Mohammad Rokouei; Rasoul Vaez torshizi; Mohammad Moradi shahr babak; Mahdi Sargolzaei; Anders Sorencen
Volume 42, Issue 1 , July 2011, , Pages 1-10
Abstract
Effects of inbreeding coefficient on estimates of genetic parameters, breeding values and genetic trends for production traits (milk, fat and protein yields), reproduction traits (age at the first calving, interval between first insemination to conception, calving interval, interval between calving to ...
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Effects of inbreeding coefficient on estimates of genetic parameters, breeding values and genetic trends for production traits (milk, fat and protein yields), reproduction traits (age at the first calving, interval between first insemination to conception, calving interval, interval between calving to first insemination, and calving ease) as well as longevity of Holstein Cattle in Iran were studied. Inbreeding coefficients were computed using a complete pedigree, created from all available information of national Holstein dairy cattle and international sires back to 1883. For all the traits, the records of animals with a minimum pedigree completeness of 0.7 for five generations back were employed. The average completeness of pedigree for all the record holding animals was more than 0.90. Two univariate animal models (either with or without inbreeding) were considered to estimate the genetic parameters and breeding values. There were no substantial differences between the two models for variance components and genetic parameters. However, the effect of inbreeding on estimated breeding values and genetic gain was significant. Based on the estimated breeding values, the differences in male rankings were greater than those in female rankings for all the traits. Also, the rank correlations between two models ranged from 0.966 (milk yield) to 0.994 (fat yield) for males and 0.953 (calving ease) to 0.997 (age at the first calving) for females. These correlations, which were significantly different from unity, indicated that it is necessary to adjust the effect of inbreeding in genetic evaluation programs.
zahra hoseini nejad; mostafa yoosefollahi; hasan fazayeli
Abstract
Five species of dominant halophyte plants including: Salsola griffithii, Chenopodium album, Aeluropus logopoidies, Alopecurus textillis and Cardaria draba were sampled from Sistan region at their late vegetative stage. The collected samples were dried at room temperature and ground, and their chemical ...
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Five species of dominant halophyte plants including: Salsola griffithii, Chenopodium album, Aeluropus logopoidies, Alopecurus textillis and Cardaria draba were sampled from Sistan region at their late vegetative stage. The collected samples were dried at room temperature and ground, and their chemical components including: dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, as well as cell wall and no hemicellulose containing cell wall evaluated in the laboratory. Dry matter digestibility (by in situ nylon bag technique) and organic matter digestibility as well as metabolisable energy (through in vitro gas production method) were determined. Results revealed that among the species studied, there were significant differences (p
Masoud Barzegar; Hosein MORAVEJ; Mahmoud SHIVAZAD
Abstract
The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of VitaminPremix(VP), fed during the last three weeks of a broiler rearing period (22-42 days), on its growthperformance and carcass characteristics. Four hundred 22 day old broilers received diets containingfour levels ...
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The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of VitaminPremix(VP), fed during the last three weeks of a broiler rearing period (22-42 days), on its growthperformance and carcass characteristics. Four hundred 22 day old broilers received diets containingfour levels of supplementary VP (0, 33.33, 66.66 and 100%) each at a different weeks of finisherperiod. The diets were formulated as based on wheat and soybean meal, with the experimentconducted on floor pens of 10 treatments and 4 replicates in a completely randomized design. Thedietary treatments consisted of: T1 no VP supplement during 22 to 42 days of age; Treatments 2, 3and 4 containing 33.33% VP,. Treatments 5, 6 and 7 with 66.66% of VP supplement and finallytreatments 8, 9 and 10 containing 100% of VPsupplement. The treatmeants were so arranged that T 2,5 and 8 received only from 22 to 28; treatments 3, 6 and 9 only from 22 to 35, and treatments 4, 7 and10 only from 22 to 42 days of age. The results finally indicated that VP reduction and withdrawal at 22days of age did not impair the birds, performance during their last three weeks of rearing period (22 to42 days). Decrease in the level of VP did not significantly affect the carcass characteristics (carcassyield, percentages of breast, thigh, liver, heart as wellas abdominal fat).
Iman Yousefian; Ahmad Zare-shahneh; Mahdi Zhandi; Majid Bahreini; Ghazaleh Izadpanah; Reza Noei; Mojtaba Emamverdi
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different concentrations of vitamin E (Vit. E) in the quality of preserved stallion semen at 5ᵒC for a period of 48 h. Semen was collected and most (≥90%) seminal plasma removed by centrifugation at 600 × g. Pooled samples divided in ...
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different concentrations of vitamin E (Vit. E) in the quality of preserved stallion semen at 5ᵒC for a period of 48 h. Semen was collected and most (≥90%) seminal plasma removed by centrifugation at 600 × g. Pooled samples divided in four equal parts and diluted with extenders that was supplemented with different concentrations of Vit. E [(0 (control, C), 5 and 10 mM)] and DMSO positive control group [as vitamin E solvent, (DC)] to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/ml. Motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, total abnormality and lipid peroxidation were determined at 0, 6, 24 and 48h. The results showed that 5mM vitamin E resulted in higher viability and plasma membrane integrity compared to control after 48 h of storage (P<0.05). Different concentrations of vitamin E had no significant effects on sperm motility and total abnormality compared to C and DC extender (P>0.05). Also, 5mM Vit. E was decreased lipid peroxidation compared C and DC extenders after 48h of storage (P<0.05). In conclusion, between above-mentioned different concentrations, 5mM Vit. E could improve Caspian stallion sperm quality during cooled-storage at 5°C.
Hamed Khalilvandi-Behroozyar; Mehdi Dehghan-Banadaky; Mohammad Ghaffarzadeh; Kamran Rezayazdi
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine effects of different fatty acid profiles on rumen digestion coefficients, some of rumen metabolism parameters and rumen microbial populations. Different oils were used as source of fatty acids such as, Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic, DHA and EPA. Palmitic acid supplemented ...
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The aim of this study was to determine effects of different fatty acid profiles on rumen digestion coefficients, some of rumen metabolism parameters and rumen microbial populations. Different oils were used as source of fatty acids such as, Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic, DHA and EPA. Palmitic acid supplemented from a commercial product (BergaFat T-300) containing high Palmitic acid percentage. Results showed that supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids led to reduction in nutrient digestibility and rumen population of protozoa, anaerobic fungi and cellulolytic bacteria (P˂0.05). Fish oil resulted in higher population of proteolytic and amilolytic bacteria in expense of cellulolytic and major biohydrogenating population (P˂0.05). Palmitic acid source reduced population of two of major cellulolytic bacteria, but there were no effects on cell wall digestibility, total and profile of rumen VFA (P>0.05). All of the oil supplements except for Palmitic acid supplement reduced methanogeinic archaea (P˂0.05). Unsaturated fatty acid sources including fish oil greatly reduced rumen biohydrogenating bacteria population (P˂0.05). Rumen total VFA and acetate concentration but not propionate decrease as PUFA sources supplemented. Fish oil resulted in greatest reduction in VFA concentration compared with control (103.9 vs. 74.0 mM/L, respectively).
Azade Boustan; Elham Rezvannejad; Ardeshir Nejati Javaremi; Reza Seyedsharifi
Abstract
An important question about genomic evaluation is the effectiveness of using superior animals as reference population, on the accuracy of estimated breeding values of selection candidates. In this research, the accuracy of genomic evaluation is selecting superior animals as reference population (strategy1) ...
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An important question about genomic evaluation is the effectiveness of using superior animals as reference population, on the accuracy of estimated breeding values of selection candidates. In this research, the accuracy of genomic evaluation is selecting superior animals as reference population (strategy1) was compared to situations in which the animals in reference population were a random sample of population (strategy2) and superior and inferior animals (strategy3). Best linear unbiased prediction method was used to estimate marker effects. The results showed that using only superior animals as reference population would decrease the accuracy of genomic evaluation. If the ratio of animals in the reference group is low (for example 10%) the difference between strategy1 and the other strategies would be more than the situation in which this ratio is high (for example 50%). For example in situation that the generation before validation set (generation four) was used as reference population, the accuracy of strategy1 was about 0.34 lower than strategy3 when 10% of animals were used as reference population but this difference was decreased to 0.04 when 50% of animals were used as reference population. These results showed that genotyping and using some of no superior animals in the reference population, beside to superior animals with high accurate traditional estimated breeding values, could lead to increase in the accuracy of genomic evaluation.
Morteza Sattaei Mokhtari; Mohammad Moradi Shahrebabak; Ardeshir Nejati Javaremi; Guilherme J. M. Rosa
Abstract
In this research the causal structure among calving traits of 29950 first-parity Holstein cattles of Iran including calving difficulty (CD), birth weight of calves (BW) and gestation length (GL) was revealed applying data collected by Iranian Animal Breeding in 131 herds from 1995 to 2004 by Inductive ...
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In this research the causal structure among calving traits of 29950 first-parity Holstein cattles of Iran including calving difficulty (CD), birth weight of calves (BW) and gestation length (GL) was revealed applying data collected by Iranian Animal Breeding in 131 herds from 1995 to 2004 by Inductive Causation (IC) searching algorithm. Significant structural coefficients were found for causal effects of BW on CD (0.060±0.002) and of GL on CD (0.007±0.002). Furthermore, the causal effect of GL on BW was significant (0.219±0.005). Considering the revealed causal structure, standard and recursive multivariate models were compared applying deviance Information criterion (DIC) and predictive ability of models in terms of two measures including mean square of error and correlation between observed and predicted values. The obtained results revealed the causal effect of BW and GL on CD and the plausibility of recursive multivariate model over standard multivariate one. Therefore, considering the causal structure among calving traits is of crucial importance.
Ali Jalil Sarghale; Mohammad Moradi Shahre Babak; Hossein Moradi Shahrbabak; Ardeshir Nejati Javaremi; Mahdi Saatchi
Abstract
The methane production from ruminant production system was estimated to reach 250-500 L per animal per day which has been reported to contribute up to 8-10 % of global warming during the next 50-100 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation among methane emission (predicted by volatile ...
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The methane production from ruminant production system was estimated to reach 250-500 L per animal per day which has been reported to contribute up to 8-10 % of global warming during the next 50-100 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation among methane emission (predicted by volatile fatty acids) with milk production traits, its components and breeding values (BV) of these traits in Iranian Holstein cattle. The rumen digesta was obtained from 150 cattle through stomach tubing and this population divided into 2 groups with 75 cattle in each (the groups have different milk production BV). Data were analyzed by R.3.3.0. The results showed that methane emission per unit of milk and fat were different in the two groups (P<0.0001). Also, the BVs of milk production, fat and protein traits and daily production of milk, fat and protein had weak to moderate negative correlation with methane emission per unit(P<0.05). The highest correlation was observed between daily production of fat with methane emission per unit of fat (-0.79) as well as daily milk production with methane emission per unit of milk (-0.62). These results showed that methane emission may be reduced by indirect selection per generation for the traits had a high correlation with the gas (daily production of milk and fat).
Mojtaba Emamverdi; Ahmad Zareh-Shahneh; Mahdi Zhandi; Mojtaba Zaghari; Dariush Minai-Tehrani
Abstract
The aim of present study was to produce selenium enriched yeast and determine its optimum level on morphology and biometry of internal and reproductive organs in broiler breeder hens in comparison to Selemax (commercial organic sodium selenite) and mineral selenite. This study was done in two parts, ...
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The aim of present study was to produce selenium enriched yeast and determine its optimum level on morphology and biometry of internal and reproductive organs in broiler breeder hens in comparison to Selemax (commercial organic sodium selenite) and mineral selenite. This study was done in two parts, in the 1st experiment; selenium-enriched yeast was produced. In the 2nd experiment, a total of 150 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (49 weeks of age) were used in 6 treatments of 5 replicates with 5 hens each. The treatments were included: 1) Control group (without selenium), diet containing; 2) 0.15; 3) 0.30 and 4) 0.45 mg/kg of produced selenium enriched yeast (SY0.15, SY0.3, SY0.45, respectively), 5) 0.30 mg/kg Selemax, and 6) 0.30 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS). At the end of the experiment, three hens from each replication were slaughtered. In the 1st experiment, the amount of selenium per kilogram of dry selenium-enriched yeast was 2823 mg. In the 2nd experiment, the number of large follicles in the SY0.45 group was significant higher compared to control, SY0.15 and SS groups. The weight of the abdominal cavity fat of the SY0.45 group was significantly lower compared to control group. Therefore, using of 0.45 mg/kg of produced organic selenium in the broiler breeder diet increased number of large follicles and decreased abdominal cavity fat. Of course, further studies are needed to assessment of other performance and reproductive parameters.
Saber Mohammad Maghsoodi; Seyed Reza Miraei-Ashtiani; Hassan Mehrabani Yeganeh; Mohammad Hossein Banabazi
Abstract
In recent years, the relationship between insertion and deletion (indel) polymorphisms in promoter region (23 bp) and intron 1 (12 bp) of PRNP gene (Prion protein coding gene) and their relationship to susceptibility of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have been reported. Insertions of ...
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In recent years, the relationship between insertion and deletion (indel) polymorphisms in promoter region (23 bp) and intron 1 (12 bp) of PRNP gene (Prion protein coding gene) and their relationship to susceptibility of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have been reported. Insertions of these two polymorphisms increase resistance to classical BSE, while the deletions of these two polymorphisms cause more susceptibility to classical BSE. In this study DNA of Iranian Holstein (n=50), Golpayegani (n=62) and Sistani (n=60) was extracted by modified salting out method. The genes were amplified using specific primers and the genotypes were detected on polyacrylamide gels. Allelic data were tested by Exact Fisher test and genotypic and haplotypic data were tested using Chi-square test. The results showed that considering locus of three mentioned breeds were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The allelic, genotypic and haplotypic frequencies of the polymorphism of the mentioned genes were estimated in three Iranian cattle breeds and were compared among breeds under this study and the healthy and BSE-affected group of the German cattle (described by Sander et al., 2004). According to the results of this study, if these two regions are the only regions affecting on the classical BSE, Golpayegani cattle have more resistant than healthy and BSE-affected of German cattle.
Mahdi Mokhber; Mohammad Moradi Shahre Babak; Mostafa Sadeghi; Hossein Moradi Shahrbabak; Javad Rahmani-Nia
Abstract
In order to detect signature of selection on buffalo genome, a set of 287 water buffalo samples from 260 Azari and 27 Mazandarani buffalo breeds were genotyped using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90K Array. The unbiased fixation index method (FST) was used to detect signatures of selection. In total, ...
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In order to detect signature of selection on buffalo genome, a set of 287 water buffalo samples from 260 Azari and 27 Mazandarani buffalo breeds were genotyped using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90K Array. The unbiased fixation index method (FST) was used to detect signatures of selection. In total, 14 regions with outlier FST values (0.1%) were identified. Annotation of these regions using the UMD3.1 Bos taurus Genome Assembly was performed to find putative candidate genes and QTLs within the selected and 105 genes and 28 QTLs with selection signatures were detected. A high proportion of identified genes (N=27) in regions under selection were involved in olfactory receptor, also some of the detected genes were associated with growth and body development, metabolicand apoptosis possesses, immune system development, and mammary gland development. Some of the identified QTLs in regions under selection were associated with growth traits such as body weight at birth, weaning and mature, subcutaneous fat, meat yield and carcass weight. The detected QTL for milk traits were only associated with milk contents and somatic cell count. However, it is recommended to carry out association studies to show the actual function of these genes.
Alireza Safamehr; Sajad Yagoubzade; Ali Nobakht
Volume 42, Issue 2 , October 2011, , Pages 95-106
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the effects of different levels of protein and probiotic (Protexin) on performance, and immune response in Ross (308) broiler exposed to heat stress. Five hundred and forty one-day old broilers were employed in a compeletly randomized design (3×3 factorial arrangement) ...
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This study was carried out to determine the effects of different levels of protein and probiotic (Protexin) on performance, and immune response in Ross (308) broiler exposed to heat stress. Five hundred and forty one-day old broilers were employed in a compeletly randomized design (3×3 factorial arrangement) of 3 replicates for each treatment. The diets were formulated according to NRC (1994) recommendation with protein levels (90, 100 and 110% of NRC recommendations) along with probiotic (0, 200 and 400 ppm, containing 2×109 cfu/g of spores). The birds were exposed to heat stress (34±3?C) for 8 hours/day (10:00 to 18:00). The results indicated that, the body weight gain in broilers fed NRC plus %110 NRC protein was significantly higher than that in those fed %90 NRC protein (P
M. AMIRABADI FARAHANI; P ZAMANI
Abstract
A number of 5558 lambing records of 2245 Mehraban ewes, collected during years 1995 to 2010 were utilized to estimate the variance components and heritability for the number of lambs per lambing, making use of B-Spline random regression models. The fixed factors affecting the studied trait were ...
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A number of 5558 lambing records of 2245 Mehraban ewes, collected during years 1995 to 2010 were utilized to estimate the variance components and heritability for the number of lambs per lambing, making use of B-Spline random regression models. The fixed factors affecting the studied trait were identified using general linear model analysis as well as SAS software, where flock-year-season and the age of ewe at lambing (month) had significant effects. Variance components were estimated as based on linear, quadratic and linear-quadratic B-Spline random regression models with 4 to 6 knots, using WOMBATsoftware. The models were compared using AIC and BIC indices, out of which model QLL4 (quadratic for fixed regression and linear for additive genetic, as well as permanent environmental effects with 4 knots) was found out as more suitable than the others. According to this model, estimates of additive genetic, permanent environmental, and phenotypic variances of a number of lambs per lambing stood in the ranges of 0.01 to 1.24, 0 to 4.09 and 0.34 to 5.98, respectively. Moreover, heritability estimate for the studied trait was in the ranges of 0.02 to 0.28. The heritability estimates for the number of lambs per lambing at 60 to 72 months of age were higher than those for the other ages.
salime torkashvan; mohammad mehdi tabatabayi; hasan ali arabi; ali asghar bahari; daryoosh alipoor
Abstract
The effect of different levels of zinc and copper organic supplements on performance, plasma copper plus zinc status, serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Ceruloplasmin (CP) activity as well as vitamin ¬A concentration was studied in 25 Mehraban male lambs each of 5-6 months of age and 30/64±3/47kg of ...
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The effect of different levels of zinc and copper organic supplements on performance, plasma copper plus zinc status, serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Ceruloplasmin (CP) activity as well as vitamin ¬A concentration was studied in 25 Mehraban male lambs each of 5-6 months of age and 30/64±3/47kg of live weight. The following five dietary treatments were used: 1) Control (base diet with no addition of either adding zinc or copper proteinate supplements), 2) base diet+20 mg/kg of zinc+10 mg/kg of copper, 3) base diet+20 mg/kg of zinc+20 mg/kg of copper, 4) base diet+40 mg/kg of zinc+10 mg/kg of copper, 5) base diet+40 mg/kg of zinc+20 mg/kg of copper. The Zn and Cu supplementations didn’t exert any significantly effect on the performance but induced significant increase in the plasma levels of copper and zinc (P=0/0001), however no significant difference was observed between the supplemented treatments. Regardless on the levels of Zn and Cu organic supplementation, CP activity was increased. ALP activity was increased numerically but no significant difference was observed between the treatments. The supplementation indicated a positive significant effect on serum vitamin A concentration (P=0/041). The highest levels of zinc and copper (5treatments) induced highest serum vitamin A concentration.
Zahra Azizi; Hossein Moradi Shahrbabak; Mohammad Moradi Shahrbabak
Abstract
Understanding of population genetic structure is valuable for better implementation of breeding programs and most importantly, preservation of genetic resources. Genomic data provide an opportunity to consider complex evolutionary history of populations and reconstruct rare historical events. In this ...
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Understanding of population genetic structure is valuable for better implementation of breeding programs and most importantly, preservation of genetic resources. Genomic data provide an opportunity to consider complex evolutionary history of populations and reconstruct rare historical events. In this research, the structure of Iranian buffalo populations was studied by using principal component analysis and discriminant analysis principal component methods. For this purpose, the number of 404 buffalos from three breeds including North, Azari and Khozestani were sampled and genotyped by SNPChip 90k from Padano Company in Italy. The results of principal component analysis and discriminant analysis principal component showed a clear picture of the genetic structure of the studied populations. Assessing the optimal number of clusters with criteria BIC, K = 3 by the DAPC method showed the best results. The result of cross-validation for retaining principal components was optimized to 50 first components that showed the lowest MSE. In this study, DAPC predicted assignment of individuals to clusters and membership probabilities with 100% accuracy. PCA method was not able to provide a group assessment and DAPC method outperformed than PCA in achieving a clear variance difference between populations. DAPC method can be applied in quality control and stratification population correction of GWAS as an alternative to the PCA because of summarizing the genetic differentiation between groups and overlooking within-group variation and providing better population structure.
Fatemeh Saemi; Ahmad Zareh Shahneh; Mahdi Zhandi; Amir Akhlaghi; Sharif Rostami
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of long-term induced hyperthyroidism on the body weight and egg production. In addition the relationships between hyperthyroidism and some reproductive parameters were studied. A total of seventy 47-week-old Cobb 500 breeder hens were randomly allotted ...
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The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of long-term induced hyperthyroidism on the body weight and egg production. In addition the relationships between hyperthyroidism and some reproductive parameters were studied. A total of seventy 47-week-old Cobb 500 breeder hens were randomly allotted to two treatment groups (5 replicates of 7 hens each). Thyroxine was orally administered to the hyperthyroid group (0.3 mg/bird/day) for 100 consecutive days during which the body weight and egg production were recorded on a weekly basis. Effect of hyperthyroidism on plasma T4 levels was significant; but, the T3 level was not affected. Results indicated a significant decreasing effect of thyroid hormones on body weight. Thyroid hormones had no effect on egg production; however, the treatment × time (wk) interaction effect was significant on egg production. Ovarian and oviductal weight were not different between the control and hyperthyroid hens. Administration of thyroxine to breeder hens decreased the diameter of F1 follicles.
Ebrahim Ghasemi; Mohammad Hossein Safari Foroshani; Masood Alikhani; Javad Shirani-Shamsabadi
Abstract
In this study, the metabolic and antioxidative differences, BW changes and performane of12 primiparous (parturition BW 643±48 kg BW) and 15 multiparous (parturition BW 773±65 kg) cows were investigated during transition period. Blood sample for antioxidative and metabolic parameters on ...
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In this study, the metabolic and antioxidative differences, BW changes and performane of12 primiparous (parturition BW 643±48 kg BW) and 15 multiparous (parturition BW 773±65 kg) cows were investigated during transition period. Blood sample for antioxidative and metabolic parameters on d -14, +1, and +21 (relative to parturition), DMI throughout the entire period, BW and BCS on d -21, +1, and +21 and milk yeild were measured. In prepartum, both groups had similar DMI, but DMI and milk yield were greater in multiparous than primiparous cows in postpartum. BW and BCS were decreased in both primiparous and multiparous cows during transition period, but multiparous cows tended to have more BW loss and negative energy balance after parturition. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, beta hydroxy butyrate, and cholesterol were similar, but glucose level was lower in multiparous than primiparous cows. Regarding antioxidative status, primiparous cows had lower antioxidative status as malondialdehyde concentration at parturition was higher and that of total antioxidative status at postpartum were lower than multiparous cows. Regarding performance related parameters, mlondialdehyde level could be an apropriate index of energy balance, health and performance status. It is concluded that primiparous cows were under more oxidative stress during transtion period, but metabolic load and negative energy balance were more sever in multiparous cows.
Mahdi Khodaei Motlagh; Naser Zamani-Miandashti; Amir Hossein Khaltabadi-Farahani; Mohammad Yahyaei
Abstract
The increase of reproduction performance is one of the critical factors for improving economic achievement and sustaining small and middle scale livestock producing. For this to happen, participatory research and extension programs should be implemented with the help of livestock producers. In the present ...
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The increase of reproduction performance is one of the critical factors for improving economic achievement and sustaining small and middle scale livestock producing. For this to happen, participatory research and extension programs should be implemented with the help of livestock producers. In the present study, the knowledge and attitudes of target livestock producers of ewe estrous synchronization model plan in Markazi (N=11) and Fars (N=12) provinces were investigated. The data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results indicated that producers obtained an average score in the knowledge test. The respondents’ attitudes towards the technology were positive. The main factors preventing the technology to be extended among neighbourhood livestock producers included: lack of attention to some of the advices (e.g., small number of rams when mating, and inappropriate feeding), not providing educational programs by organizers, lack of appropriate indicators to choose target producers, and lack of a complementary and tuned relations between educational programs and practice.
Ali Sadeghi Sefidmazgi; Ardeshir Nejati-Javaremi; Mohammad Moradi-Shahrbabak; Seyed Reza Miraei Ashtiani; Peter R AYMER
Volume 42, Issue 3 , January 2011, , Pages 189-197
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the Discounted Genetic Expressions (DGEs) for different categories of animal traits as regards Holstein cattle of Iran. Using discounted gene-flow principles, DGEs per calf born were estimated for self replacing females and also for their sires. In the situation ...
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The objective of this study was to assess the Discounted Genetic Expressions (DGEs) for different categories of animal traits as regards Holstein cattle of Iran. Using discounted gene-flow principles, DGEs per calf born were estimated for self replacing females and also for their sires. In the situation for sires of self replacing females, relative GDEs per cow per year for annual cow traits, traits of the calf at birth and slaughter, traits of heifer and traits of cow at culling were estimated as 1, 0.96, 0.4, 0.44 and 0.43, respectively. The respective values for self replacing females were 1, 0.5, 0.21, 0.44 and 0.43, respectively. The effects of different factors on DGEs were quantified using sensitivity analysis. Results obtained in this study provide important information for properly weighting the traits in national selection indexes and as well in conducting cost- benefit analyses of breeding strategies.
Abstract
The aim followed in the present study was to evaluate the effect of Estradiol (E2) injection and injection (either intramuscular (i.m) or intravenous (i.v)) of various doses of OxyTocin (OT) on cervix dilation and on conception rate in Zandi ewes during late breeding season. Sixty three ewes were randomly ...
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The aim followed in the present study was to evaluate the effect of Estradiol (E2) injection and injection (either intramuscular (i.m) or intravenous (i.v)) of various doses of OxyTocin (OT) on cervix dilation and on conception rate in Zandi ewes during late breeding season. Sixty three ewes were randomly selected. In experiment 1, the ewes received 100 µl E2 and 12h later were divided and assigned into 7 groups. Control group (n=9) did not receive OT. The six remaning groups were divided into 2 parts using i.m or i.v injection and in each group in every part, ewes (n=9) were treated 60, 80 or 100 IU of OT. Cervix penetration was measured before and after (10 min and 12h) E2 injection (before OT injection) and 15 min after OT injection by use of a scaled pipette of artificial insemination. Experiment 2 was the same as experiment 1 but here the ewes did not receive E2 and were just tested for the effect of OT on cervix dilation. In experiment 3, the estrous synchronization was done using CIDR insertion for 12 days. At the time of CIDR removal, 500 IU of eCG was injected i.m to the ewes.
Farzad Ghafouri; Mostafa Sadeghi; Abolfazl Bahrami; Seyed Reza Miraei Ashtiani
Abstract
Abdominal fat deposition and several other unique features in the metabolism of birds such as interaction between genetic and endocrine factors, fasting hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are signs of obesity and metabolic disorders in poultry, similar to humans. The main purpose of this study was ...
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Abdominal fat deposition and several other unique features in the metabolism of birds such as interaction between genetic and endocrine factors, fasting hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are signs of obesity and metabolic disorders in poultry, similar to humans. The main purpose of this study was to use transcript profile of fat tissue in two groups of broiler chickens with high and low abdominal fat deposition, to identify the genes involved in storage and metabolism of fat, as well as the signaling pathways associated with the endocrine glands. Based on the analysis of microarray and RNA-seq data, 2914 and 1867 genes were detected as differentially expressed genes, respectively. In total, 1835 genes were identified by comparing the genes with a significant difference in expression (P<0.000001). Then, by comparing the number of relevant genes among the transcript profiles, the most important related genes were THBS1, COLEC12, ANXA7, RGS19, TMEM258 and HTR7L, which in the main process of pathways controlling synthesis, fat metabolism and storage and the endocrine signaling pathways activated by adipokines, are involved. The analysis of the relevant tissue may indicate the role of ventricular fat as a metabolic and endocrine organ in broiler chickens.
Mahmoud Vatankhah; Mehrab Faraji
Volume 42, Issue 4 , March 2012, , Pages 285-296
Abstract
Four hundered and ninety five (495) smallholder dairy farms active in 52 villages of different cities in Chaharmohalo Bakhtiari Province, keeping 1321 lactating within a total of 2811 mature cows (lactating and dry) were used. These herds were taken during winter 2009 to summer 2010 to assess some of ...
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Four hundered and ninety five (495) smallholder dairy farms active in 52 villages of different cities in Chaharmohalo Bakhtiari Province, keeping 1321 lactating within a total of 2811 mature cows (lactating and dry) were used. These herds were taken during winter 2009 to summer 2010 to assess some of the production, reproductive and economic performance traits under smallholder management system. A questionnaire survey was applied to collect retrospective data from the previous year's information, recorded information, direct recordings during the visit of the farms and as well interview with the smallholder farmer. The smallholder dairy farms included 441 small farms (89.09%), and 54 medium size farms (10.91%). From a breed aspect, there were: 11 native breed farms (2.22%), 327 cross bred farms (66.06%), and 157 Holstein breed ones (31.72%). The production performance figures were recorded as 30.56, 22.21 and 13.30 kg for total milk yield on farm, milk sold on farm and daily milk production per cow, respectively. A 62.75% of milk was reported as sold per total milk produced. The overall mean reproductive figures were recorded as 30.07 months for age for the first calving, 15.77 months for calving interval, 335.96 days for average lactation length and 6.99% for calf mortality rate. The mean daily feed consumption per cow was recorded as 15.85 kg, containing 25.69% of concentrate. The mean daily feed expenses and return from sale of milk were 35786 and 45765 rails, respectively. The ratio of feed expenses to income from milk and price of milk to feed ratio were found as 75.76% and 159%, respectively. The average herd size was 5.86 heads, including 2.21 lactating cows, and 2.67 total mature cows while the rest male and female calves. Also, the proportion of lactating cows to total cows and to total herd were estimated as 84.83% and 42.66% respectively. There were significant variations observed among different seasons, city and breed for most of the traits.
marziye rahmani; mohammad amir karimi; rasoul vaez torshizi
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the effects of different illumination programs on the cellular and humoral immune system using 320 one day–old male broilers (Arian 386) in a completely randomized design of 8 replications (10 birds each). The four assayed lighting schedules were comprised of: 1- ...
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This study was conducted to compare the effects of different illumination programs on the cellular and humoral immune system using 320 one day–old male broilers (Arian 386) in a completely randomized design of 8 replications (10 birds each). The four assayed lighting schedules were comprised of: 1- continuous lighting (control), 2- decrease then sudden increase of lighting, 3- decreasing-gradual increasing lighting and 4- intermittent lighting (1 light: 3 dark periods). Humoral immune responses were assessed following immunization by Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) and Newcastle virus (ND) vaccine. Increase in skin thickness due to Dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB) contact was utilized to assess the cellular immune response: Total antibody against SRBC was lower in the sudden increase in lighting program as compared with the other programs (P
Fateme Shakarami; Morteza Chaji; Moosa Eslami; Tahereh Mohammadabadi; Mohammad Bojarpour
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare fungi and whole rumen microorganisms (WRM) digestibility of treated sugarcane pith by fungi and of buffalos and Holstein cows. Dry matter (DM), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) digestibilities of steam treated sugarcane pith (STP) by fungi and WRM were ...
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This study was conducted to compare fungi and whole rumen microorganisms (WRM) digestibility of treated sugarcane pith by fungi and of buffalos and Holstein cows. Dry matter (DM), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) digestibilities of steam treated sugarcane pith (STP) by fungi and WRM were compared with a two-steps digestion technique, gas production (GP) and specific rumen fungi culturing (SRFC). Dry matter, NDF and ADF digestibilities of steam treated sugarcane pith by WRM in buffalo were higher (62, 32.31 and 22%, respectively) than cow (50.13, 27.07 and 16.2%, respectively) (P<0.05). Regardless of microorganisms type, digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF were greater in buffalo (54.13, 27.51 and 19.86%) than in buffalo (49.69, 24.54 and 14.67) (P<0.05). Potential of GP (B) of STP by WRM in cow was numerically more than that of cow (P>0.05). Fractional rate of GP (C) for WRM and fungi was lower in cow than buffalo (P<0.05). Regardless of microorganisms type, C was higher in buffalo was more than cow (P<0.05) and vice versa for B (P>0.05). Regardless of animal species, whole rumen microorganisms had higher digestibility and potential of GP than fungi (P>0.05), but there was not any difference for rat of GP between them. In SRFC, DM digestibility of STP by fungi at day 12 in buffalo was significantly more than cow (P<0.05). The concentration of fungi per ml of rumen liquer in cow was more than buffalo (P<0.05). Although, the rumen population fungi in cow was more than buffalo, but that digestibility of fungi (in specific rumen fungi culture) and WRM of buffalo was more than cow in present experiment. Therefore, the results of this study showed the advantage and supremacy of buffalo in usage the low quality roughages.
Mohsen Bayat; Hasan Ali Arabi; Mohammad Mahdi Tabatabaei; Ali Asghar Saki; Dariush Alipour; Pouya Zamani; Ahmad Ahmadi; Zahra Zamani; Amir Hosein Dezfoulian
Volume 41, Issue 4 , March 2011, , Pages 299-307
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding Soybean Oil (SO) along with vitamin E on performance and mammary gland health in Holstein cows. Eight Holstein lactating cows were employed in a 2×2 factorial experiment and in an incomplete replicated latin square design. Treatment diets ...
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This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding Soybean Oil (SO) along with vitamin E on performance and mammary gland health in Holstein cows. Eight Holstein lactating cows were employed in a 2×2 factorial experiment and in an incomplete replicated latin square design. Treatment diets were: 1) 0% SO plus 0 IU of vitamin E, 2) 3% SO plus 0 IU of vitamin E, 3) 0% SO plus 8000 IU of vitamin E, and 4) 3% SO plus 8000 IU of vitamin E. At the end of each period milk and blood samples were taken. Increasing dietary vitamin E increased milk fat. Soybean oil addition decreased milk fat production, and increased milk lactose. Neither soybean oil nor the interaction of SO by vitamin E had any effect on either milk Somatic Cell Count (SCC) or Total Microbial Count (TMC). Animals fed Vitamin E had lower SCC and TMC than animals not fed the vitamin. Results finally indicated that vitamin E supplementation at a high level reduces SCC while increasing mammary glands' health in lactating dairy cows.
