Scopus Research — Prof. Dr. Dhargham Ali Abbas Khadim

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different transportation periods (1.5,3, 6 and 12 h) after hatching on production, carcass traits, immune response, and intestinal bacteriology of 308 Ross broiler chickens. A total of 256 unsexed chicks were removed from hatchery trays immediately and were randomly assigned to four groups. The first Group, transported to farm within 1.5 hours. (T1), second group: transported to farm within three hours (T2), third group, transported to farm within six hours (T3), and fourth group: transported to farm within 12 hours (T4). In farm, these groups were reared in 16 pens based on a completely randomized designed (dimensions of each pen were 1×2 m2). Feed consumption, body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured biweekly, while growth efficiency index (GEI), internal organ weights, immune function, and intestinal bacteriology were assessed at 42 days of age. Chicks transported during 1.5 and 3 h (T1, T2) had the highest body weight, feed consumption, and intestinal weight (p<0.05). Growth efficiency index (GEI) was the lowest in T1, T2 when compared with T3 and T4 (p<0.05). The chicks transported during 1.5-3 h also showed stronger immune responses to Newcastle Disease Vaccine (NDV) (P < 0.05). T1 and T2 showed the highest number of Lymphocytes (L) (P < 0.05), and the lowest stress index (P < 0.05). The relative bursa weight and small intestine of the T1and T2 were heavier (p<0.05). T1 and T2 were effective in reducing the numbers of pathogenic bacteria in the ileum and preserved the beneficial bacteria. Pathological bacteria in ileum were increased in T3, T4 (p<0.05). We conclude that transportation periods of 1.5 to 3 hours post-hatch do not adversely affect production, immune response, or intestinal microbiota in broiler chicks. However, if the period is increased from 6 to 12, it may affect production, immune response, and intestinal microbiota. The findings of this study shed light on managerial strategies that could be used to reduce the side effects of transportation in the broiler industry. © 2025 by the authors.

The acute toxicity assessments provide valuable insights, and it is crucial to investigate the sub-lethal effects of these compounds on fish behavior, growth, and reproductive success. This study examined the acute toxicity of lead nitrate, copper oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Five different concentrations of each nanoparticle were tested over 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours using a robust experimental design. Quantitative measures of toxicity were evaluated by determining LC₅₀ values and recording mortality rates at each time point. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests, were performed to compare toxicity levels, with significance defined as P< 0.05. Our results indicate that Pb(NO₃)₂ exhibits the highest toxicity, followed by CuO nanoparticles and TiO₂ nanoparticles. The toxicity trajectories revealed a dose-and time-dependent relationship, with notable mortality spikes at higher concentration levels, particularly after 72 and 96 hours of exposure. Graphical representations illustrate mortality rates over time, while tabulated LC₅₀ values provide detailed insights into the comparative toxic profiles. These findings have important environmental implications regarding the discharge of industrial effluents and nanomaterial waste into freshwater ecosystems. This research not only deepens our understanding of nanoparticle toxicity in aquatic organisms but also provides critical data for environmental risk assessments and regulatory guidelines concerning heavy metal and nanoparticle pollutants. © 2025, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.