Changes in Some Blood Biochemical Indicators in Kurdi Rams Response of Selenium and Zinc Supplements

Zirak Mohamed Rustam khan Palani^*(1) Hamid Eshag Ismael Kutaibani⁽²⁾and Faraidoon Abdul Sattar Muhamad Amin⁽³⁾

(1). Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq.

(2). Branch of Public Health, College of Veterinary, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq.

(3). Branch of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary, University of Sulaimania, Sulaimania, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Zirak Mohamed Rustam khan Palani. E-Mail: zirak_axa@yahoo.com).

Received: 27/07/2018 Accepted: 01/10/2018

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing selenium, zinc and combination of them on the level of antioxidants and some blood biochemical indicators of 12 individual Kurdi rams, aged between 16 – 18 months. The rams were divided to four groups and each group contained 3 rams. The control group, basal diet without Se and Zn, the second group selenium (sodium salinate) was added as 0.5 mg / kg of feed, the third group zinc (zinc sulphate) was added as 100 mg/kg of feed, and the fourth group selenium with zinc were added as 0.5 + 100 mg/kg of feed, then given by gelatinous capsules daily for 90 days. Blood samples were taken from the rams (three for each treatment), on the 30 days, 60 days and before ending the feeding trails (90 days). The results showed a significant increment in Testosterone hormone, blood urea, glutathione (GSH) and Malondialedhyde (MDA) in the blood serum in the groups that added Se, Zn and combinations of them to the feed compared to the control group. An increase in the concentration of the Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) in blood serum in the groups that added Se, Zn and combination of them to the feed compared to the control group. In addition, the total protein in the blood serum did not differ significantly between treatments on the 30, 60 and 90 days of the experiment. The results concluded that the addition of selenium and zinc supplements improved significantly of the situation of antioxidants, Testosterone hormone and some serum biochemical indicators of Kurdi rams.

Key words: Selenium, Zinc, Kurdi rams, Biochemical indicators.

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Prevalence of Ringworm Infection in Camels under Release Breeding System in Syria

Abdul Naser Al-Omar^*(1)

(1). Agricultural Research Center in Hama, General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abdul Naser Al-omar. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 20/08/2017 Accepted: 01/11/2017

Abstract

This research was carried out on 1639 heads of camels in two Syrian governorates, Homs and Deir- Ezzour during the period of March 2010 till February 2011 to recognize prevalence of Ringworm infection under the conditions of breeding release. Clinical symptoms of infection were recorded i.e. age of infected animals, sex, and general condition. The infections were listed according to the seasons of the year. The clinical symptoms appeared in the form of lesions and distinctive circular spots covered with dry dense white scurf, localized mainly in the head, neck, chest, front standings and sometimes in all over the body. Results showed sufficient difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of infections among the ages of infected animals, where the infections were greater in small aged camels till three years old where the ratio was (31.87%), while it was (9.58%) in camels their ages within the range (3-10) years. Infection prevailed in both sexes, male and female, where the ratio of infection was greater in old female camels (10.05%) comparing to old males (6.01%), also it was greater in small females (35.4%) comparing to male animals (27.63%), but there is no significant difference between the two sexes. The ratio of prevalence infections varied according to the seasons of the year with significant difference (p<0.001). It was for old camels in winter, autumn, summer and spring (14.63%،, 10.95%،, 7.69%, 4.98%) respectively. While the ratio in small camels with significant difference (p<0.05) (40.94%, 33.60%, 29.26%, 23.84%) respectively. These results is considered important for charged people in the veterinary and health sectors, because it helps them in setting protective schedules programs that can reduce the ratio of prevalence the infection in animal.

Keys words: Ringworm, Breeding release, Camels, Syria.

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Effect of Different Levels of Dry Onion Powder in the Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio (L.1758) Fish Diets on Growth Rate and Food Conversion

Qusay Hamid Al-Hamadany^*(1)

(1). Marine Science Center/Dept. Marine Vertebrate

(*Corresponding author: Qusay Hamid Al-Hamadany. E-mail: qusayhamid@yahoo.com

Received: 02/10/2018 Accepted: 06/11/2018

Abstract

The current study aimed to study the effects of different levels of dry onions as additives to the diet of common carp fingerlings Cyprinus carpio L. on growth performance and food conversion rates. The initial average weight rate was 9.02±0.39 g. The results showed significant differences (p <0.05) in the final weight, daily weight gain, gain weight, relative growth rate, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio within fish groups. Treatment C, which fed on dry onion powder of 7% gave the best rate of final body weight, daily weight gain, gain weight, relative growth rate, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio. There were no differences (p >0.05) in the survival rate within fish groups. The results of the current study indicated that dry onion powder can be used in common carp fish at 7% to increase growth rates.

Key words: Cyprinus carpio, Dry onion powder, Growth rate, Food conversion.

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The Economic Estimation of Cost Functions in the Long Run and Scale Economies of Almonds in Homs Governorate

Khetam Idris^*(1)

(1). Homs Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Khetam Idris. E-Mail: vera_naya@yahoo.com).

Received: 22/09/2017 Accepted: 08/11/2017

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study costs structure of almonds production in Homs governorate for the agricultural season 2015. To achieve the targets, the research depended on the econometric and statistical analysis of the primary data which was collected by interviews with the farmers of the studied region. The results of the cost structure analysis of the almonds production showed that the variable costs accounted approximately (66.11) % of total costs, while the fixed costs accounted (33.89) % of the total costs. The quantitative analysis showed that the optimal size of production that decreases the costs was (12.9) tons, but the optimum area was (49.54) dunum. The estimated elasticity of costs, amounted (1) at the optimum level of production, and the minimum price was calculated as (148673.08) sp/tons, and the function supply in long term was derived. A positive relationship between quantity supplied of almonds and price, when price is greater than (148673.08) sp/tons. Also, the results showed that the average cost decreases until it reaches to optimal level of production, while proportion economies of scale reach the maximum value 100% at optimum level of production average cost.

Key Words: Almonds, Economies of scale, Function supply, Function of production costs in long-term.

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Measuring Technical Efficiency of Wheat, Barley and Lentil Production Farms at Al-Zerbeh Region in Aleppo

Abdullah Al-Youssef*⁽¹⁾ Ahmad Shams Aldien Shaaban⁽²⁾ Jamila Dirbas⁽³⁾ Abdulatef Al-Assaf⁽¹⁾ Isam Khalifeh⁽¹⁾ and Yasmeen Naal⁽¹⁾

(1). Aleppo Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Aleppo University Center for Strategic Studies and Research, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(3). Cotton Research Administration, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(* Corresponding author: Dr. Addullah Al-Youssef. Email: dr.abdalyoussef@gmail.com).

Received: 20/04/2017 Accepted: 24/09/2017

Abstract

The aim of this research was to estimate production costs, and to compare technical efficiency levels and production gap of wheat, barley and lentil in the area within the project of enhancing food security in Arab Countries/Syria-Second Phase. The search conducted at Jabal Samaan region based upon 150 Questionnaires. The technical efficiency estimated by stochastic frontier analysis using Front 4.1 software. The results indicated an increase in the variable cost percentage of the total costs. The net profits were 650128, 458686 and 320021 S.P/ha for lentil, barley and wheat respectively. Averages technical efficiency were 81.5%, 67.3% and 82.9% for wheat, barley and lentil farmers respectively. Also, high significantly differences were found between actual and potential yield. Besides, lowest production gap was 340.3 (kg/ha) for lentil farmers, followed by wheat farmers (785.1 kg/ha), and finally barley farmers (1611 kg/ha).

Key Words: Production costs, Technical efficiency, Stochastic frontier analysis, Jabal Samaan.

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**Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Seedlings Response to Potassium and Foliar Spray of Methanol under Drought Conditions Induced by Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG-6000)**

Fadi Abbas *⁽¹⁾ Entessar AL-Jbawi ⁽²⁾ and Mahmoud Al–Hamdan⁽³⁾

(1). Scientific Agriculture Research Center of Homs, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Sugar beet Research Department, Crops Research Administration, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(3). Natural Resources Directorate, Scientific Agriculture Research Center of Homs, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Fadi Abbas. E-Mail: fadiab77@gmail.com).

Received: 24/09/2018 Accepted: 14/11/2018

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at Homs Agriculture Research Center Lab, during 2014, using two monogerm sugar beet varieties (Rival and Semper), to study the effects of drought induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on seedling stage, and the role of potassium and foliar spray of methanol in reducing the negative effects of drought. Plants thinned to one plant per polyethylene sac which contains 10 kg of soil. Three osmotic solutions (0, -3, -6 bar) were applied, using three levels of potassium sulfate (0, 1.5, 3 g/plant), besides spraying 25% of methanol (four times), one week after emergence, then one-week interval between treatments. Results showed a significant effect of osmotic potential on growth stages, because of that, the time needed to complete each stage increased with decreasing osmotic potential level. Potassium had no significant effect on the early growth stages (germination, cotyledon pairs), while this factor affected the following stages (first, second and third true leaves pairs) significantly. Methanol had no significant effect on the early growth stages (germination, cotyledon pairs and first true leaves pairs), while it affected the following stages (second and third true leaves pairs) significantly. The values of leaves dry matter, leaves area and net assimilation rate decreased with the reduction of osmotic potential, and the differences were significant. Also, potassium and methanol enhanced growth, and had a positive effect on these attributes significantly. Rival variety surpassed Semper in all of studied attributes.

Key Words: Drought stress, Potassium, Methanol, Seedling, Sugar beet.

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Effect of Different Flour and Milk Additives from Soybean in Improvement of Chemical and Quality Characteristics of Bread

Mashhour Nawaf Ghanem^*(1)

(1). Swieda Agriculture Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Sweida, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mashhour Nawaf Ghanem. E-Mail: mashhourghanem@gmail.com).

Received: 21/10/2017 Accepted: 14/11/2017

Abstract

Bread is the widest product of food produces. In order to improve the chemical and quality of bread contents. This study was carried at As’swida Research Center and Directorate of Supply and Internal Trade laboratories in 2015. soy milk was added and soy flour at replacement levels of 10-20-30% to the wheat flour. The chemical analyses showed that the highest content of protein was in the 30% soy milk treatment. The 30% soy flour sample was superior in phosphor, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents (31%- 0.36%- 0.07%- 0.09%) respectively. in comparison to control ‘wheat bread’ (0.18%-0.24%- 0.04%-0.07%) respectively. The highest content in nitrogen 3.34% was in the 30% soy milk treatment compared to 2.24% in control. Sodium was increased directly by increasing soy flour. The ash also increased with the increment of soy flour (2.9% compared to 1.9 in control). The quality characters were appropriated for all the treatments regarding to the non-adhesion of two pieces of loaf of bread, white brown color and maturity, with the superiority of taste and smell desired to the treatment 30% soy milk.

Keywords: Bread, Soybean, Soy milk, Soy flour.

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Phytochemical Detection of Active Ingredients in the Syrian Medicinal Plant Tribulus terrestris L. from the Family Zygophyllaceae

Abdel Aleem Bello^*(1)

(1). Plant Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abdel Aleem Bello. E-Mail: abdelaleembello@gmail.com).

Received: 15/07/2018 Accepted: 01/10/2018

Abstract

Syrian plants are a natural heritage and precious treasure, which efforts must be directed to study and discover their active constituents and benefits. One of these plants is Tribulus terrestris, which is naturally spread medicinal plant in Aleppo city. This research was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Taxonomy and Medicinal Plants Research, Faculty of Science, Aleppo University, within the period 15/10/2017 and 5/6/2018. In this research, the active constituents in the extracts of this plant were detected using various chemical tests and specific reagents. Flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, alkaloids, phenols and tannins were recorded in most extracts of the plant, while anthraquinones and fixed oils were not observed in any extract. Saponins were recorded in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts and in the aqueous extract of the fruits. The present study was unique in detecting coumarins and diterpenes in this plant. It was concluded that many medical activities of this plant can be interpreted by having a wide range of active constituents. Refer to previous studies, it is believed that this research on Tribulus terrestris is the first of its kind at the local level.

Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, Phytochemical screening, Active constituents.

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**Estimation of the Trees Height of Cupressus sempervirens L. Using the Mathematical Modelling in Misiaf Region**

Ali Thabit^*(1)

(1). Natural Renewable Resources and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ali Thabit. E-Mail: alithabt@yahoo.fr).

Received: 02/08/2018 Accepted: 24/09/2018

Abstract

The aim of this research was to design and test height-diameter models of Cupressus sempervirens in Misiaf, Syria. Modelling techniques were applied at four sampling plots that were selected throughout the natural distribution area of Cupressus sempervirens in Misiaf region. The tree height (h) and diameter at breast height (dbh) of eighty-four trees (84) were measured. Different forms of mathematical models (Michailoff, Parabel, Prodan, Petterson, Korsun, and Logarithmic) were selected to estimate the trees height of Cupressus sempervirens using diameter at breast height (dbh) as independent variable. Models were examined using different statistical tests i.e. absolute mean of the model error, relative mean of the model error, standard error of the absolute mean of the model error, model accuracy, model accuracy % and coefficient of determination R², which showed the proportion of the total variance that is explained by model. These statistical tests were done to select the best model to estimate the trees height of Cupressus sempervirens in Misiaf region in Syria. The results of model’s efficiency tests showed that the best function was Parabel equation, this model had a high R-squared value (R² = 60.8 %), less error value (0.21), and best accuracy value (m_x = 19 %). The results of this research could be a good tool in management of Cupressus sempervirens sites and could help forest managers in the future studies in the field.

Keywords: Cupressus sempervirens, Height–Diameter relationships, Mathematical modelling, Syria.

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Irrigation Programming Using WEAP – MABIA Model in Al-Kabir Alshamali Basin, Syria

Marina Al-Ali^*(1) Jamil Abbas⁽¹⁾ Emad Kubeli⁽¹⁾ and Hussen Saleh⁽²⁾

(1). Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen university, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Higher Commission for Scientific Research, Damascus, Syria

Received: 02/08/2018 Accepted: 24/09/2018

Abstract

This research was conducted at Al-Kabir Alshamali basin in Lattakia Governorate, this area in located between Syrian-Turkish border, and the Syrian coastal strip within an area of 835 km², to evaluate the current status of water resources of the agricultural sector, and suggest future scenarios to reduce water deficit using MABIA and WEAP 21. Water evaluation and planning depended on the data from the Directorate of Water Resources in Lattakia, including: river flow, storage capacity, monthly storage, volume curve of dam’s lakes (Tishreen, AlHaffa and AlThoura), evaporation, and losses to ground water in addition to springs monthly flow of and groundwater recharge, besides the data of climatic factors from General Directorate of Meteorology, data of the Ministry of Agriculture (land use including irrigated areas and cultivated crops) and data from the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (mechanical and chemical soil analysis) to calculate the basic moisture parameters. The previous mentioned data were interred for the base year 2011. The results showed that improving irrigation cannels reduced water deficit from 4.2 million m³in the year 2011 to 2.8 million m³by the year 2050. While when field Irrigation efficiency scenario is applied, water deficit was reduced to reach 2.2 M.m³ in the year 2050. But when the two previous scenarios are combined, the water deficit which is expected to decrease to 2.1 M.m³ by the year 2050. While when water harvest scenario is applied water deficit will be reduced to reach 1.5 M.m³ by the year 2015. From the above, the importance of applying mathematical modeling using water planning and assessment MABIA and WEAP 21.

Keywords: Water resources, Agricultural sector, Al-Kabir Alshamali basin, Water deficit, MABIA, WEAP21.

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