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Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of water quality as determined by its physical, chemical, and biological composition collected from five distinct points in Maragheh, Iran, on the performance and carcass traits of Ross-308 commercial broilers (mix of male and female) during the grower (11–24 days) and finisher (25–42 days) periods. Materials and methods: A total of 240 broilers were involved in the study, divided into five treatments with four replicates and 12 birds per replicate. In this study, a randomized design was used. Water samples were collected from five different points, and broilers were provided with these water sources during the grower and finisher periods. Water samples for testing were prepared from the water wells of the meat poultry farms located in the northern, eastern, western, and southern lands, and the experimental farm, using hygienic and scientific methods. Performance parameters, including body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and water intake, were measured. Results: During the grower period, no significant effects on performance and water intake were observed across the different water sources (p > 0.05). However, in the finisher period, significant differences were noted (p ≥ 0.05). The use of water from point A (control group) led to reduced water consumption, body weight, and increased FCR (p < 0.05). The northern water source exhibited the optimum FCR during the finisher period (p < 0.05). Throughout the entire experimental period, the water source significantly influenced broiler performance, with the northern water source (point B) corresponding with the highest weight gain and production index with the least feed intake (p < 0.05). Despite these variations, no significant changes were observed in the broilers’ carcass traits across different water sources (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that various drinking water sources, while not significantly impacting carcass quality traits, exerted notable effects on broilers’ performance. The northern water source emerged as particularly favorable, demonstrating superior weight gain and a production index with efficient feed utilization. These findings underscore the importance of water quality in poultry management, particularly during the finisher period, and highlight its potential influence on broiler performance.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of normal and nano-capsulated forms of thyme and peppermint essential oils on intestinal morphology and microbial population of broilers fed on normal and low crude protein diets. The study was carried out with a total of 320 Ross-308 broiler chickens as a 2×2×2 (2 medicinal plant essential oils, 2 forms of oils and 2 levels of diet crude protein) factorial arrangements with 32 groups (10 chicks per replicate) according to a completely random design. This experiment was done in three periods included: Starter (1-10 days), grower (11-24 days) and finisher (25-42 days). The experimental diets had significant effects on intestinal morphology (P0.05). Based on the results of this experiment, it can be stated that in broilers, the use of the encapsulated form of thyme essential oil in diets with standard crude protein levels, improved the intestinal morphology and intestinal non-pathogenic microbial population of broilers. Ten percent reduction in dietary crude protein level had adverse effects on measured traits and is not recommended, and in case of reduction of dietary protein, it is necessary to use peppermint essential oils supplements.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the production performance, antioxidant parameters, egg yolk cholesterol content, and expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism in laying hens fed L-carnitine (LC) and L-carnitine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (LC-SLNs). A total of 350 Hy-Line (w-36) laying hens at 50 wk of age (1520.0 ± 0.7 g) were randomly assigned to 35 units (5 replicates and 50 hens in each treatment) with seven dietary treatments as a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets, including 1) Control (basal diet); 2) Basal diet +50 mg/kg LC (50LC); 3) Basal diet +100 mg/kg LC (100LC); 4) Basal diet +150 mg/kg LC (150LC); 5) Basal diet +50 mg/kg LC-SLNs (50LC-SLNs); 6) Basal diet +100 mg/kg LC-SLNs (100LC-SLNs) and 7) Basal diet +150 mg/kg LC-SLNs (150LC-SLNs). Results showed that the 50LC-SLNs had the least feed conversion ratio (FCR) in all groups (P < 0.05). The dietary supplementation of 100LC-SLNs decreased (P < 0.01) the egg yolk cholesterol concentration from 14.71 to 11.76 mg/g yolk (25%). The 50LC-SLNs group produced the most total antioxidant capacity with a difference of 58.44% compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The greatest amount of total superoxide dismutase was found for 50LC-SLNs (P < 0.05), while the glutathione peroxidase was not affected by the experimental treatments (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels were reduced by 50.52% in laying hens fed 50LC-SLNs compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The transcript level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the LC and LC-SLNs groups. The expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the plain LC (∼83%) and LC-SLNs (∼91%) groups. The inclusion of LC-SLNs in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the villus height and decreased villus width in all three parts of the small intestine. Dietary inclusion of LC was found to reduce egg yolk and serum cholesterol content by improving the production performance and antioxidant status. The LC-SLNs groups were more affected than the plain LC groups, which may be attributed to the increased bioavailability of LC.

The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of different levels of bovine colostrum and probiotic dietary supplementation on egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. For the trial, 240 laying quails, aged between 24 weeks and 30 weeks, were involved in a 3 × 2 factorial experimental design, with 3 levels of bovine fresh colostrum (0, 2, and 4 percent of the total ratio) and 2 levels of probiotics (0 and 0.01 percent of the total ratio) administration. The colostrum supplementation improved the egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status (p < 0.01). Probiotics used without colostrum did not affect the investigated traits of laying Japanese quails (p > 0.05), but a synergistic effect was observed when combined with colostrum. The overall results recommended that using 4% of bovine colostrum in laying Japanese quails, with the addition of 0.01% of probiotic feed additive results in positive effects on egg production performance, egg traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails in the late laying period.

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is farmed for its eggs and meat across the globe. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the permanent or intermittent use of different levels of BC (bovine colostrum) on the egg performance and traits, carcass characteristics, blood biochemical and antioxidant status of laying Japanese quails. In this study, 200 laying quails were used for a duration of six weeks (week 24 to 30) to measure the selected parameters. Treatments included: (1) control (without BC); (2) 2% continuous BC; (3) 4% BC permanently; and (4) and (5) 2% and 4% BC intermittently (every other week), respectively. According to the results, performance, egg quality, carcass traits, biochemical indices and antioxidant status of BC-fed (continuous and intermittent mode) quails were improved compared to the control-diet-fed birds (p < 0.01). Per our observations, quails fed daily with 4% BC had the highest performance, best egg and carcass quality traits, best blood composition and best antioxidant status of serum, although the same parameters were also improved in birds fed intermittently with 4% BC. The final conclusion is that, although quails fed daily with 4% BC showed the best performance, intermittent feeding exerted comparable effects. Therefore, the intermittent-feeding approach could benefit the birds when colostrum preparation is limited due to the high cost of the related process. This approach could improve the economics of poultry breeding while reducing environmental problems, such as antibiotic resistance.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of colostrum powder on performance, intestinal morphology, blood biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of broilers in heat stress. In this experiment 224 Ross-308 broiler chicks were used from 1 to 42 days in 5 treatments and 4 replicates (12 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Treatments included: 1) control (without using colostrum), 2) 0.5% of colostrum, 3) 1% of colostrum, 4) 1.5% of colostrum, and 5) 2% of colostrum powder. Colostrum powder was added in first 10 days of broilers breeding period in their diets. Colostrum powder had significant effects on performance, carcass traits and intestinal cells morphology of broilers in heat stress (P < 0.05). In grower period the highest amounts of final body weight and body weight gain were obtained with 2% of colostrum powder. Colostrum powder in contrast to control improved the percentages of gizzard, liver, bursa of fabricious, thighs and breast (P > 0.05). The highest villies, the lowest crypts and the highest ratio of villies/crypts were obtained with colostrum powder adding (P > 0.05). Colostrum powder had no significant effects on blood biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of broilers. The overall resulted showed that in broilers in heat stress condition using colostrum powder up to 2% in starter period has beneficial effects on performance, carcass traits and intestinal morphology of broilers.

Introduction The occurrence of mycotoxins in foods and feeds is a problem of major concern in all over the world. Profitability of poultry production can be greatly affected due to the frequency of feed contamination and the detrimental effects of these toxins on the performance. Aflatoxins, a group of closely related and biologically active mycotoxins, are produced by strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They commonly occur as natural contaminant of poultry feeds. Domestic animal species such as chickens, ducks, cattle and turkeys consuming sublethal doses of aflatoxins for several days developed a toxic syndrome in which liver damage was the most significant change. The biological effects of aflatoxins could be categorized into two groups, long term and short term effects. Long term effects included chronic toxicity, cancer, birth defects and genetic alterations. Aflatoxins affected all poultry species, although they generally take relatively high levels to cause mortality, low levels can be detrimental if continually fed. Material and Methods This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of mineral, organic toxin absorbents, humic acid and yeast cell wall on performance and internal organs weight of broilers in experimental aflatoxicosis. This study was conducted in a completely randomize design with 432 Ross-308 broilers with 9 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 broilers in each replicate. Treatments included diet without aflatoxin, 2: diet contaminated with aflatoxin, 3: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.20 Humic acid, 4: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.40 Humic acid, 5: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.60 Humic acid, 5: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.80 Humic acid, 6: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.80 Humic acid, 7: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 1.00 Humic acid, 8: diet contaminated with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.50 sodium bentonite, 9: diet with aflatoxin and supplemented with 0.10 yeast cell wall. The experiment was done between 7-35 days. Results and Discussion The results showed that afalatoxin and its absorbents significantly affect the performance and internal organs weight of broilers (P

Introduction Iran has good condition in fruit production among all countries in the world. Lemon, grape and apple are fruits that are produced in large scale in our country. For economical use of these fruits, there are different factories which produce fruit juices. Pulps are the main waste that remain after juicing fruits. Pulps contain some nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and secondary substances, also in contrast to common diets ingredients, there are very cheap and using them in diets may reduce the production price. As pulps contain high level of fiber, can be easily used without any adverse effects in ruminant, but in poultry, especially in broilers using higher level of pulps may be not possible. However, using low level of pulps do not have any adverse effects on performance and blood parameters and can improve the meat quality and blood biochemical and immune parameters. Moreover discharge of these wastes to environment can cause serious environmental problems. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of lemon, grape and apple pulps on performance, carcass traits, digestive tract characteristic, intestinal morphology and immune status of broilers. Materials and Methods In this experiment 240 Ross-308 broilers were used in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 chicks in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental groups included: 1) control group (without using pulp), 2) group with 150 mg/kg vitamin E (as positive control group), 3) group with 3% lemon pulp, 4) group with 3% grape pulp, 5) group with 3% apple pulp. Grower diets from 11 to 24 days and finisher diets from 25 to 42 days were used by broilers. In the experimental periods all chickens in experimental groups had free accsess to feed and water. The lighting program included: 23 h light and 1 h darkness in all the experimental period.Feed intake and weight gain were measured at the end of growing and finishing and whole periods. Feed conversion ratio was measured by dividing the amount of feed intake to the amount of weight gain. Carcass quality traits, digestive tract characteristic, intestinal morphology and immune condition of broilers were measured at the end of experimental period. Results and Discussion Grape and apple pulps significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (P0.05). The main reasons for these results may be related to the amount of vitamin E in the diet, the mixing condition of feed, diet preserving time and thermal condition during preserving and using diet, and the amount of fat in diet. Using lemon, grape and apple pulps in contrast to vitamin E and control groups, caused the percentages of carcass and breast meat increase and the percentages of gizzard and liver decrease (P

BackgroundC1q TNF related protein 3 (CTRP3) is an adipokine secreted from adipose tissue. Previous studies have suggested that CTRP3 improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation. Human studies have evaluated circulating levels of this adipokine in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic retinopathy, metabolic syndrome, and coronary artery diseases. However, circulating levels of this adipokine in patients with diabetic nephropathy have not been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess serum levels of CTRP3 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (T2DM-NP) and its relationship with metabolic and inflammatory markers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 55 controls, 54 patients with T2DM, and 55 patients with T2DM-NP. Serum levels of CTRP3, adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured by ELISA technique.ResultsSerum levels of CTRP3 were significantly lower in patients with T2DM (257.61 ± 69.79 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and T2DM-NP (222.03 ± 51.99 ng/mL, p < 0.001) compared to controls (328.17 ± 80.73 ng/mL), and those with T2DM-NP compared to T2DM group. CTRP3 was independently associated with HOMA-IR (r = -0.327, p < 0.05) and adiponectin (r = 0.436, p < 0.01) in T2DM group. In T2DM-NP patients, CTRP3 independently was associated with eGFR (r = 0.428, p < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.436, p < 0.01). Furthermore, CTRP3 revealed a ability to differentiate T2DM-NP patients from controls (area under curve (95% confidence interval): 0.881 (0.820-0.943) and p < 0.001).ConclusionDecreased serum levels of CTRP3 in patients with T2DM and diabetic nephropathy and its association with pathologic mechanism in these patients suggested a possible role for CTRP3 in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy; nevertheless, further studies are required in this regard.

BACKGROUND:The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally in particular in fast emerging economies such as Iran. Population-based studies on prevalence of CKD in Iran are scarce. The objective of the current study was to explore the prevalence and determinants of CKD in the setting of Golestan Cohort Study (GCS), the largest prospective cohort in the Middle East. METHODS:In this observational study, 11,409 participants enrolled in the second phase of GCS were included. Sex, age, literacy, residence, anthropometric measurements, smoking, opium use, self-reported history of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and/or stroke), hypertension, diabetes, and lipid profile were the predictors of interest. The outcomes of interest were eGFR and CKD defined as eGFR< 60 ml/min/1.73m2. RESULTS:Mean (SD) of GFR was 70.0 ± 14.7 ml/min/1.73m2 among all participants, 68.2 ± 14.2 among women, and 72.0 ± 15.0 among men. Prevalence of CKD was 23.7% (26.6% in women, 20.6% in men). The prevalence of CKD stages 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 were 20.0%, 3.3%, 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively. Female sex, older age, urban residence, history of CVD, hypertension or diabetes, larger body mass and surrogates of body fat and opium use were all associated with CKD. Opium had a significant positive association with CKD in adjusted model. All anthropometric measurements had positive linear association with CKD. Being literate had inverse association. Sex had significant interaction with anthropometric indices, with higher odds ratios among men compared with women. A significantly high association was observed between the rate of change in waist circumference and systolic blood pressure with risk of CKD. CONCLUSION:One in four people in this cohort had low eGFR. Obesity and overweight, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for CKD. Halting the increase in waist circumference and blood pressure may be as important as reducing the current levels.

Mucocutaneous manifestations are common among patients on hemodialysis (HD). This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on HD. In this cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study conducted in 2009, 100 patients on HD at the Five Azar Hospital in Gorgan city were randomly selected. All the patients underwent detailed examination by a dermatologist to look for lesions in the skin, hair, nail and mucous membranes; if felt necessary, biopsy was obtained from the lesions. The findings were statistically analyzed using SPSS-13 software. For evaluation of normality of distribution, Kolmogorov-Smirnov was used, for quantitative variables Mann-Whitney and T-test (abnormal distribution) were used and for qualitative variables, Chi-2 and Fisher were used. In this study, P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Fifty-one males and 49 females were enrolled. The mean age was 49 ± 12 years. Diabetes was the most common cause of ESRD. In 95% of the patients, at least one mucocutaneous manifestation was present. Xerosis (78.3%) was the most common lesion, followed by pruritus (39.1%), lentigo (34.8%), skin discoloration (32.6%), leukonychia (32%) and thinning of the nail bed (24%). Xerosis, scaling, lentigo, folliculitis, idiopathic guttate hypopigmentation, leukonychia and half and half nail were associated with age. A significant relationship was seen between duration on dialysis and skin discoloration and leukonychia. Clubbing had a significant association with calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P). There was a significant association between serum ferritin level and pruritus and tinea versicolor lesions. Our study shows that mucocutaneous manifestations are common among patients with ESRD. Identification of these manifestations and their association with causative factors are useful for preventing the lesions.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of alfalfa leaf meal (ALM) on egg production, egg traits and blood parameters of laying hens with 144 Hy-line (W36) laying hens from 65-75 weeks of age in 4 treatments, 3 replicates and 12 hens in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental groups included: 1) control group, 2) group with 1% of ALM, 3) group with 2% of ALM, 4) group with 3% of ALM. Diets with 2% and 3% increased egg production, reduced the amount of feed intake, improved the feed conversion ratio and reduced the egg production cost (P

IntroductionThe incidence of end-stage renal disease is increasing worldwide. Earlier studies reported high prevalence rates of obesity and hypertension, two major risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in Golestan Province, Iran. We aimed to investigate prevalence of moderate to severe CKD and its risk factors in the region.MethodsQuestionnaire data and blood samples were collected from 3591 participants (≥18 years old) from the general population. Based on serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated.ResultsHigh body mass index (BMI) was common: 35.0% of participants were overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and 24.5% were obese (BMI ≥30). Prevalence of CKD stages 3 to 5 (CKD-S3-5), i.e., GFR ConclusionA considerable proportion of inhabitants in Golestan have CKD-S3-5. Screening of individuals with major risk factors of CKD, in order to early detection and treatment of impaired renal function, may be plausible. Further studies on optimal risk prediction of future end-stage renal disease and effectiveness of any screening program are warranted.

Introduction. Shortage of deceased donor kidneys has resulted in an increased rate of kidney transplantation from living unrelated donors (LURDs). However, there are concerns about short-term and long-term morbidity of the donors. This study reports the clinical and biochemical factors in a follow-up program of Iranian LURDs, one of the largest reported series of kidney donors. Materials and Methods. Of 7500 individuals who underwent living donor nephrectomies between 2005 and 2008, a total of 1549 participated in this study. They were followed for 18 to 48 months after the kidney donation. The average time for the first study visit was 316.72 days after donation. Results. The mean age of donors was 30.43 ± 6.16 years old. Men consisted 82.5% of the group. Systolic hypertension was detected in 0.2% and diastolic hypertension in 1% of the LURDs; however, anemia prevalence was as high as 47.2%. Hyperuricemia was found in 21.2% of the LURDs, while proteinuria was seen in 13.7%. Glomerular filtration rate was greater than 90 mL/min in 38.2% of the donors, 60 mL/min to 90 mL/min in 54.5%, and less than 60 mL/min in 7.3%. A GFR less than 45 mL/min was seen in 0.1% of the donors. Conclusions. Data suggested that the LURDs in Iran have an appropriate health condition comparable to other donors in other parts of the world. Considering the high prevalence of hyperuricemia in our population and its importance as a risk factor for kidney failure, monitoring serum uric acid in follow-up programs is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of end-stage renal disease is increasing worldwide. Earlier studies reported high prevalence rates of obesity and hypertension, two major risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in Golestan Province, Iran. We aimed to investigate prevalence of moderate to severe CKD and its risk factors in the region. Methods: Questionnaire data and blood samples were collected from 3591 participants (≥18 years old) from the general population. Based on serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated. Results: High body mass index (BMI) was common: 35.0% of participants were overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and 24.5% were obese (BMI ≥30). Prevalence of CKD stages 3 to 5 (CKD-S3-5), i.e., GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², was 4.6%. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the risk of CKD-S3-5 associated with every year increase in age was 1.13 (1.11- 1.15). Men were at lower risk of CKD-S3-5 than women (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.18-0.45). Obesity (OR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.04-3.05) and self-reported diabetes (OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.00-2.86), hypertension (OR = 3.16; 95% CI 2.02-4.95), ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.73; 95% CI 1.55-4.81), and myocardial infarction (OR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.14-6.32) were associated with increased risk of CKD-S3-5 in the models adjusted for age and sex. The association persisted for self-reported hypertension even after adjustments for BMI and history of diabetes (OR = 2.85; 95% CI 1.77-4.59). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of inhabitants in Golestan have CKD-S3-5. Screening of individuals with major risk factors of CKD, in order to early detection and treatment of impaired renal function, may be plausible. Further studies on optimal risk prediction of future end-stage renal disease and effectiveness of any screening program are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]