing the absorption of these compounds.
Method:In this experiment, 400 one-day-old broiler chicks, commercial strain Ross 308 (mixed sexes) were studied in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (4 × 2) for 42 days. Experimental factors included different processing methods (no processing, fermentation with Bacillus Subtilis bacteria, fermentation with Aspergillus Niger fungus, and fermentation with rumen fluid) and bran type (wheat and rice at 10% of the diet), and their effects on performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio), intestinal morphology and caecal microbial population, and pH of different parts of the digestive tract (jejunum, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) were evaluated.
Results: The interaction effect of bran type and processing method on feed intake and total weight gain was not significant, but it had a significant effect on feed conversion ratio. Specifically, the groups that received wheat bran and rice fermented with fungus had the lowest feed conversion ratio. In examining the main effect of processing method, fermentation of bran with fungus increased feed intake compared to raw bran and bran fermented with rumen fluid. Consumption of wheat bran, compared to rice bran, resulted in a significant improvement in weight gain and a decrease in feed conversion ratio. Duodenal villus height was significantly increased in the fermentation method with fungus compared to raw bran and fermentation method with bacteria, but there was no significant difference with the fermentation method with rumen fluid. The highest ratio of villus height to duodenal crypt depth was observed in the bran fermentation method with fungus. The results showed that wheat bran, compared to rice bran, increased villus height and epithelial thickness and decreased jejunal crypt depth. The ratio of villus height to jejunal crypt depth showed a significant increase in the two processing methods with fungus and rumen fluid. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the ileum showed the highest value in the group receiving rice bran fermented with fungus and rumen fluid as well as wheat bran fermented with fungus. The lowest ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the ileum was observed in the group receiving raw rice bran. The interaction effect of experimental factors on the population of lactobacilli in the cecum was significant. Birds fed wheat bran fermented with rumen fluid showed a higher population of lactobacilli in the cecum compared to other treatments except rice bran fermented with fungus. Birds fed fermented bran had lower levels of Escherichia coli and cecal coliforms than birds fed raw bran.
Conclusion: The results show that fermentation processing of wheat bran and rice bran, especially using the fungus Aspergillus Niger, can be used as an effective strategy in feeding broiler chickens due to improved performance, increased villus height and decreased intestinal crypt depth, increased population of beneficial lactobacilli, decreased population of harmful bacteria, and decreased intestinal pH.
nader papi; Seyed Javad Alimohamdi jelodar; Rasoul Babazadeh Lehi
Abstract
Limited availability of conventional livestock feed resources in Iran, along with the growing human population and its food demands, has made it difficult to fully meet the nutritional requirements of the national herd using traditional forage crops such as alfalfa and corn. Consequently, experts and ...
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Limited availability of conventional livestock feed resources in Iran, along with the growing human population and its food demands, has made it difficult to fully meet the nutritional requirements of the national herd using traditional forage crops such as alfalfa and corn. Consequently, experts and livestock authorities have explored alternative options, including the use of agricultural and livestock residues and the cultivation of unconventional forage crops. Among these alternatives, fodder beet has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its high biomass yield, ease of cultivation, relative drought tolerance, cost-effectiveness under water-limited conditions, and high palatability. This study aimed to compare the effects of total mixed ration silage (TMRS) based on fodder beet with that based on triticale forage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters in male lambs.
Methods:
Based on nutrient requirements of small ruminants (NRC, 2007), two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated: 1. Fodder beet TMRS, containing leaves and roots; 2. Triticale TMRS, made from whole crop triticale forage. All ingredients, including forage and concentrate portions, were thoroughly mixed and ensiled in 100-ton plastic-wrapped bunker silos using specialized machinery. Twenty-four male Zel lambs (3–4 months old; average body weight 18.7 ± 2.7 kg) were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=12). Each group was subdivided into four replicates (3 lambs per replicate) and assigned one of the experimental diets. The feeding trial lasted 90 days, during which lambs were fed ad libitum twice daily (08:00 and 16:00). Feed intake was recorded daily, and body weight was measured monthly. Digestibility was estimated via fecal collection, and blood parameters were analyzed using commercial biochemical kits.
Results:
Although lambs fed the fodder beet-based silage showed higher average daily gain (143 g) than those fed triticale-based silage (132 g), the difference was not statistically significant. However, dry matter intake was significantly higher in the fodder beet group (949 g/day vs. 917 g/day; p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the feed conversion ratio between two groups. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and NDF was significantly higher in the fodder beet group (p<0.05). Additionally, blood concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly greater in the fodder beet-fed lambs compared to the triticale group (p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed in the other blood concentrations between two groups.
Conclusion:
Overall, considering the nutritional and agronomic advantage of fodder beet, it-based TMRS can be recommended (as a new physical form of ration) as an innovative and efficient feeding strategy for finishing male lambs.
Seyed Abdullah Hosseini; Amir Hossein Alizadeh-Ghamsari; Hosna Hahati; Seyed Adel Moftakharzadeh; Mohammad Ali Behroozilak; Farhad Foroudi; Mehdi Mojibi Meikolaei
Abstract
Objective: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of stepwise inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.
Methods: A total of 1,500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed-sex, equal ratio) were ...
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Objective: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of stepwise inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.
Methods: A total of 1,500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed-sex, equal ratio) were used in a completely randomized design with ten treatments, five replicates, and 30 birds per replicate. The experimental treatments included the following: (1) a control group that received a corn–soybean meal–based diet without sunflower meal throughout the entire rearing period, and (2-10) groups that received increasing levels of dehulled sunflower meal in the starter, grower, and finisher phases, respectively, as follows: (2) 3, 6, and 9%; (3) 3, 6, and 12%; (4) 3, 6, and 15%; (5) 3, 9, and 9%; (6) 3, 9, and 12%; (7) 3, 9, and 15%; (8) 3, 12, and 12%; (9) 3, 12, and 15%; and (10) 3, 12, and 18%. Live body weight and feed intake were measured on days 10, 24, and 42. Mortality was recorded daily, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability percentage, and production index were calculated accordingly. At the end of the trial, feed cost per kilogram of live body weight was calculated for each experimental group. At 42 days of age, three birds from each experimental unit were slaughtered, and the empty carcass, breast, thighs, back and neck, abdominal fat, and organs including gizzard, proventriculus, bursa of Fabricius, gallbladder, liver, spleen, and heart were weighed, and their relative weights to live body weight were calculated. In addition, three-centimeter tissue samples were taken from the middle section of the jejunum of the slaughtered birds, and villus height, villus thickness, crypt depth, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, number of goblet cells, epithelial layer thickness, and mean villus surface area were evaluated.
Results: The results showed that the stepwise inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal in the diet throughout the rearing period had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production index, carcass characteristics, or intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. The feed cost per kilogram of live body weight was influenced by the experimental treatments, such that this parameter was lower in treatment groups 3 (3, 6, and 12%) and 7 (3, 9, and 15%) compared to the other treatments, showing a difference (P<0.05) from group 1 (control) and all other experimental treatments except treatments 4 (3, 6, and 15%) and 9 (3, 12, and 15%).
Conclusion: Given the absence of negative effects on performance and the lower feed cost per kilogram of live weight compared to soybean meal (about 445 Tomans), dietary inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal at 3%, 6%, and 12%, and at 3%, 9%, and 15% in the starter, grower, and finisher phases respectively, is economically recommended.
fatemeh khalilavi; Saleh tabatabaei; armin towhidi; morteza mamoei; jamal fayezi
Abstract
Objective: Fertility is a fundamental factor for the profitability and sustainability of sheep breeding companies and is also a valuable selection criterion in genetic improvement studies. The Romanov sheep is one of the best-known breeds worldwide in terms of fertility. Excellent results regarding the ...
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Objective: Fertility is a fundamental factor for the profitability and sustainability of sheep breeding companies and is also a valuable selection criterion in genetic improvement studies. The Romanov sheep is one of the best-known breeds worldwide in terms of fertility. Excellent results regarding the fertility of Romanov sheep have attracted the attention of many breeders. It seems essential to apply reproductive technologies to Romanov sheep in Iran, which have shown a seasonal decline in reproductive performance. The application of proper management methods during the non-breeding season to increase economic efficiency, especially in imported breeds, is of high importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using short-term 5-day estrus synchronization protocols with two sponge brands containing different doses of eCG hormone on the reproductive performance of Romanov ewes during the non-breeding season.
Methods: In this study, 90 Romanov ewes aged 2 to 5 years with an average weight of 38.8 ± 1.2 kg were used. The ewes were synchronized for 5 days using either the Esponjavet sponge containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (45 ewes) or the Fluorogest sponge containing 40 mg flurogestone acetate (45 ewes). Upon sponge removal, each group was subdivided into three subgroups of 15 ewes each and received 300, 450, or 600 international units of eCG hormone.
Results: The Esponjavet sponge significantly reduced mucosal secretions and vaginal adhesions in grades 1 and 2 compared to the Fluorogest sponge (P<0.05). Fertility, lambing, and prolificacy rates were higher in the group treated with Esponjavet sponge combined with 600 IU eCG (P<0.05), while twinning rate, abortion, and barren ewes were not affected. The highest serum progesterone concentration within 48 hours after sponge removal was observed in the Esponjavet treatment combined with 300 IU eCG. In treatments receiving 450 and 600 IU eCG, estrogen levels at 24 and 48 hours post-sponge removal were significantly higher (P<0.05). Cost-benefit analysis showed that the use of the Esponjavet sponge with 600 IU eCG yielded the highest profitability.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the reproductive performance of short-term sponge treatments from the two similar brands was comparable. Treatments receiving 600 and 450 IU eCG had similar effects on improving fertility. Economically, the use of the Fluorgest sponge is more cost-effective, and 450 IU eCG combined with this sponge can be used to improve reproductive efficiency and economic profit in breeding flocks. However, if the goal of estrus synchronization protocols is to increase twinning rate, the best option is the Esponjavet sponge with 600 IU of eCG.
jaber khani yousef reza; Ali Asadi Alamouti; Mojtaba Yari
Abstract
Objective: Accurate evaluation of the chemical composition and nutritional quality of feedstuffs, particularly forage crops, is critical for formulating balanced rations, enhancing livestock performance, and minimizing production costs. Among the available analytical techniques, near-infrared reflectance ...
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Objective: Accurate evaluation of the chemical composition and nutritional quality of feedstuffs, particularly forage crops, is critical for formulating balanced rations, enhancing livestock performance, and minimizing production costs. Among the available analytical techniques, near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy has gained prominence as a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective alternative to conventional wet chemistry methods. The NIR ability to analyze samples with no chemical reagents and minimal sample preparation makes it particularly attractive for routine applications. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of NIR with standard laboratory procedures in estimating chemical constituents, fractions of protein and carbohydrate based on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), and nutritional attributes of four legume forages.
Method: Forage samples from four species including two cultivars of common vetch (Vicia sativa) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), one cultivar of forage pea (Pisum arvense), and second-year alfalfa (Medicago sativa, used as the control crop) were analyzed for organic matter (OM), ash, acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and CNCPS-based fractionation of protein and carbohydrates,. Nutritional indicators such as potential dry matter intake (DMI), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and quality index (QI) were also estimated. All analyses were conducted in parallel using NIR and the reference wet chemistry methods. Statistical agreement and precision between the two methods were assessed based on mean bias, root mean square error (RMSE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman limits of agreement (LOA), providing a comprehensive evaluation of methodological consistency.
Results: The NIR results showed high accuracy and strong correlation with wet chemistry methods for key components such as CP, OM, starch, total carbohydrates, and fraction B1 (B1), with CCC values exceeding 0.85 and no statistical differences (P > 0.05). The method also demonstrated acceptable precision in predicting energy-related parameters including TDN, DE, and ME, which are critical for ration formulation. However, for structural constituents such as ADL, NDF, protein fractions (ADIP, NADIP) and carbohydrates (B2, B3, and C), the accuracy and concordance declined, and statistically significant differences were observed. These findings suggest that the spectral sensitivity of NIR is limited when evaluating slowly degradable or indigestible fractions of carbohydrate and protein, making it less reliable for the parameters of dynamic nutritional models such as CNCPS.
Conclusions: Owing to its unique advantages, particularly speed, ease of operation, and compatibility with field analyses, NIR can serve asa useful tool for rapid screening, feed quality monitoring, and routine proximate analysis in feed laboratories. However, for the most accurate evaluation of CNCPS model components, particularly those resisting digestion, the use of concentional chemical methods offers greater advantages. Integrating NIR as a complementary tool for classical approaches may offer a logical cost-effective strategy for extensive feed analyses.
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