@article{walker_bourassa_qudsieh_hutson_joardar_livingston_2024, title={Research note: A scald water surfactant combined with an organic acid carcass dip reduces microbial contaminants on broiler carcasses during processing}, volume={103}, ISSN={["1525-3171"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.psj.2024.103847}, abstractNote={Organic acids are applied to poultry carcasses during processing to reduce foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. Scald water surfactant agents employed to improve feather removal may enhance the efficacy of organic acids during processing. This study investigated the effects of concurrent application of a scald water surfactant and organic acid dip on microbial contamination of carcasses processed in a small-scale production model. Broilers were reared in litter floor pens to 47 d of age and slaughtered using standard practices. Carcasses were scalded in either control or surfactant scald water initially and dipped in either a 2% organic acid blend or water after feather removal to complete a 2×2 factorial arrangement with n=15 carcasses per treatment group. The commercially available scald water additive was a slightly alkaline surfactant solution labelled as a feather removal aid. The organic acid dip consisting of lactic and citric acid was maintained at pH of 2.5. Approximately 10 g of neck skin was collected 1-minute post-dipping and placed in buffered peptone water with an added neutralizing agent, sodium thiosulfate. Serial dilutions were performed to determine general coliform (GC), E. coli (EC), and aerobic plate (APC) counts as CFU per gram of skin sample. A significant 0.61, 0.76, and 1.6 log reduction of GC, EC, and APC, respectively, was attributed to use of the organic acid carcass dip (P ≤ 0.01). There were no significant differences in carcass microbial reduction due to surfactant scald water alone. A 0.69, 0.73 (P ≤ 0.05), and 1.96 log reduction of GC, EC, and APC, respectively, was observed in surfactant-scalded, acid-dipped carcasses compared to water-scalded, water-dipped control groups. These data demonstrated that a surfactant scald water additive and an organic acid carcass dip can have beneficial effects of microbial reduction when employed simultaneously during broiler processing.}, number={7}, journal={POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Walker, Grayson K. and Bourassa, Dianna V and Qudsieh, Rasha and Hutson, Brittany and Joardar, Dinabandhu and Livingston, Matthew L.}, year={2024}, month={Jul} }
 @article{joardar_livingston_edens_nusairat_qudsieh_livingston_brake_2020, title={Effect of Limestone Particle Size and Potassium Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Physiology, and Breast Muscle Myopathy of Male Broiler Chickens}, volume={7}, ISSN={2297-1769}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.603284}, DOI={10.3389/fvets.2020.603284}, abstractNote={The experiment investigated the effects of limestone particle size and dietary potassium (K) on live performance, blood physiology, and muscle myopathies in broilers raised to 35 days of age. A total of 384 Ross male broilers were placed in 24 floor pens and fed four diets during the starter (0–16 days of age) and grower (17–33 days of age) periods containing two limestone particle sizes (fine: 0.2 mm and coarse: 0.9 mm), and amended with either 0% basal K (K–) or 0.2% added dietary K (K+) as potassium carbonate to complete the 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Live performance was measured from 1–33 days of age. Blood physiology, woody breast (WB), and white striping (WS) scores were measured at 35 days of age. The K+ dietary treatment reduced (P< 0.05) feed intake and BWG when compared to K– during the starter and grower period. The K+ dietary treatment decreased blood Na (mmol/L), blood glucose (mg/dl), ionized blood Ca (mg/dl), TCO2(mmol/L), blood HCO3(mmol/L), and base excess in extracellular fluid (mmol/L) when compared to K– birds of similar body weight at 35 days of age (P≤ 0.05). Fine limestone diets tended to reduce WB scores (3.0 vs. 2.59) when compared to coarse limestone diets at 35 days of age (P= 0.08). This study demonstrated that using 0.2% of K as potassium carbonate did not negatively affect FCR even though FI and BWG were reduced. Furthermore, fine limestone has the potential to reduce WB in breast muscle tissues; however, further research is needed to confirm these outcomes.}, journal={Frontiers in Veterinary Science}, publisher={Frontiers Media SA}, author={Joardar, Dinabandhu and Livingston, Kimberly A. and Edens, Frank W. and Nusairat, Basheer and Qudsieh, Rasha and Livingston, Matthew L. and Brake, John}, year={2020}, month={Dec} }
 @article{arguelles-ramos_nusairat_qudsieh_brake_2020, title={Effects of Phytase Inclusion in Broiler Breeder Diets During Early Lay on their Fecal and Egg Characteristics}, volume={22}, ISSN={["1806-9061"]}, DOI={10.1590/1806-9061-2018-0890}, abstractNote={25/March/2019 Approved: 23/December/2019 ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of phytase inclusion in broiler breeder diets on fecal and egg characteristics. A total of 48 female broiler breeders were evaluated in this study from 21 to 31 weeks of age. The dietary treatments were fed from 30 to 31 wks of age, and included a Positive Control (PosCon) diet, containing 3.0% calcium and 0.50% available phosphorus (AvP); a Negative Control (NegCon) diet, with 3.0% calcium and 0.25% AvP; Negative Control diet + 275 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+275), and Negative control diet + 550 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+550). Egg, yolk, albumin, and eggshell weight, albumin height, and eggshell thickness were measured. Fecal parameters included fecal moisture, liquid portion, and mineral content. After 14 d on the experimental diets during the onset of lay, the NegCon+550 diet increased ( p <0.01) fecal moisture content. In general, hens fed the highest enzyme level (NegCon+550) excreted fewer ( p <0.05) divalent and trivalent cations, which included Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Fecal Na and K levels were not affected by dietary treatments. The NegCon+550 diet increased fecal P when compared with the NegCon and the NegCon+275 diets. The NegCon+550 and PosCon diets exhibited similar fecal P. No significant effects on egg characteristics were observed. It was concluded that during early lay, various signs of fecal changes would probably be observed at phytase dosages above approximately 500 FTU/kg characterized by increased fecal moisture content and excretion of P}, number={1}, journal={BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Arguelles-Ramos, M. and Nusairat, B. and Qudsieh, R. and Brake, J.}, year={2020} }
 @article{obeidat_mayyas_abdullah_awawdeh_qudsieh_obeidat_nusairat_mahmoud_haddad_al-lataifeh_et al._2019, title={The Potential Use of Layer Litter in Awassi Lamb Diet: Its Effects on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality}, volume={9}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, DOI={10.3390/ani9100782}, abstractNote={Carcass parameters and meat quality in lambs that consumed diets having layer hen litter (LL) were evaluated in a complete randomized study. Forty-two lambs were allocated equally (14 lambs/treatment diet) into one of three iso-nitrogenous diets for 75 days. To partially replace soybean meal and barley, LL was given at 0 (LL0), 150 (LL150), or 300 g/kg (LL300) of dietary dry matter (DM). At the termination of the trial, the characteristics of carcasses (hot and cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass cuts) and meat quality (Musculus longissimus linear dimensions, ultimate pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF), color coordinates) were measured after slaughtering all lambs. Longissimus muscle weight was greatest (p < 0.05) for the LL150. For the dissected loin, intermuscular fat content was lowest for the LL0 diet. However, subcutaneous fat content was lower (p < 0.05) in the LL300 diet than LL0 and LL150 diets. Rib fat depth and Musculus longissimus area were greater (p < 0.05) for LL150 than L0. No differences were found in meat pH or color parameters among treatments but WHC and SF were lower in L0 lambs than in lambs fed LL containing diets. Cooking loss was greater for the LL300 diet than the LL0 diet. In summary, quality of meat and carcasses data indicate the possibility of inclusion of LL up to 300 g/kg DM to growing Awassi lambs.}, number={10}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Obeidat, Belal S. and Mayyas, Mohammad A. and Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Awawdeh, Mofleh S. and Qudsieh, Rasha I. and Obeidat, Mohammad D. and Nusairat, Basheer M. and Mahmoud, Kamel Z. and Haddad, Serhan G. and Al-Lataifeh, Fatima A. and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Oct} }
 @article{qudsieh_smith_brake_2018, title={Effect of elevated dietary inorganic zinc on live performance, carcass yield, and quality of male and female broilers}, volume={97}, ISSN={0032-5791 1525-3171}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey274}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pey274}, abstractNote={This study evaluated the effects of elevated dietary inorganic zinc (Zn) on live performance, carcass and parts yield, and carcass and meat quality of broilers. A total of 288 d-old Ross 344 × 708 broilers were distributed among 3 dietary treatments with 12 replicate cages per treatment and raised sex-separate with 8 birds per cage. Birds were fed practical diets supplemented with either 0, 120, or 240 mg Zn/kg diet. Feed intake and body weight (BW) were measured and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. At 42 d, 3 birds per cage were processed to assess carcass and meat quality. Male BW at 42 d was increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 120 mg Zn/kg. The FCR to 42 d was also improved (P ≤ 0.05) for males supplemented with 120 mg Zn/kg as compared to 240 mg Zn/kg with the 0 mg Zn/kg diet intermediate. Dietary Zn had no effect on BW or FCR of females. Dietary Zn had no effect on carcass weight and parts yield but absolute weights of male, but not female, total breast and tenders were increased by 240 mg Zn/kg relative to 0 mg Zn/kg with 120 mg Zn/kg intermediate. Breast fillets cook yield and tenderness as well as color were not influenced by Zn in either sex. Supplementing 120 mg Zn/kg resulted in increased Zn in male breast muscle (P ≤ 0.01) whereas 240 mg Zn/kg reduced Zn in breast muscle of females. The 240 mg Zn/kg diet increased Zn in femurs (P ≤ 0.05) of males relative to the other diets. For females, Zn concentration in femurs was increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 240 mg Zn/kg relative to 120 mg Zn/kg with the non-supplemented birds intermediate.}, number={11}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Qudsieh, R I and Smith, D P and Brake, J}, year={2018}, month={Jul}, pages={4122–4130} }
 @article{brake_nusairat_qudsieh_2018, title={Use of Phytase to Enhance Nutritional Value of Broiler Breeder Diets}, volume={17}, ISSN={1682-8356}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2018.211.220}, DOI={10.3923/ijps.2018.211.220}, abstractNote={Objective: This study was designed to determine the effects of dietary phytase on broiler breeder grower and layer diets.Materials and Methods: Chicks received a common starter diet up to 42 days of age.Treatments were 0 (control), 300, 600 and 1200 FTU kgG 1 phytase feed applied from 43 days to 4 replicate pens per treatment.Dietary calcium (Ca) was 0.7 and 2.7% while available phosphorus (AvP) was 0.35 and 0.12%, in the control grower and layer diets, respectively.Egg production, hatchability, fertility, egg quality, bone breaking strength, body weight (BW) and mortality to 64 weeks of age were measured.Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in 10 weeks quartile periods from 25-64 weeks of age as well as on an overall basis.Results: During the first quartile, phytase increased (p<0.05)egg production with 300 FTU when compared to the control with the 600 and 1200 FTU diets intermediate.All phytase treatments increased (p<0.05)egg production compared to the control on overall basis and during the final quartile (56-64 weeks), hatchability of fertile eggs was increased (p<0.05) by 600 and 1200 FTU phytase relative to the control with 300 FTU intermediate during the fourth quartile.Fertility, egg weight, shell thickness and bone breaking strength were not affected.Conclusion: As evidenced by increased egg production without effect on fertility, egg shell quality or bone strength, it was concluded that 300 FTU of phytase was sufficient to liberate adequate Ca and AvP as well as additional metabolizable energy (ME) but not crude protein (CP) in broiler breeder grower and layer diets.}, number={5}, journal={International Journal of Poultry Science}, publisher={Science Alert}, author={Brake, J. and Nusairat, B. and Qudsieh, R.}, year={2018}, month={May}, pages={211–220} }
 @article{smith_northcutt_qudsieh_parisi_2015, title={Effect of strain on duck breast meat quality}, volume={24}, ISSN={1056-6171 1537-0437}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfv031}, DOI={10.3382/japr/pfv031}, abstractNote={SUMMARY Duck meat consumption is low but steady in the United States (US), while rapidly expanding inothercountries.Theduckindustryismovingfromatraditionalwholecarcassproducttowards deboned breast fillets and other portions, which has prompted strain selection for breast weight and yield. The effect of bird strain was therefore evaluated for fillet weight, yield, and breast meat quality characteristics. Eighty butterflied paired fillets were obtained from each of 4 Pekin duck strains after carcasses were sized by weight at the processing plant (n = 640). All fillets were weighed and then half of the fillets were evaluated for color. One fillet from each carcasspair was either frozen or kept fresh for cooking, reweighing, and subsequent color analysis (Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage (CIE) lightness L ∗ , redness a ∗ , and yellowness b ∗ ). Both fillets in each carcass-pair were evaluated using Allo–Kramer (AK) and Warner–Bratzler (WB) shear. Strain affected (P < 0.05) raw and cooked fillet weight. Strain C, with the largest BWandselectedforbothbreastyieldandgrowthrate,hadhigherrawandcookedbreastweight. Cooked yield was not affected by strain and averaged 64.4%. Neither AK nor WB shear values were affected by strain, and averaged 4.8 kg/g and 4.2 kg, respectively. Strain had a slight but significant effect on color, affecting lightness (L ∗ ) values of all categories, and redness (a ∗ ) values of raw and cooked meat. Freezing and thawing produced large and significant thaw losses ranging from 10.4 to 13.6%; differing losses depended on the strain of duck. Duck strain affected breast fillet weights and lightness to a slight extent, but not cook yield or shear values.}, number={3}, journal={The Journal of Applied Poultry Research}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Smith, D. P. and Northcutt, J. K. and Qudsieh, R. I. and Parisi, M. A.}, year={2015}, month={Jun}, pages={401–407} }
 @article{qudsieh_smith_nusairat_brake_2015, title={Effect of zinc sulfate or zinc sulfite marination on color of raw and cooked meat}, volume={101}, ISSN={0309-1740}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.09.079}, DOI={10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.09.079}, journal={Meat Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Qudsieh, R. and Smith, D.P. and Nusairat, B.M. and Brake, J.}, year={2015}, month={Mar}, pages={132} }
 @inproceedings{qudsieh_smith_brake_2013, title={Effect of dietary zinc on broiler blood zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratio (ZPP/H), bone marrow color, and breast meat quality}, volume={69}, url={http://www.saysoft.net/meat13/search/papers/27.pdf}, number={Supplement}, booktitle={World’s Poultry Science Journal Proceedings}, author={Qudsieh, R.I. and Smith, D.P. and Brake, J.}, year={2013} }
 @article{abdullah_qudsieh_nusairat_2011, title={Effect of crossbreeding with exotic breeds on meat quality of Awassi lambs}, volume={142}, ISSN={1871-1413}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.07.002}, DOI={10.1016/j.livsci.2011.07.002}, abstractNote={The influence of genotype on fattening performance and meat quality was studied in male lambs of five genotypes (n = 10): CA (F1 Charollais–Awassi), ACA (B1 Awassi–Charollais–Awassi), RA (F1 Romanov–Awassi), ARA (B1 Awassi–Romanov–Awassi) and A (Awassi). Lambs were weaned at 70 days of age and offered a diet containing 16% CP and 2.78 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg for 170 days. At the end of the fattening period, all lambs were slaughtered and Musculus semitendinosus and Musculus longissimus were excised from the right and left sides of the carcass for objective meat quality assessment. Birth weights were similar while weaning weights differed among genotypes being greater for the CA. The final and fasted live weights were found to be significantly affected by genotype; the CA genotype was heavier than A and ARA while the ACA genotype was heavier than A. Hot and cold carcass weights and dressing% differed significantly with CA genotype having greater values than A, while the remaining genotypes had intermediate values. Meat quality parameters for M. semitendinosus were different among genotypes with Awassi having higher cooking loss%, and hue angle values but lower redness values than the remaining genotypes. Yellowness values were higher for A and ARA genotype than CA and RA genotypes while ACA genotype was intermediate. Expressed juice% was the lowest for A and ARA genotypes. Lightness values for M. semitendinosus were greater for ARA and A genotypes, with no differences between A and ACA genotypes. However, M. longissimus had only greater lightness values for A and ARA with no significant differences between ARA, ACA and RA genotypes. Meat quality parameters for M. semitendinosus were affected by aging duration being significantly higher for pH, yellowness and hue angle, and lower for redness at 24 h compared to 7 days of aging. No differences were observed in all meat quality parameters for M. longissimus except in pH and cooking loss% being lower at 7 days of aging. Variation between muscles within each genotype was observed in cooking loss%, shear force values, lightness and redness. Results of this study indicate that the F1 crossbreeding of Awassi with either Charollais or Romanov yielded higher production in the resulting genotype while B1 progeny was intermediate without any adverse effects on meat quality. Additionally, aging for 7 days lowered pH and increased redness in both muscles.}, number={1-3}, journal={Livestock Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Qudsieh, Rasha I. and Nusairat, Basheer M.}, year={2011}, month={Dec}, pages={121–127} }
 @article{obeidat_awawdeh_titi_abughazaleh_al-lataifeh_alawneh_abu ishmais_qudsieh_subih_2011, title={Effect of feeding calcium salts on performance of nursing Awassi ewes}, volume={43}, ISSN={0049-4747 1573-7438}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9827-z}, DOI={10.1007/s11250-011-9827-z}, abstractNote={Twenty nursing Awassi ewes (BW = 50 ± 2.35 kg, age = 4.5 ± 1.2 years) with their lambs were used to evaluate the effects of feeding calcium salts in lactation diets on performance and pre-weaning growth of their lambs. Treatments were 0% calcium salts (CON) or 5% calcium salts (FAT). At the end of the study, a digestibility experiment was performed. Milk yield was greater (P < 0.05) for ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. Milk composition was similar (P > 0.05) between diets. However, milk energy value (kcal/day) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Concentrations of milk C18:1c9 and C20:0 were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. However, concentration of trans-10, cis-12 CLA was lower (P = 0.05) in the FAT diet than in the CON diet. No differences in feed intake and body weight change were detected between diets. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were similar (P > 0.05) for diets. For lambs, weaning weight was not affected by treatments. However, average daily gain and total gain were greater (P = 0.053) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Results suggest that supplementing lactating ewes with calcium salts at the beginning of lactation phase improves daily milk yield of ewes and pre-weaning growth of their lambs with no major negative impact on feed intake and digestibility.}, number={6}, journal={Tropical Animal Health and Production}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Obeidat, Belal S. and Awawdeh, Mofleh S. and Titi, Hosam H. and AbuGhazaleh, Amer A. and Al-Lataifeh, Fatima A. and Alawneh, Ibrahim A. and Abu Ishmais, Majdi A. and Qudsieh, Rasha I. and Subih, Hadil S.}, year={2011}, month={Mar}, pages={1211–1217} }
 @article{abdullah_al-beitawi_rjoup_qudsieh_ishmais_2010, title={Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Different Commercial Crosses of Broiler Strains of Chicken}, volume={47}, ISSN={1346-7395 1349-0486}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2141/jpsa.009021}, DOI={10.2141/jpsa.009021}, abstractNote={A total of 840 male and female birds of Lohman, Hubbard JV, Hubbard classic, and Ross strains were reared from day 1 to 43 to evaluate growth performance, carcass and meat quality traits as influenced by strain, gender, and age at slaughter. All birds were randomly distributed into three pens (35 chicks/pen) for each strain×gender group. At 8, 22, 36, and 43 days of age, 5 birds from each pen were randomly selected and slaughtered. Results showed that Hubbard classic birds had higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall average daily gain, and most efficient overall feed conversion ratio. Males had higher (P<0.05) overall body weight, average daily gain, and feed intake when compared to females. Female birds had higher (P<0.05) breast cut percentage at 8, 22, and 36 days, and lower leg cut percentage at 22 and 36 days compared to males. Genotype influenced (P<0.05) abdominal fat percentage where Lohman strain had the highest percentage at all slaughter ages. Cooking loss percentage was higher (P=0.0524) for males than females and shear force values were influenced (P<0.05) by strain where meat from Ross was tougher than meat from any other strain, yet generally meat from all strains was considered to be tender. In conclusion, Hubbard classic birds are the most economic of the four strains investigated in this study by having higher growth performance than the other strains tested. However, dressing percentage and meat quality parameters were comparable among the four strains investigated.}, number={1}, journal={The Journal of Poultry Science}, publisher={Japan Poultry Science Association}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Al-Beitawi, Nafez A. and Rjoup, Murad M.S. and Qudsieh, Rasha I. and Ishmais, Majdi A. A.}, year={2010}, pages={13–21} }
 @article{abdullah_mahmoud_nusairat_qudsieh_2010, title={Small intestinal histology, production parameters, and meat quality as influenced by dietary supplementation of garlic(Allium sativum)in broiler chicks}, volume={9}, ISSN={1828-051X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2010.e80}, DOI={10.4081/ijas.2010.e80}, abstractNote={Four hundred day-old male hatchling chicks were obtained from the female line of Lohmman grandparent stock farms and fed rations supplemented with different levels (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%) of dried garlic powder. Each treatment consists of 5 pens. Feed and water were provided as ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Production parameters measured were body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio. Final body weight and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P>0.05) by garlic supplementation. However, feed consumption was the lowest (P<0.05) at 0.5% and 1%. Small intestinal histological measurements were influenced (P<0.05) by garlic powder supplementation. In duodenum, villus length was the highest (P<0.05) in birds fed with diets containing 1% garlic powder, and villus and epithelial width were the highest (P<0.05) in chicks fed with diets containing 0.5 percentage of dried powder. In jejunum, the villus length was the highest (P<0.05) in birds fed with diets containing 0.25% and 1% garlic powder, while villus and epithelial width were the lowest (P<0.05) in chicks fed with diets containing 0.5% of dried powder. Carcass traits were not affected (P>0.05) by garlic supplementation. All meat quality parameters measured were not affected (P>0.05) by garlic powder supplementation (cooking loss percentage, shear force, lightness, redness and yellowness), except for juiciness percentage and pH, which were the lowest (P<0.05) at 1.0% and 0.25%, respectively. As a conclusion, this study shows that garlic at a 0.5% level might be of beneficial effect on intestinal morphymetry parameters, as well as on production parameters.}, number={4}, journal={Italian Journal of Animal Science}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Mahmoud, Kamel Z. and Nusairat, Basheer M. and Qudsieh, Rasha I.}, year={2010}, month={Jan}, pages={e80} }
 @article{abdullah_muwalla_qudsieh_titi_2009, title={Effect of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) seeds as a replacement protein source of soybean meal on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Awassi lambs}, volume={42}, ISSN={0049-4747 1573-7438}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9420-x}, DOI={10.1007/s11250-009-9420-x}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing the protein source of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of bitter vetch seeds (BVS) in the diets of finishing Awassi ram lambs on performance, and carcass characteristics. Diets were designed based on replacing SBM with BVS as a percentage of the diet. Diets were: control (0% BVS), substituting 5% of SBM (5% BVS), 10% of SBM (10% BVS) and the entire SBM in the ration with BVS (15% BVS). Forty eight lambs (18.74 +/- 3.95 kg initial body weight and 70 days of age) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment diets (12 lambs/treatment). Lambs were given an adaptation period of 10 days and the experiment lasted for 84 days. At the end of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed and 6 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Average daily gain tended (P = 0.07) to be higher for lambs fed 10% BVS when compared to the other diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P < 0.01) in control diet compared to the other diets. Fat depth (C) and leg fat depth (L3) tended (0.05 < P < 0.1) to be affected by BVS levels in the diet. Leg total lean % was the highest (P < 0.05) in 5% BVS and 10% BVS diets. These results suggest that substituting SBM with BVS in the diets did not influence performance or carcass characteristics of lambs. However, the cost of ration formulation decreases since SBM is a very expensive component of the ration.}, number={2}, journal={Tropical Animal Health and Production}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Muwalla, Marwan M. and Qudsieh, Rasha I. and Titi, Hosam H.}, year={2009}, month={Aug}, pages={293–300} }
 @article{abdullah_qudsieh_2009, title={Effect of slaughter weight and aging time on the quality of meat from Awassi ram lambs}, volume={82}, ISSN={0309-1740}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2009.01.027}, DOI={10.1016/j.meatsci.2009.01.027}, abstractNote={Thirty Awassi ram lambs were used to investigate the effects of live weight at slaughter (SW) and aging time (AT) on meat quality attributes of Mm. Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris and Longissimus. Lambs were slaughtered at 20, 30 or 40kg live weight, and muscles of each lamb carcass were aged for either 24h or 7days. Warner-Bratzler shear force values increased (P<0.01) with increasing live weight and decreased (P<0.01) by increasing AT in both M. Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris. Lightness (L*) of the four muscles decreased (P<0.001) with increasing weight but was not affected by AT. Aging time increased (P<0.05) redness (a*) in Mm.Semitendinosus and Longissimus. Cooking loss was reduced (P<0.001) by increased AT in M. Longissimus and by increasing (P<0.001) live weight in M.Semitendinosus. Aging time had no effect on expressed juice of all muscles but it was improved (P<0.001) with increasing live weight in M. Semimembranosus. pH values were significantly influenced for Mm. Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris and values were higher for lighter weight and decreased with increasing weight. Aging time did not influenced pH. In conclusion, meat quality for lambs slaughtered up to 30kg was better than for lambs slaughtered at 40kg with quality being improved by increasing aging time.}, number={3}, journal={Meat Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Qudsieh, Rasha I.}, year={2009}, month={Jul}, pages={309–316} }
 @article{abdullah_qudsieh_2008, title={Carcass characteristics of Awassi ram lambs slaughtered at different weights}, volume={117}, ISSN={1871-1413}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2007.12.020}, DOI={10.1016/j.livsci.2007.12.020}, abstractNote={Thirty Awassi ram lambs were used to study the effects of slaughter weight on carcass characteristics. Lambs were slaughtered at three different live weights (20, 30, and 40 kg). Empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weights and non-carcass components increased (P < 0.001) at a steady rate between all slaughter weights. Body length, leg length, maximum shoulder width, width behind shoulders and gigot width increased (P < 0.001) as slaughter weight increased from 20 to 40 kg. Linear dimensions measured on the surface of the M. Longissimus also increased (P < 0.001) with increasing slaughter weight. The ratio between width and depth of the longissimus muscle decreased (P < 0.01) at a steady rate between 20 and 40 kg indicating that the muscle increased more in depth than width. Dressing-out percentage was higher (P < 0.001) for lambs slaughtered at 30 kg live weight compared to other weights. Total lean and total bone decreased (P < 0.05) as a percent of cold carcass weight while total fat, subcutaneous and intermuscular fat percentages increased (P < 0.05) with increasing weight. Subcutaneous fat percentage was not affected by increasing body weight between 20 and 30 kg. Intermuscular fat percent was higher in all cuts except the leg where subcutaneous fat % was higher. Muscle to bone ratio increased (P < 0.001) while muscle to fat ratio decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing body weight in the four major cuts and the whole carcass. In conclusion, slaughtering Awassi ram lambs at weights up to 30 kg resulted in higher dressing-out percentage and better carcass characteristics than ram lambs slaughtered at heavier weights.}, number={2-3}, journal={Livestock Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Qudsieh, Rasha I.}, year={2008}, month={Sep}, pages={165–175} }
 @article{obeidat_abdullah_awawdeh_kridli_titi_qudsieh_2008, title={Effect of Methionine Supplementation on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Awassi Ram Lambs Fed Finishing Diets}, volume={21}, ISSN={1011-2367 1976-5517}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2008.70536}, DOI={10.5713/ajas.2008.70536}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ruminally-protected methionine supplementation (0, 7, or 14 g/head/d) on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, carcass, and meat characteristics of Awassi ram lambs fed finishing diets. Twenty four Awassi ram lambs (16.8±1.17 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment diets (8 lambs/treatment) and housed in individual pens. Lambs were given an adaptation period of 7 days before the intensive feeding period that lasted for 86 days. On day 74 of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed. At the end of the trial (d 86), all lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Increasing the level of methionine supplementation did not improve (p>0.05) performance nor feed conversion ratio. Nutrient intake and digestibilities were not influenced (p>0.05) by methionine supplementation. There were no differences in final weight, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentages or any of the measured non-carcass components. Tissues and fat depth measurements together with all meat quality attributes measured on longissimus muscle of the loin cut were not affected by methionine supplementation. The only meat quality parameters affected were redness (a*) and the hue angle being higher for the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that methionine supplementation is not likely to produce any production benefits in nutrient digestibilities, performance or carcass characteristics of ram lambs fed a high performance diet.}, number={6}, journal={Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences}, publisher={Asian Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies}, author={Obeidat, Belal S. and Abdullah, Abdullah Y. and Awawdeh, Mofleh S. and Kridli, Rami T. and Titi, Hosam H. and Qudsieh, Rasha I.}, year={2008}, month={May}, pages={831–837} }
 @article{abdullah_awawdeh_musallam_titi_obeidat_kridli_qudsieh_abu ishmais_2008, title={Performance and carcass characteristics of intact and castrated male Black goat kids fed diets of various energy levels}, volume={48}, ISSN={0816-1089}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea07368}, DOI={10.1071/ea07368}, abstractNote={

Thirty Black goat male kids were used in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of three dietary energy levels (EL) and early castration (TRT) on growth performance, body and carcass characteristics. Upon weaning at 90 days of age, kids were randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 10: five intact and five castrated) and assigned to one of the three dietary treatments containing 15% CP and different energy levels: low (LEL; 10.44 MJ ME/kg DM), medium (MEL; 11.60 MJ ME/kg DM) and high energy (HEL; 12.90 MJ ME/kg DM). Kids were individually fed on an ad libitum basis and were slaughtered at the end of the fattening period. Results showed no differences between castrated and intact kids in feed and nutrient intake. The level of dietary energy affected dry matter intake (P < 0.05), metabolisable energy intake (P < 0.01), crude protein intake (P < 0.05), neutral detergent fibre (P < 0.001) and acid detergent fibre intakes (P < 0.001). Dry matter intake was 280, 305 and 264 g/kg W0.75.day for kids receiving LEL, MEL and HEL diets, respectively. Metabolisable energy intake was the highest for kids receiving the MEL diet (0.90 Mcal/kg W0.75.day) compared with LEL (0.73 Mcal/ kg W0.75.day) and HEL (0.88 Mcal/kg W0.75.day) diets. Final liveweight and average daily gain (ADG) were greater (P < 0.01) in MEL diets. Kids fed MEL gained 133 g/day, while ADG values were 92 and 100 g/day for kids fed LEL and HEL diets, respectively. Total muscle percentage was greater (P < 0.05) for kids fed MEL diets (55.9%) compared with LEL (53.8%) and HEL (51.1%) diets. Castrated kids had lower (P < 0.01) carcass muscle percentage, but higher carcass (P < 0.01) and subcutaneous (P < 0.001) fat percentages than intact kids. It can be concluded that the best growth performance was observed in kids receiving the MEL with no differences between castrated and intact kids. Castration influenced accretion of fat in castrated kids.
}, number={9}, journal={Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture}, publisher={CSIRO Publishing}, author={Abdullah, A. Y. and Awawdeh, F. T. and Musallam, H. S. and Titi, H. H. and Obeidat, B. S. and Kridli, R. T. and Qudsieh, R. I. and Abu Ishmais, M. A.}, year={2008}, pages={1217} }
 @article{kridli_abdullah_obeidat_qudsieh_titi_awawadeh_2007, title={Seasonal variation in sexual performance of Awassi rams}, volume={4}, number={1/2}, journal={Animal Reproduction}, author={Kridli, R.T. and Abdullah, A.Y. and Obeidat, B.S. and Qudsieh, R.I. and Titi, H.H. and Awawadeh, M.S.}, year={2007}, month={Jan}, pages={38–41} }