University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Extracting transcriptomic biomarker network in Staphylococcus aureus driven dairy cow’s mastitis using human genome Extracting transcriptomic biomarker network in Staphylococcus aureus driven dairy cow’s mastitis using human genome 1 12 2751 10.22124/ar.2018.2751 FA M. Ghaderi-Zefrehei Assistant Professor in Systems Biology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran F. Arjmand MSc. Student in Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran F. Samadian Assistant Professor in Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran M. Meamar Assistant Professor in Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran Journal Article 2017 03 18 Mastitis, as one of the most economically important cost-driven diseases in dairy cow industry, is an inflammation-driven disease of the bovine mammary gland that in recent decades has casted lots of attention. Mastitis has low heritability; therefore, it is a cumbersome job to manage it from animal breeding point of view. Considering the management of mastitis in dairy farms production and the nature of complex molecular mechanisms involving in this disease, extracting mastitis's transcriptomic biomarkers network using OMICS data due to some well-annotated genomes like human genome, sounds to be entirely compelling. In this research, by fitting a linear model on each gene of a Staphylococcus aureus governed DNA microarray experiment performed in dairy cow udder, a list of differentially expressed genes or biomarkers were obtained. It was dissected that genes encoding cytokines and chemokine's e.g. CXCL5, CCL2 ,CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8 shown differentially expressed pattern in staphylococcus aureus driven dairy’s cow mastitis. Biomarker network due to human genome orthologous genes indicated that APP (amyloid beta precursor protein) gene or biomarker shown the maximum degree of connection with other biological transcriptomic biomarkers. The results of this study can be used in breeding programs and drug-targeting studies to cure mastitis. Mastitis, as one of the most economically important cost-driven diseases in dairy cow industry, is an inflammation-driven disease of the bovine mammary gland that in recent decades has casted lots of attention. Mastitis has low heritability; therefore, it is a cumbersome job to manage it from animal breeding point of view. Considering the management of mastitis in dairy farms production and the nature of complex molecular mechanisms involving in this disease, extracting mastitis's transcriptomic biomarkers network using OMICS data due to some well-annotated genomes like human genome, sounds to be entirely compelling. In this research, by fitting a linear model on each gene of a Staphylococcus aureus governed DNA microarray experiment performed in dairy cow udder, a list of differentially expressed genes or biomarkers were obtained. It was dissected that genes encoding cytokines and chemokine's e.g. CXCL5, CCL2 ,CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8 shown differentially expressed pattern in staphylococcus aureus driven dairy’s cow mastitis. Biomarker network due to human genome orthologous genes indicated that APP (amyloid beta precursor protein) gene or biomarker shown the maximum degree of connection with other biological transcriptomic biomarkers. The results of this study can be used in breeding programs and drug-targeting studies to cure mastitis.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2751_e9717a59d223151a895f41ab5f95ef57.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of different levels of saponins, gallic acid and tannic acid on in vitro ruminally fermentation kinetic Effect of different levels of saponins, gallic acid and tannic acid on in vitro ruminally fermentation kinetic 13 25 2752 10.22124/ar.2018.2752 FA J. Bayat Kouhsar Assistant Professor of Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Iran F. Maghsoudloo Former MSc. Student of Animal Science Department, Fculty of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources, Ganbad Kavous Universty, Iran F. Fathei Former MSc. Student of Animal Science Department, Fculty of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources, Ganbad Kavous Universty, Iran F. Ghanbari Assistant Professor of Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Iran 0000-0002-6599-761X Journal Article 2017 02 07 This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect of different levels (2.5, 5 and 10 % of DM) of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid on gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, using gas production technique and batch culture. Results showed that there were significant differences among treatments on gas production and rate of gas production (P<0.05). Gas production and rate of gas production were higher for control treatment than other groups. The control treatment and treatments with different levels of saponin had the highest and lowest cumulative gas production. However, addition of different levels of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid caused to decrease organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and treatment contained 10% of gallic acid had the lowest OMD, ME and SCFAs. Nitrogen-ammonia concentration was the highest (10.76 mg/dl) and lowest (5.79 mg/dl) in control treatment and treatment contained 10% of tannic acid, respectively. There were significant differences among treatments on gas production, partitioning factor and microbial crude protein (P<0.05). In general, obtained results of this study showed that using different levels of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid had no significant effect on in vitro ruminally fermentation parameters. This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect of different levels (2.5, 5 and 10 % of DM) of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid on gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, using gas production technique and batch culture. Results showed that there were significant differences among treatments on gas production and rate of gas production (P<0.05). Gas production and rate of gas production were higher for control treatment than other groups. The control treatment and treatments with different levels of saponin had the highest and lowest cumulative gas production. However, addition of different levels of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid caused to decrease organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and treatment contained 10% of gallic acid had the lowest OMD, ME and SCFAs. Nitrogen-ammonia concentration was the highest (10.76 mg/dl) and lowest (5.79 mg/dl) in control treatment and treatment contained 10% of tannic acid, respectively. There were significant differences among treatments on gas production, partitioning factor and microbial crude protein (P<0.05). In general, obtained results of this study showed that using different levels of saponin, gallic acid and tannic acid had no significant effect on in vitro ruminally fermentation parameters.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2752_4a8ca7ace8215e1568c35e03f79ff3f8.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of using different sources of nitrogen on digestibility and nitrogen balance in Mehraban male lambs Effect of using different sources of nitrogen on digestibility and nitrogen balance in Mehraban male lambs 27 38 2753 10.22124/ar.2018.7628.1219 FA M. Mahmoudi-Abyane Ph.D student, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran D. Alipour Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran H. R. Moghimi Professor, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2017 05 30 This study was conducted to compare effect of different nitrogen sources on the rate of release, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility in Mehraban male lambs. Digestibility parameters and nitrogen balance were measured in 15 Mehraban male lambs. The experiment lasted 21 days including 16 days of adaptation and five days for sample collection. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Diets were included concentrate, mineral and vitamin supplements plus: 1) wheat straw and soybean meal, 2) wheat straw and urea, 3) wheat straw and Optigen® (a commercial slow-release urea supplement) and 4) wheat straw and slow-release urea produced in laboratory. Before beginning the in vivo experiment, release rate of slow-release urea sources in water and also rumen disappearance was measured. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter did not affect by treatments, whereas the digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly different in the treatments containing slow-release urea supplement in comparison of soybean meal treatment (P<0.05). The amount of nitrogen excreted in urine was significantly higher in urea treatment while retention of nitrogen in slow release urea diets was significantly lower (P<0.05) than other treatments. The results of this study were shown that the slow release urea produced in this study had suitable rate of release in rumen and it could be used in ruminant diets containing low quality forages as a supplement. This study was conducted to compare effect of different nitrogen sources on the rate of release, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility in Mehraban male lambs. Digestibility parameters and nitrogen balance were measured in 15 Mehraban male lambs. The experiment lasted 21 days including 16 days of adaptation and five days for sample collection. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Diets were included concentrate, mineral and vitamin supplements plus: 1) wheat straw and soybean meal, 2) wheat straw and urea, 3) wheat straw and Optigen® (a commercial slow-release urea supplement) and 4) wheat straw and slow-release urea produced in laboratory. Before beginning the in vivo experiment, release rate of slow-release urea sources in water and also rumen disappearance was measured. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter did not affect by treatments, whereas the digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly different in the treatments containing slow-release urea supplement in comparison of soybean meal treatment (P<0.05). The amount of nitrogen excreted in urine was significantly higher in urea treatment while retention of nitrogen in slow release urea diets was significantly lower (P<0.05) than other treatments. The results of this study were shown that the slow release urea produced in this study had suitable rate of release in rumen and it could be used in ruminant diets containing low quality forages as a supplement.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2753_1d686f471f2241c0262da0100c086179.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of different additives on dry matter degradability of mustard forage (Brassica juncea) silage at different phenological stages Effect of different additives on dry matter degradability of mustard forage (Brassica juncea) silage at different phenological stages 39 54 2754 10.22124/ar.2018.6960.1171 FA N. Ghahari MSc. Student of Animal and Poultry Nutrition of Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran T. Ghoorchi Professor of Animal and Poultry Nutrition of Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran M. Shahi MSc. Student of Animal and Poultry Nutrition of Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran M. T. Feyzbakhsh Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran Journal Article 2017 02 20 The aims of the current study were to investigate the in vitro dry matter degradation of mustard (Brassica juncea) forage in various stages of growth, and the impact of molasses and urea on the quality of its silage.In the first trial, chemical composition including dry matter and crude protein in three phenological development stages (vegetative, flowering and soft dough) was measured. Then 1.5 kg of fresh mustard forage were chopped and mixed with molasses and urea and ensiled in the laboratory silos. Different treatments were applied, including control (no additive), 5 or 10% molasses, 0.5 or 1% urea, and 0.5% urea plus 5% molasses. The silages were kept for 45 days at room temperature. Then dry matter of silages was determined, silages appearance, pH and temperature were evaluated. In the second trial, the dry matter degradability of plant and mustard (Brassica juncea) silage were measured by nylon bag method.Advancing plant development and maturity stages significantly (P< 0.05) increased dry matter and decreased crude protein contents. Evaluation of the appearance revealed that the silages, with different levels of molasses, established good and very good qualities. During the ensiling, dry matter was decreased significantly (P< 0.05) and the silages with molasses additive had significantly higher dry matter than the others (P< 0.05). Silage pH was decreased (P<0.05) by adding molasses, and increased by urea. Aerobic stability of silages in vegetative and flowering stages was significantly higher than the soft dough stage (P<0.05). In all plant developmental phases, the highest percentage of dry matter disappearance, the rapid decomposition, the potential degradability and effective degradability were belonging to silage treated with molasses and the highest part of slow degradability was belonging to the silage without additive. The aims of the current study were to investigate the in vitro dry matter degradation of mustard (Brassica juncea) forage in various stages of growth, and the impact of molasses and urea on the quality of its silage.In the first trial, chemical composition including dry matter and crude protein in three phenological development stages (vegetative, flowering and soft dough) was measured. Then 1.5 kg of fresh mustard forage were chopped and mixed with molasses and urea and ensiled in the laboratory silos. Different treatments were applied, including control (no additive), 5 or 10% molasses, 0.5 or 1% urea, and 0.5% urea plus 5% molasses. The silages were kept for 45 days at room temperature. Then dry matter of silages was determined, silages appearance, pH and temperature were evaluated. In the second trial, the dry matter degradability of plant and mustard (Brassica juncea) silage were measured by nylon bag method.Advancing plant development and maturity stages significantly (P< 0.05) increased dry matter and decreased crude protein contents. Evaluation of the appearance revealed that the silages, with different levels of molasses, established good and very good qualities. During the ensiling, dry matter was decreased significantly (P< 0.05) and the silages with molasses additive had significantly higher dry matter than the others (P< 0.05). Silage pH was decreased (P<0.05) by adding molasses, and increased by urea. Aerobic stability of silages in vegetative and flowering stages was significantly higher than the soft dough stage (P<0.05). In all plant developmental phases, the highest percentage of dry matter disappearance, the rapid decomposition, the potential degradability and effective degradability were belonging to silage treated with molasses and the highest part of slow degradability was belonging to the silage without additive.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2754_5f8aa5f51d54e4338d78fd2b74e4c628.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of steam flaking with different process conditions on dry matter and crude protein degradability of barley grain in Holstein cows Effect of steam flaking with different process conditions on dry matter and crude protein degradability of barley grain in Holstein cows 55 67 2755 10.22124/ar.2018.2755 FA N. Bagheri PhD student, Department of Animal science, Faculty of Agricultural, university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran H. Amanlou Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran M. Dehghan-Banadaki Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran H. R. Mirzaei Alamouti Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran H. Khalilvandi Behroozyar Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Urmia, Urmia, Iran Journal Article 2017 02 25 Effects of different processing conditions in steam flaking was examined on the dry matter and crude protein degradability of barley grain in Holstein cows. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in completely randomized design. Two levels of pressure (3 and 5 Bar), 3 levels of heating temperature (75, 90 and 105 centigrade), and three levels of the roll interspaces (low, medium and high) were used. In situ ruminal degradability was measured using three ruminally fistulated Holstein cows.Dry matter and crude protein degradability of processed materials were significantly decreased by steam flaking compared with untreated barley (P<0.05). Rumen degradability of dry matter and crude protein were decreased by increasing heat, pressure and decreasing space between rolls (P<0.05). The amount of immediately degraded fraction (a) of dry matter and crude protein of treated barley were decreased by steam flaking, compared with untreated barley. Significant reduction of potentially degradable fraction (b) in dry matter and crude protein were observed in treated barley (P<0.05). Additionally, increased pressure and heat and reduced roll interspace decreased effective degradability (P<0.05).According to reducing effects of steam flaking on the degradability of dry matter and crude protein, high degradability of barley grain and acidosis can be alleviated by steam flaking. Effects of different processing conditions in steam flaking was examined on the dry matter and crude protein degradability of barley grain in Holstein cows. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in completely randomized design. Two levels of pressure (3 and 5 Bar), 3 levels of heating temperature (75, 90 and 105 centigrade), and three levels of the roll interspaces (low, medium and high) were used. In situ ruminal degradability was measured using three ruminally fistulated Holstein cows.Dry matter and crude protein degradability of processed materials were significantly decreased by steam flaking compared with untreated barley (P<0.05). Rumen degradability of dry matter and crude protein were decreased by increasing heat, pressure and decreasing space between rolls (P<0.05). The amount of immediately degraded fraction (a) of dry matter and crude protein of treated barley were decreased by steam flaking, compared with untreated barley. Significant reduction of potentially degradable fraction (b) in dry matter and crude protein were observed in treated barley (P<0.05). Additionally, increased pressure and heat and reduced roll interspace decreased effective degradability (P<0.05).According to reducing effects of steam flaking on the degradability of dry matter and crude protein, high degradability of barley grain and acidosis can be alleviated by steam flaking.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2755_583f33299780d7eb2e194882ebf3084c.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of different levels of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil on performance, some blood and immunity parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions Effect of different levels of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil on performance, some blood and immunity parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions 69 80 2756 10.22124/ar.2018.2756 FA S. Bayati MSc. Graduated Student, Animal Science Department, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahwaz, Iran S. Salari Associate Professor, Animal Science Department, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahwaz, Iran A. Tatar Assistant Professor, Animal science department, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mllasani, Ahwaz, Iran M. Sari Associate Professor, Animal Science Department, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahwaz, Iran Kh. Mirzadeh Associate Professor, Animal Science Department, Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Ahwaz, Iran Journal Article 2016 12 02 An experiment was conducted to evaluate different levels of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil on performance, blood and immunity parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. Completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 150, 300 and 450 ppm of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil) was used for 42 days. Broilers were under heat stress conditions from 22 days of age. Increasing levels of essential oil in the diet significantly decreased feed intake in comparison with the control at the starter period. But level of 450 ppm essential oil had the highest feed intake during grower period and total of experiment. Feed conversion ratio significantly decreased by increasing levels of essential oil compared with the control. Triglyceride and LDL cholesterol concentration were significantly decreased at the level of 450 ppm essential oil. Percentage of heterophile, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) decreased, and percentages of lymphocyte and monocyte increased by increasing levels of essential oil at 21 days of age (P<0.05). But there was not significant difference between treatments after heat stress at 42 days of age. Bursa of Fabricius weight was the highest at the level of 450 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). Gastrointestinal tract and gizzard weight significantly increased at the level of 150 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). Abdominal fat weight significantly decreased at the level of 450 ppm essential oil. Highest percentage ash of tibia was observed at 450 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, the use of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil up to 300 ppm in broiler nutrition under heat stress was recommended. An experiment was conducted to evaluate different levels of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil on performance, blood and immunity parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. Completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 150, 300 and 450 ppm of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil) was used for 42 days. Broilers were under heat stress conditions from 22 days of age. Increasing levels of essential oil in the diet significantly decreased feed intake in comparison with the control at the starter period. But level of 450 ppm essential oil had the highest feed intake during grower period and total of experiment. Feed conversion ratio significantly decreased by increasing levels of essential oil compared with the control. Triglyceride and LDL cholesterol concentration were significantly decreased at the level of 450 ppm essential oil. Percentage of heterophile, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) decreased, and percentages of lymphocyte and monocyte increased by increasing levels of essential oil at 21 days of age (P<0.05). But there was not significant difference between treatments after heat stress at 42 days of age. Bursa of Fabricius weight was the highest at the level of 450 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). Gastrointestinal tract and gizzard weight significantly increased at the level of 150 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). Abdominal fat weight significantly decreased at the level of 450 ppm essential oil. Highest percentage ash of tibia was observed at 450 ppm essential oil (P<0.05). According to the results of this experiment, the use of Salvia mirzayanii essential oil up to 300 ppm in broiler nutrition under heat stress was recommended.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2756_936c1a3a4059a7c3502d7083f494e8cd.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of different levels of grape pomace on egg production performance and egg internal quality during different keeping times and temperatures Effect of different levels of grape pomace on egg production performance and egg internal quality during different keeping times and temperatures 81 91 2757 10.22124/ar.2018.2757 FA S. A. Mirghelenj Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran R. Kianfar Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 0000-0003-3950-8963 H. Janmohammadi Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran A. Taghizadeh Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2017 02 25 An experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of different levels of grape pomace in diets of laying hens on egg production performance and egg internal quality traits during different times and temperatures. One hundred and sixty Leghorn laying hens in post-molting phase were assigned to four treatments with five replications and eight birds each based on completely randomized design. The birds fed experimental diets containing zero, 1.5, 3 and 4.5% of grape pomace for eight weeks. Egg samples from treatment 4 were selected and stored in different temperatures (4 and 27° C) and duration times (1 day, 1 week and 1 month after production) at the end of experiment, then their internal quality traits were evaluated. Results showed that with the use of 4.5% grape pomace, the egg production rate, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio of birds were not affected, but feed intake decreased (P<0.05). Evaluation of egg quality traits during different storage duration times and temperatures showed that 4.5% grape pomace in diet increased Haugh unit and decreased albumen pH of eggs (P<0.05). Interaction effects showed that although, Haugh unit of eggs decreased and albumen pH increased with increasing storage duration time, but the use of 4.5% grape pomace could restrict fluctuations. In conclusion, it is possible to use 4.5% grape pomace in layer hen diets in post-molting phase without having any negative effects on production performance and due to antioxidant properties of grape pomace, it might keep egg internal quality during storage times. An experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of different levels of grape pomace in diets of laying hens on egg production performance and egg internal quality traits during different times and temperatures. One hundred and sixty Leghorn laying hens in post-molting phase were assigned to four treatments with five replications and eight birds each based on completely randomized design. The birds fed experimental diets containing zero, 1.5, 3 and 4.5% of grape pomace for eight weeks. Egg samples from treatment 4 were selected and stored in different temperatures (4 and 27° C) and duration times (1 day, 1 week and 1 month after production) at the end of experiment, then their internal quality traits were evaluated. Results showed that with the use of 4.5% grape pomace, the egg production rate, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio of birds were not affected, but feed intake decreased (P<0.05). Evaluation of egg quality traits during different storage duration times and temperatures showed that 4.5% grape pomace in diet increased Haugh unit and decreased albumen pH of eggs (P<0.05). Interaction effects showed that although, Haugh unit of eggs decreased and albumen pH increased with increasing storage duration time, but the use of 4.5% grape pomace could restrict fluctuations. In conclusion, it is possible to use 4.5% grape pomace in layer hen diets in post-molting phase without having any negative effects on production performance and due to antioxidant properties of grape pomace, it might keep egg internal quality during storage times.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2757_8f13d763c3875466bda0318cf4faceef.pdf

University of Guilan Animal Production Research 2252-0872 6 4 2018 02 20 Effect of source and particle size of dietary fiber on performance and egg quality in commercial laying hens Effect of source and particle size of dietary fiber on performance and egg quality in commercial laying hens 93 106 2758 10.22124/ar.2018.8043.1235 FA P. Azizi Graduated MSc. Student, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran S. Moradi Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Journal Article 2017 07 19 This study was conducted to determine effect of sources and particle size of fiber on performance, egg quality and pH of excreta in laying hens. A total of 324 Lohmann LSL-lite laying hens was arranged in a factorial experiment with nine dietary treatments, each replicated six times. Experimental treatments consisted of two fiber sources (sunflower hulls, SFH and sugar beet pulp, SBP), two levels of fiber (2.5 and 5%), two fiber particle size (fine, 2 mm and coarse, 6 mm) with a control group. Results showed that main effects of sources, level and particle size of fibers did not significantly affect hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and body weight gain. On week 30, inclusion of coarse SFH (5%) significantly reduced shell weight and shell thickness (P< 0.05), also yolk color was decreased in birds fed 2.5% of SFH with fine particle, whereas yolk color was greater in birds received 5% SBP than control (P< 0.0001). On week 38, main effect of fiber source was significant on haugh unit, and albumin quality was higher in SBP than SFH (P< 0.05). Feeding fiber sources elevated pH of excreta compared to control (P< 0.05). The inclusion of up to 5% SFH and SBP at the expense of the control diet did not have any negative effect on productive performance of laying hens, however, more attention is needed to effects on egg quality. This study was conducted to determine effect of sources and particle size of fiber on performance, egg quality and pH of excreta in laying hens. A total of 324 Lohmann LSL-lite laying hens was arranged in a factorial experiment with nine dietary treatments, each replicated six times. Experimental treatments consisted of two fiber sources (sunflower hulls, SFH and sugar beet pulp, SBP), two levels of fiber (2.5 and 5%), two fiber particle size (fine, 2 mm and coarse, 6 mm) with a control group. Results showed that main effects of sources, level and particle size of fibers did not significantly affect hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and body weight gain. On week 30, inclusion of coarse SFH (5%) significantly reduced shell weight and shell thickness (P< 0.05), also yolk color was decreased in birds fed 2.5% of SFH with fine particle, whereas yolk color was greater in birds received 5% SBP than control (P< 0.0001). On week 38, main effect of fiber source was significant on haugh unit, and albumin quality was higher in SBP than SFH (P< 0.05). Feeding fiber sources elevated pH of excreta compared to control (P< 0.05). The inclusion of up to 5% SFH and SBP at the expense of the control diet did not have any negative effect on productive performance of laying hens, however, more attention is needed to effects on egg quality.

https://ar.guilan.ac.ir/article_2758_8197d5f38cb10aafe2181b257fa9f11c.pdf