Maedeh Darkaleh; Zarbakht Ansari Pirsaraei; Essa Dirandeh; Mohammad Kazemifard
Abstract
Objective: Heat stress is major environmental stressors in the poultry industry that results in decreased feed intake, body weight, and carcass quality, decreased immune system activity, and subsequently increased flock mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of basil and parsley ...
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Objective: Heat stress is major environmental stressors in the poultry industry that results in decreased feed intake, body weight, and carcass quality, decreased immune system activity, and subsequently increased 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 some selected blood parameters of broiler chickens under heat-stress conditions.
Method: A total of 150 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were selected and weighed and then allocated into a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replicates (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). Heat stress was induced by setting the temperature of the rearing house was set to 32°C for six hours from days 21 to 35. Performance traits (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) were measured throughout the trial, and three birds per replicate (closest to the treatment mean body weight) were selected, weighed, and slaughtered at the end of the experiment 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: There was no significant differences infeed intake and weight gain; however among treatments, but the FCR during days 1 to 35 was lowest in the neomycin group (P<0.05). Treatments did not have a significant effect on blood biochemical parameters. The gizzard weight and jejunum length were significantly affected by basil+ parsley seed powder compared with the control (P<0.05). The relative expression of the HSP70 gene in blood was significantly lower 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: The supplementation with basil and parsley seed powders in the diet of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions can decrease the relative expression of the HSP70 gene and increase the relative expression of the IL-2 gene in the birds.
jaber khani yousef reza; Ali Asadi Alamouti; Mojtaba Yari
Abstract
Objective: Understanding chemical composition and nutritional quality of feedstuffs, especially forage crops, are important components of ration formulation, livestock performance, and production costs. Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy is becoming popular as a rapid, non-destructive, and ...
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Objective: Understanding chemical composition and nutritional quality of feedstuffs, especially forage crops, are important components of ration formulation, livestock performance, and production costs. Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy is becoming popular as a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional wet chemistry methods for determining chemical composition and nutritional quality of feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of NIR with standard laboratory procedures in determining chemical constituents, protein and carbohydrate fractions according to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), and nutritional attributes of four legume forages.
Method: 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, and nutritional attributes such as potential dry matter intake (DMI), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and quality index (QI) were measured in 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). All analyses were conducted in parallel using NIR and the reference wet chemistry methods and statistical agreement and precision between the two methods were assessed using mean bias, root mean square error (RMSE), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman limits of agreement (LOA).
Results: The NIR results were highly accurate and highly correlated (CCC> 0.85, P> 0.05) with wet chemistry methods for key components (CP, OM, starch, total carbohydrates, and fraction B1 (B1)), but acceptable precision was observed for predicting energy-related parameters (TDN, DE, and ME) which are critical for ration formulation. However, the accuracy and concordance declined, and statistically significant differences were observed for structural constituents (ADL, NDF, protein fractions (ADIP, NADIP) and carbohydrates (B2, B3, and C). This indicates that NIR has limited spectral sensitivity when evaluating slowly degradable or indigestible fractions of carbohydrate and protein, which are the parameters of dynamic nutritional models such as CNCPS.
Conclusions: Owing to special advantages, particularly speed, ease of operation, and applicability to field analyses, NIR can replace routine proximate analysis in feed laboratories; but conventional chemical methods provide more benefits for evaluation of CNCPS model components, especially those that resist digestion. The NIR integrated with classical approaches may represent a rational cost-effective strategy for extensive feed analyses.
nader papi; Seyed Javad Alimohamdi jelodar; Rasoul Babazadeh Lehi
Abstract
Objective: With dwindling resources for animal feed production in the country and the ever-growing human population and their demand for food, the production of common fodder crops such as alfalfa and corn cannot fulfill the nutritional requirements of the livestock, which has led experts and livestock ...
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Objective: With dwindling resources for animal feed production in the country and the ever-growing human population and their demand for food, the production of common fodder crops such as alfalfa and corn cannot fulfill the nutritional requirements of the livestock, which has led experts and livestock authorities to seek alternatives, such as using agricultural and livestock residues and growing alternative forage crops. Among these alternative forage crops, fodder beet has gained considerable attention in recent years due to its high biomass yield, ease of cultivation, relative drought tolerance, low cost under water-limited conditions, and high palatability. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of total mixed ration silage (TMRS) formulated with fodder beet and triticale forage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters in male lambs.
Method: Two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated based on nutrient requirements of small ruminants (NRC, 2007): 1- Fodder beet TMRS, with leaves and roots; 2- Triticale TMRS, with whole crop triticale forage. Both ingredients, (forage and concentrate portions) were well 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), with each group was subdivided into four replicates (3 lambs per replicate) and fed one of the experimental diets. The feeding trial lasted 90 days, and lambs were fed ad libitum twice a day (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: There was no effect of the experimental treatments on the average daily gain of the lambs. There was a significantly higher DDMI in lambs fed the fodder beet diet (949 g) compared with lambs fed the triticale diet (917 g). There was no difference in the feed conversion ratio between the two groups. Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter of the fodder beet diet was significantly higher than that of the triticale diet (P<0.05), whereas no significant differences were detected in the digestibility of crude protein, NDF, and ADF. Lambs fed the fodder beet diet had higher serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations than lambs fed the triticale diet (P<0.05), but no significant differences were observed between other serum parameters.
Conclusion: In general, the relative advantage of fodder beet suggests that complete feed silage with fodder beet (a new physical form of diet) could be used as an alternative feeding method for fattening male lambs.
Alireza Alipour; Taghi Ghoorchi; Abdolhakim Toghdory; Mohsen Sari
Abstract
Objective: High incidences of diarrhea and pneumonia, along with suboptimal growth, remain major challenges in the calf-rearing industry, leading to increased treatment costs, elevated mortality rates, and reduced profitability. Considering the crucial role of dietary energy in supporting immune function, ...
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Objective: High incidences of diarrhea and pneumonia, along with suboptimal growth, remain major challenges in the calf-rearing industry, leading to increased treatment costs, elevated mortality rates, and reduced profitability. Considering the crucial role of dietary energy in supporting immune function, promoting growth performance, and maintaining liver health during the pre-weaning period, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing dairy calf diets with varying levels of Lipidol and fat powder on growth performance, hematological and hepatic biochemical parameters, vital signs, and the incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia. The ultimate objective was to identify an effective nutritional strategy to enhance performance and reduce disease occurrence in pre-weaned calves.
Method: In this study, thirty-six Holstein suckling calves (5 ± 2 days of age) were randomly allocated to four experimental treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with either 0.15% or 0.30% Lipidol in combination with either 0% or 3% added fat powder. Body weight was recorded at the beginning and end of the experimental period, and daily dry matter intake was measured throughout the study. Physiological parameters, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature, were assessed at 30 and 60 days of age. Blood samples were collected at 08:00 h to evaluate hematological parameters (white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit), liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and serum urea concentration. The incidence of common diseases, including diarrhea and pneumonia, was monitored throughout the rearing period and analyzed statistically using odds ratio estimates.
Results: The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol, either alone or in combination with 3% fat powder, significantly increased final body weight compared with the other treatments. In contrast, supplementation with 0.30% Lipidol did not produce a comparable effect. Growth performance parameters, including total weight gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio, were not significantly affected by treatment. Hematological variables did not differ significantly among experimental groups. However, calves receiving 0.30% Lipidol combined with 3% fat powder exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase activity and serum urea concentrations, suggesting a greater metabolic burden on the liver under this treatment. Physiological parameters, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature, remained within normal physiological ranges at both 30 and 60 days of age, with no significant differences observed among treatments.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that dietary supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol enhances growth performance in suckling calves without inducing adverse physiological effects or increasing disease incidence. In contrast, the higher supplementation level (0.30%), particularly when combined with fat powder, was associated with elevated liver enzyme activity and serum urea concentrations, suggesting an increased hepatic metabolic load, likely related to intensified lipid metabolism.Hematological parameters and physiological indicators remained within normal ranges across all treatments, indicating no evidence of systemic stress or clinical disorders. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol represents an optimal inclusion level for improving growth performance in suckling calves while minimizing potential metabolic risks.
ali Heydari Shad; hossein Moravej; mohammad Latifi; zeinab boroumandnia
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of diet formulated based on apparent metabolizable energy (AME), total amino acids (TAA) and standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SIDAA) on productive performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of broiler chickens.
Method: ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of diet formulated based on apparent metabolizable energy (AME), total amino acids (TAA) and standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SIDAA) on productive performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of broiler chickens.
Method: Two hundred and fifty twoone-day-old female broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in this experiment in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments with 6 replicates and 6 birds per replicate. The treatments included: 1. NRC 1994 tables based on TAA, 2 and 3. Prediction regression equations of NRC 1994 tables with NIR data and proximate analysis of nutrition laboratory based on TAA, 4 and 5. NIR data based on TAA and SIDAA, 6 and 7. Prediction regression equations of internal articles with proximate analysis data of nutrition laboratory based on TAA and SIDAA. The experimental diets were given to the birds from 1 to 45 days of age. Production performance traits, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of birds of different experimental treatments was calculated.
Results: 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 there was no significant difference between other treatments. In addition, in comparison of experimental treatments based on TAA and SIDAA, 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). Results of diet comparison adjusted for standardized ileal digestible amino acids and total amino acids indicated that diet formulation using standardized ileal digestible amino acids resulted in greater profit and economic efficiency in broiler chickens so that experimental treatment 7, compared to treatment 6, resulted in 101 additional Tomans profit per broiler, and that the percentage of profit was greatest for experimental treatment 7 and least for experimental treatment 4.
Conclusion: Regard the data drived from this research, it seems that the combination of prediction regression equations drived from national research, along with improvement of bird performance during the whole period and the increase of carcass characteristics, would maximaize feedstuffs consumption economic efficiency in production units and the use of them in diet formulation compared to tables and data from the NIR device.
Fatemeh Imaninejhad; Somayyeh Salari; Hossein Motamedi
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the fermentation processing of rice bran and wheat bran (using bacterial, fungal, rumen liquor fermentation) on performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial population of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Bran (rice and wheat), ...
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Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the fermentation processing of rice bran and wheat bran (using bacterial, fungal, rumen liquor fermentation) on performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial population of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Bran (rice and wheat), is a by-product of cereal processing that can be used as an alternative feed source in poultry nutrition because it is a rich source of nutrients and crude fiber. However, bran contains anti-nutritional compounds such as fiber and phytic acid, which reduce digestibility and absorption of nutrients. Therefore, fermentation processing may allow for the maximum utilization of bran by breaking down these anti-nutritional compounds and increasing their absorbability.
Method: In a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement (2×4), 400 one-day-old commercial Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed sex) were studied for 42 days to evaluate the effects of different processing methods (no processing, fermentation with Bacillus subtilis, fermentation with Aspergillus niger, fermentation with rumen liquor) and type of bran (wheat and rice at a 10% dietary inclusion level) on overall performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR)), intestinal morphology, cecal microbial population, and the pH of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract (gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum).
Results: The interaction between bran type and processing method was not significant in total period feed intake and weight gain, but it was significant for FCR, in which wheat bran and rice bran fermented with fungus had the lowest FCR. For main effect of the processing method, the fermentation of bran with fungus increased feed intake compared to raw bran and bran fermented with rumen liquor. Wheat bran intake compared to rice bran improved weight gain and reduced FCR. Duodenal villus height significantly greater in the fungal fermentation method compared to raw bran and bacterial fermentation method, but there was significant difference with the rumen liquor fermentation method. The duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio was the highest in the fungal bran fermentation method. The results indicated that wheat bran significantly increased villus height and epithelial thickness and a decreased jejunal crypt depth compared to rice bran, while the jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio was significantly higher in both the fungal and rumen liquor fermentation methods than in the raw bran groups. The ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio was highest in the groups receiving rice bran fermented with fungus and rumen liquor, as well as wheat bran fermented with fungus and lowest in the group receiving raw rice bran. The interaction of experimental factors on cecal lactobacillus population was also significant. Birds fed wheat bran fermented with rumen liquor showed a higher cecal lactobacillus population compared to other treatments, except for rice bran fermented with fungus. Birds fed fermented bran had lower cecal Escherichia coli and coliforms compared to birds fed raw bran.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the fermentation processing of wheat bran and rice bran, particularly by the fungus Aspergillus niger, may be an effective strategy in broiler chicken nutrition because of improved performance, increased villus height and reduced intestinal crypt depth, increased Lactobacillus bacteria counts, decreased pathogenic bacteria counts, and lower intestinal pH in broiler chickens.
Maryam Karimi- Zandi; Hassan Shirzadi; Ghasemi, Hossein Ali; Mohammad Amir Karimi-Torshizi; Kamran Taherpour; Enayat Rahmatnejad
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was 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 ...
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Objective: The objective of this study was 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, and C. perfringens (1×108 cfu/mL) was introduced on day 15 for ten consecutive days. Both the toxin binder and organic acids were added at 0.2% of the basal diet.
Results: Inclusion of a toxin binder, either alone or in combination with organic acids, alleviated these negative effects of aflatoxin challenge (P<0.05), and the combined 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, and its combination with organic acids enhanced 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 in combination with organic acids. Inclusion of 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 greater 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), and 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 compared to the toxin binder alone.
Conclusion: When feed is contaminated with aflatoxin, the addition of a toxin binder to broiler diets is a beneficial strategy. In the presence of a concurrent C. perfringens infection, use of a toxin binder plus organic acids provides superior protection and performance benefits.
Hasan Azizabadi; seyedmohammad hosseini; Mohammadhasan Fathi Nasari; Zahra Tahami; Mohammadbagher Montazer torbati
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 ...
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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.
Seyed Abdullah Hosseini; Amir Hossein Alizadeh-Ghamsari; Hosna Hahati; Seyed Adel Moftakharzadeh; Mohammad Ali Behroozilak; Farhad Foroudi; Mehdi Mojibi Meikolaei
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of stepwise inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal in the diets of broiler chickens on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology.
Methods: A total of 1,500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed-sex, ...
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Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of stepwise inclusion of dehulled sunflower meal in the diets of broiler chickens on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology.
Methods: A total of 1,500 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed-sex, equal ratio) were assigned to a completely randomized design with ten treatments, five replicates, and 30 birds per replicate. The treatments were as follows: (1) a corn–soybean meal–based diet without sunflower meal throughout the rearing period (control group), 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. 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 (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. Experimental treatments significantly affected the feed cost per kilogram of live body weight, which was lower in treatment groups 3 (3, 6, and 12%) and 7 (3, 9, and 15%) compared to the other treatments (P<0.05), with a difference from group 1 (control) and all other experimental treatments except treatments 4 (3, 6, and 15%) and 9 (3, 12, and 15%).
Conclusion: The results showed that 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, did not have negative effects on performance, and due to the low feed cost per kilogram of live weight (about 445 Tomans), the inclusion 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.
Method: 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.