Mehdi Toghyani | Azad University of Khorasgan (original) (raw)

Papers by Mehdi Toghyani

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated Non-Bound Amino Acid Inclusions in Reduced-Crude Protein, Wheat-Based Diets Contribute to Compromised Performance in Broiler Chickens

Research paper thumbnail of Essential amino acid recommendations for Isa Brown layers during peak and post peak production

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary crude protein concentrations and L-carnitine inclusions interactively influence performance parameters of grower broiler chickens offered sorghum-based diets

Animal Feed Science and Technology

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of dietary crude protein concentrations, fishmeal, and sorghum inclusions in broiler chickens offered wheat-based diet via Box-Behnken response surface design

PLOS ONE, 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP), fishmea... more The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP), fishmeal and sorghum on nutrient utilisation, digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates of starch and protein, amino acid concentrations in systemic plasma and their relevance to growth performance of broiler chickens using the Box-Behnken response surface design. The design consisted of three factors at three levels including dietary CP (190, 210, 230 g/kg), fishmeal (0, 50, 100 g/kg), and sorghum (0, 150, 300 g/kg). A total of 390 male, off-sex Ross 308 chicks were offered experimental diets from 14 to 35 days post-hatch. Growth performance, nutrient utilisation, starch and protein digestibilities and plasma free amino acids were determined. Dietary CP had a negative linear impact on weight gain where the transition from 230 to 190 g/kg CP increased weight gain by 9.43% (1835 versus 2008 g/bird, P = 0.006). Moreover, dietary CP linearly depressed feed intake (r = -0.486. P < 0.001...

Research paper thumbnail of Amino acid requirements for laying hens: a comprehensive review

Poultry Science, 2021

The main aim of this review is to consolidate the relevant published data examining amino acid re... more The main aim of this review is to consolidate the relevant published data examining amino acid requirements of layer hens and to reach a new set of recommendation based on these data. There are inconsistences in lysine, sulphur-containing amino acids, threonine, tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, and arginine recommendations in data that have surfaced since 1994. This review finds that breed, age, basal diet composition, and assessment method have contributed toward inconsistencies in amino acid recommendations. Presently, the development of reduced-protein diets for layer hens is receiving increasing attention because of the demand for sustainable production. This involves quite radical changes in diet composition with inclusions of nonbound, essential and nonessential amino acids. Increasing inclusions of nonbound amino acids into layer diets modifies protein digestive dynamics, and it may influence amino acid requirements in layer hens. This review considers present amino acid recommendations for layer hens and proposes refinements that may better serve the needs of the layer industry in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential of blended organic acids to improve performance and health of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis

Animal Nutrition, 2021

Organic acids (OA) and their blends have been shown to positively affect performance and health o... more Organic acids (OA) and their blends have been shown to positively affect performance and health of broilers. However, the data in the literature are not consistent. This study examined the potential of blended short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on performance, health and welfare of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis (NE). The additives used were: A) a blend of SCFA, MCFA, and a phenolic compound (SMP); B) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with MCFA (SMF); C) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with a high concentration of MCFA (SHM). A total of 1,404 Ross 308 one-day-old male parental chicks were randomly distributed into 78-floor pens with 13 replicates of 18 birds each. Six treatments were the following: T1, unchallenged control (UCC); T2, challenged control (CHC); T3, challenged group plus zinc bacitracin (BAC); T4, challenged group plus additive SMP; T5, challenged group plus additive SMF; T6, challenged group plus additive SHM. Challenged birds were gavaged with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens EHE-NE18 on d 14. Post NE challenge and cumulatively, BWG, FCR, and nutrient digestibility of birds were compromised (P < 0.05) by NE challenge indicating a successful induction of sub-clinical NE. Additive SHM had higher BWG compared to CHC and BAC groups (P = 0.001; d 10 to 24) but not different from SMP and SMF groups (P > 0.05). All the 3 additive groups had lower FCR compared to CHC (P = 0.001; d 0 to 35), and exhibited similar jejunal lesions (d 16) compared to BAC and apparent ileal protein digestibility (d 21) compared to UCC and BAC groups (P > 0.05). Birds in additive SHM group had a higher concentration of serum IgA compared to all groups (P = 0.001) except additive SMF (P > 0.05; d 21). All the additive groups had lower footpad dermatitis and hock burns compared to CHC (P < 0.05). The findings suggest the potential of blended OA as alternatives to BAC to protect broilers from NE indicated by improved FCR, immunity, digestibility, and bird welfare.

Research paper thumbnail of Cottonseed Meal Bioactive Peptides as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Chicks

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 2020

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bioactive peptides derived from enzymat... more The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of cottonseed meal (CSBP) compared with zinc bacitracin, as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), on productive traits, serum lipid profile, and ileal microbial population in broiler chickens. A total number of 240-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated into 4 treatments, replicated 5 times based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included a basal diet serving as control group, basal diet + 40 mg/kg zinc bacitracin as AGP group, and the basal diet supplemented with 15 or 20 g/ kg CSBP substituting equal quantity of maize and soybean meal. Performance traits, including daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and livability were recorded. At the end of the study, serum lipid parameters, ileal microbial population, and economical indices were determined. The results indicated that feed intake and FCR increased (P < 0.05) in birds receiving 20 g/kg CSBP over the entire period (1-35 days), but there was no significant effect of CSBP on body weight, although numerically higher than the control group. However, the antibiotic group showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and feed intake. Livability, European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and European Broiler Index (EBI) significantly improved in broiler chickens fed antibiotic and 15 g/kg CSBP supplement (P < 0.05). Adding 20 g/kg of CSBP to the diet significantly increased serum triglycerides and decreased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to the control and antibiotic groups on day 35. The relative weight of abdominal fat and LDL to HDL ratio were significantly lower for CSBP and antibiotic treatments than the control group (P < 0.05). Supplementation of antibiotic and both graded levels of CSBP decreased the ileum population of Escherichia coli (P < 0.05). The current findings suggest that including CSBP in broiler diets may benefit production through improving growth rate of broilers and balancing gut microbiota population. In addition, CSBP could be considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics in an AGP free production system.

Research paper thumbnail of cEffect of sequential and intermittent white, green and blue monochromatic lights on productive traits, some immune and stress responses of broiler chickens

Livestock Science, 2019

Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effect of sequential and intermittent white, bl... more Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effect of sequential and intermittent white, blue and green monochromatic lights on growth performance, some stress and physiological responses of broiler chickens. A total of 630 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 9 light treatments replicated five times with 14 chicks in each replicate. The sequential light treatments included white (WL), green (GL) or blue (BL) monochromatic light throughout the 7-wk experimental period. The intermittent lighting patterns consisted of periodic application of each monochromatic light for the starter (1–14 d), grower (15–28 d) and finisher (29–42 d) phases, resulting in the following light treatments WGB, WBG, GWB, GBW, BWG and BGW, for the starter, grower and finisher, respectively. The light intensity was set at 10 lx/m2 for the entire experimental period and all the birds were offered a corn-SBM based starter, grower and finisher diets for ad libitum consumption. Chicks reared under intermittent lighting pattern of WGB exhibited the highest body weight and the lowest feed conversion ratio (P

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary energy, digestible lysine, and available phosphorus levels affect growth performance, carcass traits, and amino acid digestibility of broilers

Poultry science, 2018

A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the interaction effect of dietary ... more A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the interaction effect of dietary digestible lysine (dLys, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 g/kg), apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn, 12.77, 13.19, 13.61 MJ/kg) and available P (avP, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 g/kg) levels on performance and amino acid (AA) digestibility of Ross 308 male broilers (n = 1,050) from d 14 to 34. The design consisted of 15 treatments each replicated 5 times with 12 birds per replicate. On d 34, 3 birds were sampled from each pen to collect ileal digesta (pooled per pen) to analyze AA. Response surface was fitted by first-, second-, or third-degree polynomial regressions in JMP statistical software v. 12.0.1. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were affected by dLys (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), AMEn (linear, P < 0.01) and AMEn × avP (P < 0.01). Increased dLys increased FI but increased AMEn decreased FI in the birds fed the low-avP diet. However, when the avP level in the diet...

Research paper thumbnail of Sources and levels of copper affect liver copper profile, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota population of broiler chickens fed wheat-soybean meal diets

Scientific Reports

Super dosing copper (Cu) has long been used as an alternative to antibiotic growth-promoters in b... more Super dosing copper (Cu) has long been used as an alternative to antibiotic growth-promoters in broiler chickens’ diet to improve gut health. This study was designed to compare nutritional and growth-promoting levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CH) with CuSO4 on gut health bio-markers and liver mineral profile of broiler chickens. Ross 308 chicks (n = 864) were randomly assigned to eight treatments, as basal diet containing no supplemental Cu; the basal diet with 15 or 200 mg/kg Cu as CuSO4; or 15, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg Cu from CH. The highest liver Cu content was observed in birds fed the diets with 200 mg/kg CuSO4 (P < 0.01). Serum FITC-d concentration as the leaky gut marker, and liver malondialdehyde concentration were not affected. Copper level or source had no effect on cecal short chain fatty acid and the mRNA expression of five jejunal genes involved in gut integrity. Negative linear responses of Cu were observed on Lactobacillus (P = 0.032), Bacteroides (P = 0.033), and E...

Research paper thumbnail of Organic acid blends improve intestinal integrity, modulate short-chain fatty acids profiles and alter microbiota of broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge

Research paper thumbnail of Modeling daily feed intake of broiler chicks

Fast growth rate is one of the main characteristics of broiler chicks emanating from their high a... more Fast growth rate is one of the main characteristics of broiler chicks emanating from their high appetite. Probably it is right to say that broilers appetite depends on energy concentration of the diet, but the optimum energy concentration of the diet it is still disputable. Therefore taking into the account chick's real energy requirements, considering physiological and environmental changes relative to the values exhibited in chick's requirements tables seems to be a viable strategy for optimizing the costs. Poultry nutritionists have been trying to make an accurate estimation of bird's energy requirements using statistical models. Energy models estimate energy considering different influential factors on bird's energy requirements. But since these estimative models express energy requirements as kcal/day, it is seems essential to know the amount of chick daily feed intake in different stages of growth, which can help to formulate diets with optimum energy levels. Considering the importance of an accurate estimation of birds' daily feed intake and its impact on at making these estimative models more practical, this study aimed at using a quadric regression models estimating daily feed intake relative to chick's daily body weight according to the data provided by Ross 308 requirements tables. The results led to the definition of a quadric regression model with a high coefficient of determination (R 2 ).Therefore it can be concluded that there is a high correlation between daily feed intake and daily body weight changes in Ross 308 broiler chicks.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of low-glucosinolate rapeseed meal in diets with multi-enzyme supplement on performance and protein digestibility in broiler chicks

Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences

Three hundred and eighty-four day-old Ross broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized ex... more Three hundred and eighty-four day-old Ross broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized experimental design with 4×2 factorial arrangements using four rapeseed meal (RSM) levels with and without a multi-enzyme preparation. RSM levels included: A: control (without RSM); B: 5, 10 and 15%; C: 10, 15 and 20%; D: 15, 20 and 25% RSM in starter, grower and fi nisher periods, respectively. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in treatments B and C were similar to controls, but in treatment D, weight gain decreased and FCR increased (P<0.05). Feed intake of broilers was not affected by different levels of RSM (P>0.05). Enzyme supplementation had no signifi cant effect (P>0.05) on growth performance but resulted in a signifi cant increase in ileal digestibility of protein (P<0.05). Feeding high levels of RSM (Treatment D) signifi cantly increased liver and gizzard weights and decreased abdominal fat (P<0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of probiotic and prebiotic as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on productive and carcass traits of broiler chicks

The application of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in livestock diet threatens consumer healt... more The application of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in livestock diet threatens consumer health and has arisen into a controversial issue worldwide. Thus,this study was designed to investigate the impact of probiotic and prebiotic as growth promoter agents compared to antibiotic on performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks. A total of two hundred and forty,one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replicates of fifteen chicks based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control, experimental groups receiving 3 mg/kg flavophospholipol, 15mg/kg Protoxin TM and, 1 g/kg manna oligosaccharide as AGP, probiotic and prebiotic, respectively.Body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were recorded at 2 week intervalsto week 7of the experiment. At 42 d, two birds per replicate were slaughtered for determination of carcass yield and internal organ weights.Diet supplementationwith probiotic and prebiotic increased body weight of broilers at 28 and 42 d of age (P<0.05) compared to control birds. Broilers fed probiotic statistically consumed more feed over the entire experimental periods. Feed efficiency improved slightly in different periodsin supplemented groups compared to control birds. Carcass yield and relative organ weights were not influenced by dietary treatments, but inclusion of prebiotic and antibiotic in the diet significantly reduced the weight of abdominal fat pad of birds in comparison to control birds. The results obtained in this study indicated that dietary inclusion of probiotic and prebiotic supported a superior performance of chicksand can be applied as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions in broilers diet.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Wet and Sequential Feeding Subsequent to Early Skip A Day Feeding on Leg Weakness in Broiler Chicks

Skip a day feeding is among the methods implemented to retard early-life fast growth rate in broi... more Skip a day feeding is among the methods implemented to retard early-life fast growth rate in broilers and consequently reduce metabolic and skeletal disorders particularly sudden death syndrome, ascites and leg weakness. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of skip a day feeding program at an early age on leg weakness in broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety two day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were weighed and randomly allocated to one of four treatments with 4 replicates of 12 chicks each. Treatments included: control group where birds had free access to feed throughout the experiment, skip a day fed groups where birds were skip a day fed from 7 to 14 d and subsequently fed by the control diet, or fed a wet diet or subjected to sequential feeding program (24 h high energy diet and 24 h high protein diet) till 42 d of age. Leg weakness was assessed by gait scoring (GS), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), hock burn, foot burn and valgus/varus angulation at 42 d. Data we...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Post-Hatch Diet’s Type and Moisture Content on Performance, Yolk Sak Utilization and Small Intestine Development in Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different post-hatch diets varying in nutrient... more This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different post-hatch diets varying in nutrient composition and moisture on productive traits and intestine morphology in broilers. 600 day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 10 treatments including a control diet supplemented by casein and dextrose (CD), casein and starch (CS), gluten and dextrose (GD) or gluten and starch (GS). All the diets were prepared in either solid or semisolid form and fed from 1 to 7 d; afterward a commercial diet was fed. Growth performance, carcass traits and morphological development of small intestine at duodenum, jejunum and ileum were determined on days 3, 5, 7 and 21. Diets prepared in semi-solid form improved chicks body weight, FCR, yolk sac utilization and intestinal development, compared to solid diets (P < 0.01). Chicks fed on GD and GS semi-solid diets had the highest weight and the most efficient FCR at 7 and 21 d, respectively(P < 0.01). The highest yolk sac absorption rate at 5 and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of grinding and pelleting condition on efficiency of full-fat canola seed for replacing supplemental oil in broiler chicken diets

Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2015

Please cite this article in press as: Barekatain, M.R., et al., Effects of grinding and pelleting... more Please cite this article in press as: Barekatain, M.R., et al., Effects of grinding and pelleting condition on efficiency of full-fat canola seed for replacing supplemental oil in broiler chicken diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. (2015), http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of Projected future distribution of date palms and its potential use in alleviating micronutrient deficiency

Journal of the science of food and agriculture, Jan 2, 2015

Micronutrient deficiency develops when nutrient intake does not match nutritional requirements fo... more Micronutrient deficiency develops when nutrient intake does not match nutritional requirements for maintaining healthy tissue and organ functions which may have long-ranging effects on health, learning ability and productivity. Inadequacy of iron, zinc and vitamin A are the most important micronutrient deficiencies. Consumption of a 100g portion of date flesh from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been reported to meet approximately half the daily dietary recommended intake of these micronutrients. This study investigated the potential distribution of P. dactylifera under future climates to address its potential long term use as a food commodity to tackle micronutrient deficiencies in some developing countries. Modelling outputs indicated large shifts in areas conducive to date palm cultivation, based on global scale alteration over the next sixty years. Most of the regions suffering from micronutrient deficiencies were projected to become highly conducive for date palm cultiva...

Research paper thumbnail of Performance, Carcass Traits and Hematological Parameters of Heat-Stressed Broiler Chicks in Response to Dietary Levels of Chromium Picolinate

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) as a Biological Growth Promoter on Performance, Humoral Immunity, and Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chicks

The Journal of Poultry Science, 2012

This study was conducted to determine the impacts of two levels of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ost... more This study was conducted to determine the impacts of two levels of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) powder on productive and carcass traits, humoral immune responses, and blood characteristics of Ross 308 male broiler chicks reared to 42 d of age in comparison with a prebiotic supplement. Two hundred and forty, day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with four replicates of 15 chicks based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control, prebiotic group receiving 1 g/kg A-Max ® (Mannan-oligosaccharides), 10, and 20 g/kg oyster mushroom powder added to the basal diet. The obtained results showed that inclusion of 20 g/kg mushroom powder significantly improved body weight over the starter and grower (P＜0.05) while feed efficiency was improved only over the starter (P＜0.05) period compared to the control group. Considering the entire experimental period, (1-42 d) birds receiving prebiotic supplemented diets exhibited the highest body weight and lowest feed conversion ratio relative to the other treatments (P＜0.05). Carcass yield and internal organs relative weights were not influenced by dietary treatments, but prebiotic supplementation significantly (P＜0.05) decreased abdominal fat pad compared to the control group. Newcastle, influenza and sheep red blood cell antibody responses of chicks did not differ significantly at either level of inclusion of supplements. Chicks fed supplemented diets had the lowest serum triglyceride concentration at 42 day (P＜0.05) compared to the control chicks, but other biochemical and hematological values tested including protein, albumin, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol, red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin and hematocrit were not markedly affected by treatments. In conclusion the obtained results indicated that oyster mushroom powder at an inclusion level of 20 g/kg of diet had favorable effects on performance criteria of chicks reared to 28 day of age while, prebiotic supplementation revealed its beneficial impact on chicks productive traits at slaughter age, besides reducing carcass abdominal fat and serum triglyceride concentration at 42 day.

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated Non-Bound Amino Acid Inclusions in Reduced-Crude Protein, Wheat-Based Diets Contribute to Compromised Performance in Broiler Chickens

Research paper thumbnail of Essential amino acid recommendations for Isa Brown layers during peak and post peak production

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary crude protein concentrations and L-carnitine inclusions interactively influence performance parameters of grower broiler chickens offered sorghum-based diets

Animal Feed Science and Technology

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of dietary crude protein concentrations, fishmeal, and sorghum inclusions in broiler chickens offered wheat-based diet via Box-Behnken response surface design

PLOS ONE, 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP), fishmea... more The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP), fishmeal and sorghum on nutrient utilisation, digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates of starch and protein, amino acid concentrations in systemic plasma and their relevance to growth performance of broiler chickens using the Box-Behnken response surface design. The design consisted of three factors at three levels including dietary CP (190, 210, 230 g/kg), fishmeal (0, 50, 100 g/kg), and sorghum (0, 150, 300 g/kg). A total of 390 male, off-sex Ross 308 chicks were offered experimental diets from 14 to 35 days post-hatch. Growth performance, nutrient utilisation, starch and protein digestibilities and plasma free amino acids were determined. Dietary CP had a negative linear impact on weight gain where the transition from 230 to 190 g/kg CP increased weight gain by 9.43% (1835 versus 2008 g/bird, P = 0.006). Moreover, dietary CP linearly depressed feed intake (r = -0.486. P < 0.001...

Research paper thumbnail of Amino acid requirements for laying hens: a comprehensive review

Poultry Science, 2021

The main aim of this review is to consolidate the relevant published data examining amino acid re... more The main aim of this review is to consolidate the relevant published data examining amino acid requirements of layer hens and to reach a new set of recommendation based on these data. There are inconsistences in lysine, sulphur-containing amino acids, threonine, tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, and arginine recommendations in data that have surfaced since 1994. This review finds that breed, age, basal diet composition, and assessment method have contributed toward inconsistencies in amino acid recommendations. Presently, the development of reduced-protein diets for layer hens is receiving increasing attention because of the demand for sustainable production. This involves quite radical changes in diet composition with inclusions of nonbound, essential and nonessential amino acids. Increasing inclusions of nonbound amino acids into layer diets modifies protein digestive dynamics, and it may influence amino acid requirements in layer hens. This review considers present amino acid recommendations for layer hens and proposes refinements that may better serve the needs of the layer industry in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential of blended organic acids to improve performance and health of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis

Animal Nutrition, 2021

Organic acids (OA) and their blends have been shown to positively affect performance and health o... more Organic acids (OA) and their blends have been shown to positively affect performance and health of broilers. However, the data in the literature are not consistent. This study examined the potential of blended short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on performance, health and welfare of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis (NE). The additives used were: A) a blend of SCFA, MCFA, and a phenolic compound (SMP); B) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with MCFA (SMF); C) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with a high concentration of MCFA (SHM). A total of 1,404 Ross 308 one-day-old male parental chicks were randomly distributed into 78-floor pens with 13 replicates of 18 birds each. Six treatments were the following: T1, unchallenged control (UCC); T2, challenged control (CHC); T3, challenged group plus zinc bacitracin (BAC); T4, challenged group plus additive SMP; T5, challenged group plus additive SMF; T6, challenged group plus additive SHM. Challenged birds were gavaged with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens EHE-NE18 on d 14. Post NE challenge and cumulatively, BWG, FCR, and nutrient digestibility of birds were compromised (P < 0.05) by NE challenge indicating a successful induction of sub-clinical NE. Additive SHM had higher BWG compared to CHC and BAC groups (P = 0.001; d 10 to 24) but not different from SMP and SMF groups (P > 0.05). All the 3 additive groups had lower FCR compared to CHC (P = 0.001; d 0 to 35), and exhibited similar jejunal lesions (d 16) compared to BAC and apparent ileal protein digestibility (d 21) compared to UCC and BAC groups (P > 0.05). Birds in additive SHM group had a higher concentration of serum IgA compared to all groups (P = 0.001) except additive SMF (P > 0.05; d 21). All the additive groups had lower footpad dermatitis and hock burns compared to CHC (P < 0.05). The findings suggest the potential of blended OA as alternatives to BAC to protect broilers from NE indicated by improved FCR, immunity, digestibility, and bird welfare.

Research paper thumbnail of Cottonseed Meal Bioactive Peptides as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Chicks

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 2020

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bioactive peptides derived from enzymat... more The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of cottonseed meal (CSBP) compared with zinc bacitracin, as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), on productive traits, serum lipid profile, and ileal microbial population in broiler chickens. A total number of 240-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated into 4 treatments, replicated 5 times based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included a basal diet serving as control group, basal diet + 40 mg/kg zinc bacitracin as AGP group, and the basal diet supplemented with 15 or 20 g/ kg CSBP substituting equal quantity of maize and soybean meal. Performance traits, including daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and livability were recorded. At the end of the study, serum lipid parameters, ileal microbial population, and economical indices were determined. The results indicated that feed intake and FCR increased (P < 0.05) in birds receiving 20 g/kg CSBP over the entire period (1-35 days), but there was no significant effect of CSBP on body weight, although numerically higher than the control group. However, the antibiotic group showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and feed intake. Livability, European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and European Broiler Index (EBI) significantly improved in broiler chickens fed antibiotic and 15 g/kg CSBP supplement (P < 0.05). Adding 20 g/kg of CSBP to the diet significantly increased serum triglycerides and decreased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to the control and antibiotic groups on day 35. The relative weight of abdominal fat and LDL to HDL ratio were significantly lower for CSBP and antibiotic treatments than the control group (P < 0.05). Supplementation of antibiotic and both graded levels of CSBP decreased the ileum population of Escherichia coli (P < 0.05). The current findings suggest that including CSBP in broiler diets may benefit production through improving growth rate of broilers and balancing gut microbiota population. In addition, CSBP could be considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics in an AGP free production system.

Research paper thumbnail of cEffect of sequential and intermittent white, green and blue monochromatic lights on productive traits, some immune and stress responses of broiler chickens

Livestock Science, 2019

Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effect of sequential and intermittent white, bl... more Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effect of sequential and intermittent white, blue and green monochromatic lights on growth performance, some stress and physiological responses of broiler chickens. A total of 630 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 9 light treatments replicated five times with 14 chicks in each replicate. The sequential light treatments included white (WL), green (GL) or blue (BL) monochromatic light throughout the 7-wk experimental period. The intermittent lighting patterns consisted of periodic application of each monochromatic light for the starter (1–14 d), grower (15–28 d) and finisher (29–42 d) phases, resulting in the following light treatments WGB, WBG, GWB, GBW, BWG and BGW, for the starter, grower and finisher, respectively. The light intensity was set at 10 lx/m2 for the entire experimental period and all the birds were offered a corn-SBM based starter, grower and finisher diets for ad libitum consumption. Chicks reared under intermittent lighting pattern of WGB exhibited the highest body weight and the lowest feed conversion ratio (P

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary energy, digestible lysine, and available phosphorus levels affect growth performance, carcass traits, and amino acid digestibility of broilers

Poultry science, 2018

A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the interaction effect of dietary ... more A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the interaction effect of dietary digestible lysine (dLys, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 g/kg), apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn, 12.77, 13.19, 13.61 MJ/kg) and available P (avP, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 g/kg) levels on performance and amino acid (AA) digestibility of Ross 308 male broilers (n = 1,050) from d 14 to 34. The design consisted of 15 treatments each replicated 5 times with 12 birds per replicate. On d 34, 3 birds were sampled from each pen to collect ileal digesta (pooled per pen) to analyze AA. Response surface was fitted by first-, second-, or third-degree polynomial regressions in JMP statistical software v. 12.0.1. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were affected by dLys (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), AMEn (linear, P < 0.01) and AMEn × avP (P < 0.01). Increased dLys increased FI but increased AMEn decreased FI in the birds fed the low-avP diet. However, when the avP level in the diet...

Research paper thumbnail of Sources and levels of copper affect liver copper profile, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota population of broiler chickens fed wheat-soybean meal diets

Scientific Reports

Super dosing copper (Cu) has long been used as an alternative to antibiotic growth-promoters in b... more Super dosing copper (Cu) has long been used as an alternative to antibiotic growth-promoters in broiler chickens’ diet to improve gut health. This study was designed to compare nutritional and growth-promoting levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CH) with CuSO4 on gut health bio-markers and liver mineral profile of broiler chickens. Ross 308 chicks (n = 864) were randomly assigned to eight treatments, as basal diet containing no supplemental Cu; the basal diet with 15 or 200 mg/kg Cu as CuSO4; or 15, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg Cu from CH. The highest liver Cu content was observed in birds fed the diets with 200 mg/kg CuSO4 (P < 0.01). Serum FITC-d concentration as the leaky gut marker, and liver malondialdehyde concentration were not affected. Copper level or source had no effect on cecal short chain fatty acid and the mRNA expression of five jejunal genes involved in gut integrity. Negative linear responses of Cu were observed on Lactobacillus (P = 0.032), Bacteroides (P = 0.033), and E...

Research paper thumbnail of Organic acid blends improve intestinal integrity, modulate short-chain fatty acids profiles and alter microbiota of broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge

Research paper thumbnail of Modeling daily feed intake of broiler chicks

Fast growth rate is one of the main characteristics of broiler chicks emanating from their high a... more Fast growth rate is one of the main characteristics of broiler chicks emanating from their high appetite. Probably it is right to say that broilers appetite depends on energy concentration of the diet, but the optimum energy concentration of the diet it is still disputable. Therefore taking into the account chick's real energy requirements, considering physiological and environmental changes relative to the values exhibited in chick's requirements tables seems to be a viable strategy for optimizing the costs. Poultry nutritionists have been trying to make an accurate estimation of bird's energy requirements using statistical models. Energy models estimate energy considering different influential factors on bird's energy requirements. But since these estimative models express energy requirements as kcal/day, it is seems essential to know the amount of chick daily feed intake in different stages of growth, which can help to formulate diets with optimum energy levels. Considering the importance of an accurate estimation of birds' daily feed intake and its impact on at making these estimative models more practical, this study aimed at using a quadric regression models estimating daily feed intake relative to chick's daily body weight according to the data provided by Ross 308 requirements tables. The results led to the definition of a quadric regression model with a high coefficient of determination (R 2 ).Therefore it can be concluded that there is a high correlation between daily feed intake and daily body weight changes in Ross 308 broiler chicks.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of low-glucosinolate rapeseed meal in diets with multi-enzyme supplement on performance and protein digestibility in broiler chicks

Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences

Three hundred and eighty-four day-old Ross broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized ex... more Three hundred and eighty-four day-old Ross broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized experimental design with 4×2 factorial arrangements using four rapeseed meal (RSM) levels with and without a multi-enzyme preparation. RSM levels included: A: control (without RSM); B: 5, 10 and 15%; C: 10, 15 and 20%; D: 15, 20 and 25% RSM in starter, grower and fi nisher periods, respectively. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in treatments B and C were similar to controls, but in treatment D, weight gain decreased and FCR increased (P<0.05). Feed intake of broilers was not affected by different levels of RSM (P>0.05). Enzyme supplementation had no signifi cant effect (P>0.05) on growth performance but resulted in a signifi cant increase in ileal digestibility of protein (P<0.05). Feeding high levels of RSM (Treatment D) signifi cantly increased liver and gizzard weights and decreased abdominal fat (P<0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of probiotic and prebiotic as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on productive and carcass traits of broiler chicks

The application of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in livestock diet threatens consumer healt... more The application of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in livestock diet threatens consumer health and has arisen into a controversial issue worldwide. Thus,this study was designed to investigate the impact of probiotic and prebiotic as growth promoter agents compared to antibiotic on performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks. A total of two hundred and forty,one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replicates of fifteen chicks based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control, experimental groups receiving 3 mg/kg flavophospholipol, 15mg/kg Protoxin TM and, 1 g/kg manna oligosaccharide as AGP, probiotic and prebiotic, respectively.Body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were recorded at 2 week intervalsto week 7of the experiment. At 42 d, two birds per replicate were slaughtered for determination of carcass yield and internal organ weights.Diet supplementationwith probiotic and prebiotic increased body weight of broilers at 28 and 42 d of age (P<0.05) compared to control birds. Broilers fed probiotic statistically consumed more feed over the entire experimental periods. Feed efficiency improved slightly in different periodsin supplemented groups compared to control birds. Carcass yield and relative organ weights were not influenced by dietary treatments, but inclusion of prebiotic and antibiotic in the diet significantly reduced the weight of abdominal fat pad of birds in comparison to control birds. The results obtained in this study indicated that dietary inclusion of probiotic and prebiotic supported a superior performance of chicksand can be applied as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions in broilers diet.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Wet and Sequential Feeding Subsequent to Early Skip A Day Feeding on Leg Weakness in Broiler Chicks

Skip a day feeding is among the methods implemented to retard early-life fast growth rate in broi... more Skip a day feeding is among the methods implemented to retard early-life fast growth rate in broilers and consequently reduce metabolic and skeletal disorders particularly sudden death syndrome, ascites and leg weakness. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of skip a day feeding program at an early age on leg weakness in broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety two day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were weighed and randomly allocated to one of four treatments with 4 replicates of 12 chicks each. Treatments included: control group where birds had free access to feed throughout the experiment, skip a day fed groups where birds were skip a day fed from 7 to 14 d and subsequently fed by the control diet, or fed a wet diet or subjected to sequential feeding program (24 h high energy diet and 24 h high protein diet) till 42 d of age. Leg weakness was assessed by gait scoring (GS), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), hock burn, foot burn and valgus/varus angulation at 42 d. Data we...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Post-Hatch Diet’s Type and Moisture Content on Performance, Yolk Sak Utilization and Small Intestine Development in Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different post-hatch diets varying in nutrient... more This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different post-hatch diets varying in nutrient composition and moisture on productive traits and intestine morphology in broilers. 600 day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 10 treatments including a control diet supplemented by casein and dextrose (CD), casein and starch (CS), gluten and dextrose (GD) or gluten and starch (GS). All the diets were prepared in either solid or semisolid form and fed from 1 to 7 d; afterward a commercial diet was fed. Growth performance, carcass traits and morphological development of small intestine at duodenum, jejunum and ileum were determined on days 3, 5, 7 and 21. Diets prepared in semi-solid form improved chicks body weight, FCR, yolk sac utilization and intestinal development, compared to solid diets (P < 0.01). Chicks fed on GD and GS semi-solid diets had the highest weight and the most efficient FCR at 7 and 21 d, respectively(P < 0.01). The highest yolk sac absorption rate at 5 and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of grinding and pelleting condition on efficiency of full-fat canola seed for replacing supplemental oil in broiler chicken diets

Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2015

Please cite this article in press as: Barekatain, M.R., et al., Effects of grinding and pelleting... more Please cite this article in press as: Barekatain, M.R., et al., Effects of grinding and pelleting condition on efficiency of full-fat canola seed for replacing supplemental oil in broiler chicken diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. (2015), http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of Projected future distribution of date palms and its potential use in alleviating micronutrient deficiency

Journal of the science of food and agriculture, Jan 2, 2015

Micronutrient deficiency develops when nutrient intake does not match nutritional requirements fo... more Micronutrient deficiency develops when nutrient intake does not match nutritional requirements for maintaining healthy tissue and organ functions which may have long-ranging effects on health, learning ability and productivity. Inadequacy of iron, zinc and vitamin A are the most important micronutrient deficiencies. Consumption of a 100g portion of date flesh from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been reported to meet approximately half the daily dietary recommended intake of these micronutrients. This study investigated the potential distribution of P. dactylifera under future climates to address its potential long term use as a food commodity to tackle micronutrient deficiencies in some developing countries. Modelling outputs indicated large shifts in areas conducive to date palm cultivation, based on global scale alteration over the next sixty years. Most of the regions suffering from micronutrient deficiencies were projected to become highly conducive for date palm cultiva...

Research paper thumbnail of Performance, Carcass Traits and Hematological Parameters of Heat-Stressed Broiler Chicks in Response to Dietary Levels of Chromium Picolinate

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) as a Biological Growth Promoter on Performance, Humoral Immunity, and Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chicks

The Journal of Poultry Science, 2012

This study was conducted to determine the impacts of two levels of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ost... more This study was conducted to determine the impacts of two levels of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) powder on productive and carcass traits, humoral immune responses, and blood characteristics of Ross 308 male broiler chicks reared to 42 d of age in comparison with a prebiotic supplement. Two hundred and forty, day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with four replicates of 15 chicks based on a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control, prebiotic group receiving 1 g/kg A-Max ® (Mannan-oligosaccharides), 10, and 20 g/kg oyster mushroom powder added to the basal diet. The obtained results showed that inclusion of 20 g/kg mushroom powder significantly improved body weight over the starter and grower (P＜0.05) while feed efficiency was improved only over the starter (P＜0.05) period compared to the control group. Considering the entire experimental period, (1-42 d) birds receiving prebiotic supplemented diets exhibited the highest body weight and lowest feed conversion ratio relative to the other treatments (P＜0.05). Carcass yield and internal organs relative weights were not influenced by dietary treatments, but prebiotic supplementation significantly (P＜0.05) decreased abdominal fat pad compared to the control group. Newcastle, influenza and sheep red blood cell antibody responses of chicks did not differ significantly at either level of inclusion of supplements. Chicks fed supplemented diets had the lowest serum triglyceride concentration at 42 day (P＜0.05) compared to the control chicks, but other biochemical and hematological values tested including protein, albumin, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol, red blood cell, white blood cell, hemoglobin and hematocrit were not markedly affected by treatments. In conclusion the obtained results indicated that oyster mushroom powder at an inclusion level of 20 g/kg of diet had favorable effects on performance criteria of chicks reared to 28 day of age while, prebiotic supplementation revealed its beneficial impact on chicks productive traits at slaughter age, besides reducing carcass abdominal fat and serum triglyceride concentration at 42 day.