Jalil Ghassemi Nejad

Effects of Garlic and Thyme Extracts on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicks

A total of 800 one-day-old chickens (Cobb 500) were obtained from a local hatchery and allocated randomly to five dietary treatments. This study conducted for 42 d. Treatment groups included 1) CON (control), 2) T0.3 (0.3% of thyme extract), 3) T0.6 (0.6% of thyme extract), 4) G0.3 (0.3% of garlic extract) and 5) G0.6 (0.6% of garlic extract). Thyme extract included 90 μg/ml Carvacrol and 400 mg/ml thymol while garlic extract included 100 mg/ml elastin. There were no significant effects among the treatments on weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio over the entire trial. Also, no significant differences were observed between CON group and other treatments in plasma parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL) and hematocrit. Sex of chickens had no effect on blood parameters. Supplementation of herb extracts did not affect carcass characteristics including carcass yield, breast, thigh and abdominal fat. There were no significant differences observed in carcass characteristics between males and females fed with different levels of herb extracts. In conclusion, supplementation of garlic and thyme extracts as feed additives at two levels of 3 and 6% in the present study did not improve performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks.

Coat and hair color: hair cortisol and serotonin levels in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions

The deleterious effects of heat stress on animal health are being increasingly recognized. This study aimed to determine hair cortisol (HC) and serotonin levels in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions with different coat and hair-cut color. Forty-five multiparous lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 130 ± 47, body weight = 753 ± 85 kg) were divided to two main groups of over 80% black coat color (BC) and over 85% white coat color (WC) visually observed based on registry certificates and subdividing to black hair sample (BH) and white hair samples (WH) in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. Hair samples were taken from the forehead of the individuals. Higher HC levels were observed in BC than WC cows (P < 0.05). No differences were found in HC levels between BH and WH groups (P > 0.05). Serotonin levels showed no difference between BC and WC (P > 0.05). Interaction between coat color and hair color was not significant (P > 0.05). The cortisol levels in hair are not affected by pigmentation. However, pigmentation within the coat alters cortisol levels. In conclusion, white coat color retains less cortisol than the black coat. Therefore, white coats are preferable for dairy cows under heat stress conditions.

Effects of water restriction following feeding on nutrient digestibilities, milk yield and composition and blood hormones in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions

The effects of water restriction following feeding under heat stress conditions on nutrient digestibilities, milk yield and composition and some blood hormones in lactating Holstein cows were evaluated. The design was completely randomized with 30 high producing lactating Holstein cows (80.8±40.5 DIM) which were assigned to two treatment groups (15 cows per treatment). Treatments were free access to water (FAW) and 2 h water restriction (2hWR) following feeding. Average temperature-humidity index (THI) in the farm was over 80 throughout the experiment which defines heat stress conditions. Neutral detergent fibre, organic matter and ether extract digestibilities increased by water restriction (P<0.05); however, crude protein, acid detergent fibre, nitrogen free extract and dry matter digestibilities were not affected (P>0.05). Water intake was recorded daily during the digestibility period and was not different between FAW and 2hWR group (P>0.05). Fat corrected milk was higher in 2hWR group than FAW group (P<0.05). Milk fat was higher (P<0.05) in 2hWR group than the FAW group whereas milk protein, urea nitrogen, and solids not fat were not different among the treatment groups (P>0.05). Somatic cell counts were greater in 2hWR than FAW group (P<0.05). Free fatty acid concentration in blood was not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Blood prolactin and growth hormone were higher in 2hWR group than the FAW group (P<0.05). It is concluded that water restriction for 2 hours following feeding improved nutrient digestibility of some dietary components and increased milk fat percentage in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions.

Suitability Classes for Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Using Soil and Climate Digital Database in Gangwon Province

As a part of establishing suitability classification for forage production, use of the national soil and climate database was attempted for Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IRG) in Gangwon Province. The soil data base were from Heugtoram of the National Academy of Agricultural Science, and the climate data base were from the National Center for Agro-Meteorology, respectively. Soil physical properties including soil texture, drainage, slope available depth and surface rock contents, and soil chemical properties including soil acidity and salinity, organic matter content were selected as soil factors. The crieria and weighting factors of these elements were scored. Climate factors including average daily minimum temperature, average temperature from March to May, the number of days of which average temperature was higher than 5 from September to December, the number of days of precipitation and its amount from October to May of the following year were selected, and criteria and weighting factors were scored. The electronic maps were developed with these scores using the national data base of soil and climate. Based on soil scores, the area of Goseong, Sogcho, Gangreung, and Samcheog in east coastal region with gentle slope were classified as the possible and/or the proper area for IRG cultivation in Gangwon Province. The lands with gentle or moderate slope of Cheolwon, Yanggu, Chuncheon, Hweongseong, Pyungchang and Jeongsun in west side slope of Taebaeg mountains were classified as the possible and/or proper area as well. Based on climate score, the east coastal area of Goseong, Sogcho, Yangyang, Gangreung and Samcheog could be classified as the possible or proper area. Most area located on west side of the Taebaeg mountains were classified as not suitable for IRG production. In scattered area in Chuncheon and Weonju, where the scores exceeded 60, the IRG cultivation should be carefully

Effects of forage level and chromium-methionine chelate supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites in Korean native (Hanwoo) steers

A feeding trial was carried out to determine the effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) chelate and forage level over two years, 1st fattening and 2nd fattening period on growth parameters, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites of 46 Korean native (Hanwoo, Bos Taurus, BW = 183 ± 44 kg) steers. Treatments were: 1) Steers in the low forage (LF) group were fed diets that consisted of 60% concentrate and 40% forage; 2) Steers in the high forage (HF) group were fed diets that consisted of 40% concentrate and 60% forage. Following the 1st fattening period, steers (BW = 480 ± 37.6 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: LF (40 F plus no Cr-Met supplementation in the 2nd fattening period), LFCM (40LF plus added 400 ppb of Cr-Met during the 2nd fattening period), HF (60 F plus no added Cr-Met during the 2nd fattening period) and HFCM (60 F plus added 400 ppb of Cr-Met in the 2nd fattening period). Dry matter intake of the treatment diets did not differ during the raising and 1th fattening period (P > 0.05). The ADG in the raising period showed no difference between the 40 F and 60 F groups (P > 0.05). Carcass characteristics including rib-eye area and meat yield index were higher in HF than the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). The HF group tended to show a higher (P = 0.08) marbling score than the LF group whereas the HFCM group showed a higher marbling score than the LFCM group (P < 0.05). HDL was higher and LDL lower in groups fed with Cr-Met than in other groups whereas glucose showed the lowest value in HF group (P < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol, PUN and total protein (TP) were the same among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). The Insulin concentration in the blood was significantly higher for the HFCM group than for the LF, LFCM and HF groups (P < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of chromium-methionine chelate could improve meat quality in beef steers.

Effects of Chromium Methionine Supplementation on Blood Metabolites and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef during Late Fattening Period in Holstein Steers

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) chelate supplementation on blood metabolites and fatty acid profile of beef from Holstein steers during late fattening period. Fifteen Holstein steers were allotted randomly into two groups including the control (non Cr-Met feeding, NCM, ave. body weight [BW] = 483±25.7 kg) and the treatment (Cr-Met feeding for 4 months, 4CM, ave. BW = 486±27.5 kg) group. The feeding amount of Cr-Met to animals was limited to 400 ppb/cow/d and was supplemented to total mixed ration. No difference in blood albumin, alkaline phosphatase, urea-nitrogen, calcium, creatine, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were observed between the treatment groups (p>0.05). The level of high density lipoprotein was higher in the 4CM group than the NCM group, whereas low density lipoprotein was lower in the 4CM group (p<0.05). The fatty acid composition (caprate, laurate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, palmitoleate, margarate, cis-11 heptadodecanoate, stearate, oleate, trans-vaccenate, linoleate, cis-11 eicosenoate, docosa hexaenoic acid, and docosa pentaenoic acid) of the beef showed no difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The arachidonic acid level tended to be higher in the 4CM than the NCM group (p = 0.07). Cr-Met had no influence (p>0.05) on the ratio of saturated, unsaturated, unsaturated/saturated, monounsaturated/saturated and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the 4CM group was comparatively higher than the NCM group (p<0.05). This study concluded that feeding Cr-Met supplementation in 400 ppb/d to Holstein steers for 4 months during late fattening period can improve some blood metabolites and beef quality by increasing PUFA and gamma-linoleate compositions of beef.

Effects of water addition to total mixed ration on water intake, nutrient digestibility, wool cortisol and blood indices in Corriedale ewes

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding water to total mixed ration (TMR) on fresh water intake, nutrient digestibility, wool cortisol, and blood indices in Corriedale ewes under hot and humid conditions. Methods Nine non-pregnant Corriedale ewes (ave. body weight = 41±3.5 kg) were individually fed diets based on maintenance requirements in metabolic crates. Ewes were assigned to three treatment groups according to a triplicate 3×3 Latin Square design for 3 periods of 21 days duration each (9 ewes per treatment, 27 replications). Treatments were TMR (crude protein [CP] = 16.1, total digestible nutrients = 69.1%) moisture levels for 40%, 50%, and 60%. Results No differences were found in body weight gain among all treatment groups (p>0.05). Nitrogen balance including digestible N, retained N, and urinary and fecal N showed no change among the treatment groups (p>0.05). Fresh water intake was the lower in 50% TMR moisture group than in the other groups (p<0.05). Other than ether extract which was higher in 60% TMR moisture group (p<0.05) the differences among nutrient digestibilities including CP, organic matter, dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrate were not significant (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed for serum protein, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, and triglyceride among the treatment groups (p>0.05). Wool and blood cortisol were not different among the treatment groups (p>0.05). Blood hematology including red blood cell, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, basophils, and eosinophils were not different among the treatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusion It is concluded that TMR moisture at 40%, 50%, and 60% had no effects on N balance parameters, and nutrient digestibilities except for the ether extract under hot and humid conditions. Additionally there were no effects on stress conditions include wool cortisol, as well as blood cortisol levels of ewes.

Microbial nitrogen production, nitrogen balance and excretion of urinary purine derivatives in Corriedale ewes under water deprivation

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine microbial N production, and urinary excretion of PDs in Corriedale ewes under water deprivation. Nine Corriedale ewes (average BW=45±4.5 kg) were individually fed diets based on maintenance requirements in metabolic crates. Ewes were assigned to three treatment groups according to a 3×3 Latin square design for 3 periods of 21 days duration. The treatments were free access to water (FAW ), 2h water deprivation (2hWD), and 3h water deprivation (3hWD) following feeding. Daily water intake decreased linearly as water deprivation time following feeding increased. Feed intake and fecal excretion were not different among the treatment groups. Urine weight and volume were higher in FAW than water deprived groups. Nitrogen balance including urinary N, retained N, urinary N/intake N, and retained N/intake N were lower in FAW group than other treatment groups, whereas no differences were observed in intake N, fecal N, digestible N, and fecal N/intake N among the treatment groups. Allantoin concentration tended to be higher in FAW group than 2hWD and 3hWD groups while no differences were observed in uric acid, xanthine+hypoxanthine and creatinine concentrations. Microbial N production per DOMR was higher in 2hWD and 3hWD groups than FAW group whereas no differences were observed between 2hWD and 3hWD groups. Index of PDC decreased linearly with water deprivation. It is concluded that water deprivation following feeding, especially 2 h water deprivation in ewes improved microbial N production.

Fatty acid profile of meat, diurnal changes in volatile fatty acids, rumen fluid parameters, and growth performance in Korean native (Hanwoo) steers fed high- and low-forage diets supplemented with chromium-methionine

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of forage level in diets supplemented with chromium-methionine (Cr-Met) on rumen fluid parameters, meat fatty acid composition, and performance of Korean beef (Hanwoo) steers. Twenty-three Hanwoo steers were used in this experiment. A completely randomized design and repeated measurements were used to analyze the data set. Beef steers were fed diets containing high (10 head; average body weight (BW) = 525.1±27.5; forage:concentrate (F:C) = 60:40) (60F) and low (13 head; average BW = 531.8±32.4; F:C = 40:60 ratio) (40F) forage diets supplemented with Cr-Met for 60 d. Dry matter intake, BW, and feed efficiency were not different between the two treatment groups. Fatty acid composition of meat including myristate, stearate, and gamma linoleate was not different between the two groups; however, palmitate, palimtoleate, and linoleate were higher in 60F group than 40F group. Ammonia-N showed a higher trend in 40F group, whereas pH demonstrated higher values in 60F group. Ruminal acetate was higher in 60F group than 40F group and maintained a high trend throughout the sampling time, whereas no differences were found in ruminal propionate, butyrate, and valerate between two groups. A high-forage diet (60%) improves meat quality and has no adverse effects on performance of Hanwoo steers.

A Cortisol Study; Facial Hair and Nails

Current methods for measuring cortisol levels can be challenging due to the need to take multiple urine, saliva or serum samples. Therefore, it seems necessary to find alternative matrices which can be used as stress indicators in which sample collection methods are non-invasive. Two experiments were conducted to first to test the feasibility of cortisol levels in facial hair and second to find a correlation among facial hair cortisol and cortisol levels in nails. In the first experiment, facial hair from five subjects was analyzed to confirm the presence of cortisol. The results of the assessment of facial hair showed that facial hair may be used to measure cortisol levels over a short period of time. In the second experiment, nineteen university students (males who regularly partake in martial artsaged: 22 ± 3.15) provided fingernail, toenail and facial hair samples at set intervals throughout the school year; 1) The Study Period-during the students every-day life (minimal stress conditions, baseline), 2) The Exam Periodfollowing students final exams (mental stress), and 3) The Fighting Period- following intensive martial arts training (physical stress). Cortisol in facial hair, toenails, and fingernails showed higher levels during both the Exam Period and the Fighting Period when compared to the baseline Study Period (p 0.05). A higher correlation in cortisol levels was observed between facial hair samples and toenails (r=0.73) than between fingernails and toenails (r=0.61). Overall, cortisol levels showed significant correlations between fingernails and toenails (p=0.001, r=0.61), fingernails and facial hair (p=0.01, r=0.54), and toenails and facial hair (p=0.001, r=0.73). Further research is needed to understand the relationship between facial hair and nail cortisol and their possible relationship with health disorders.