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

Abstract Objective: Honey bees contribute not only to pollination of numerous agricultural, horticultural, and wild plants, but also to food security and livelihoods of rural families in Iran through the production of honey and other bee products. Productive and economic efficiency of beekeeping is highly influenced biological factors (breed) and management factors (stationary and migratory management systems), but the performance evaluation of different honey bee breeds commonly used in the country under two different management systems (stationary and migratory) has been overlooked. The objective of this study is to evaluate the productive and economic performance of three common honey bee breeds (native, Carnica, and Ligustica) under two management systems (stationary and migratory) in Iran.
Method: This was a field study with a questionnaire conducted in the fall and winter of 2024 with 595 beekeepers, with 249 apiaries of pure honey bee breeds after data screening. Variables included honey yield, feed intake, winter losses, labor wage, transportation, and queen replacement costs, income from honey, and by-products per colony per year and calculated profit and revenue-to-cost ratio per colony. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mixed procedure, correlation coefficients among some variables were estimated, and mean comparisons were conducted using Tukey-Kramer method and, in some cases, simulation-based approaches.
Results: There was a significant effect of queen genotype on honey production (P<0.05), imported queens produced more honey than native queens, and no significant difference was observed between the imported breeds,; however, when honey was the only product of the apiary, in the economic analysis, the Carnica colonies had a higher revenue-to-cost ratio than Ligustica. Management type (stationary or migratory) did not have a significant effect on honey yield by itself. Overall, multi-product beekeepers had higher net profit and revenue-to-cost ratio compared to single-product beekeepers. Additionally, migratory beekeepers obtained greater returns relative to their investment compared to stationary beekeepers. Feed and labor wages were the two largest cost components. These results suggest that decision-making should not be based on colony performance alone, but economic returns should also be considered.
Conclusions: Genetically improved breeds and product diversity can be effective in improving the productivity and profitability of beekeeping in Iran. While migratory management alone did not increase honey production, it did impact the cost structure. This study can help improve the production structure, optimize management, and develop markets for by-products in the country’s beekeeping sector.

Abstract Objective: Interleukin-4 receptor gene (IL-4R) is an important molecule in immune signaling pathways that control immune responses and reproductive functions in mammals. The objective of this study was to explore the IL-4R gene sequence diversity and to compare nucleotide variation, substitution patterns, selective pressures, and phylogenetic relationships between European cattle (Bos taurus) and Indian cattle (Bos indicus).
Method: In this regard, we retrieved 26 nucleotide sequences from the NCBI and Ensemble databases related to various breeds of both European and Indian species and aligned them using the CLUSTAL-W algorithm in MEGA, and subsequently the number and types of mutations and the amount of polymorphism, nucleotide diversity, the number of similar and non-similar substitutions, the percentage nucleotide transition and transversion substitutions was calculated using MEGA11 and Dnaspv5 software. The percentage of nucleotide transition and transversion substitutions was calculated using the composite maximum likelihood method. Haplotype diversity was calculated based on the maximum likelihood method and genetic distance was calculated based on the Tamura-Nei model and finally the phylogenetic tree was drawn using the Neighbor-joining (NJ) method. To assess selective pressure acting on the IL-4R gene, the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions (d_N/d_S) was estimated.
Results: The nucleotide diversity was estimated to be 0.33 in European cattle and 0.214 in Indian cattle, which suggests a higher level of genetic variability of Bos taurus compared to Bos indicus. The frequency of transitional substitutions was higher than the frequency of trans versional substitutions in all populations examined. The dN/dS ratio was 0.9 in European cattle, while that of Indian cattle was 1.11, suggesting that the IL-4R gene is under positive selection in Indian cattle. The results of phylogenetic analysis of the IL-4R gene showed that the gene in both groups of cattle had different evolutionary patterns, although they share a common ancestor, and that European cattle had more evolutionary divergence and likely have had a longer evolutionary time for this gene compared to Indian cattle.
Conclusions: The results of this study revealed distinct evolutionary patterns in European and Indian cattle. The results also suggest that the IL-4R gene has experienced distinct selective pressures in the evolutionary process between European and Indian cattle, where pure selection dominates in European cattle and there is evidence of positive selection in Indian cattle. Thus, besides furthering the molecular evolution and genetic diversity of immune genes in cattle, the above results can be applied to the breeding strategies of cattle in the future, especially in the area of immune function and disease resistance.

Abstract Objective: In addition to potentially impacting ewe health, increased inflammation and oxidative stress during the transition period may also negatively impact fetal health and development. Anti-inflammatory and vitamins and minerals are needed for cellular antioxidant action and immune modulation, and thus are vital for the health and production of ewes. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation in late pregnancy on blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant and hormonal indices of the Dalagh ewes, and the performance of their lambs.
Method: At the end of pregnancy, 40 Dalagh ewes were randomly assigned to four treatments with ten replicates in a completely randomized design as follows: Control (no vitamin or mineral supplement injection, Vitamin (injection of vitamin supplement), mineral (injection of mineral supplement), and Vitamin+ mineral (simultaneous injection of vitamin and mineral supplements).. All injections were given 21 days before lambing and the amounts for mineral and vitamin supplements per ewe were 20 and 5 mg, respectively. The vitamin supplement contained vitamins A, D₃, E, B₁, B₂, B₃, B₆, B₁₂, and C, and the mineral supplement contained calcium, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Results: The concentration of albumin and albumin: globulin ratio in the blood of ewes injected with minerals and vitamins were lower than in the control group, their concentration and the albumin and albumin:globulin ratio in ewes that were injected with minerals and vitamins at the same time were lower than in other treatments (P≤0.05). The globulin and ceruloplasmin concentration was higher than in the control ewes, and their concentration was higher than in other treatments in the serum of ewes that received minerals and vitamins simultaneously (P≤0.05). Cortisol, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant status, and alkaline phosphatase were lower than in the control group (P≤0.05). Total antioxidant status and alkaline phosphatase were lower than in other treatments (P≤0.05). Hemoglobin concentration in the serum of ewes that were injected with minerals and vitamins was higher than in the control ewes (P≤0.05). Micronutrient injection adjusted placental expulsion time, and the lowest placental expulsion time was for ewes receiving minerals and vitamins simultaneously (P≤0.05). On the other hand, birth weight of lambs increased in ewes that were injected with minerals and vitamins, and the highest lamb birth weight was in the treatment injected with minerals and vitamins simultaneously (P≥0.05). Maternal injection of minerals and vitamins increased 45-day weight, lamb weight gain during the period, daily weight gain, and apparent dry matter digestibility. In addition, the number of lambs with diarrhea and days of diarrhea decreased in treatments where the mother received minerals and vitamins, and the lowest number of lambs with diarrhea was in the group receiving vitamins and minerals and vitamins simultaneously (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: It is generally advised that minerals and vitamins be administered simultaneously in in prepartum injections to ewes during the transition period, which enhances their antioxidant capacity, improves their immune function, and results in healthier and more robust lambs.

Abstract Objective: Growth and health indices in calves are critical factors for longevity, performance, health and economic efficiency of dairy herds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of coated methionine and guanidine acetic acid on liver enzyme levels, antioxidant enzymes, and nutrient digestibility in milk-fed Holstein calves.
Method: A completely randomized design was used with 48 Holstein calves (40.39±0.67 kg) and 4 experimental treatments: 1) basal diet without additives, 2) basal diet with 0.73% coated methionine (MET, based on dry matter intake), 3) basal diet with 1000 mg/d guanidine acetic acid (GAA), and 4) basal diet containing 0.73% MET and 1000 mg/d GAA, with 12 replicates per treatment. The experiment carried out from 5 to 84 days of age. Blood samples were taken at the start of the experiment, and on day 56, 70 (weaning), and 84 (trial end) for liver enzyme and antioxidant activity evaluation. The apparent nutrient digestibility was determined in 84 days of age using internal digestibility marker.
Results: The results of the study showed that coated methionine, GAA, and their combination had no significant effect on aspartate amino transferase concentrations on day 5, 56, and 70; however, on day 84, a significant increase in the level of this enzyme was observed in calves receiving MET, either alone or in combination with GAA. Alanine aminotransferase levels decreased on 5 days of age in calves fed GAA, MET and MET+ GAA (P<0.05), however, on day 84, a significant increase in level of this enzyme was observed in calves receiving GAA or GAA+MET compared to the control group. At weaning, total antioxidant capacity level was lower with MET and GAA than control group nonsignificantly but malondialdehyde level in calves fed this supplements decreased significantly at weaning age (P<0.05). No effect of the experimental treatments was found on digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and protein.
Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde enzyme and an increase in the level of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase indicating the effect of these compounds in reducing the oxidative stress during weaning time and increasing liver metabolic activity. Overall, the results of this study showed that GAA and its combination with MET can benefit some blood parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde in milk-fed calves, respectively, while not affecting the digestibility of nutrients. These results were consistent with the findings that the combined administration of MET and GAA may improve liver health indices and has positive effects on final body weight and daily weight gain in milk-fed calves.

Abstract Objective: Heat stress in dairy cows is a common problem that affects metabolic balance, transition period management indices, and postpartum health, particularly in hot and dry areas, such as Isfahan province, Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of season (summer vs. winter) and the severity of heat stress on calving-related management indices, body condition, metabolic disorders, serum calcium status, and reproductive outcomes in Holstein dairy herds in Isfahan province.
Method: The study was conducted as a completely randomized design in four industrial Holstein dairy herds in Isfahan Province, Iran, during summer and winter seasons, with 855 dairy cows. Daily meteorological data were recorded to calculate the temperature–humidity index (THI). Body condition score (BCS) at calving, gestation length, dry period length, colostrum yield, incidence of metabolic disorders (retained placenta, metritis, hypocalcemia, and ketosis), culling rate up to 60 days postpartum, and conception rate at first AI were recorded. Serum calcium concentration was measured at calving and on day 3 postpartum, and serum beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration was measured on day 10 postpartum. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical models, considering the effect of season, herd, parity, and their interactions. All statistical assumptions including normality of residuals and homogeneity of variances were tested and confirmed before final analysis.
Results: THI values ranged from 74 to 82 during the summer, suggesting moderate to severe heat stress. Gestation length was shorter in primiparous cows than in multiparous cow within each herd (P<0.05). Body condition score at calving was influenced by herd management (P<0.05). Colostrum yield was lower in multiparous cows compared to primiparous cows (P<0.05), and tended to decrease during the summer season (P=0.07). Dry period length also decreased during the summer (P<0.05). The incidence of retained placenta and metritis was influenced by season, herd, and parity, with the highest incidence in the winter season (P<0.05). While dystocia was higher in summer (P<0.05), serum calcium concentration was lower in summer than in winter (P<0.05). The prevalence of hypocalcemia and ketosis, especially in multiparous cows, was also higher in summer (P<0.05). The culling rate up to 60 days postpartum was higher in Herd C during both seasons.
Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that herd management and lactation parity differences were significant factors in the occurrence of metabolic disorders and calving-related factors; heat stress reduced the occurrence of retained placenta and metritis, but limited dry period length and colostrum yield in dairy cows.

Abstract Objective: Agricultural residues are part of ruminant diets, and it is necessary to optimize the use of these materials and minimize wastage through proper processing (treating) of these residues to improve palatability. Rice straw and rice bran are two major residues after harvesting and processing of rice, and chemical processing mostly improve their digestibility of the residues, due to the weakening hydrogen bonding in the rice straw, which can be improved by chemical treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical processing (with nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite) as a desilication method on the chemical composition, fermentation parameters, and in vitro digestibility of nutrients of rice straw and rice bran, and compare them wheat straw and bran. Method: Rice straw and bran were desilicated using nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite, pressure, heating and drying. The experimental treatments included 1- Straws: 1- wheat straw as positive control, 2- untreated rice straw, 3-treated rice straw and 2- Brans: 1- wheat bran as positive control, 2- untreated rice bran and 3- treated rice bran). Chemical composition, concentration of silica, in vitro gas production parameters and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility of all treatments were measured and metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and short-chain fatty acids concentration were estimated. Results: Chemical treatment significantly decreased (P<0.05) the contents of silica, crude protein, ether extract and ash in treated rice straw when compared with untreated rice straw. No significant effects were observed for potential of gas production, lag time, ammonia nitrogen concentration, total protozoa population, NDF, and acid detergent fiber; however, gas production rate and estimated short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration increased (P<0.05) and pH decreased (P<0.05) in treated rice straw compared to untreated rice straw and wheat straw. The in vitro NDF digestibility tended to increase in treated rice straw compared to untreated rice straw and wheat straw. Chemical processing reduced dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and ash contents, and increased pH (P<0.05). Gas production potential, gas production rate, ammonia nitrogen concentration and NDF decreased in treated rice bran compared to untreated rice bran (P<0.05). However, chemical treatment had no effect on lg time, total protozoa population, Epidinium and Entodinium population, estimated ME, OMD and SCFA concentration. Conclusions: Chemical treatment increased the digestibility of fiber fraction of the rice by-products, reduced the anti-nutritional compounds (silica), and improved some fermentation and digestibility characteristics, and therefore makes them suitable for use in the diet of livestock.

Abstract Objective: Calves can be fed whole milk, pasteurized discard milk, or commercial milk replacers (MR), although whole milk is considered the gold standard for nutrition, the high cost can be economically prohibitive. The quality of the protein and fat in MR is a major challenge. Non-edible eggs (eggs that are unfit for human consumption) are produced at approximately 10% of global egg production and area potential high-quality nutrient source for growing livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the partial replacement of milk protein and fat in whole milk and MR-based diets with boiled non-edible eggs. Methods: Forty newborn Holstein calves were assigned to one of five experimental groups: (1) Whole milk (WM); (2) WM+ 10% boiled eggs; (3) Commercial MR; (4) Commercial MR+ 10% boiled eggs; and (5) an on-farm MR with 20% boiled eggs. Inedible eggs were obtained from commercial poultry farms. After removal of the shell, the egg contents were homogenized, put in polyethylene bags, boiled for 10 minutes to achieve complete coagulation, mixed with an equal weight of hot water, bottled, and refrigerated until use. Body weight and skeletal growth (heart girth, wither height, body length, and hip height) were measured biweekly. Fecal consistency was scored daily, and blood samples for hematological and biochemical profiling were collected during mid-suckling and at weaning. Calf starter and water were offered ad libitum from day 5, and daily intake was measured. Results: In all treatments, calves fed whole milk (with or without egg supplementation) had greater total weight gain, final body weight, and average daily gain than those in the MR groups, particularly the on-farm MR group (P<0.05). There were no differences in skeletal growth parameters among treatments. Metabolic stability was reflected in plasma metabolite values (glucose, total protein and beta hydroxybutyrate) being within physiological range, but plasma cholesterol levels were affected by dietary intake (P<0.05). Performance was not affected by supplementing milk-based diets with eggs had no adverse effect on performance, suggesting that a 10% replacement is feasible if economically advantageous, but, the 20% inclusion of egg in the on-farm MR resulted in reduced feed intake, prolonged diarrhea duration, and impaired feed efficiency, which may reflect gastrointestinal disturbances at higher levels of inclusion. Conclusion: Non-feed grade eggs can be a source of additional nutrients for cooked egg products. Up to 10% replacement of the liquid diet does not impair the performance or health of suckling calves, but, higher levels (20%), especially with lower-quality milk replacers, can disrupt intake, intestinal health, and growth. Therefore, precise dietary formulation is essential before implementing egg-supplemented feeding systems for calves

Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of Pahak (green Khalal-stage date) on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology, and gastrointestinal microbial population in Japanese quail. Methods: A completely randomized design was used with four dietary treatments and six replicates per treatment (15 birds per replicate) for a 35-day experimental period: (1) control (basal diet without Pahak); (2) 5% dietary Pahak; (3) 10% dietary Pahak; and (4) 15% dietary Pahak. Results: Body weight was not significantly alteredby the dietary inclusion of Pahak at any inclusion level. The inclusion of 5% Pahak reduced feed intake and improved feed conversion ratio and energy and protein efficiency ratios, whereas 15% Pahak increased feed intake (P < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of 10% and 15% Pahak decreased the total cholesterol levels, and all three levels of Pahak reduced the cardiac risk ratio and atherogenic index (P<0.05). Relative carcass and liver weights were reduced by 10% Pahak and increased with 15% Pahak (P<0.05). with the lowest liver weights occurring in birds fed the control diet and 5% Pahak, while the highest liver weight occurred with the 15% inclusion level (P<0.05). Villus height increased and submucosal thickness decreased in the duodenum due to feeding 5% Pahak (P<0.05), while the greatest submucosal thickness was observed in birds fed 15% Pahak (P<0.05). In the ileum,10% and 15% Pahak inclusion reduced villus height, villus thickness, and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P<0.05), while 15% Pahak increased both the submucosal and muscular layer thicknesses (P<0.05). Feeding 5% and 10% Pahak moderately decreased the average number of goblet cells in the ileum, whereas 15% Pahak markedly reduced goblet cell counts (P<0.05). Treatments were significantly different for ileal villus surface area, with the largest and smallest areas found in birds fed 5% and 15% Pahak, respectively (P<0.05); and crypt depth, which was unaffected by Pahak but had a quadratic response to level of Pahak (P<0.05). Compared with the control, 10% and 15% Pahak increased colonization of Salmonella-Shigella, Clostridia, and coliform colonization in the ileum (P<0.05). Compared with the control, 5% Pahak decreased and 15% increased the total aerobic bacterial colonization in the cecum (P<0.05), whereas, the colonization of Salmonella-Shigella and coliforms increased (P<0.05) in the cecum of birds fed the 15% Pahak diet increased compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tthe results indicate that Pahak can be safely used at a dietary inclusion rate of 5% for Japanese quail during the first 35 days of the rearing period with no detrimental effects on productive performance.

Abstract Objective: The Stock density is one of the most important management factors in the poultry industry, directly affecting the health, performance, and welfare of broiler chickens. However, high stocking density can exert various negative effects on birds ‘physiological status and performance, particularly during the later stages of growth. To alleviate the adverse impacts of high stocking density, the use of natural and safe feed additives such as herbal extracts and organic acids has been proposed as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry nutrition. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary encapsulated acidifier and herbal extracts administered via drinking water on growth performance, carcass characteristics, jejunal morphology, ileal microbial population, and immune response of broiler chickens under different stocking densities.

Methods: A total of 630 one-day-old male and female Ross 308 broiler chicks, with an average initial body weight of 42.61 ± 0.58 g, were used. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of nine treatments and five replicates per treatment. Stocking densities were set at 12, 14, and 16 birds per square meter. Experimental treatments were included three stocking densities (12, 14, and 16 birds/m²) and three additive types (control, encapsulated acidifier, and herbal extracts). Growth performance parameters, including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, were recorded during the starter (1–10 d), grower (11–24 d), and finisher (25–42 d) periods. Carcass characteristics, jejunal morphology, ileal microbial population and relative antibody titers against infectious bronchitis (IB), infectious bursal disease (IBD), and newcastle disease virus (NDV) were measured at 42 days of age.

Results: The results indicated that both the acidifier and herbal extracts significantly mitigated the adverse effects of the greatest stocking density (16 birds/m²) on body weight and weight gain. Birds reared at 12 birds/m² showed a greater relative breast weight compared to those reared at 16 birds/m² (P<0.05). Increasing stocking density from 12 to 16 birds/m² decreased relative spleen weight (P<0.05). The use of acidifier and plant extract supplements in the diet of broiler chickens increased the villus height compared to diets without additives (P<0.05). The interaction effects of additive type and density level showed that the use of acidifier and plant extract supplements in the diet of broiler chickens raised at a density of 16 compared to a density of 16 without additives significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus and significantly decreased the number of Coliforms (P<0.05). A significant interaction between stocking density and additive type was observed, showing that supplementation with herbal extracts at both 12 and 16 birds/m² increased the antibody titer against IBD compared with un supplemented groups at the same densities (P<0.05). Moreover, broilers receiving herbal extract supplementation exhibited grater antibody titers against NDV than those fed diets with acidifier or without additives (P<0.05). Increasing stocking density from 12 or 14 to 16 birds/m² significantly reduced antibody titers against IB (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementation with encapsulated acidifier and herbal extracts improved growth performance, villus height, ileal microbial population, spleen weight, and antibody titers against NDV and IBD, suggesting their potential to alleviate the negative effects of high stocking density stress in broiler chickens.

Abstract Objective: Adding micronutrients, such as selenium, to eggsis a value-creating strategy in the poultry industry, as selenium-enriched eggs may provide this essential element in the human diet and may improve oxidative stability due to the increased antioxidant profiles, as selenium plays a role in gen expression of oxidative stress response and detoxification pathways. As different sources of selenium vary in their absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability, it is crucial to evaluate of their effects on productive performance, oxidative stress indicators, selenium accumulation in eggs and liver, and the expression of key antioxidant genes in the liver of laying hens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of supplementing two common selenium sources (sodium selenite and selenomethionine) at two different levels on productive performance, oxidative stress indicators, selenium accumulation in eggs and liver, and the expression of key antioxidant genes in the liver of laying hens. Method: completely randomized design experiment was conducted using 300 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens, with five treatments, six replicates, and ten birds per replicate. The experimental treatments were: 1) basal diet (without selenium supplementation), 2) basal diet + 0.5 mg/kg sodium selenite, 3) basal diet + 1 mg/kg sodium selenite, 4) basal diet + 0.5 mg/kg selenomethionine, 5) basal diet + 1 mg/kg selenomethionine. Performance traits including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were measured periodically. Antioxidant activity, expression of GPx and TXNRD1 genes, and selenium retention in egg yolk, egg albumen, and liver were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzedusing SAS software. Results: It was demonstrated that selenium supplementation from various organic and inorganic sources did not affect the body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio in laying hens during any of the production periods. Blood antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde levels were not affected by different levels of selenium sources. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were lower in birds receiving selenium than in the control birds and lower in the birds receiving organic selenium than in those receiving inorganic selenium (P<0.05). Organic selenium supplementation led to significantly greater selenium retention in dried egg yolk and albumen compared to other treatments (P<0.05). The selenium concentration in fresh egg yolk and albumen, and in the liver, increased due to selenium supplementation (P<0.05). Organic selenium treatments showed significantly higher expression levels of GSH and TXNRD1 genes than inorganic selenium (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, while selenium supplementation had no impact on performance parameters, dietary supplementation with 1 mg/kg selenomethionine decreased hepatic malondialdehyde levels, increased egg selenium content, and increased the expression of antioxidant genes, and thus it may be a good nutritional strategy to enhance nutritional quality.