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The availability of genomic data, such as quantitative trait loci (QTL), has played a pivotal role in understanding the genetic components of various traits. This study aims to investigate critical and hub genes related to economic traits such as growth rate, body fat deposition, and feed consumption by investigating known QTLs by using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) in chicken species. QTL coordinates for these traits were acquired through the Animal QTL database. Then, genes related to each QTL were obtained from the chicken reference genome (Gallus gallus bGalGal1.mat.broiler. GRCg7b) provided in the NCBI database. Critical genes related to known QTLs based on PPI were identified using Network Analyzer, CytoHubba, and MCODE applications in Cytoscape_v3.8.0 software. The results of this study showed 452, 83, and 75 genes involved in growth rate, body fat deposition, and feed consumption traits, respectively. Several new hub genes related to each trait were found and confirmed by PPI in Cytoscape. Some novel genes for studied traits were EEF1D, UBE2D1, TRIP13, PSMB3, and FZR1 for growth rate, ARPC2, NCAN, and SUGP1 for body fat deposition and LAP3, and SGPP2 for feed consumption. Some hub genes reported in previous studies were also identified in this research for growth rate (NCAPG, MED1, KPNA3, and EP300), body fat deposition (TULP), and feed consumption (MED9, LCORL, COPS3, LAP3, and TAPT1). The common important genes identified between the three traits that were reported in previous studies related to the traits were MNR2, CRYBA2, and MIR375 genes. It can be concluded that novel genes have molecular functions related to economically important traits. Therefore, newly discovered hub genes can be suggested to be used for selecting birds in future broiler breeding programs and basic research on functional genomics.

The current study aimed to determine the optimum level of ground flaxseed needed to improve performance and enrich broiler meat with omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA). A total of 360 twenty-five-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were reared on floor pens and fed diets supplemented with ground flaxseed during the finisher phase (d 25-45). The chickens were assigned to four treatments of six replicates as follows: 1) corn-soybean meal (CSM) based diet as control; 2) CSM supplemented by 3% ground flaxseed (flax3); 3) CSM supplemented by 6% ground flaxseed (flax6); 4) CSM supplemented by 9% ground flaxseed (flax9). Results showed that flax6 increased (P < 0.05) daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (ADFI), while it did not affect feed conversion ratio (FCR). In addition, flax9 decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI, and impaired (P < 0.05) FCR compared to the control group at the end of the experiment (d 45). Feeding flax6 increased (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 FA in breast and thigh muscles and lowered (P < 0.05) abdominal fat pad weight compared to the control group. Results revealed that feeding birds with ground flax6 improves growth performance, reducing fat depots and enriching meat with n-3 PUFA without negatively affecting gut morphology.

In ovo injection of camel lactoferrin (cLF36) as an antimicrobial peptide was applied in Ross 308 fertile eggs and tested in 320 post-hatched chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (Cp). In 8 treatments and five replicates of 8 birds each, performance, jejunum morphometry and ileal microbial counts of chickens were assayed. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the chickens affected by treatments. Together with the positive control group under the Cp (10 8 cfu/g) challenge and the negative control group under the antibiotic (AB) challenge, the highest villi length was observed. The highest crypt depth was related to the treatment with the Cp challenge and the lowest value was related to the in ovo injection of cLF36 group and combined Cp and AB challenges. The number of Clostridium spp. in the ileal contents increased in the chickens challenged with Cp (P < 0.05). The greatest change was observed in the treatment with injection of cLF36 during the embryonic period and challenge with Cp and the lowest value was related to negative control treatment. In addition, the difference between treatments with cLF36 in ovo injection during the embryonic period and challenge with or without Cp challenge was significantly increased. In the groups under the Cp challenge, the population of E. coli was numerically increased. Based on the obtained results, cLF36, derived from camel milk, could change some of the indices in performance. It caused morphological changes in the villi of ilium and caused a decrease the microbial counts of Clostridium spp., similar to the AB group in the chickens challenged with Cp. Our research attempts to create a new window for in ovo administration of cLF36, according to its beneficial effects in the present study, can be introduced as a candidate for growth-promoting antibiotics.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and selenium (Se) supplementation on sperm quality, antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma, liver and testis of roosters. Forty-five Ross-308 broiler breeder roosters aged 60 weeks were used for an eight-week period in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Three levels of WPC (0.0, 1.5 and 3.0% of diet) and selenium supplementation (0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg of diet) with five replications were tested. Total and progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, plasma membrane integrity, and sperm viability were significantly lower in birds treated with Se supplementation-free diet (P < 0.05). Also, abnormal sperms were significantly higher in Se supplementation-free diets when compared to the diets supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se (P < 0.05). The use of 1.5% of WPC resulted in significantly increased total and progressive sperm motility compared to the WPC-free diet (P < 0.05). Selenium at the level of 0.4 mg/kg along with 3.0% WPC were associated with significantly increased Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in seminal plasma as compared to other levels (P < 0.05). The highest level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in seminal plasma was observed at the level of 0.2 mg Se (P < 0.05). Further, 3.0% WPC resulted in significantly increased TAC concentration in seminal plasma compared to the WPC-free diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level of seminal plasma in selenium supplementation-free diets was significantly higher than those of other levels (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity, TAC, and MDA levels in the testis and liver were not affected by the WPC and Se levels. It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of WPC and Se improved the semen quality, increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma of broiler breeder roosters.

Copyright of Poultry Science Journal is the property of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Poultry Science Journal is the property of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effect of different levels of Scrophularia striata extract in normal and challenged conditions with E. coli on performance, carcass characteristics, cellular immune response, blood antioxidant status, intestinal histo-morphometry, and microbial population (E.coli and Lactobacillus) of Cobb 500 broilers were evaluated. The experiment was performed in a complete block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with five replications of 10 birds each for 35 days in two separated halls [include challenge (C) and non-challenge (N)] with similar experimental conditions. Experimental treatments in two breeding halls were: 1) basal diet or control (CONT), 2) basal diet + 0.1 g/kg of herbal extract (EXTR 1), 3) basal diet +0.2 g/kg of herbal extract (EXTR 2), 4) Basal diet +0.1 g/kg an antibiotic (Oxytetracycline) (ANTB). On the 16th and 24th days of the experiment, one dose of 1×107 CFU K99 E. Coli was gavaged to chickens in a challenged conditioned hall. The results showed that average body weight and daily weight gain in the whole period (days 35 and 1-35) in EXTR 2 was better than the control treatment (P < 0.05). The percentage of breast weight in the ANTB was significantly different from the control treatment (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in EXTR 2 was better than the control treatment (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in EXTR 1 was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The values of E. coli in the treatment ANTB were less than control treatment (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus value in treatment EXTR 2 was higher than control treatment (P < 0.05). The value of total immunoglobulin in 28 days in ANTB, EXTR 1, and EXTR 2 were significantly higher than that of control treatment (P < 0.05). The length of villi was affected by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 0.2 g/kg of Scrophularia striata extract may improve the health status of the birds during E. coli challenge.

In ovo injection of camel lactoferrin (cLF36) as an antimicrobial peptide was applied in Ross 308 fertile eggs and tested in 320 post-hatched chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (Cp). In 8 treatments and five replicates of 8 birds each, performance, jejunum morphometry and ileal microbial counts of chickens were assayed. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the chickens affected by treatments. Together with the positive control group under the Cp (108 cfu/g) challenge and the negative control group under the antibiotic (AB) challenge, the highest villi length was observed. The highest crypt depth was related to the treatment with the Cp challenge and the lowest value was related to the in ovo injection of cLF36 group and combined Cp and AB challenges. The number of Clostridium spp. in the ileal contents increased in the chickens challenged with Cp (P < 0.05). The greatest change was observed in the treatment with injection of cLF36 during the embryonic period and challenge with Cp and the lowest value was related to negative control treatment. In addition, the difference between treatments with cLF36 in ovo injection during the embryonic period and challenge with or without Cp challenge was significantly increased. In the groups under the Cp challenge, the population of E. coli was numerically increased. Based on the obtained results, cLF36, derived from camel milk, could change some of the indices in performance. It caused morphological changes in the villi of ilium and caused a decrease the microbial counts of Clostridium spp., similar to the AB group in the chickens challenged with Cp. Our research attempts to create a new window for in ovo administration of cLF36, according to its beneficial effects in the present study, can be introduced as a candidate for growth-promoting antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with industrial vinegar (IV) and waste date vinegar (WDV) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune response of broilers, five hundred Ross 308 chickens were randomly divided into 50 cages in a 42-day breeding period. The experiment consisted of ten treatments with five replications in each treatment including; control 1 (standard feed without WDV or IV), control 2 (control 1 + 2% water into the feed), 1, 2, and 3% of WDV and 2% industrial vinegar (IV) into the feed and 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of WDV and 1% industrial vinegar (IV) into the water. One chicken from each replicate was slaughtered on days 24 and 42 to investigate gastrointestinal tissue growth as well as intestinal morphology. The results showed that growth performance was not affected by treatments in any period. The height and width of the villus in the treatments containing 1% of WDV into the water and 2% of WDV into the feed increased with time compared to the control treatments. On day 42 of the experiment, the crypt depth was also higher in the treatment containing 1% of WDV into the feed compared to the other treatments. The ileal coliforms were also affected by WDV addition into the feed at 42 days of age compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The highest amount of IgM and IgG were found to levels of 2% and 1% of WDV into the diet, respectively (P < 0.05). However, SRBC, ND titter was not affected by treatments. Also, no difference was found between industrial vinegar in water or feed in most of the studied parameters. The results of this study showed that supplementation of the diet with WDV had a positive effect on intestinal morphology and immune system of broilers compared to industrial vinegar.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary threonine (Thr). level on performance, metabolizable energy, intestinal morphology, and immune system in coccidian–infected broiler chickens. The diets contained: 88%, 100% (Non challenged (NC) and challenged control (PC)), 112%, 124%, and 136% of Thr requirement according to Cobb 500 recommendation and fed during grower (pre challenged) and finisher (post challenged) periods. On d 23 (end of grower period), each bird received 0.5 mL of distilled water or received around 24000 sporulated oocysts. On d 23 and 31, one bird per replicate was slaughtered to measure the performance criteria. Mean dietary apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) and digestible energy were greater in NC birds than the challenged birds fed on 88% or 100% Thr diets. Feed intake and blood parameters were not significantly influenced by increasing levels of Thr in the diet. Compared with unchallenged birds with coccidia (NC), the growth performance, morphological parameters (not crypt depth), and immune responses decreased (P < 0.05) in the birds (PC) that were challenged with coccidia, and oocyte numbers were enhanced. Growth performance, jejunal morphology, and immune responses improved and oocyte count decreased in coccidian- challenged birds fed on the diets with greater levels of Thr (P < 0.05). Feeding the challenged birds with the diet containing greater levels of Thr improved (P < 0.05) their growth performance, morphology, and immune responses and decreased oocyte number. The birds fed on the diet with 124% Thr demonstrated a similar response as the NC birds. Increased diet Thr level linearly increased average daily gain and decreased feed conversion ratio in the grower and the whole experimentation periods. The AMEn and digestibility of crude protein were enhanced linearly Thr level increased in coccidian-challenged birds. It is concluded that diets containing 124% of Thr recommendation led to the greatest efficacy on the intestinal immuneresponse and normal growth maintenance of the birds contaminated with coccidia.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and selenium (Se) supplementation on sperm quality, antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma, liver and testis of roosters. Forty-five Ross-308 broiler breeder roosters aged 60 weeks were used for an eight-week period in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Three levels of WPC (0.0, 1.5 and 3.0% of diet) and selenium supplementation (0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg of diet) with five replications were tested. Total and progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, plasma membrane integrity, and sperm viability were significantly lower in birds treated with Se supplementation-free diet (P < 0.05). Also, abnormal sperms were significantly higher in Se supplementation-free diets when compared to the diets supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se (P < 0.05). The use of 1.5% of WPC resulted in significantly increased total and progressive sperm motility compared to the WPC-free diet (P < 0.05). Selenium at the level of 0.4 mg/kg along with 3.0% WPC were associated with significantly increased Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in seminal plasma as compared to other levels (P < 0.05). The highest level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in seminal plasma was observed at the level of 0.2 mg Se (P < 0.05). Further, 3.0% WPC resulted in significantly increased TAC concentration in seminal plasma compared to the WPC-free diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level of seminal plasma in selenium supplementation-free diets was significantly higher than those of other levels (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity, TAC, and MDA levels in the testis and liver were not affected by the WPC and Se levels. It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of WPC and Se improved the semen quality, increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma of broiler breeder roosters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different levels of Scrophularia striata extract in normal and challenged conditions with E. coli on performance, carcass characteristics, cellular immune response, blood antioxidant status, intestinal histo-morphometry, and microbial population (E.coli and Lactobacillus) of Cobb 500 broilers were evaluated. The experiment was performed in a complete block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with five replications of 10 birds each for 35 days in two separated halls [include challenge (C) and non-challenge (N)] with similar experimental conditions. Experimental treatments in two breeding halls were: 1) basal diet or control (CONT), 2) basal diet + 0.1 g/kg of herbal extract (EXTR 1), 3) basal diet +0.2 g/kg of herbal extract (EXTR 2), 4) Basal diet +0.1 g/kg an antibiotic (Oxytetracycline) (ANTB). On the 16th and 24th days of the experiment, one dose of 1×107 CFU K99 E. Coli was gavaged to chickens in a challenged conditioned hall. The results showed that average body weight and daily weight gain in the whole period (days 35 and 1-35) in EXTR 2 was better than the control treatment (P < 0.05). The percentage of breast weight in the ANTB was significantly different from the control treatment (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in EXTR 2 was better than the control treatment (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in EXTR 1 was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The values of E. coli in the treatment ANTB were less than control treatment (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus value in treatment EXTR 2 was higher than control treatment (P < 0.05). The value of total immunoglobulin in 28 days in ANTB, EXTR 1, and EXTR 2 were significantly higher than that of control treatment (P < 0.05). The length of villi was affected by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 0.2 g/kg of Scrophularia striata extract may improve the health status of the birds during E. coli challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]