Thi-Qar University Journal for Agricultural Researches

A field experiment was became performed at the College of Agriculture and Marshlands, University of Thi
Qar, 2022-2023, to study the consequences of irrigation methods (surface irrigation and basin irrigation) and compost
kind (local and imported) soil properties consisting of (bulk density, moisture content, field capacity and mean
weighted diameter) and growth indicators (plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area, number of leaves per
plant, and dry weight of plant) as well as the yield of broad beans (number of pods per plant, number of seeds pod,
weight of 100 seeds, plant yield, and total seed yield).
The experiment was conducted according to a split-plot system in a randomized complete block design, with
main plots representing irrigation methods and subplots representing compost types, in triplicate, resulting in a total
of 18 experimental units. Least significant differences (L.S.D) at the 0.05 probability level were used to compare
treatments.
The results showed that basin irrigation outperformed surface irrigation, and local compost was superior to
imported compost in improving physical soil properties by reducing bulk density, increasing moisture content and
field capacity and mean weighted diameter. Additionally, both the growth indicators and yield were significantly
improved by increasing plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, dry weight
of the vegetative part per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, individual
plant yield, and total seed yield.

Abstract
The study aimed to use lemon peel extract at concentrations of2,1.5,1,0.5% in storing beef meat balls in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C. The results showed a significant decrease in Total bacterial count For meat samples treated with lemon peel extract compared to the control treatment, which amounted to192.32% On the sixth day of preservation, the treated samples remained within the standard limits until the refrigeration period, which reached83.32, 75.11, 69.11 and 67.11 (cfu/g). Also, showed moral decline in amount number of cold-loving bacteria In beef meatball treatments with lemon peel extract compared to the control sample. The averages in the treatments were Second and Third, fourth, fifth69.66and65.22and60.33 and 58.33(cfu/g)To the governor in The sixth day of cryopreservation while in the control treatment it reached 93.22% for the same storage period

The present study was conducted in the laboratories of the Aquaculture Unit, College of Agriculture, University of Basra, to determine the effect of four imported floating feeds (Arabco, Aleer, Arasco and Grand).Feed intake as well as the daily rate of. Twelve glass aquarium were used, with four treatments and three replicates for each treatment. The average weight of the experimental fish was 50.62 ± 2.61 g. The experimental fish were brought from Al-Bahaa Fish Farm located in Abi Al-Khaseeb District, south of Basra City, Iraq. The results showed that the daily feed intake was 12.40, 16.53, 14.50 and 12.31 g. and the daily feeding rate was 0.12, 0.17, 0.15 and 0.12 g. for grass carp fed floating diets from Arabco, Aller, Arasco and Grand, respectively. The statistical analysis's results showed that there were significant differences (P ≤0.05) in the in the daily feed intake of grass carp fed floating diets from Arabco, Arasco, Grand, and Arasco from Aller, The floating diets of Grand and Arabco were not different significantly (P > 0.05). with. the floating diets of Arabco and Grand..

The assessment of the health of the aquatic environment is considered an important matter, and one of these assessments is the use of the Index Biological Integrity of Phytoplankton (P-IBI). This study used this index in the northern part of Khor Al-Zubair lagoon waters and some environmental measurements (temperature, pH, oxygen, salinity, biological oxygen demand, nitrates and phosphates). The first station located at the beginning of the lagoon was classified as poor and with polluted water, as the index values ranged from (45-34). While the index values ranged from (62.5-45) in the second station, due to the sewage flows into the lagoon from the Shatt Al-Basra Canal, while the second station was able to absorb these pollutants.

This study was conducted in the poultry hall of the Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, from October 9 to November 13, 2024, to evaluate the impact of different levels of bentonite in litter on the productive traits of broiler chickens. 180 one-day-old, unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five experimental treatments, with three replicates per treatment and 12 chicks per replicate. The birds were reared on a wood shavings-covered floor, each replicate enclosed by one-meter-high plastic barriers. Each replicate measured 100 × 100 cm (length × width).
Bentonite was incorporated into the litter at varying levels: the control group (no bentonite), the second treatment (150 g/m²), the third treatment (250 g/m²), the fourth treatment (350 g/m²), and the fifth treatment (450 g/m²). The birds were fed two commercial diets: a starter diet (days 1–21) containing 23.03% crude protein and 2988.49 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and a grower diet (days 22–35) containing 21.55% crude protein and 3054.29 kcal/kg metabolizable energy.
The results revealed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in body weight, weight gain, and weekly and cumulative feed intake in the fifth, fourth, third, and second treatments during the fifth week. Additionally, a significant improvement (P≤0.05) in weekly feed conversion efficiency was observed in the third and fourth treatments compared to the control group.

This research investigates the influence of incorporating oat protein concentrate (OPC) into yogurt on its physicochemical, sensory and structural properties during 21 days of storage at 4°C. The yield and percentage of OPC were assessed at different pH. The highest yield (77%) and protein content (79%) were observed at pH 10, while lower percentages were noted at pH 5 (59% yield, 74% protein content). Samples of yogurt with different OPC concentrations were made: 0% (control), 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1%. The results indicated that both OPC levels and storage periods significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.05) parameters. The pH value of all samples decreased during storage, while acidity increased. The 1% OPC yogurt maintained higher pH and showed lower acidity (0.96%) compared to the control (1.06%). Water holding capacity (WHC) decreased in all treatments, with the 0.6% OPC group having the lowest WHC (45%) after 21 days. Syneresis increased over time but remained lower in the OPC-treated especially in the 1% OPC (14%) compared to control (22%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that OPC enhanced structural integrity and functional group stability in yogurt. Of the formulations, the 1% OPC sample demonstrated the most stable texture during storage, whereas the 0.6% OPC sample scored the highest sensory evaluation, especially for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. In conclusion, adding OPC, especially at 0.6%–1%, can improve yogurt’s quality, stability, and attractiveness to consumers during cold storage.

The experiment was conducted in Agricultural Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basra/ Karma Ali, during the Autumn season 2023-2024 to study the effect of adding organic fertilizer at two levels (0,30 t ha-1) and six levels of mineral fertilizer (P60 N80, P60- N160, 60P-N240, P120- N80, 120P-N160, P120-240N kg ha-1) on some growth characteristics of three varieties of potato (Arizona, Burren, Riviera) . The experiment was applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using A split plot arrangement with three replicates, the main plots contained Organic fertilizer, levels of mineral fertilizer were at the sub plots ,whereas the varieties put in sub-sub plots. The results showed that Rivera variety had the highest chlorophyll content (2.9361 mg g-1 leaf. fr. wt.) and stem diameter (10.81 mm). Bureen had highest number of branches per plant (4.28 branch plant-1) and dry weight (22.36 g plant-1). Arizona had the highest number of plant height (56.29 cm). An application of either organic manure at the rate of 4 t ha.-1 or mineral NP at the level of P120-240N kg ha-1gave significantly the highest values of all studied vegetative growth. Combination of organic and mineral fertilizer at resulted in the highest significant mean values of the vegetative growth traits. This field experiment showed a difference in the response of varieties when interact with organic fertilizer and a high percentage of mineral fertilizer to obtain the best growth characteristics.

The results of this study highlight the important ecological role of water hyacinth in aquatic environments, in particular in improving water quality through the absorption of trace elements and organic pollutants. The study samples were collected from Shatt al-ksar during the autumn of 2023,The results of the three sample stations showed noticeable differences in the main physical and chemical parameters , including dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). These variations were closely associated with the density of water hyacinth coverage at each site. Station 1, characterized by dense plant cover, exhibited the lowest DO levels alongside the highest concentrations of trace elements and TPH outcome attributed to increased oxygen consumption from plant biomass decomposition and limited gas exchange due to dense growth. In contrast, Station 2, with moderate vegetation, showed intermediate values. Station 3, which lacked vegetation almost entirely, recorded the highest DO and the lowest levels of EC and TPH, reflecting better water clarity and quality in the absence of plant cover. Furthermore, analysis of pollutant accumulation in different plant parts revealed that the roots and vesicles retained the highest levels of trace elements (Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb) and TPH. These results reinforce the effectiveness of water hyacinth in pollutant uptake and stabilization, particularly in areas subject to contamination, underscoring its potential role in phytoremediation applications. As for the chemical composition of the plant, analyses showed a high content of organic matter (with an average exceeding 60% of the dry weight) and varying proportions of fibers, proteins, and ash. This reflects the plant\'s suitability for use in industrial and agricultural applications. This is consistent with the results of other studies that showed a relative compatibility in the ratios of ash, protein, and humidity. The novelty of this study lies in comparing aquatic sites with different levels of water hyacinth growth, examining vegetation density, water properties, trace element concentrations, and TPH. It analyzes the accumulation of heavy metals and TPH in the different parts of the plant and presents a dual perspective on the role of the water hyacinth as both a pollutant and a sustainable environmental solution.

An experiment to evaluate the growth of three bread wheat varieties, four nitrogen fertilization levels, and three planting dates at the College of Agriculture-University of Basra/Karma Ali site, during the winter season of 2023–2024 on silty loam soil to find out the impact of four nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 60,120 and 240 kg N ha-1), and three planting date (1st December, 15th December, and 1st January) on the growth of three varieties of bread wheat (Al-Shaima, Al-Karam, and Ibaa-99). In a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) with three replications, the factorial experiments within split plots was used , the nitrogen levels were assigned to main plots ,while varieties and sowing dates as sub plots. The results of the study showed that Al-Shaima variety outperformed the other varieties in practically all evaluated traits. The results indicated that planting on 1stNovember considerably gave the highest traits when compared to the late sowing date (1st December).All traits were improved when the N level was increased from 60 to 240 kg N ha-1

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station - Karma Ali site - College of Agriculture - University of Basra / during the summer agricultural season 2024. With the aim of knowing the best planting date in the southern region and determining the best fertilizer level of the compound fertilizer NPK (equivalent 20:20:20) for the Sudan grass crop. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design using a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. The main plots contained NPK levels (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1) and were symbolized by the symbols F0, F1, F2 and F3 respectively, while the sub-plots occupied three planting dates: March 1, March 15 and April 1. Fertilizer was added after 20 days of planting in the form of NPK and nitrogen fertilizer batches were completed after each mowing in the form of urea fertilizer (46%N). Three mowings were taken during the crop growth period. Plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, stem diameter, specific leaf weight, chlorophyll percentage, green and dry forage yield were measured for all three mowings. The results showed that the difference in fertilization levels had a significant effect on most of the studied traits, F2 level recorded the highest green fodder yield, reaching 24.740 μg ha-1, without a significant difference from the F3 level (24.370 megagrams ha-1) for the first harvest, while the F3 level was superior and gave the highest average green fodder yield, reaching 44.880 and 20.230 μg ha-1 for the second and third harvests, respectively. The dates had a significant effect on most of the studied traits. The second date recorded the best green fodder yield of 26.720 μg ha-1 33 in the first cut, while the first date D1 gave the highest average for the trait for the second and third cuts, reaching 32.160 and 12.840 μg ha-1. The second date recorded the highest average for dry fodder yield of 8.900 μg ha-1 for the first cut, and the first date outperformed, recording the highest average of 10.970 and 4.650 μg ha-1, respectively, for the second and third cuts of dry fodder yield.

The current study focused on improving the productivity and quality of sunflower through technical design that achieves the best productivity with the least loss by separating the grains from the husks, the reduction in the loss in the produced grains percentage is the separating methods the grains from the straw and the clearance between the cylinders and the cylinder rotation speed in addition to an important hope which is the sunflower grains moisture to be processed. The study aimed to determine the locally designed and manufactured threshing machine based on some technical indicators under different speeds 120, 160 and 200 rpm and at three moisture levels 11-13%, 13-15% and 15-17%. The experiments were conducted in a factorial experiment under complete randomized design with three replications. The speed 120 rpm was significantly superior to the other two levels of 160 and 200 rpm in all studied parameters, the power required and cracked grain ratio, were, 10.38 kW and2.782% except for productivity and efficiency achieved the best results with speed 200 rpm were 1.542t.hr-1 and 84.47% respectively under the same operating conditions for threshing machine. The results showed that the grain moisture 11-13% was significantly better than the 13-15% and 15-17% in all studied conditions.

The current study was carried out at the College of the Veterinary Medicine- of Al-Muthanna University for observing Histological and histochemical in The esophagus of young rabbits with a focus on regional structural differences across the cervical segment. The esophagus is composed of four main layers: the tunica mucosa, the submucosa , the muscularis externa, and the tunica adventitia. The mucosal layer is made up of a stratified squamous epithelium that exhibits partial keratinization, which is especially noticeable in the cervical region, in contrast to the non-keratinized epithelium seen in humans and cats. The lamina propria contains dense connective tissue that is rich in small and medium blood vessels, while the muscularis mucosa is composed of discontinuous longitudinal bundles of smooth muscle. The submucosa is highly vascularized and does not have esophageal glands, which is different from certain other mammals and birds. Three separate layers of striated muscle fibers make up the complete muscularis externa. The adventitia, a vascularized loose connective tissue covering the outer surface of the esophagus, is about 2760 ±24 μm thick.

Twelve birds (mynas, racing pigeons, and Cochin chickens) suffering from fractures in various parts of their bodies were used in this study from local veterinary clinics in Diyala and Baghdad. The current study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025. The birds were weighed and euthanized using an overdose of ketamine and xylazine. The current study revealed that the brains of the three birds exhibited the presence of certain types of glial cells. The myna brain contained a distinct arrangement of glial cells and neurons, as well as a special arrangement of nerve fibers in a circular and annular pattern, which was not observed in the other two birds. Mynas had a higher number of glial cells and neurons per micrometer than the other two birds in this study. NSE protein showed significantly higher expression in the hippocampus of mynas compared to the other two birds