Genetic improvement of local chicken breeds is crucial and can be accelerated using modern breeding approaches, such as marker-assisted selection. Therefore, there is a need to identify diverse markers associated with different traits. This study aimed to investigate the association between two mutations located in the IGF1 and TGF beta 1 genes in two selected local chicken lines over two generations. Lines were normally feathered, CE1, and naked-neck, CE3, and both lines were selected for growth traits for 10 generations before the current study. Chickens were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP approach. The results revealed that the IGF1 mutation was consistently associated with lower body weight at six weeks of age and body weight gain in both lines over the two generations, with significant negative additive genetic effects for the two traits. However, the TGF beta 1 mutation was consistently associated with body weight at four and six weeks of age, as well as body weight gain in CE1 in both generations, and was associated with body weight at six weeks of age and body weight gain in CE3 in both generations. The results indicate the negative effects of the two mutations on growth traits in selected chickens, and therefore, the normal genotypes may be used as potential candidate markers for growth in local chickens.
This study was conducted to examine the effects of different dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels on growth performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites, and adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) gene expression in Japanese quails. The experiment employed a 2 ME (2900 and 3200 kcal/kg of diet) x 3 CP (24, 26, and 28%) factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design, resulting in six treatments, each replicated five times with 25 birds per replicate. At the end of the experiment (day 35), two birds were bled through the wing vein to assess blood biochemical parameters and were subsequently sacrificed to determine carcass traits. The energy content significantly influenced the feed intake (P <= 0.05). The highest feed intake was found in quails fed diets with 2900 kcal ME/kg, while the lowest intake was in those fed diets with 3200 kcal ME/kg. The feed conversion ratio was affected by dietary energy levels (P <= 0.05). The highest and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) values were found in diets with energy contents of 2900 and 3200 kcal ME/kg, respectively (P<0.05). Dietary energy content significantly affected triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels (P <= 0.05). The Lowest level of TG was observed in diets with 3200 kcal ME/kg (P<0.05). Dietary protein levels also significantly influenced TG concentration (P <= 0.05). The lowest amount was recorded in the diet containing 28% CP. The high density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C) levels were affected by the dietary protein content, with the highest plasma HDL-C levels observed in diets with 24% CP (P<0.05). Breast muscle fat was significantly influenced by dietary energy levels (P<0.05), and birds consumed diets with 2900 kcal ME/kg showed a decrease in their fat content of breast muscle. The interaction effect between ME and CP was significant for breast muscle fat (P<0.05). The highest fat content in the breast muscle was observed in quails fed a diet containing 3200 kcal ME/kg and 28% CP. The moisture content of the breast muscle was also significantly affected by dietary energy content (P <= 0.05) and treatments with 2900 kcal ME/kg resulted in higher breast muscle moisture content (P<0.05). AMPK expression in the breast muscle increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the diets with 2900 kcal ME/kg and 26% CP.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with microalgae, herbal powder, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on production performance, blood parameters, and ovarian activity in Lohman laying hens. Sixty 43-week-old hens (1.6 +/- 0.2 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary groups for 42 days: a control group (no additives) and three experimental groups receiving 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.3% of a supplement blend containing Spirulina, Chlorella, CLA, and herbal powders (dill and peppermint). Parameters including production performance, egg weight, serum lipids, ovarian follicle activity, and liver fat were evaluated. Results indicated that the highest supplementation level (0.3%) significantly improved production performance and egg weight compared to the control and other groups (P<0.05). On day 42, serum lipid analysis showed a significant reduction in cholesterol levels in the 0.3% group (P<0.05). Ovarian follicle activity increased with higher supplementation levels, showing a statistically significant enhancement over the control (P<0.05). Liver evaluation revealed a notable decrease in total liver fat in the supplemented groups, particularly at the 0.3% level (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 0.3% microalgae, CLA, and herbal supplements enhanced productive performance, improved egg quality, optimized serum cholesterol levels, supported ovarian activity, and contributed to better liver health in Lohman laying hens.
This study investigated the resilience of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) to chronic heat stress by analyzing fatty acid composition and oxidative stability in longissimus dorsi muscle. Twenty-eight adult males were subjected to thermoneutral (THI <68) or heat stress (THI >80) conditions for 90 days while maintained on identical diets. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) revealed exceptional lipid stability under thermal challenge: saturated fatty acids (SFA) showed a negligible increase from 47.3% to 47.6% (+0.3 percentage points, P>0.05), while monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased by only 2.4% (P<0.05) and 3.2% (P<0.04), respectively. Bioactive conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers demonstrated particular resilience, with cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA declining by just 5.1% (P>0.05) and 10.0% (P>0.05), suggesting preserved rumen biohydrogenation pathways. Oxidative stability metrics confirmed this thermotolerance, with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increasing moderately (12.5%, P<0.04) and oxidative stability index decreasing 10.5% (P<0.05) - substantially less than reported for other ruminants under comparable conditions. Nutritional indices remained stable, including atherogenicity index (+4.7%, P<0.05) and thrombogenicity index results demonstrate camels' superior lipid preservation capacity during prolonged heat exposure, attributhanced antioxidant systems, and efficient lipid repartitioning. The findings position dromedary camels as critical climate-resilient livestock for sustainable meat production (quality and quantity-wise) in warming regions, with implications for: (1) arid zone food security programs, (2) genetic selection of thermo-tolerant traits in other species, and (3) development of camelid-based nutritional interventions for heat-stressed animals.
Reproductive failure due to hybrid sterility is common among vertebrates, including birds. This study examined the causes of sterility in intergeneric hybrid male Mule and Hinny ducks by comparing their gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular histo-architecture with those of their parental species: Muscovy (Cairina moschata) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducks. Testes from ten males of each genotype were collected, weighed, and processed histologically using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Analysis of variance showed that genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced testis size (TS) and GSI. Mallard ducks had the highest TS (24.30 g) and GSI (1.74%), followed by Mule (TS: 9.73 g; GSI: 0.30%) and Hinny ducks (TS: 8.06 g; GSI: 0.27%), while Muscovy ducks recorded the lowest (TS: 2.49 g; GSI: 0.09%). Left testes were generally larger than right ones across all genotypes, though not significantly (P>0.05). Histological analysis revealed normal testicular organization in Muscovy and Mallard ducks, with all spermatogenic stages (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) present, as well as mature sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides. Conversely, Mule and Hinny males exhibited impaired spermatogenesis characterized by production of only primary spermatocytes and epididymal vacuoles devoid of mature sperm cells. It is concluded that the sterility of Mule and Hinny hybrid males is not related to testis size or GSI but results from their inability to complete spermatogenesis and produce mature sperm cells capable of fertilization of ova.
The present study evaluated the effects of organic trace mineral supplementation on eggshell quality, antioxidant activity, immune function, blood biochemical parameters, and egg mineral composition in aged laying hens. A total of 625 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens were assigned randomly into five dietary treatment groups, each comprising five replicates of 25 hens. The experimental diets consisted of a basal formulation supplemented with either standard inorganic trace minerals (Fe: 75.35 mg/kg; Cu: 11.65 mg/kg; Zn: 78.8 mg/kg; Mn: 114.4 mg/kg) or varying proportions (30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%) of organic trace minerals that replace inorganic sources. The results revealed that substituting 60% of inorganic trace minerals with organic sources significantly enhanced eggshell integrity and improved performance metrics, including egg weight, egg production rate, egg mass, feed consumption, and the feed conversion ratio. Additionally, replacing 60% of inorganic minerals with organic minerals resulted in increased deposition of iron and manganese in egg yolks. Furthermore, this substitution positively influenced egg composition, increasing the albumen percentage while concurrently reducing the yolk percentage. Blood biochemical analyses revealed significant reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, accompanied by increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), at 50% and 60% organic mineral supplementation. However, no significant changes in serum catalase (CAT) activity or malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were detected across the treatment groups. In summary, partial dietary replacement of inorganic trace minerals with organic alternatives effectively improved eggshell quality, enhanced antioxidant status, and optimized biochemical parameters in older laying hens. These findings underscore the potential benefits of organic trace mineral supplementation in sustaining productivity and promoting health during the later stages of the laying cycle.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of azolla meal (AZM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical parameters, cecal bacterial load and economic efficiency of Koekoek chickens. One hundred forty-four chickens were randomly distributed into four treatment groups of 12 chickens in 3 replications in completely randomized design. The first treatment (T1) was control group, in which conventional chicken diet was provided without AZM, whereas T2, T3 and T4 contained 5%, 10% and 15% AZM, respectively. At the end of the experiment, nine chicks per treatment were slaughtered for carcass characteristics assessment. From this slaughtered chickens, cecal content was collected for bacterial load analysis. Before slaughtering, blood samples were collected to analyze their hematobiochemical parameters. The results indicate that the inclusion of up to 10% azolla did not significantly differ (P>0.05) from the control group in both growth performance and carcass characteristics. Lymphocytes and packed cell volume (PCV) of T1 were significantly greater (P<0.05) than those of T3. Total protein (TP), albumin, globulin and glucose contents of T3 were significantly greater (P<0.05) than T4. Cecal bacterial load indicated that Lactobacillus was significantly greater (P<0.001) in T2 and T3, whereas E. coli was significantly lower in T3. The results of the cost-benefit analysis revealed that chickens fed 10% azolla presented significantly greater (P<0.05) economic efficiency. Overall, this experiment implies that dietary inclusion of 10% azolla can increase net income without affecting the growth performance, carcass characteristics and health of chickens.
In order to evaluate the metabolic status of Holstein cows, correlations were determined between colostrum-blood and milk-blood fatty acids. 27 fatty acids were detected in colostrum, 30 in milk and 25 in blood. The highest fatty acid ratio in colostrum and milk was C16:0 (36.13%; 32.54%), while in blood it was C18:1n9c (22.28%; 20.4%). The largest difference between the fatty acid levels in colostrum and blood was determined in linoleic acid (3.68%; 20.37%). As a result of the analysis, it was determined that colostrum saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) contents were higher than blood (SFA: 61.52%; 42.10%; MUFA: 27.93%; 26.00%, respectively), while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content was lower than blood (PUFA: 4.90%; 25.99%, respectively). In the correlation analysis between colostrum and blood fatty acids; A statistically significant positive correlation (P<0.01) was found between colostrum and blood fatty acids (r(2)=0.768) and colostrum-blood SFA (r(2)=0.894), colostrum-blood MUFA (r(2)=0.932) and colostrum-blood PUFA (r(2)=0.980) values. Regression graphs showed that changes in colostrum SFA, MUFA and PUFA were largely dependent on changes in blood SFA, MUFA and PUFA (R-2 =0.800, R-2=0.868, R-2=0.961, respectively). Therefore, it was determined that changes in colostrum and milk fatty acids made a significant contribution to the estimation of blood fatty acids.
The chicken genome has evolved under natural and artificial selection for thousands of years, resulting in substantial genetic diversity among populations worldwide. This diversity allows the investigation of genomic regions under selection and provides valuable insights into mechanisms of adaptation. In this study, we analyzed genomic data using various statistical approaches including fixation index (Fst), nucleotide diversity (pi), and Tajima's D were applied to identify selective signatures in indigenous chickens from Pakistan in comparison to White Leghorn chickens. We identified, 34 candidate genes associated with heat tolerance were identified, including well known stress related genes such as HSF3, HSF4, and RPTOR. These genes were significantly enriched in gene ontology (GO) terms related to stress response, protein folding, and cellular homeostasis. These findings highlight the important role of selection in shaping genomic differentiation among chicken populations and provide a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation to environmental stress.
This study aimed to develop and validate predictive models for estimating body weight (BW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) in small ruminants using in vivo morphometric measurements. A total of 400 animals (250 sheep and 150 goats) were used for BW prediction, and among them, 200 sheep and 64 goats were slaughtered to develop HCW models. The in vivo measurements included chest circumference (CC), body length (BL), and withers height (WH). Model performance was evaluated through K-fold cross-validation, considering the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and prediction bias (BIAS). For BW, the combined-species simple model achieved R2= 0.90 and RMSECV= 3.34 kg, while the multiple model yielded R2= 0.91 and RMSECV= 4.44 kg. Sheep-specific models showed R2= 0.82 and RMSECV= 3.47 kg for the simple model, and R2= 0.85 and RMSECV= 4.33 kg for the multiple model. Goat models reached R2= 0.89 and RMSECV= 2.95 kg (simple), and R2= 0.90 and RMSECV= 4.29 kg (multiple). For HCW, the combined simple model (R2=0.79; RMSECV=1.89 kg) and the sheep-specific simple model (R2=0.75; RMSECV=1.90 kg) showed good predictive ability. The simple model for goats presented moderate predictive power (R2=0.73; RMSECV=1.75 kg), whereas the multiple model was not significant. In conclusion, BW and HCW can be accurately estimated using simple linear regression models, which may be applied either separately or jointly across species.
The effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) silage using fresh-cut alfalfa and the addition of wheat straw on growth performances and carcass characteristics in fattening male lambs was evaluated. Thirty Kermani male lambs (20.5 +/- 0.4 kg initial body weight (BW); 6 months of age) were assigned to three treatments in a completely randomized design experiment for 80 days. Treatments were based on the conservation method of TMR (fresh vs. fermented TMR) including: 1) CON, fresh TMR with alfalfa hay; 2) FTMR1, fermented TMR with fresh-cut alfalfa similar to CON formulation; and 3) FTMR2, fermented TMR with fresh-cut alfalfa and wheat straw. Feeding FTMR2 increased dry matter and organic matter intake in lambs (P<0.05). Feeding the FTMR2 diet compared to CON and FTMR1 increased organic matter digestibility (P<0.05). Final weight, daily gain, warm and cold carcass weights were higher in the FTMR2 than in CON (P<0.05). Furthermore, feeding lambs with FTMR1 decreased carcass cooler shrink and increased cold dressing percentage (P=0.01) in comparison to CON and FTMR2, respectively. Weights of carcass prime cuts were similar among treatments except for brisket cut which was higher in the FTMR2 group (P<0.05), as were the weights of head and testis (P<0.05). Feeding FTMR2 increased lean meat and decreased back fat thickness (P <= 0.02) in FTMR2 lambs. Overall, the results of this study indicated that FTMR with fresh-cut alfalfa and wheat straw was a suitable option to adjust the dry matter content of silage, could improve the feed intake, growth performance, and carcass traits of fattening lambs and can be considered as a cost-effective and feasible conservation method for TMR.
Environmental factors, especially light duration and wavelength (colour), affect reproductive physiology in broilers. In birds, light is perceived especially by extraretinal photoreceptors in the brain, including the hypothalamus, which regulates reproductive function. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), expressed in both the hypothalamus and gonads, suppresses gonadotropin release and modulates reproductive activity. Its expression is influenced by photoperiod and light colour. Rooster fertility is economically important, as one male can inseminate many females. This study investigated how green light and intermittent lighting affect GnIH levels and testicular development in prepubertal broiler males. 288 one-day-old male commercial broilers (Ross-308) were divided into four groups (n=12) and exposed to: Group I, 18 hours light-6 hours dark (18L:6D) with white light; Group II, 18L:6D with green light; Group III, 17L:3D:1L:3D with white light; and Group IV, 17L:3D:1L:3D with green light. The study was conducted in four identical experimental rooms, each consisting of six pens (replicates). Two male broilers were randomly selected from each pen. A total of 48 chickens, 2 males from each pen (replicate group), were randomly selected for analysis. After 42 days under standard conditions, GnIH levels were measured in the hypothalamus and testes via ELISA. Testicular development was assessed histologically by evaluating seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height. Results showed that intermittent lighting and green light significantly increased testicular GnIH levels but had no effect on hypothalamic GnIH. The most pronounced increase in testicular GnIH was observed in Group IV, which received both intermittent lighting and green light. No significant differences were observed in testicular morphology. These findings suggest that intermittent lighting and green light may selectively influence gonadal GnIH levels without affecting central GnIH or morphology, offering insight into how lighting strategies may be optimized in poultry production.
Infectious diseases are highly prevalent diseases in farm animals such as goat that cause high economic losses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the induction of innate immune responses, they can identify the invading pathogens. In this study, SNPs in TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR6, TLR9, and TLR10 in Tali breed goat (a resistant breed) were identified and reported for the first time. A pooled DNA of 15 Tali goat, was sequenced and mapped to the goat reference sequence. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of this gene family of the Tali breed were compared with the retrieved available dataset of the Sanen breed goat (a susceptible breed). Identified SNPs were analyzed by orting intolerant from tolerant (SFIT), PolyPhen, Provean, and I- Mutant servers. The results obtained from various tools showed that the difference between deleterious nsSNPs of TLR3, TLR9, and TLR10 between Tali and Sanen goat may exhibit the greatest impact on protein stability. Additionally, the 3D structure of both Tali and Sanen breed forms of TLR3, TLR9, and TLR10 were modeled. The present study revealed the 5 deleterious nsSNPs in TLR3, TLR9, and TLR10 may affect the function of TLRs but didn't cause any significant change in the structures.
A crucial challenge in nucleus breeding programs is the potential impact of genotype-environment interaction (GxE) on identifying the optimal configuration. This study aims to investigate the optimal structure of a nucleus breeding program in the presence or absence of GxE effects. Thirty-six distinct scenarios were created based on two levels of nucleus size (5% and 15% of population), three levels of female transfer rate from the base to the nucleus (0, 25 and 50%), three levels of male transfer rate from the nucleus to the base (25%, 50 and 100%). The mean genetic value in the last generation of the nucleus was higher than that of the base population, due to initial selection for nucleus formation and the selection method applied in subsequent generations. The mean genetic value in the nucleus ranged from 19.75 to 23.89, while in the base population, these values ranged from 17.16 to 23.76. Genetic gain in the nucleus over 20 generations ranged from 11.82 to 14.89, whereas in the base population, it fluctuated between 12.26 and 18.87. Genetic variance in the 20th generation ranged from 0.1 to 5.08 in the nucleus and from 0.18 to 9.02 in the base population. Overall, the presence of GxE interaction led to a reduction in both genetic mean and genetic gain in the nucleus and base populations. The findings indicate that GxE interaction can influence the optimal structure of base populations in a nucleus breeding program.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of oscillating crude protein (CP) levels in the diet, combined with a reduction in protein levels, on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Moghani lambs. A total of eight male lambs were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The experimental treatments included: 1) a diet containing 15% CP with a constant intake (control); 2) diets containing 13% and 17% CP; 3) diets containing 12% and 16% CP and 4) diets containing 11% and 15% CP with a 48-hour oscillating intake cycle. Feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences among the experimental treatments. Linear comparisons of the treatments with reduced CP levels also revealed no significant differences in feed conversion ratio. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility did not differ significantly between treatments; however, the treatment with oscillating CP levels of 13% and 17% exhibited the highest crude protein digestibility. Fecal and urinary nitrogen excretion did not significantly differ among treatments, but linear comparison of the oscillating CP treatments indicated that decreasing dietary CP levels significantly reduced nitrogen excretion via feces and urine. The highest retained nitrogen and nitrogen efficiency were observed in the treatment with oscillating CP levels of 13% and 17%, which showed a significant difference compared to the constant 15% CP diet. Overall, the results indicated that oscillating CP levels in the diet improved crude protein digestibility and increased nitrogen retention and efficiency in male lambs, while having no significant effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or daily weight gain. Additionally, the absence of significant differences in performance traits among treatments with reduced CP levels highlights the beneficial effects of oscillating protein feeding.
This study aims to investigate the impact of modern management practices on reproduction and pregnancy in crossbred dairy goats (BoerxLocal). The goats were maintained at the Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goats at the State Agricultural University to develop a dairy goat breed suitable for the climatic conditions and local needs. This research focuses on the effects of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) on pregnancy rates. In this study, 20 female goats were divided into two groups. Group I was treated with cloprostenol (125 mu g) for estrous synchronization, and estrous signs were observed over the course of one week. In Group II, a buck goat was used as a biological stimulator for estrous detection and synchronization (buck effect). Estrous signs were recorded. For AI, frozen semen was obtained from the Maharashtra Goat and Sheep Research and Development Institute in India. Insemination was performed twice at 12 h intervals, and only semen with over 60% progressive motility was used. Pregnancy detection was conducted using ultrasonography and kidding records. Pregnancy was confirmed via transabdominal ultrasound on day 25 post-mating, and goats were re-examined on day 60 of pregnancy to check for fetal viability. The results indicated that estrous synchronization and AI significantly affected pregnancy rates and reproductive quality. This research will assist farmers and researchers in improving management practices in dairy goat reproduction and emphasizes the necessity of employing scientific and modern techniques in the livestock industry.
In milk production, the most significant portion of costs is related to animal feed. Therefore, to reduce the final price of milk, it is essential to use rations with the lowest possible cost. In this study, to formulate an optimal ration based on 2024 data from Sistan dairy farms, three methods were employed: simple linear programming, goal programming, and fuzzy-goal programming. The model was optimized for four different groups: fresh cows, low-yielding cows, mid-yielding cows, and super-yield cows. Additionally, to achieve a flexible ration using the fuzzy-goal method, an initial optimal program was developed using deterministic linear programming to minimize cost. Then, by adding two more objective functions (maximizing nutrients and minimizing water consumption), the goal programming model was obtained. The results showed that, considering the flexibility in the fuzzy-goal method, in most groups, the lower cost led to the selection of this method over linear programming as the optimal ration. Furthermore, the results indicated that the fuzzy model, by reducing costs by 8% compared to conventional rations, while maintaining energyprotein balance, helps prevent disorders such as ketosis and acidosis. In contrast, the linear model, with a 6% cost reduction, reduces protein to dangerous levels (down by 14%), and the goal model, with an 8-17% cost increase, is only justified for specific animals. The findings confirm the efficiency of the fuzzy model in simultaneously managing costs (average 1280000 IRR/head/day) and herd health. It is recommended that dairy farms combine this model with grouping cows based on milk production to increase profitability by up to 18%.
This study aimed to assess the effect of partially substituting soybean meal (SBM) with defatted Black soldier fly larvae meal (DBSFL) on growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, apparent nutrient digestibility, and blood hemato-biochemical profile of growing lambs. A total of 10 Javanese thin-tail growing lambs (BW 13.95 +/- 3.07 kg) were equally assigned to two dietary treatments: P1= starter concentrate with 22% SBM (control), and P2= starter concentrate with 11% SBM and 10% DBSFL. The trial lasted for 56 days, including 14 days of adaptation. The results revealed that substituting 10% of SBM with DBSFL did not affect (P>0.05) nutrient intake and growth performance of growing lambs. The inclusion of 10% DBSFL had no adverse effects (P>0.05) on rumen fermentation characteristics, feed apparent digestibility, and blood hemato-biochemical profiles of growing lambs. In conclusion, DBSFL at 10% inclusion level can effectively substitute SBM in the starter concentrate, ensuring comparable health and productivity in growing lambs.
Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different times of using human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) during different days after mating on the reproductive performance and serum progesterone concentration of superovulated Mamasani goats. In this study, 60 goats (3-4 years) with the weight range of 46 +/- 2.1 kg were used. The goats were synchronized for a period of 15 days and one day before sponge removal, 400 international units of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) were injected to them. The goats were divided into 4 treatment groups based on not receiving (control) or receiving (350 international units of hCG) on one and a half, two, and 7 days after mating. Blood samples were collected on day 2 before sponging and days 19 and 40 after mating. The results showed that fecundity and prolificacy rate were significantly (P<0.0001) higher in the groups receiving hCG during days 1.5 and 2 after mating compared to the other groups. Serum progesterone concentration of pregnant, delivered, single birth and multiple births goats on 19 and 40 days after mating were significantly higher in the groups receiving hCG compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum progesterone concentration of multiple births goats in all groups receiving hCG significantly (P<0.05) increased compared to control group in 19 and 40 days of sampling. The results generally showed that reproductive performance and serum progesterone concentration were affected by different times of using hCG and these parameters increased in goats receiving hCG in days 1.5 and 2 after mating.
Ascites syndrome is one of the most important metabolic disorders in growing broiler chickens worldwide. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with of broccoli ethanolic extract (BEE) on broiler chickens subjected to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) induced by cold stress. A total of 500 broiler chickens were used in this study. One hundred birds were reared under thermoneutral conditions and assigned to the negative control group (NT). The remaining 400 birds were exposed to cold stress to induce pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) and were randomly divided into four groups of 100 birds each: (1) the CS group, which received a basal diet and served as the positive control; and three treatment groups-(2) BEE-1, (3) BEE-2, and (4) BEE-3-receiving 1000, 1500, and 3000 mg/kg of broccoli ethanol extract (BEE), respectively. Exposure to cold resulted in a 30% incidence of PHS in the control group, characterized by significant increases in relative heart and right ventricle weights, right ventricle/total ventricle (RV/TV) ratios, and mortality (P<0.01). Supplementation with BEE at all tested levels significantly improved cardiac parameters and reduced mortality (P<0.01). PHS negatively affected performance traits by reducing body weight gain and feed intake while increasing feed conversion ratio (P<0.01); these effects were mitigated by BEE supplementation, which enhanced growth performance and feed efficiency. BEE supplementation significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced lipid peroxidation (P<0.01). Inflammatory markers TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta increased and IL-10 decreased in PHS-affected birds, while BEE treatment reversed these changes, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects (P<0.01). Hematological disturbances caused by PHS, such as increased WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and heterophil counts, were also significantly alleviated by BEE (P<0.01). Overall, dietary supplementation with ethanolic extract of broccoli effectively mitigates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and performance losses associated with PHS in broiler chickens.
