Is the first agric. scientific and refereed journal established in Iraq. The first volume was published in 1966. IJAS is registered in the number 137 in 1988 of the Baghdad National Library. Years ago, it was published with one issue a year. For the time being, it is published bimonthly (6 issues for a volume till the end of 2025) and monthly from January 2026. The international number of IJAS are: PISSN 0075-0530 EISSN 2410-0862
University of Baghdad, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF BODY CONDITION SCORE AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN SHAMI DOES
This study was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the Agricultural Research Directorate/Ministry of Agriculture using 50 Shami goat aged 2-3 years, aimed to studying the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and productive performance in Shami goat, as well as estimating genetic parameters, artificial intelligence models (MobileNetV2 network with Transfer Learning technology) were applied in the BCS estimation. The overall average of total milk yield, lactation length and period from parturition to peak for the highest BCS group (BCS:3.5-4.5) were 225.84±24.76 kg, 216.73±7.10 days and 40.05±2.53 days, respectively, followed by the medium BCS group (BCS:2.5->3.5) 155.87±16.54 kg, 192.50±11.04 days and 35.06±2.84 days, then the low BCS group (BCS:1.5->2.5) 77.27±5.09 kg, 13.140±1.81 days and 17.67±1.07 days for the above traits and in the same previous order respectively. Milk composition was affected by in production stage and the percentage of milk components. Changes Heritability estimates ranged from 0.11 to 0.28 for BCS and milk production traits, and ranged from 0.26 to 0.51 for milk components during production. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were positive and highly significant (P≤0.01) between BCS and milk production traits, ranged from 0.59 to 0.85. The BLUP values for BCS ranged from -0.139 to 0.492. We conclude that selection based on BCS is feasible in breeding programs based on the average genetic estimates and positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with milk production traits.
Copyright (c) 2026 N. A. H. Flayyih, H. R. A. Al-Janabi , A. N. Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enhancing nutritional value and antioxidants in blackberry by foliar potassium sulfate and phenylalanine under soilless cultivation
The aim of this study to enhance the nutritional value and antioxidants in the leaves and fruits of blackberry plants by cultivating them using soilless conducted at Research Station of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences-University of Baghdad in the 2023–2024 seasons. Three factors included the first factor: cultivation in organic media of local and imported plant waste: The media included licorice root waste (C3) and coconut husk waste (C2), compared to field soil (C1). The second factor was Folior application of potassium sulfate (S) in concentrations (0, 2.5, 5) g.l⁻¹ and the third factor was foliar applicates with amino acid phenylalanine (A) in concentrations (0, 100, 200) mg. l⁻¹ in factorial experiment as a completely randomized design (R.C.B.D) with three replications. The results indicated the superiority of the treatment with licorice residue medium and phenylalanine at a concentration of 200 mg.l⁻¹ with 2.5 g.l⁻¹ of potassium sulfate (C3A2S1) with the highest concentration of total carotene in the leaves (13.33 mg 100g⁻¹) and the highest concentration of phenols, anthocyanin, and DPPH in the fruits (198.26, 534.5 mg100g⁻¹, 89.41%) respectively. The treatment C3A1S2 excelled with the highest concentration of total carotene and folic acid in the fruits (0.81, 2.62 mg 100g⁻¹) respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alaa J.A. Al-Tameemi , Nazik H. Khalil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF OATS IN IMPROVING THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FROZEN BEEF BURGER
This study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of oat powder at an addition rate of (4%) and at a replacement rate of (50%) of the filler material, which is wheat flour, to produce beef burgers stored in the freezer at a temperature of (-18 ± 2) degrees Celsius during the storage period for (45) for three periods (1, 15, 45) days during which the chemical and physical characteristics were examined and monitored. The study was conducted on two treatments of beef burgers, the first treatment (T1) is the control without replacement and the second treatment (T2) was partially replaced with oats at a rate of (50%). The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the percentage of protein, ash and water holding capacity (WHC) for the replacement treatment (T2) compared to the control treatment (T1) with a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the values ​​of total volatile nitrogen (TVN), the percentage of free fatty acids (FFA), loss during thawing and loss during cooking for the treatment Replacement (T2) compared to the control treatment (T1) and the stability and stability of the level of each of the pH value, peroxide values ​​(PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) concentration ​​within the standard limits compared to the control treatment (T1). The results showed a clear and noticeable improvement for all the studied traits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haidar Hassan Alwan, Mahmoud Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF RHAMNOLIPID IN NANO-CHITOSAN WITH ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE SKIN PATHOGENS
This study was aimed to purify and characterize the rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by an environmental isolate of P.aeruginosa (PO10), and to evaluate its antibacterial activity alone in combination with chitosan as nanoparticles. The isolate showed strong hemolytic activity (36.6mm clear zone), high emulsification index (E24%=66). Rhamnolipid was extracted and purified using chloroform: methanol (2:1) solvent system and silica gel column chromatography (3.5 x 30 cm), and was characterized by FTIR and GC-MS. The MIC values of rhamnolipid were 12.5mg/ml for both P.aeruginosa and S.aureus. Chitosan/rhamnolipid nanoparticles (C/RL-NPs) were synthesized via ionic gelation and characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, AFM, Zeta potential (+39mV), and FESEM (44.78-60.71 nm, spherical shape).These analyses confirmed the successful formation and high stability of the C/RL-NPs. The MIC of C/RL-NPs was reduced to 1.25mg/ml. This study is the first to investigate the synergistic effect of C/RL-NPs in combination with antibiotics, resulted in significant increases in inhibition zones against both pathogenic isolate of P.aeruginosa and S.aureus compared to antibiotics or nanoparticles alone.
Copyright (c) 2026 Osama Akram Dakhil , Nadhim Hassan Hayder https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
HEMATOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF THEILERIA ANNULATA FROM THI-QAR GOVERNORATE AND THE MARSHES CATTLE ISOLATE
This study aims to investigate Theileria annulata infection in cattle herds in Thi-qar governorate and the Marshes. The 115 blood samples were collected from cattle of different ages and sexes in the Dhi-qar governorate and the marshes in Iraq. Microscopic examination showed that the prevalence of Theileria in cattle was 43.4%, based on the microscopic examination of blood samples stained with Giemsa stain. Analysis of some blood parameters: RBCs, HGBPCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, PLT, WBCs, Lymph, and Granulocytes revealed significant differentiation due to Theileria annulata infection. Conventional PCR analysis of blood samples targeting the tams-1 and cox-1 genes revealed 69.56% positivity for T. annulata. The cox-1 gene (1200 bp) and tams-1 gene (441 bp) sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers (LC852773.1, LC852774.1, LC852775.1) and (LC852776.1, LC852777.1, LC852778.1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the tams-1 gene of the isolates shared high homology and evolutionary relationships with strains from the Netherlands, Scotland, India, China, South Africa, and Japan, indicating genetic conservation across regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohanad Abbas Talab , Inam Badr Falih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE GREEN ECONOMY ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN IRAQ FOR THE PERIOD (2003-2022)
The research aims to study the impact of the green economy on achieving sustainable agricultural development in Iraq for the period (2003-2022). The research used quantitative methods in analyzing GDP, green GDP, investment allocations for the agricultural sector, environmental allocations, cultivated areas and water imports of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to distinguish the impact of these variables on agricultural GDP. The parameters were estimated using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag-ARDL framework. The results found that each of the green GDP, investment allocations, and environmental allocations came positive and consistent with the logic of the economic theory, while cultivated areas came positive but not significant. Rivers water flow had a negative signal due to the significant decline during the study period. The research found that the green GDP has the largest effect in agricultural GDP, and its impact is clear in advancing the development process. The research recommended the need to follow scientific methods and modern methods to reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions, which greatly affect pollution and agricultural production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lina Kadhim Sfayyih, Ali. S. Shukr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF SALICYLIC ACID, FULVIC ACID AND BIO-FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF GRAPEVINE CV. TAIFI
The experiment was carried out at the private vineyard located in Duhok Governorate, Bare-Buhar village Kurdistan region-Iraq, during growing season (2024) to investigate the influence of foliar spraying of three levels, (0, 200 and 400 mg.L-1) Salicylic acid, three levels (0,3 and 6 mg.L-1) of Fulvic acid, spraying was conducted at April and May and Bio-fertilizer (mycorrhiza) applied by soil at three amounts (0, 50 and 100 g.vine-1), once per season (before bud burst) and their interaction on green parts, yield, physical , chemical characteristics on Taifi grapevine cv. irrigated with a drip irrigation. The vines were 10 years old, trained with T-Trills, and vines pruned in the second week of March by leaving four renewal spurs, each with two eyes, and eight fruiting canes, each with seven eyes. The inter-row spacing of these vines was 2.5 × 2.5 m. There were 81 experimental units in all due to the three replications and 27 treatments in the experiment. One vine was used as the experimental unit of a factorial study carried out in an RCBD with three replications. The obtained results indicated that every trait like total chlorophyll, leaf area, number of clusters per vine-1 and yield per vine-1 as well as vitamin C in berries juice were significantly increased as compared with control, while Nitrate % in berries juice was reduced by all treatments as compared with control. The combination between high concentrations of Salicylic acid, Fulvic acid and Bio-fertilizer were improved all traits in compares with control.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hussein Mamo Suliman , Shawkat Mustafa Mohammed Al-Atrushy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF ADDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MACA (LEPIDIUM MEYENII) ROOTS ON FEED ADDITINE RUMEN FERMENTATIONS LOCAL BLACK GOATS
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of using mace root powder as a feed additive on rumen fermentation rate in Iraqi black goat males by measuring volatile fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen, pH and total bacterial count in rumen fluid of local Iraqi black goat males. Sixteen male black local goats were selected and divided into four groups equal (T1T2T3T4) 4 animals per each treatment. They were weight 14.81±2.32 kg and 3.5-4 months of age . Maca powder was added at a rate of 0, 2, 4and 6 g / head / day. The results showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the concentration of acetic, Propionic and Butyric acid at zero time before feeding for T2T3T4 as coefficients with the control treatment T1 and high significance (P≤0.01) for the concentration of acetic for T2T3T4 on the control treatment T1 and after 6 hours significant (P≤0.05) for the concentration of actatic acid Propionic For T2T3T4 coefficients on control treatment T1, and significant (P≤0.05) at zero o'clock to measure the bacterial count of T2T3T4 parameters on the control treatment T1 .The results indicate that supplementing with 2, 4, and 6 g/head/day of Maca powder significantly enhances rumen function, The addition of maca plant has improved growth through feed intake, which has further aided digestion.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zina Saadi. M., Sundos F. M, Saddam M. Al Jubori https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY MAPS FOR DESERTIFICATION AND LAND DEGRADATION USING MEDALUS MODEL AND LANDSAT IMAGE IN SALAHALDIN AND ERBIL GOVERNORATES, IRAQ
This paper aims to assess the extent of the impact of environmental sensitivity to desertification and land degradation using remote sensing data in the governorates of Salah al-Din and Erbil/Iraq. Thirty soil samples were collected from both sites to assess changes in soil properties and land uses, as well as factors of desertification and degradation such as texture, salinity, erosion, gypsum, and vegetation cover. The sites were identified using GPS. Physical (soil texture) and chemical (CaCO3, CaSO4·2H2O, OM, EC, and pH) properties were estimated. A Landsat image was acquired in April, and the NDVI index and spatial maps were calculated using ERDAS 15 and GIS 10.2. The results showed variations in soil properties such as sand, clay, gypsum, calcium carbonate, and organic matter, reflected in the soil quality index. In Salah al-Din, the soil type was categorized into two types: poor (76%) and moderate (32%). In Erbil, the soil type was categorized as high (1.65%), moderate (97%), and poor (0.5%). The vegetation quality index showed that 73% of the vegetation cover was of average quality. (26)% were of poor quality, while the Erbil site included the moderate quality variety. The results also showed spatial variation in the NDVI index, which ranged from moderate to very high in the Salah al-Din site, while it was moderate to mild in the Erbil site.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruaa Kais Mahmoud , Ayad Abdullah Khalaf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBIOGRAM OF SOME FOOD BORNE BACTERIA FROM LOCAL DAIRY PRODUCTS IN KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ
The major objective of the study was to employ molecular approaches to detect antibiotic resistance and identify microorganisms from dairy products. The different dairy products might be contaminated with different germs, so the handlers are at high risk of diseases. Therefore, knowledge of the identification and antibiotic resistance profiles of these bacteria will be vital for food safety and for treatment of diseases caused by them. A total of 113, 69, 47 and 37 different bacteria isolated from four kinds of dairy products namely cheese, hard cheese, soft cheese and yogurt were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium correspondingly. The species were subsequently identified utilizing genotype (molecular) approaches including polymer chain reaction. In addition, the bacteria were studied for their susceptibility towards germicide chemicals utilizing disc diffusion and Vitek 2 system methods. Antibacterial susceptibility test findings demonstrated that various isolates had variable sensitivity levels against several drugs. For example, 55 of 69 S.aureus, 11 of 47 B.cereus, and 26 of 113 E. coli isolates are resistant to common antibiotics (various drugs: clindamycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, erythromycin, vancomycin, and ampicillin). Some isolates were resistant to various kinds of drugs, phenomena called multidrug resistance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haval Abdullah Khudher, Zainab Mohammad Alzubaidy, Jasem Mohammed Abdo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
AN ECONOMIC STUDY OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFICIENCY OF BROILER MARKETING IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE FOR THE YEAR 2024
ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to study the reality of marketing chicken meat products and the marketing institutions specialized in this field, as well as to study the marketing efficiency of products within marketing channels. Research problem concentrated on the fact that broiler marketing suffers from many problems, including the weak efficiency of most marketing services and functions, including transportation, grading, packaging, distribution, and storage, in addition to the high margins and marketing costs compared to the efficiency of marketing services, which requires further study and research. This reflects potential challenges in managing distribution or services. the results showed a weak relationship between the number of years of experience and the level of marketing efficiency. Using the Tobit model, the M.L. method, and the 13 Eviews program, the Tobit model was estimated to determine the impact of the most important independent factors (marketed quantity, percentage of loss, sales to non-retailers, type of holding, and handling of imported quantities) on the marketing efficiency of broiler products. The model is used to determine the impact of explanatory factors on marketing efficiency levels. It was found that marketing operations for broiler products play an important role in ensuring that they reach consumers effectively and at reasonable prices. This requires studying the marketing efficiency and its components for meat produced in the private sector. The study recommends improving marketing services for broiler chicken farmers to ensure production stability and marketing efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alaa Jayan, Qais Jasam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF DRYING BY VACUUM OVEN ON VIABILITY OF LACTOBACILLUS CASEI AND BIFIDOBACTERIUM LONGUM BACTERIA
ABSTRACT The reconstitution skimmed milk in concentrations (12, 20, 25) % were used for Lactobacillus casei (Lb. casei) and Bifidobacterium longum (Bif.longum) growth in 37°C for 24-48 hours after individually inoculation with 10% of starter. The highest growth rate was achieved by 20% (w/v). The logarithmic numbers of bacteria were 10.04 and 9.85 for Lb. casei and Bif.longum respectively, whereas titratable acidity percentages of fermented milk was 0.72 and 0.65 respectively. The pH values of the 20% reconstitution skimmed milk were to 4.6 and 4.9 respectively. Lactic acid bacteria cultures were dried by vacuum oven with or without protectants (dried skimmed milk). The drying affected were studied on viability of lactic acid bacteria. Drying in vacuum oven gave the best results when protectants material was added, logarithmic viable numbers were 9.14 and 8.93 for Lb. casei and Bif.longum respectively, followed by dried cultures without protectants which registered 9.06 and 8.81 respectively. The moisture contents were 4.14 and 4.0 % for Lb. casei and Bif.longum respectively in dried cultures by vacuum oven with protectants, while were recorded 4.35 and 4.23 % for Lb. casei and Bif.longum respectively for cultures were dried without protectants. Vacuum oven dried probiotics were used to produce bio yogurt as dried or rehydrated. Dried probiotic of Lb. casei and Bif.longum with yogurt starter achieved highest account of starters and improved sensual attributes compared with rehydrated probiotic and conventional yogurt.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amer Alzobaay , Eman Al-Attar , Suzan Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
STUDY OF SENSORY AND QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF CAKE MANUFACTURED FROM COMPOSITE FLOUR
ABSTRACT This study wheat flour was partially replaced at ratio of (25, 50, and 75 %) by with local millet flour in purpose of preparing composite flour. The percentages of moisture, fat, protein, ash, fiber and carbohydrates in millet flour were (9.30, 4.30, 9.80, 1.62, 1.81, 73.17%) and in wheat flour (12.00, 2.00, 10.50, 0.55, 0.48, 74.47%) respectively. Increasing the substitution ratios led to a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the experimental cupcake pieces as compared to the control treatment. Transactions with substitution ratios of (25%) and (75%) recorded the highest values in terms of volume. The weights of the cupcake pieces, the specific volume, and the density of the cake after baking did not differ significantly with control treatment. The treatment with 25% substitution treatment recorded the highest values of the specific volume, the lowest density, and the highest percentage of weight loss after baking. The sensory attributes values for the cupcake treatment under study showed no significant differences among the values of the specific volume, regularity of the external shape, softness, and color of the crumb. The values of freshness, aroma, taste, and total scores decreased with increasing substitution ratios. The treatment with 25% substitution did not record a significant difference as compared to control, while the rest of the treatments achieved high acceptance scores at the same time. The production cost for cupcakes from wheat flour and composite flour was the same, with a total profit of 200%.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ezuldeen Hammood, Balasim Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
HE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF THE TIGRIS RIVER SEDIMENTS IN BAGHDAD AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION OF NICKEL.
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate mineral composition of the Tigris River sediments in the province of Baghdad and its impact on the adsorption and release of nickel ten areas were selected for the study It extends from Al-Rashidiya in the north to Al-Mada'in in the south soil samples were taken from within the waterway and a mineral analysis of those sediments was conducted for three areas: the beginning, middle and end of the river in Baghdad Governorate, and the results showed the presence of Variation in the nature of the mineral composition, as the presence of the mineral of smectite, palygoriskite and mica minerals of both types of triple- and diocta (biotite and muscovite) was observed in the presence of real chlorite minerals and mica trioctahydra biotite in the clay models of those soils. and the results of the nickel adsorption and release experiment showed a decrease in the values of the binding energy and the maximum adsorption at the beginning of the study area, reaching 2.70 ml and 437.4 µg Ni+2 respectively in where they increased at the end of the study area to 5.55 mg-1 and 1162 µg Ni+2.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saja saud, Abdul Baqi Al-Maamouri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF ADDING DIETARY ORGANIC TRACE MINERALS (ZN, CR, AND MN) AND THEIR MIXTURES ON PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS LAYING HENS
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding dietary organic trace minerals (zinc, chromium, and manganese) and their mixtures on the levels of zinc, manganese, chromium, calcium, and phosphorus on some physiological traits. The experiment included the following treatments: Treatment (T1) served as control group without any addition. Treatment (T2) involved the addition of zinc (40 mg/kg diet). treatment (T3) included the addition of chromium (0.4 mg/kg diet). treatment (T4) consisted of the addition of manganese at a concentration of 40 mg/kg diet. Treatment (T5) involved a combination of zinc (40 mg), manganese (40 mg), and chromium (0.4 mg) per kg diet. The results demonstrated significant improvements in most of the studied traits. In terms of blood serum, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of zinc, manganese, and calcium in all treatments containing mineral additives and their mixture compared to control group, which showed a noticeable decline. However, non. significant differences were observed in the serum levels of chromium and phosphorus across the treatments. Regarding bone mineral levels, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in zinc, chromium, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium in all supplemented treatments compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the addition of organic trace minerals, either individually or as a mixture, enhances the physiological levels of these minerals in both blood serum and bones, thereby improving mineral bioavailability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saja A., R. Al-Mahdawi , A. Rahman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF SEEDS PRIMING AND SOWING DATES ON SOME YIELD CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO SOYBEAN CULTIVARS
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming and planting dates on the growth of two soybean cultivars. The study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 in the fields of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) within split-split plot arrangement, with three replications and three factors. The main factor included seeding dates (June 1st, June 15th, and July 1st), the sub-plot included two soybean cultivars (Lee 74 and Shaimaa), and the sub-sub plot included seed priming treatments (gibberellic acid, KCl, and seaweed extract) along with two control treatments (soaking in distilled water and dry seeds). The results showed superiority of the June 15th planting date, which achieved the highest average for seed count per pod, 100-seed weight (grams), and total seed yield (kg ha-1). The Shaimaa cultivar exhibited the highest average in all mentioned traits above. The seaweed extract seed priming treatment excelled in seed count per pod and 100-seed weight, while the KCl treatment outperformed in total seed yield. Overall, the June 15th planting date along with the Shaimaa cultivar showed superiority, along with the seaweed extract seed priming treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohsen, M. S., A. H. Saudi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATING THE ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF COW FIELDS IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE FOR 2023
This research aimed to assess the economic sustainability of cow projects in a comprehensive framework that considered economic and social dimensions. The research problem focuses on cow breeding in marginal areas with harsh climates, including high temperatures and low rainfall, resulting in limited grazing resources and poor conditions. Family-operated farms often neglect scientific management, leading to low economic performance and sustainability. Consequently, the added value from these operations is minimal. Data were collected from 72 cow farms in Baghdad province in 2023. The global evaluation methods were used of four indicators to reflect economic sustainability: profitability, liquidity, stability, solvency and repayment, i.e. 17 financial ratios were calculated within these indicators, showing that the profitability ratios were all positive, but they varied from one indicator to another, in small fields P1 reached 14.813, which indicates the capacity of the project and the possibility of the present value of cash flows from primary coverage, while in the medium fields, the liquidity ratios were high in L1, which amounted to 17.172, which is a good indicator where whenever increased whenever it indicates the ability of the fields to meet current obligations and debts through assets in this category, Stability ratios in large fields amounted to S1 0.877, S2 amounted to 42.791 and S3 amounted to 0.005 that the decrease in this ratio is evidence of the availability of capital to cover the debts of the project, and that the RC, which represents the ability to repay ratio, amounted to 0, i.e. there are no debts within this category, The aggregate performance index was calculated, and the calculation of ZA, which is the American aggregate index, and ZE, the European aggregate index, Divide the fields into four groups according to performance, where the aggregate indicator in the first quarter or the poorly performing field (Quarter Y1) varied 3.459, and in the fourth quarter or the well-performing field (Quarter Y4) amounted to 168.691, The research concluded that sustainability indicators must be included in financial evaluations to assess the validity and feasibility of projects over time. Moreover, certain ratios used in America or Europe may not be applicable in Iraq due to differences in data or their unsuitability for animal production projects. This leads us to distinguish whether feasibility or project sustainability should be viewed as a measure of opportunity cost, as suggested in European literature, or as a measure of family well-being, as indicated in American research.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruaa A. Khalf, Eskander H. Ali, Alexander Zorn https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ROLE OF ETHYLENE DIUREA (EDU) IN ASSESSING IMPACTS OF OZONE PHYTOTOXICITY ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF TWO WHEAT CULTIVARS TRITICUM AESTIVUM
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a significant air pollutant known to have adverse effects on crops productivity and plant health, and it is widely recognized as a phytotoxic atmospheric pollutant, which results in reduced photosynthesis, growth inhibition, accelerating leaf senescence, as well as yield losses in many plant species. Wheat Triticum aestivum is considered one of the sensitive staple crops to air pollution particularly by tropospheric ozone. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine how EDU contributes to the evaluation of the effects of ozone phytotoxicity on the growth and yield of two wheat cultivars, Triticum aestivum vars. Ceyhan-99 and Adana-99. Three levels of ozone were applied during daylight hours: ambient ozone concentration (control), 50 ppb and 60 ppb, in addition to three levels of ethylene diurea (EDU) control, 200 ppm and 300 ppm during anthesis stage. The findings show that tropospheric ozone has a negative impact on both wheat varieties as vegetative and productive traits., on the other hand foliar EDU spray act as a protective agent against ozone-induced damage in various wheat plant characteristics which studied during the research.
Copyright (c) 2026 bahzad khaled https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE FROM RESPIRATORY INFECTED SHEEP IN AL- ANBAR PROVINCE
This study was aimed to isolate and diagnose Klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes respiratory infections in sheep, and to study the genes present in Klebsiella pneumoniae responsible for taking iron from the host, involved collection 100 nasal cotton swabs from respiratory infected sheep from several fields located in Al- Anbar province. Identifying and isolating Klebsiella pneumoniae by using routine diagnostic techniques (Gram stain, culture on plate and biochemical tests) followed by using the Vitek2 system. Out of the 100 samples collected, the Vitek2 system's results showed 7 (7%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and other bacterial isolates were obtained. And to confirm of K. pneumonaie isolates using PCR (16S rRNA gene); the results showed positive for all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates 7(100%) and molecular detection was done for some virulence genes of iron acquisition genes (siderophores synthesis genes entB gene, ybtS gene and iron uptake system Kfu gene), siderophore the results showed entB gene positive for 7(100%) isolates, and ybtS gene positive for 4(57%) isolates, and the result of kfu gene (Klebsiella ferric iron uptake) showed positive for 4(57%) isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for K. pneumoniae, which targeted 14 antibacterial drugs, the results showed that all 7 isolates (100%) were susceptible to both Imipenem and Meropenem. Moreover, the seven (100%) isolates shown resistance to Tetracycline, Pipracilline, and Cefixime. The study's conclusion is that respiratory tract infections were more common in one-year-old sheep than in older livestock. Additionally, K. pneumoniae showed greater susceptibility to Imipenem, Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, and Trimethoprim than to other antibiotics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hadeel T. D, Asmaa H. A. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
FIFTH AND SIXTH EXONS POLYMORPHISMS OF OVOCALYXIN-32 GENE AND ITS EFFECT ON PRODUCTIVE TRAITS AND EGG QUALITY OF LOCAL IRAQI CHICKENS
This study was conducted to investigate the genotype variations in the ovocalyxin-32 (OCX-32) gene polymorphisms and its effect on productive performance and egg quality traits. A total of 100 prepubertal local hens were used, each housed individually in numbered cages. Blood samples were collected for molecular analysis, starting with DNA extraction, followed by PCR amplification. Subsequently, sequencing analysis was performed. Then the A22385462>G SNP was identified, and it had high significant difference(P≤0.01) in the genotypes distribution percentages. The mutant genotype GG outperformed the AG and AA genotypes, of 45.48%, 42.47%, and 2.4%, respectively. Weekly assessments were conducted to evaluate the influence of this SNP of the different genotypes on productive traits and the results indicated it had high significant differences (P≤0.01) in weekly feed consumption The mutant GG genotype significantly outperformed the AA genotype with (687.57g) in week 11, and superiority in feed consumption (P≤0.05) during weeks 12 (686.68g) and 13 (687.96g), while the hybrid AG genotype surpassed AA genotype with 671.76g in week 13. In the average sexual maturity weight, statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed, though the AG genotype exhibited a higher mean 1438.30 g compared to the AA genotype. This study revealed a significant effects of the A22385462>G SNP polymorphisms on productive performance and no significant differences observed on qualitative traits of egg in the local chickens.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hawraa M.A. Al-Taay, Bassam G.M. Al-khatib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POMEGRANATE VARIETIES ON THE INFESTATION OF POMEGRANATE FRUIT MOTH
This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of three local pomegranate varieties (Salimi, Khadrawi, and Shukar) to infestation by the pomegranate fruit worm Ectomyelois ceratoniae during different fruit maturity stages, as well as to identify some chemical characteristics of these varieties and their role in the infestation process. The results revealed variations in infestation percentage among the studied varieties, with Shukar being the most susceptible (50.18% infestation rate) and Salimi the least susceptible (35.47%). Infestation percentage also varied by maturation stage, with ripe fruits showing the highest infestation (72.11%) and unripe fruits the lowest (25.44%). Chemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between infestation percentage and carbohydrate content, while total phenols, tannins, and protein content showed a negative correlation with infestation as the fruits matured.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manar A. Abbas , Hind I. Al-Khazraji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF ADDING MIXTURE OF MINT, CINNAMON AND ASTRAGALUS TO BROILER DIETS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS UNDER HEAT STRESS
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding mixture of medical plant to broiler diets on some physiological traits under heat stress conditions. 300 Ross308/Portuguese broiler chicks were used with initial weight 48.91 g, and randomly distributed about five treatments with four replicates for treatment (15birds/replicate), and the treatments included: T1(control treatment), T2, T3, T4 and T5 to which a mixture of mint, cinnamon and astragalus powder was added as 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg diets respectively. The birds reared under heat stress conditions until 42 days. from results show a significant improvement(P≤0.01)in core body temperature and internal organs weights in the birds of all supplementation treatments compared by T1, Also significant increase(P≤0.01) was observe in some tissues measurements as in jejunum and the immune response, Also significant increased(P≤0.05) in glucose, HDL, AST, ND, IBD, and Fabricius index, As well as significant decreased(P≤0.05) in triglycerides, VLDL, and Atherogenic Index(AI), while there were no significant difference between the treatments in blood proteins, PCV, Hb, Cholesterol, LDL, and ALT.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Mohammed A.R. S. Al-Azzawi, Hasanain N. Ezzat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF ADDING THE LOCAL STRAIN OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM ‎IN BROILER DIETS ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE
This study was conducted in two distinct phases at the University of Baghdad's College of ‎Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the first phase was conducted in the laboratories of the ‎Department of Food Science and lasted six months. The second phase will be conducted from ‎December 26, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in the poultry field, Department of Animal Production - ‎Abu Ghraib to determine the effects of adding powdered shiitake mushrooms of the local variety to ‎broiler feed on production efficiency. The study used 200 ROSS 308 broiler chicks sexed with an ‎average initial weight of 45 grams at 1 day of age. There were a total of four treatments, to each of ‎which fifty chicks were randomly assigned. Each treatment was conducted in five replicates with 10 ‎birds each. T1, T2, T3 and T4 were the three treatments with different amounts of shiitake ‎mushrooms in the feed: 0, 2, 4 and 6 g‏/‏kg, respectively. These were a starter, grower and finisher ‎diet tailored to the specific needs of the birds at different points in their life cycle. The results of ‎this study showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio when using 2 or 4 ‎g/kg shiitake mushrooms in the diet for broilers. However, there were no significant differences in ‎the dressing percentages and major cuts of the carcass.‎
Copyright (c) 2026 Aya A. K. Al-Kanain, Luma K. Bandr ; Rukaibaa A. Chechan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
TITLE [EFFICIENCY OF SOME TYPES OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH CUCUMBER ROOTS AGAINST THE RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI]
This study was carried out in the laboratories of the Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture, to isolate bacteria associated with cucumber roots from greenhouses in Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Sulaymaniyah, and Basra, and to evaluate their ability to inhibit Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of cucumber root rot, on Potato dextrose agar ( PDA) medium. A total of 12 bacterial isolates were obtained from healthy cucumber root-associated soil. These isolates varied in type depending on collection site and environmental conditions. All isolates demonstrated high inhibitory activity against R. solani, with fungal colony diameters ranging from 1.17 to 6.63 cm and inhibition rates between 26.3% and 87.0% compared to the control. Molecular identification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed on three isolates: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus rugosus. Their nucleotide sequences were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers PP935479.1, PP935461.1, and PP934669.1, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of native bacterial isolates as biocontrol agents against cucumber root rot.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ibrahim A. Ibrahim , Hurria H. Al-Juboory https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS CAUSED BY KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE IN CATS
The study was included clinical and molecular study of Klebsiella pneumoniae from upper respiratory tract of cats in 150 (with and without) respiratory signs of (60 local breed and 90 different breed) and both sexes (male70 and female 80) with different ages including more than one year ( 85) and less than one year (65) attended in veterinary clinics and Baghdad veterinary hospital in Baghdad city at the period from October 2023 to September 2024. The 150 nasal swabs were cultured on macConkey and Klebsiella chrom agar, then the bacteria were examined by Gram stain with different biochemical and antimicrobial study using Vitek-2 analysis. In addition, the molecular detection of 16S r RNA gene of K. pneumoniae. The results of clinical study showed increasing with signs of fever (76.2%) and sneezing (61.9%) for K. pneumoniae. The total isolation rate was 21 (14%). The DNA of bacteria was extracted and the positive products (21) of K. pneumoniae was successfully amplified by using specific primers at 260 bp of 16S r RNA gene of K. pneumoniae. The isolates of K. pneumoniae were highly resistant to Ampicillin (71.4%) and Piperacillin (66.6%) while were sensitive (100%) to Ceftolozan. The infection rate of bacteria was significantly increased at age group less than one year and females. A significant increase was observed in Himalaya than other breeds. The highest percentage of infections by K. pneumonia appeared in December (76.9%) . The results of sequencing of the (5) isolates of K. pneumoniae showed homology with strains in gene bank. The results of phylogenetic study revealed that the local isolates of K. pneumoniae of variable origins, these confirm their importance as primary pathogens of many diseases due to their widespread in the environment and their ability to infect humans and different animals.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. J. Jasem, A. M. Radhy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
HATCHING SYSTEM WITH SPOT CHICKS BROODING SYSTEM ON SOME HATCHING TRAITS AND CHICK'S QUALITIES
The current experiment was carried out at Animal Production Department field (College of Agricultural and Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Abu-Gharieb), the end target of this experiment was to pass the crucial period of newly hatched chicks during last period of incubation till the end of first week of age via combined them, so, a prototype cardboard box was designed and manufactured locally, consist of two parts, the outer cover, and the bottom part. Every 4 cardboard boxes were put together to consist a set of combined on farm hatching process with spot brooding via shredded the outer cover of cardboard box to form a circle spot brooder with 4 cardboard box bottom in it, 1800 fertile hatching eggs were used after candling at 18 ED (Embryonic Day), 600 fertile eggs were exposed to on farm hatching procedure to represent first treatment, distributed into three pens with cardboard boxes set without food wrapping film coat, and 600 fertile eggs used in second treatment via placing them into cardboard boxes set coated with food wrapping film, the third treatment consisted of 600 fertile eggs stated in conventional hatchery baskets till end of incubation. The results showed that were insignificant differences between treatments in the percentage of hatchability of fertile eggs, while significant differences between treatments were happened in late embryonic and live pipped embryo percentages. The same insignificant differences were noticed in external and internal chick's qualities, except the significant increase in relative weight of bursa. The previous results revealed that using cardboard boxes set without covering it could be a useful way to replace hatcher cabinet without any significant differences between two hatching systems, and that would be rising the incubation capacity utilization to 17 times per year instead of 13 to 14 times, leading to add values to increasing the number of batches hatch during the year.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. H. M. Al-Ghariri , Z. T. M. Aldhanki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ENHANCING THE ACCUMULATION OF CERTAIN ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN ALOE VERA GEL UNDER THE EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST AND FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SPIRULINA ALGAE EXTRACT
The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station A, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad – Al-Jadriya, on aloe vera plants during the spring season of 2023, starting from April 19, 2023, to October 19, 2023. The objective was to investigate the individual and interactive effects of soil application of vermicompost and foliar spraying with Spirulina algae extract on the content of certain elements, carbohydrates, protein, and some bioactive compounds within the Aloe plant. The experiment was implemented according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a Split-plot arrangement and three replicates. The results indicated the superiority of the two-way interaction treatment involving the addition of 15 tons ha⁻¹ of vermicompost to the soil in conjunction with foliar spraying of Spirulina extract at a concentration of 8 g L⁻¹ in the content of the dried leaves for each of the following: nitrogen percentage (0.463 %), phosphorus (0.133 %), potassium (2.79 %), calcium (215.7 ppm), total carbohydrates (5.65 %), protein (2.89 %), and both aloin compound (271 mg plant⁻¹) and aloinmodin compound (172.57 mg plant⁻¹), as well as phenylalanin and cinnamic acids (39.73 mg 100 g⁻¹ and 54.47 parts per million, respectively), total phenols (136.90 mg 100 g⁻¹ of dried gel), and total flavonoids (106.5 mg 100 g⁻¹ of dried gel).
Copyright (c) 2026 Asmahan Khalid Allawi ; Ziena Mohammed Abdul-Qader https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ROLE OF MELATONIN, BORON AND CHLORELLA VULGARIS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES OF DATE PALMS IN A DESERT ENVIRONMENT
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin, boron, and Chlorella vulgaris algae on the antioxidant enzyme activity and nutrient status of date palm trees under environmental stress conditions. The study was conducted during the growing season in 2024 at Fadak Date Palm Station, located in the Karbala desert, on Phoenix dactylifera L. ' var. Sayer' trees. With A total of 54 uniforms were seven -year -old palms chosen for the experiment. Melatonin was applied to three concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg L⁻1) as foliar spray, while boron (in the form of boric acid) were sprayed at two concentrations (0 and 500 mg L⁻1). In addition, Clorella vulgaris algae were incorporated in the soil in three concentrations (0, 100 and 200 ml L⁻1). The results demonstrated that melatonin and boron play an important and dynamic role in increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) under drought-induced stress conditions, which improves the nutrition and physical condition of the palms and eventually reflected in fruit quality. In addition, the soil application of Chlorella vulgaris at varying levels increased sharply nitrogen and potassium content in palm leaves. These factors combined alleviate environmental pressures on date palms in desert conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mustafa Esam mohammed Al-Asally https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ASSOCIATION OF FABP T3499A GENOTYPE WITH BODY MEASUREMENTS, TEMPERATURE, AND MILK PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN IRAQI BUFFALOES
The study aimed to detect the genotype of the FABP gene T>A: 3499 in a sample of 41 buffaloes to investigate the relation between this genotype and several productive traits. The study was conducted from October 1st, 2024, to January 30th, 2025, at the Ruminant Research Station in Abu Ghraib. By detecting the genotype of the FABP gene at the T>A: 3499 site, two genotypes, TT and TA, were identified. Their distribution ratios were 80.49% and 19.51%, respectively (P≤0.01). The allelic frequencies for the T and A alleles were 0.90 and 0.10, respectively. Significant differences (P≤0.01) were found in body length, Heart girth, and body temperature during the 2nd month of the study. Regarding milk production and composition, the first month was represented by milk density, the 2nd month by the daily milk yield (DMY), and the 3rd by DMY and density. The TA genotype showed superiority over the TT genotype for heart girth, milk density in the first month, DMY in the 3rd month. In conclusion, the study of genetic structures in the FABP gene: T>A: 3499, the resulting changes can be used in the process of genetic improvement of Iraqi buffaloes performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. K. Kazem , N. N. Al-Anbari ; S.N. Alwaeli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF KNIFE PENETRATION ANGLE ON IMPROVING THE CUTTING EFFICIENCY AND REDUCING THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ABSTRACT This experiment is dedicated to study the impact of essential technical and engineering parameters on the performance of an agricultural residue shredder for producing non-traditional ruminant nutrition. The study was carried out in the workshop of Agriculture college at Ain Shams University in Egypt, during the academic year of 2023-2024. The investigation tested two shredder knife speeds of (1300 vs 1500 rpm), two feeding rates of (1.5 vs 3 kg.min-1), and two penetration angles of (20° vs 30°). The evaluated technical traits comprised: productivity, cutting efficiency, total required power, and specific energy. The moisture content of palm frond was 39%. The findings displayed that the greatest recorded productivity was 108.23 kg.h-1, with the highest shredding efficiency was 87.67%. The least overall required cutting power was 1.040 kW, furthermore, the least recorded specific energy value was 0.01255 kW·h·kg⁻¹. These results indicate that optimizing shredder knives’ velocity and feeding rates can lead to enhance efficiency and reduce the energy consumption in agricultural residue handling, contributing to a more efficient feed production. The Statistical System that was adopted for Analysis was Genstat Discovery Edition 4. To analyze the data according to a split experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test p< 0.05 was used to compare the means.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saif Ahmed Rawdhan, Waleed Kamel Elhelew, Muhammad AhmedMayhoub https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/