د.انمار عبد الغني مجيد الوزير

Phytochemical contains several plant secondary compounds improved ruminant health and productivity. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) and laurel bay leaves powder (LLP) and their mixture on growth performance and some blood parameters in growing lambs. Sixteen Awassi lambs at 4-5 months old with average of (21.81kg ±0.63) kg weight were randomly distributed into four treatments groups: control without any addition (0%), 1% PPP, 1% LLP and mixture 0.5% PPP plus 0.5% LLP in a completely randomized design and fed 63 days a concentrate diet at 3% of live body weight. No significant difference (P>0.05) in feed consumption, final body weight. Results revealed that lambs received 1%PPP and mixture of 0.5% PPP plus 0.5%LLP had best total weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio as compared with control group. Serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea nitrogen concentration were not affected in lambs supplemented with pomegranate peel and laurel bay leaves compared to the control. The additives had no effect on the liver enzymes AST and ALT. It can be conclude that lambs that the mixture of PPP plus LLP exhibited better lamb's performance in comparison with 1% LLP and no adverse effects biochemical blood parameters.

This study was examine the effect of addition of pomegranate peels and laurel bay leaves or their mixture on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters of Awassi lambs. Awassi male lambs (22.25 ± 0.54 kg body weight) were Sixteen used in completely randomized design with four lambs per treatment. The dietary treatments included basal diet (concentrate diet without additive) and serves as control (CON), a basal diet +1% pomegranate peels powder (PPP), a basal diet + 1% Laurel bay leaves powder (LBLP) and a basal diet + 0.5% PPP + 0.5% LBLP (MIX). Results revealed that the diet digestibility of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), crude protein (CPD), crude fiber (CFD), and nitrogen free extract (NFED) were significant superiority (P<0.05) in the lambs received diet with PPP and MIX compared to those received control diet (CON) and LBLP. The results showed that ammonia nitrogen concentration (NH -N) were significant decrease 3 (P<0.05) in lambs receiving PPP and MIX diet compared with lambs fed CON diet. In conclusion, addition of PPP and MIX can be used to manipulate rumen metabolism for improved nutrient digestibility in Awassi lambs.

The current study was conducted in tow private farms contain 88 ewes with intensive farm system and the other farm contain 109 ewes with partial intensive system during the year 2020 in the middle of Iraq. Results showed a significant difference in individual’s distribution according its genotypes in the 1st farm with intensive farming system while no significant difference in individual’s distribution according its genotypes in the 2nd farm with partial intensive farming system. Results showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) of farming system on body weight, the highest body weight in group with one-year-old was in partial intensive system namely, 23.06 kg and was 36.17 kg of group with 1-2 years old. Results indicated that a significant effect (P < 0.01) of AA-NAT genotype on live body weight, the highest body weight was reported in the group with wild genotype compared with the other genotypes (hetero and mutant) namely, 25.9, 36.74 and 52.66 kg for the three ages, respectively

The total of 16 Awassi male lambs (4-5 months ages and 19.96 kg body weight) were divided randomly in a complete randomized design into four groups, to investigate changes in growth performance and digestibility of lambs fed different levels of lemongrass leaf powder(LLP, 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/head/day). There was significant superiority in lamb's total weight gain fed 2 and 4 g of LLP/head/day compared to those fed 0 and 6 g of LLP/head/day. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly superior in lambs fed 2 and 4 g of LLP/head/day than those fed 6 g/head/day and control diet. The feed conversion ratio was improved in lambs fed 2 and 4 g LLP/head/day compared to fed on 0 and 6 g of LLP/head/day. The diet digestibility of dry matter and organic matter improved superiority in lambs fed 2 and 4 g of LLP/head/day compared to those fed on 0 and 6 g of LLP/head/day with no changes in diet digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract. It can be concluded that low levels of addition (2 and 4g/head/day) of lemongrass leaf powder enhance the digestibility and growth performance of Awassi lambs.

The experiment was investigated the effects of degradability crude protein on some blood parameters of ruminants, two experiments were conducted for three sources dietary crude protein: Soya, whey protein and urea. First experiment, soya was replaced with whey protein, while second experiment, soya was replaced with urea. Fifteen male lambs were used for each experiment and randomly distributed to five treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Concentrated was fed at 3% of body weight as DM basis, while alfalfa was fed ad-libitum. Jugular blood was sampled from lambs after 90 days of experiment before feeding morning. Results of replacing soya with whey protein showed decreased blood protein and cholesterol, while, blood urea was increased and blood glucose had a linear increase with increasing whey protein intake, 45.75, 48.5, 52.5, 66.0 and 89.75 mg/dl for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. In second experiment, the results of replacing soya with urea showed decreased blood glucose and cholesterol for 2% urea in contrast with control, while blood urea was increased for 2% urea 36.11 mg/dl in contrast with 22.73mg/dl for control. In concluded, feeding high soluble crude proteins, decreased cholesterol and increased blood urea nitrogen.

To follow up the effects of feeding urea on rumen characteristics, rumen bacteria and some blood parameters in Shami goats, after 21 days of feeding 1.5% urea with concentrated feed, rumen fluid was collected at different times 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours after morning feeding, pH were measured, some of rumen fluid was used for bacterial count, while 0.1N HCL was added to other part and kept in deep freeze for measuring rumen NH3-N and volatile fatty acids. Sixteen male Shami goats were distributed to T1 without urea and T2 1.5% urea. Rations fed at 3% of body weight as DM basis and alfalfa hay was fed ad-libitum. After 90 days, Jugular blood was sampled. Results showed no significant effects of feeding urea to Shami goats on blood parameters, while, rumen NH3-N decreased (p<0.05) for urea treatment after 3h of feeding with increasing volatile fatty acids (VFA) and pH values(p<0.05) of rumen fluid at 3h and 6h after feeding. Bacteria counts decreased at 0, 3 and 6h after feeding at dilution 107 and 109 CFU/ml, due to ingestion large amounts of water with urea treatment and increase rate of passage of bacteria and rumen contents to other parts of alimentary canal.

The study was conducted at the period of 22/1/2018 to 13/1/2019 by using 82 Awassi ewes in late gestation period to determine the combined effect of melatonin receptor gene polymorphism (MTNRA1) three doses of vitamin E on litter size and lambs weight at birth and weaning. Results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) of MTNRA1 polymorphism on liter size , the highest value was noticed in ewes with CC genotype while the lowest value was in ewes with TT genotype namely,1.184 and 1.137 lamb respectively. Litter size were affected significantly (P<0.05) by vitamin E supplementation, the higher litter size was noticed in ewes that injected with 450IU/ week namely, 1.24lamb. Body weight of lambs at birth and weaning and average weight gain from birth to weaning differed significantly according to vitamin E supplementation. Significant differences (P<0.05) among combinations on all traits that studded. Ewes with CC or CT and supplemented of 900IU of vitamin E were the highest liter size (1.24 lamb). The ewes with genotype CC and supplemented 450IU of vitamin recorded the highest body weight of lambs at birth, body weight of lambs at weaning and average weight gain from birth to weaning namely, 4.30, 16.84 and 12.54 kg respectively.

Fungal treatment can used to enhance the nutritive value of agro-industrial by-products. Common reed and rice straw were treated with white strain of Pleurotus ostreatus to investigate the effect of fungi on nutrient composition and in-vitro digestibility after 21 days. Results revealed that P. ostreatus treatment increased (P<0.01) crude protein (CP) and decreased (P<0.01) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of common reed and rice straw compared to untreated. Higher increment in CP but higher decrease in ADL content occur with common reed treated with P. ostreatus. The in-vitro digestibility were increased (P<0.01) of both substrates. However, treated common reed showed higher improvement in in-vitro digestibility than of rice straw, it is concluded that P.ostreatus improved nutritive value of common reed and could be used in feeding ruminant instead of left unused or controlled by herbicide.

This study was conducted in ruminant Farm at the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq. Twenty four of Iraqi lambs (4-5 month of age) in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of treatment: 2 breed (Arabi vs. Awassi) ×2 levels of addition of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) (0 vs. 5gSC/head/day) were used to study the effect of breed and level of SC addition on growth performance. All lambs were fed concentrate diet at rate 3% of live body weight and free choice to the roughage mixture (20% alfalfa hay+ 10% rice straw) for 56 days. The results revealed that no significant difference between Arabi and Awassi lambs in final body weight P>0.05).Average daily gain was higher (P<0.01) with Arabi lambs than Awassi. Arabi lambs fed diet with 5 g SC/head/day had higher (P<0.01) total gain and average daily gain than those fed without SC .It can be concluded that the addition of commercial yeast to the diet had positive effect on final body weight of both bred (Awassi and Arabi lambs), and the best increased in total and daily weight gain was achieved with Arabi lambs.

Twelve Awassi lambs with 5-6 month average 25.13±0.33 kg body weight (BW) were used to investigate the effect of adding graded levels of fenugreek seeds (FS) to the diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and some blood metabolites. The lambs were randomly assigned to four treatments (3 lambs per treatment) in a completely randomized design. Treatment diets were control diet without FS 0 g/head/day (FS0), control diet plus 2.5gFS/head/day (FS1), control diet plus 5gFS/head/day (FS2), and control diet plus 7.5gFS /head/day (FS3). Lambs were housed in individual pens and received 600g of concentrate diet once a day with ad libitum choice of rice straw as roughage. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. At the day 42, the digestibility trial was performed for all lambs with same diets. Rumen liquor and blood samples were withdrawn from all the lambs at the last day of digestibility trial. Results showed that increasing level of FS did not improve (P>0.05) feed intake, live weight gain (LWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Fenugreek seeds addition had no effect (P>0.05) on diet digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Results also showed that fenugreek seeds administration did not affect (P>0.05) ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA's) concentration. The NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations were tended (P>0.05) to decrease as levels of FS increased in the diet. Serum glucose (SG), serum total protein (STP) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) were not affected also by increasing levels of FS. It can be concluded; supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diets of fattening Awassi lambs did not improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation without adverse effects on blood metabolites.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding dry rumen content (DRC) at different levels on nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Awassi lambs. Twelve Awassi lambs (22.27±0.25 kg body weight and 4 months old) were randomly allotted into four diets for 65 days. The DRC was included in the diets at 0 % (DRC0), 10% (DRC10), 20% (DRC20), 30% (DRC30) to replace parts of the barley grain and soybean meal in the concentrate diet. On the day 60 of the experimental period, all lambs were fitted with fecal collection bags to evaluate the nutrient digestibility. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and Metabolizable energy (ME) were not affected (P>0.05) in lambs fed DRC10 and DRC20 diets compared to those fed DRC0 (control) diet but decreased (P<0.05) in lambs fed DRC30 diet. Intake of CP (g/day) was higher (P<0.05) in lambs fed DRC10 and DRC20 diet than those fed DRC30 diet, but not significant difference (P>0.05) than those fed control one (DRC0) while, intake of CP (g/kg W0.75) did not differ (P>0.05) among diets. Intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were highest (P<0.01) for lambs fed the DRC30 diet followed by the DRC20 and DRC10 than those fed DRC0. No significant different in DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF digestibility. Total gain and average daily gain (ADG) in lambs fed DRC10 and DRC 20 diets were not significant (P>0.05) different as compared with lambs fed DRC0 (control) diet but they were decreased (P<0.05) when lambs fed DRC30 diet. Lambs fedDRC10 diet was higher(P<0.05) in feed efficiency than those fed DRC30, but no significant (P>0.05) difference than those fed DRC0 and DRC20 diets. It could be concluded that feeding Awassi lambs diets containing DRC up to 10% improved growth performance without any adverse effect on nutrient digestibility or animal health.

Twelve Shami male goats with average weight 43.3±1.2 kg and 3-4 years old were used to study the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) either pre–treated barley straw or supplemented with concentrate diet at different levels (0, 2,and 4%) on nutrient digestibility and rumen characteristics. All Shami goats were divided randomly into six groups (2 bucks each). All goats individually fed concentrate diets in a 2×3 factorial experiment according to maintenance requirement at 1% live body weight (LBW) while barley straw was offered ad libitium. The results showed that all nutrients digestibilities were not significantly affected by methods of application, levels of EFE and their interaction. There were numerical increases with increasing levels of EEE on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities (%). Ruminal pH,ammonia–N, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentrations, percentage of acetate, propionate and butyrate, were also not affected significantly by methods of application, levels of EFE and their interaction. There were numerical increased in TVFA and numerical decreased in NH3-N concentrations as levels of EFE increased.The results of this study indicated that both methods of application EFE may enhance digestibility and rumen fermentation in Shami goats when used higher enzyme levels.

This study was implemented to evaluate the effects of predigestion for some local forages: alfalfa hay (AH), barley straw (BS), reed (R) and combination of these forages to enhance nutritive value by predigestion to the cell wall with different commercial fibrolytic enzyme powder levels at 0, 1, 2, and 3% by socking it for 12h. Results indicated high significant increases (P<0.01) in dry matter content (DM) and inorganic matter (Ash) for predigestion to all forages with enzyme, wile they were high significant reduce (P<0.01) in organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) for all treated forages with enzyme, but not affected on CP and ADL content. In vitro trial indicated increase in dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) (P<0.01) for predigested alfalfa hay (AH) and not significant increases for the other forages with sheep rumen liquor. When used goat rumen liquor, OMD for alfalfa hay was significant increases (P<0.01). In conclusion: Alfalfa hay had the best values for in vitro DMD and OMD. Wild reed (R) had the lowest values. The level of enzyme was not significant and the best improvement with the level 3% on in vitro DMD and OMD. There was no significant differ for in vitro DMD and OMD when used sheep or goat rumen fluid.

A study was conducted in private farm in Babylon governorate to evaluate the effect of supplement of probiotic (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) and Black seeds( Nigella Sativa) to Awassi male lambs ration on some body measurements: Chest Girth, Hip Girth, Front Height, Back Height, Testicular Girth, Testicular Length, Body length and Body weight ) in twenty lambs, for 60 days period .All lambs divided randomly into four treatment, each treatment contains 5 lambs as follow: Treatment 1 (T1):-control basic ration. Treatment 2(T2):-basic ration supplemented with 0.02%probiotic. Treatment 3(T3):-basic ration with substitute 2% soybean meal with 2% Nigella sativa. Treatment 4(4):-last ration supplemented with 0.02% probiotic. The results of the showed Significant (P<0.05) increase in chest and hip girth for treatment 2,3,4 comparing with control treatment and superiority was in treatment 3. Significant (P<0.05) increase in front and back height in treatment 3 and also in length and body weight where’s the treatment 1 has lowest in body measurements.Testes measurements of the male lambs are not significantly increas

This study was conducted by using two commercial flock of Awassi sheep in Al-Qadisya governorate at private farm on 2010.the first flock contain 235 female and 31 male in different ages depending on intensive feeding system . The second flock contain 349 female and 36 male depending on pasture feeding system . The aim of this study was to knowing the effect of interaction among Age , Sex and feeding system on body weight and length . The results showed a significant different (P<0.05) between body weight depending on Animal sex with prolong of age and for two feeding system are used . The Largest body weight was the interaction among the studied effects at four years of Age with intensive feeding system which different significantly with Awassi male in same ages when using pasture feeding system it was 57.33 and 55.50 Kg respectively . The lowest weight was recorded with female group at age of one year it was 31.12 , 34.18 for each feeding system are used respectively . Awassi Male with 4 years of age feds on intensive feeding Longest body 79.13 cm , The Awassi Female with 1 years of Age on pasture feeding system shorter body length 61.16 cm.

Twenty four Arrabi lambs were used (5-6 month of age and 27.13 kg average body weight) they were distributed randomly allocated to six equal groups to investigate the effect of adding Baker's yeasts and powder milk on some productive Performance for 60 days at Ruminants Field at Animal Resources Department – College of Agriculture- University of Kufa, Sacchromyses cervisiae( SC)with levels 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% were added to diets with or without 1% powder milk. Diets were offered as 4% of life body weight Results showed Significant increase (P<0.05) in final body weight with increasing levels with S.C. or S.C with milk until level 0.4% of adding Superiority was in treatment 3 ( 0.04% SC) with a significant different an lambs in treatment 1 ( 0.2%/SC and mathematically on lambs in treatment 5 (0.6% sc ). Total weight gain and daily weight gain there were a significant superiority in treatment 3 (0.4%) sc in total weight gain and daily weight gain .Results showed Significant increase (P<0.05) in feed conversion ratio and feed consumption with increasing levels with S.C. or S.C with milk until level 0.4% of adding Superiority was in treatment 4 ( 0.04% SC+ milk) ) lowest value whereas lambs in treatment 1 ( 0.2%SC) higest value in treatment 5 (0.6% SC ). The daily dry matter intake did not appear a significant differences in which mathematical increase with increasing levels with S.C. or S.C with milk until level 0.4% of adding.

Twenty Arrabi lambs were used (5-6 month of age and 24 kg average body weight) they were randomly allocated into four equal groups to investigate the effect of adding Baker's yeasts (Sacchromyses Cervisiae) 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% and Black seeds (Nigella Sativa) 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% on some blood and biochemical traits for 60 days at Animal Resources Department Farm /College of Agriculture/ University of Kufa. The adding levels was for each of them with ratio (1:1) per ton of diet and used a control diet (0% adding ) .Results showed Significant increase (P<0.05) to adding S.Cerevisiae and Nigella sativa thus superiority was in group4 (0.75% each ) in Hb, PCV% and Total protein in blood and significant decrease in blood content of cholesterol and triglycerides compared with the others treatments.

This study was conducted at Poultry Farm of Animal Resources Dept. ,College of Agriculture ,University of Kufa to investigate the effect of Taraxacum afficinals powder in some blood trails parameters of cock's ,during a period from 20∕5 to 20∕8∕2008 . One hundred and twenty Aisa Brown cocks, 50 weeks old, were randomly allocated to 4 equal treatments, three replicates per treatment (10 cocks /R) . Birds were provided water and diet ad libitum and 14hours light /day. Cocks feed on unique ration supplemented with 4 relative from Taraxacum afficinals powder (0, 500,750,100)mlg/Kg) which represent treatments T1( control ) , T2 , T3 ,T4 respectively . Study undertaken to explore the effect of different levels of Taraxacum afficinals powder on some blood immunological characteristics. Results revealed that supplementation ration cocks with Taraxacum afficinals powder (T2 , T3 ,T4) resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase in red and white blood cell counts , in percentage of P.V.C. and Hemoglobin concentration and significant (P<0.05) decrease in Hetrophil to lymphocyte ratio and significant (P<0.05) decrease in cholesterol concentration as compared with control group(T1). Furthermore, the improving in blood characteristics include in the present study was associated the increasing of percentage of Taraxacum afficinals powder in ration because the best means of studied of blood trails were recorded for high relative from powder (T4 =1000 mlg/Kg) comparison with other two treatments (500,750 mlg/Kg) along treatments period.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects ensiles corn cobs with poultry litter to improve nutritive value of corn cobs using two method. First: In Vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD), organic matter (IVOMD). Second: In Situ degradation in rumen of dry matter (ISDMD), organic matter (ISOMD) and nitrogen (ISND) using Awassi rams age 2 years, average weight 40kg fitted with rumen fistula. Ground corn cobs mixed with poultry litter with a ratio 1:3 (cobs to litter) and increasing moisture to 70% with water and kept under anaerobic condition for 60 days in temperature 30°C. Results showed that there were highly significant (P<0.01) increase in crude protein and nitrogen content. Highly significant (P<0.01) increase in IVDMD, IVOMD of corn cobs ensiled with poultry litter. The improving in IVOMD was more than improving with IVDMD. Results indicated that ensiled corn cobs were significantly (P<0.01) superior in ISDMD, ISOMD, and ISND percentage. In conclusion, using poultry litter with corn cobs will improve digestibility coefficient of corn cobs and improve its nutritive value for Awassi sheep.

The present study was conducted at poultry farm, College of Agriculture- Kufa University from 24\11\2007 to 8\1\2008 to evaluate the effects of adding different levels of whey on broiler performance. A total of 204day old Lohman broiler chicks were used in this study. Chicks were divided into four groups according to study treatments as three replicate for each . Fresh whey being mixed daily with the drinking water at rate 0, 2.5, 5 and 10%. Drinking water offered ad libitum from 1 to 46 days of age. Body Wight gain of birds received 2.5 and 5 % whey were improved significantly at 46 days of age, while 10% whey reduced body weight gain significantly(P≤0.05) compared with control group at 33-46 days of age. Adding whey to water lid to improve feed conversion ratio during 20-46 days of age and significantly (P≤0.05) improved. Carcass weight in chickens received 2.5 and 5 percent whey was maximum (P≤0.05) at 46 days of age compared with control group. Gastrointestinal tract weight of chickens received whey was significantly increased (P≤0.05) with increasing whey concentration. The 10% whey group where heaver weight among other groups. The present study indicate that 2.5and 5 percent whey in drinking water of broilers had beneficial effects on performance.

This study was conducted to investigate effect of ground corn cobs treatment by sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide or urea or combinations of these alkalis to indicate best chemical treatment in improving nutritive value and possibility of substitution of concentrate diet used by sheep. Results showed that there is a high significant (p<0.01) increase in dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) in vitro digestion coefficients of corn cobs treated by sodium hydroxide and combination of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide and combination of sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide which was superior over other treatments. Results indicated that treated corn cobs were significantly (P<0.01) superior in DM, OM and nitrogen degradation percentage, superiority was for corn cobs treated by combination of sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide specially in OM degradation percentage. Best treatment was specified to be combination of sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide to substitute concentrate diet in percentages zero, 15, 30 and 45% in digestion and nitrogen balance trial, results showed that treated corn cobs could replace 30% of concentrate diet.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding different levels of sage leaf powder (SLP) to the diet of local Awassi lambs on growth performance, feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation. Sixteen Awassi male lambs 4-5 months of age were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: no feed additive (SLP0), 5g (SLP5), 10g (SLP10) and 15 g (SLP15) of sage leaves powder/kg of dry matter (DM) were added to the diet. Results revealed that adding SLP did not affect feed intake. However, growth performance, dry matter and organic matter digestion were recorded higher significances (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 and SLP10 than in lambs fed SLP15 and SLP0. Total volatile fatty acids concentrations were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 than other lambs. In conclusion, the addition of SLP at 5g/kg DM in the diet of Awassi lambs improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility with a positive effect on ruminal fer-mentation.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adding different levels of date fruit in the ration on accelerated puberty and sexual maturity in Frisian heifers raises in South Iraq. Sixty-four Frisian heifers (4 months-old) were equally allocated to four groups (16 heifers each). All groups were fed the same ration, the first group (T1) was fed without any additive, while the second (T2), third (T3), and fourth (T4) groups were fed 0.5, 1, and 2 kg of date fruits/head/day, respectively in addition to basal ration. Results showed that the percentage of heifers fed 1 and 2 kg of date fruits reached puberty faster than those fed 0 and 0.5kg of date fruits at 6-10 months of age. A similar trend happened in the percentage of heifers that reach sexual maturity at 9-13 months of age. The period of progress in puberty of T4 heifers was three months, based on the world's average puberty (12 months) and the period of progress in sexual maturity was five months, based on the world's average maturity (18 months). Results revealed that the dietary addition of date fruits has a significant effect (P≤0.01) on a percentage of advanced puberty in T2, T3, and T4 heifers compared with those receiving control ration (T1). The percentage of sexual maturity in T2, T3, and T4 heifers was higher than those in control one(T1). Furthermore, the heifers in T4 and T3 were higher (P ≤0.01) than heifers in T1 and T2 in the duration of progress in puberty and sexual maturity in heifers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treating wheat straw with urea, supplementing with fibrolytic enzymes (Safaziyme®, cocktail enzymes contained: β-glucanase, xylanase and cellulase) to untreated wheat straw and urea treated wheat straw on growth performance, feed intake and some serum metabolites of growing lambs. Sixteen Awassi male lambs with an average weight 19.0±0.24 kg and 3-4 months old were used at ruminant farm belong to the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq. Lambs were distributed randomly to four treatment groups four lambs per treatment and fed: T1: Concentrate diet plus untreated wheat straw (control); T2: Concentrate diet plus wheat straw treated with 3% urea solution; T3: Concentrate diet supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes (2g/head/day) plus untreated wheat straw; T4: Concentrate diet supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes (2g/head/day) plus wheat straw treated with 3% urea solution. Lambs were individually fed concentrate diet at 3% of their live body weight while wheat straw treated with urea or untreated was offered ad libitum for 63 days. Results revealed that total weight gain (TWG) and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly increased (P≤0.01) with lambs fed a combination of urea treatment and enzyme supplementation (T4) as compared to those fed urea treated what straw (T2), supplementation with fibrolytic enzymes(T3) and untreated wheat straw (T1). There were no significant differences in total dry matter intakes among treatments. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (P≤0.05) for lambs in T2 and T4, the superiority with lambs in T4. Results were also revealed no significant differences (P≥0.05) on lamb serum metabolites, with numerical decrease in serum urea nitrogen in lambs of T4. These results indicate that supplementation of fibrolytic enzymes alone did not improve the growth performance of lambs. However, combination of urea treatment and enzyme supplementation efficient for lambs growth without adverse effects on animal health.

A digestibility trail was conducted on 16 Awassi lambs at the ruminant farm belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq, to study the effect of untreated and urea-treated wheat straw with or without fibrolytic enzyme (Safaziyme®, enzymes cocktail contained: β-glucanase, xylanase and cellulase) supplementation on the nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation of Awassi lambs. Animals were distributed randomly into four groups (4 lambs each) and the groups included: T1: Concentrated diet + untreated wheat straw (control); T2: Concentrate diet + wheat straw treated with 3% urea solution; T3: Concentrated diet supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes (2g/lamb/day) + untreated wheat straw; T4: Concentrated diet supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes (2g/lamb/day) + wheat straw treated with 3% urea solution. Lambs individually fed concentrate diet at 3% of live body weight while wheat straw treated with urea or untreated was offered ad libitum. Results revealed that dry matter digestibility and other nutrient digestibility were not affected significantly by experimental diets except crude fiber digestibility, it was superior (P≤0.05) when lambs fed urea treated wheat straw +fibrolytic enzymes supplementation (T4) followed by lambs fed urea treated straw (T2) as compared with lambs fed control (T1). Results revealed that ruminal pH and concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were not significantly affected by experimental diets. Total volatile fatty acids concentration was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in lambs of the T4 group followed by the T2 group. In conclusion, the combination of urea treated wheat straw + supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes enhance nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in Awassi male lambs.

This study was conducted at the Taj Al-Nahrain dairy farm station/Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, and aimed to determine the relationship between glutathione levels in the blood and changes in milk production and its components and the behavior of Holstein cows under heat stress. The results showed a high significant relationship (P≤0.01) between high (56.41-41.41 µmol. L-1) and medium (41.41-26.41 µmol.L-1)of glutathione levels in the blood with the percentage of protein reaching 4.71% and 4.31% and lactose 6.62 % and 5.77%, and non-fat solids 12.83% and 11.94%, respectively, and significantly (P≤0.05) with the percentage of fat in milk, which recorded 4.32% and 4.01%, respectively. While the results did not record any significant relationship between the glutathione levels in the blood with the percentage of specific density and the degree of freezing of milk. The results showed a significant relationship (P≤0.05) between low and medium of glutathione levels in the blood of cows and total milk production (720 and 700 kg, respectively). The results also showed a relationship between a low glutathione levels in the blood and an increase in rumination time. These results indicate the strong relationship between glutathione levels in the blood and the performance and behavior of Holstein cows under exposed to heat stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between blood pH levels and milk production and composition in Holstein cows during two seasons (winter and summer). Blood and samples were collected from 40 cows in third parity at Taj Al-Nahrain farm station. During summer, the temperature and humidity index (THI) showed that cows exposed to moderate stress with high blood pH levels (7.61-7.96). While in winter, THI values showed that cows below stress levels with low blood pH levels (7.31-7.53). Milk fat, protein and lactose contents and specific density of milk were higher (P≤0.01) in high blood pH level than low blood pH levels while the non-fat solid content was not affected by blood pH levels. The freezing point of milk increased significantly (P≤0.01) in cows not exposed to heat stress. Results also revealed that total milk production and persistency were higher (P≤0.01) with low blood pH than high pH levels. These results showed correlation between blood pH levels and heat stress, it can be used blood pH levels as indicator for heat stress.

شارك الأستاذ المساعد الدكتور أنمار عبد الغني مجيد الوزير التدريسي في قسم الانتاج الحيواني كلية الزراعة – جامعة الكوفة في لجنة مناقشة رسالة الماجستير الموسومة (تاثير اضافة مستويات مختلفة من خميرة الخبز التجارية على انتاج وتركيب الحليب وبعض المعايير الانتاجية الاخرى في ابقار الهولشتاين فريزيان ) للطالب وليد احمد محمد في يوم الاثنين 18 شباط 2019 في كلية الزراعة – جامعة القاسم الخضراء.

شارك الأستاذ المساعد الدكتور أنمار عبد الغني مجيد الوزير التدريسي في قسم الانتاج الحيواني كلية الزراعة – جامعة الكوفة في لجنة مناقشة رسالة الماجستير الموسومة (تأثير اضافة الشاي الاخضر الى علائق الاغنام العراقية في ادائها الانتاجي ) للطالب ياسين علي حسين في يوم الخميس 29 تشرين الثاني 2018 في كلية علوم الهندسة الزراعية – جامعة بغداد .

عقد قسم الإنتاج الحيواني حلقة نقاشية حول "النباتات الطبية كأضافات غذائية للحيوانات المجترة" يوم الثلاثاء 30 نيسان 2019. ألقى الأستاذ المساعد الدكتور أنمار عبد الغني مجيد الوزير محاضرة أكد فيها على أهمية النباتات الطبية و مكوناتها النشطة في تغذية الحيوانات المجترة ، والمكونات النشطة الرئيسية في النباتات الطبية هي الصابونين والزيوت الأساسية والتانين. حضر الندوة عدد من الأساتذة والطلاب بقسم الإنتاج الحيواني ، وهذه الندوة هي جزء من الأنشطة العلمية التي يقوم بها قسم الإنتاج الحيواني من أجل تطوير الإمكانات العلمية للطلاب والاستفادة منها في مجال تخصصهم.

عقدت كلية الزراعة دورة تدريبية لأعضاء هيئة التدريس وطالبة الدراسات العليا وخاصة لقسم الإنتاج الحيواني اسس تغذية المجترات وتكوين العلائق واستمرت لمدة سبعة أيام من 6 إلى 12 أذار 2019 ، حيث استاذ مساعد الدكتور أنمار ألقى عبد الغني مجيد الوزير العديد من المحاضرات وفقًا لبرنامج الدورة الذي تضمن محورين رئيسيين هما: اسس تغذية المجترات وتكوين العلائق. تأتي هذه الدورة التدريبية ضمن الأنشطة العلمية التي يقوم بها قسم الإنتاج الحيواني في كلية الزراعة من أجل تطوير خبرات ومهارات الموظفين وطلاب الدراسات العليا لتعزيز قدراتهم في مكان العمل الحقلي.