This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding garlic powder (GP) on the performance, digestibility, digestive organs, carcass cuts and lipid profile of broilers. A total of 270 day-old Cobb-500 chicks were used in the experiment. Birds were partitioned into three experimental groups of 90 birds in each. Each treatment was composed of 6 replicates with 15 birds in each. The control group was fed with a commercial starter and finisher diet. The second and third groups were supplemented with GP at the rate of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively. In the last week of experiment, 18 birds from each experimental group (3 birds per replicate) were used in a metabolic trial. At the time of termination of the experiment, the same number of birds were killed for digestive organs and carcass components measurements. Blood samples from 3 birds per replicate were collected on 3 rd , 5 th and 6 th week post feeding from wing vein for blood lipid profile determination. Total cholesterol (COL), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were determined. Results of this study showed that GP had no significant effects on broilers weight gain, feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass cuts, visceral organs. However, GP decreased (P < 0.05) COL, TG, LDL and increased HDL levels compared to control birds. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) digestibility were improved by feeding GP. It can be concluded that GP could provide positive advantages in broilers performance.

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The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of a natural herb extract on the general performance, carcass parameters and mortality of broiler chicks. A total of 720 one-day old chicks (Cobb 500) were used in the experiment and randomly partitioned into nine pens (80 chicks per pen). Three experimental diets (C: regular starter feed; CC plus: regular starter feed supplemented with chicken plus herbal extract; AFC plus: antibiotic-free diet supplemented with chicken plus) were assigned each to three randomly selected pens. The herbal extract was supplemented in drinking water at rate of 300 ml/cubic meter. Results showed that weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR) and dressing percentages (DP) increased (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented with herb extract compared to control birds. Mortalities and sudden deaths were minimized via herbal supplementation. However, herbal supplementation had no significant effects on carcass cuts and some visceral organs. The relative economic efficiency (REE) was up to 13% improved by the herb supplementation. It can be concluded that feeding the herbal extract has significant positive effects on broilers general performance as feed efficiency is increased by 11% and on mortality and sudden death cases.

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The objective of this research was to investigate the biological and economical values of hydroponic barley (HB) on lactating Awassi ewes. A total of 48 lactating ewes were used in a feeding trial in two groups. The first was fed a regular lactation TMR ration while ewes in the second treatment were fed similar ration except that regular wheat hay was totally replaced by HB for 120 days feeding trial. Results of the experiment showed that the green fodder yield in 8 days germination cycle was 7.5 kg per 1 kg barley grains of green fodder. HB had no effects on feed intake (FI), body weight changes, milk yield, and milk composition; however, HB had positive effects on ewe's health conditions, mortalities, conception rates and abortion. In conclusion, HB can be used as feed for lactating sheep as cost of feed can be reduced by 42%.