Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Invited Review: Reproductive biotechnologies in Moroccan livestock: achievements, challenges, and future perspectives111450610.22103/jlst.2024.23987.1560ENAnassBen MoulaPlant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, MoroccoMouadChentoufAnimal Production Unit, Regional Centre for Agricultural Research of Tangier, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, 10090 Rabat, MoroccoYounesHmimsaTEDAEEP research team; Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, MoroccoHamidEl AmriIAGGR, Institute of Genetic Analysis in the Royal Gendarmerie, Rabat MoroccoSalamaEl FatehiTEDAEEP research team; Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, MoroccoBouchraEl AmiriAnimal Production Unit, Regional Centre Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, 10090 Rabat, MoroccoJournal Article20240905This review explores the landscape of published research on reproductive biotechnologies in Moroccan livestock industry, with a particular focus on sheep and goats. While significant attention has been directed towards these species, a notable absence of research remains on other livestock species. Certain breeds of sheep and goats have also been insufficiently studied, revealing critical gaps in knowledge regarding reproductive interventions across Morocco's diverse livestock population. Although advancements in artificial insemination (AI) have improved outcomes in sheep through techniques such as semen storage and ovulation induction, essential methods like oocyte and embryo conservation, as well as embryo transfer, have been largely overlooked in Moroccan livestock research. This review underscores the necessity for a more inclusive approach, advocating for broader research that encompasses a variety of breeds within sheep and goats, while also extending beyond these species to include other overlooked categories of livestock. Addressing these identified gaps presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding of reproductive interventions and emphasizes the importance of establishing a cryobank to preserve genetic diversity and ensure livestock resilience in the face of climate change challenges. Recommendations outlined in this review propose a strategic roadmap that prioritizes expanding research to include overlooked species and breeds, integrating techniques such as oocyte and embryo conservation, and emphasizing the importance of embryo transfer studies in advancing reproductive biotechnologies within the Moroccan livestock industry.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4506_a922a97f8a30caff2cf15abba2222f0d.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Short Communication: Effects of monoglycerides and lecithin on metabolizable energy and apparent total tract digestibility of diets in Hy-Line chicks1320437310.22103/jlst.2024.23475.1539ENAliakbarSalariDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJavadAmeriDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranAliAlmamuryDepartment of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Babylon 51013, IraqMohsenTeimouriDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranSeyedmohammad RezaSalavatiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranSeyedmohsenNouri HosseiniDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20240525Most emulsifiers are molecules with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties that can interact with both oil and water, thereby stabilizing the mixtures and preventing their separation. Common emulsifiers used in the animal feed industry include lecithin, lysolecithin, mono-and diglycerides, and carrageenan. The objective of this investigation was to assess the effects of emulsifiers on gross energy (GE), apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in chick diets. A total of six hundred Hy-Line W-80 chicks at 12 weeks old was randomly assigned to ten test groups. Each group was composed of six replicates, with ten birds per cage. The study employed a completely randomized design with a 2×5 factorial arrangement, encompassing ten treatments. The treatments consisted of two levels of monoglycerides (0% and 0.05%, referred to as emulsifier A) and five levels of lecithin (0%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, and 0.06%, referred to as emulsifier B). Hy-Line chicks fed diets supplemented with emulsifier B had significantly higher AME and AMEn compared with chicks offered the control diet. The levels of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06% of emulsifier B improved the AME and AMEn. Linear and quadratic effects and the orthogonal contrast between the diets without and with emulsifiers B showed that addition of emulsifiers increased AME and AMEn in the diet. The interaction between emulsifiers A and B were observed on ATTD of Ca, P and ether extract (EE). The addition of emulsifiers A and B resulted in an increase in the ATTD of EE. In conclusion, the addition of lecithin at the 0.04% level can improve metabolizable energy levels by increasing fat digestibility.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4373_35a9b5fa58cdc267f3a74dd40082c869.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Effect of feed form on performance, gut morphology and cecal microflora on late-phase laying hens under cyclic high ambient temperature2129438210.22103/jlst.2024.23397.1538ENRezaMahdaviDepartment of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranAli HosseinPirayDepartment of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran0009-0009-2252-4036MehranTorkiDepartment of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranJournal Article20240515Feed form and heat stress (HS) are two major critical issues that affect feed intake (FI) in poultry. Limited research has been conducted on the impact of feed form on the intestinal morphology of laying hens. Additionally, the influence of feed form on the intestinal microbiota of laying hens under HS conditions remains unexplored. One hundred and forty-four laying hens (90 weeks of age) were used in a completely randomized design with two treatments (pellet and mash). Each treatment contained six replicates of 12 hens each. Laying hens were subjected to a cyclic heat stress regimen of 32 ± 3°C for 6 hours per day at a humidity of 35–40% during the late laying period (weeks 90–97). Feed form had no effect on egg production and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05), but egg weight and mass, FI, and body weight gain increased in the birds fed the pelleted diet (P<0.05). Feeding the pelleted diet decreased the shell weight and thickness, as well as the yolk color score (P < 0.05), but did not affect other egg quality parameters (P>0.05). Villus width and villus surface area were higher in hens fed the pelleted diet (P<0.05) than those fed the mash diet, but villus height, crypt depth, and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). There were no significant differences between treatments regarding cecal <em>bifidobacteria</em> spp. <em>lactobacillus</em> spp. and<em> </em>coliforms<em> </em>populations (P>0.05). However, feeding laying hens with pelleted diet resulted in greater numbers of cecal <em>Enterococcus</em> spp<em>.</em> compared to those fed the mash diet (P<0.05). This study indicated that feeding the pelleted diet improved the egg mass production and intestinal morphology, reduced the shell weight and thickness, and increased the population of <em>Enterococcus</em> spp. in the ceca of late-laying hens exposed to HS. The economic benefit from performance improvement with the pelleted diet may have offset the higher feeding cost.<br /> https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4382_9424e6135ad5beaabba0f7f3fda7c17d.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Tissue mobilization to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing gravid uterus and strategies to mitigate its intensity in dairy cows3141443210.22103/jlst.2024.23703.1546ENAliMoharreryDepartment of Animal Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, IranAlirezaMirzakhaniDepartment of Animal Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, IranHosseinMehrbanDivision of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agriculture Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran0000-0002-0396-5022Mohammad JavadZamiriDepartment of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, IranJournal Article20240704The study investigated the effects of different diets on late-pregnant Holstein cows. Twenty-one multiparous cows were grouped into three dietary treatments: a control diet, a diet with rumen-protected amino acids (methionine and lysine; PAA), and a high-crude protein (High-CP) diet contained with plant source proteins. The cows were transferred to individual stalls 28 days before calving and remained until parturition. Weekly measurements included the body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and back fat and eye muscle depths. Blood and urine samples were taken for analysis of β-hydroxy butyrate (βHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesterol, and nitrogenous compounds. Colostrum and placental attributes were collected at calving. Results showed a 25% decrease in dry matter intake near calving, with stable BW and BCS. The cows that fed on High-CP, had the highest back fat and eye muscle depth. Blood metabolite analysis revealed decreasing anabolic markers [albumin, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), cholesterol] and increasing catabolic markers (creatinine, βHB, NEFA) toward calving. Plasma 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) levels rose, indicating muscle mobilization. Urinary excretion of allantoin, total urea nitrogen, and uric acid decreased significantly (P<0.001), reflecting increased nitrogen demand. The cows that fed with High-CP exhibited higher fecal nitrogen excretion, while the cows on PAA had lower metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN) levels. The calf BW was highest in the PAA group, and their colostrum showed higher protein content and lower freezing points. This study highlights dynamic metabolic shifts in dairy cows during late pregnancy, with significant muscle and fat mobilization despite stable body metrics. High dietary CP could not prevent muscle mobilization, suggesting the need for adaptive feeding strategies. The results underline the importance of dietary supplementation, particularly PAA, to meet the heightened nutritional demands during this critical period.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4432_856f2e8d3192da3b7bfdeea8cadfce91.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Effects of saline water stress on in vitro and in situ ruminal degradation kinetics of soybean meal in sheep4352434910.22103/jlst.2024.23060.1529ENMir-AliPishdadi-MotlaghDepartment of Animal Science, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, IranRaminSalamatDoust-NobarDepartment of Animal Science, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, IranNaserMaheri-SisDepartment of Animal Science, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, IranAmir-RezaSafaieAnimal Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.0000-0001-8857-9472AbolfazlAghajanzadeh-GolshaniDepartment of Animal Science, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, IranJournal Article20240404The study was conducted to determine the soybean meal (SBM) fermentation and degradation kinetics using gas production (GP) and nylon bag techniques in sheep under saline water stress. Eight rumen-cannulated Iranian Shaal rams that received different levels of saline water, including the control group (480), 4000, 8000, and 12000 mg/kg total dissolved solids (TDS) were used. The results showed significant differences between the experimental treatments in terms of the amount of methane produced, total GP, dry mater (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation and the relevant parameters (P<0.05). The treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS had the highest GP at 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation times. Short-chain fatty acids, digestible organic matter, metabolizable energy, and net energy for lactation of SBM significantly differ between treatments (P<0.05), with the lowest amount at the 4000 mg/kg salinity level. The lowest amount of methane emission was observed in the treatment containing 8000 and 12000 mg/kg TDS. The results demonstrated that drinking water salinity significantly influenced the DM and CP degradability in SBM. The highest effective degradability values for DM and CP were observed in the treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS. The highest values of <em>b </em>fraction for DM and CP were observed in the treatment containing 8000 mg/kg TDS. Also, slowly degradable protein and effective rumen degradable protein significantly (P<0.05) increased by increasing the salinity levels. In contrast, the undegradable protein, digestible undegradable protein and metabolizable protein were decreased with increasing water salinity. In conclusion, drinking water salinity affected the soybean meal fermentation and degradation kinetics and nutritional value. The treatment containing 12000 mg/kg TDS in drinking water decreased methane production and metabolizable protein in sheep.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4349_de252e54001ab911ed506566a4402629.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Assessing the predictive performance of the Bagging algorithm for genomic selection5359445810.22103/jlst.2024.23744.1549ENFarhadGhafouri-KesbiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, IranJournal Article20240713The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive performance of the Bagging algorithm with other decision tree-based methods, including regression tree (RT), random forest (RF) and Boosting in genomic selection. A genome including ten chromosomes for 1,000 individuals on which 10,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were evenly distributed was simulated. QTL effects were assigned to 10% of the polymorphic SNPs, with effects sampled from a gamma distribution. Predictive performance measures including accuracy of prediction, reliability and bias were used to compare the methods. Computing time and memory requirements of the studied methods were also measured. In all methods studied, the accuracy of genomic evaluation increased following increase in the heritability level from 0.10 to 0.50. While RT was the most efficient user of time and memory, it was not recommended for genomic selection due to its poor predictive performance. The obtained results showed that the predictive performance of Bagging was equal to RF and higher than RT and Boosting. However, it required significantly higher computational time and memory requirements. Considering the overall performance, Bagging was recommended for genomic selection, especially when due to the size and structure of the genomic data, the use of RF is limited.<br /> https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4458_c68f7c66359a3fa36c5971f8dadf953d.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Analysis of liver transcriptome data to identify the genes affecting lipid metabolism during the embryonic and hatching periods in ROSS breeder broilers6167447910.22103/jlst.2024.23814.1554ENFatemehMohamadinejadDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranMohammadrezaMohammadabadiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranZahraRoudbariDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, IranSaeidehEskandarynasab SiahkouhiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabul, IranOlenaBabenkoDepartment of Animal Science, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Soborna, Bila Tserkva, Kiev, UkraineNataliiaKlopenkoDepartment of Animal Science, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Soborna, Bila Tserkva, Kiev, UkraineOleksandrBorshchDepartment of Animal Science, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Soborna, Bila Tserkva, Kiev, UkraineIrynaStarostenkoDepartment of Animal Science, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Soborna, Bila Tserkva, Kiev, Ukraine0000-0002-0802-4088OleksandrKalashnykDepartment of Animal Science, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, UkraineElhamAssadi SoumehAnimal Science and Production Department, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, AustraliaJournal Article20240803Upon transfer of incubating eggs from the setter stage to the hatcher, the metabolism of the energy source for the rapid metabolism also changes rapidly when the adipose tissue may play an important part<em>.</em> To comprehend the molecular processes underlying the alterations in fat metabolism, identification of genes, processes, and pathways related to fat metabolism is imperative. This research aimed to identify the important genes in lipid metabolism during the embryonic and hatching periods in Ross breeder broilers<em>.</em> The embryonic transcriptomics data were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with accession number GSE109451 and analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus 2R (GEO2R). Common genes between the setter and hatcher periods were identified with Venn web tool. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool was used to identify the biological processes and pathways. The protein-protein network was drawn using the String software and analyzed with the Cytoscape software. Overall, 580 genes in the setter period and 711 genes in the hatcher period showed differential expressions, and 205 common genes were identified between these periods<em>.</em> The most important pathways and processes related to lipid metabolism with common genes between the setter and hatcher periods were the cell cycle, retinol metabolic process, activation of protein kinase activity, nucleic acid metabolism, and metabolic pathways<em>.</em> The key genes associated with lipid metabolism included <em>PBK</em>, <em>CDK1</em>, <em>CCNB2</em>, <em>AURKA</em>. The risks associated with excess fat tissue in chickens present a dual challenge that encompasses animal health and product quality. Targeted research in this area holds the potential to yield effective interventions, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and profitability of poultry production. Enhanced understanding and control of fat metabolism are essential for fostering a healthier and more productive poultry industry.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4479_2591c843d662e141534674839bbbe380.pdfShahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Society of Animal ScienceJournal of Livestock Science and Technologies2322-355312220241201Evaluating maternal imprinting effects for growth and reproductive traits in Murciano-Granadina goats6976448210.22103/jlst.2024.23916.1559ENJamshidEhsaniniaDepartment of Agriculture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, IranFarhadGhafouri-KesbiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, IranJournal Article20240820This research aimed to conduct a genetic analysis of maternal imprinting effects on growth and reproductive characteristics in the Murciano-Granadina goats. Data for the present study were recorded between 2016 and 2022 on a farm in the Kerman province, Iran. Traits studied were body weight at birth (WB) and weaning (WW), pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG), Kleiber ratio (KR) and growth efficiency (GE). Reproduction traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter size at birth (TLWB) and total litter size at weaning (TLWW). An animal model was used to analyze the data. Comparison of the models with and without maternal imprinting effects was performed using Akaike's information criterion (AIC). Maternal imprinting had a significant impact on WB and LSW. The heritability estimates for maternal imprinting ( ) were 0.07±0.07 for WB and 0.07±0.02 for LSW. Accounting for maternal imprinting effects into the model resulted in a reduction of 2% and 56% in the direct heritability of WB and LSW, respectively. In addition, the value of for WB was reduced by approximately 75%. The results implied that there are maternal imprinting effects on the WB and LSW of Murciano-Granadina goats. Hence, the genetic evaluation models for these traits should consider the effect of maternal imprinting effect.https://lst.uk.ac.ir/article_4482_73e001698f9f1ffe1ebaa7100cc719a3.pdf