Showing 411 results for Om
F. Azizi, A. Rezai, S.m. Maybodi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2001)
Abstract
In order to investigate the genetic diversity of morphological traits in 121 genotypes of lima, red and pinto beans, and to study the relation between characters, and to get better understanding of factors affecting the interaction between characters by multivariate analysis, an experiment was conducted in 1997 as a simple lattice design at the Research Station of Agricultural College, Isfahan University of Technology.
High variability was observed among genotypes for all characters studied. The phenotypic coefficients of variability were greater than the genotypic ones for all the traits. Among the characters studied seed yield, number of pods per lateral branches and main stem, length of lateral branches and main stem, number of nodes per lateral branches and main stem, 100-seed weight and number of lateral branches had the highest genotypic and phenotypic variability, while days to maturity had the lowest variability. Traits relative to lateral branches were more variable than the same traits in the main stem. Factor analysis for all the genotypes and, separately, for lima, red, pinto, determinate and indeterminate genotypes revealed 4 factors which justified more than 78.4 percent of the total variation. The results of the analysis based on all the genotypes showed that the first factor was mostly correlated to days to maturity, length of main stem and lateral branches, number of nodes per main stem and lateral branches, which was named “vegetative factor”. The second and third factors had the highest correlations with number of pods per main stem and lateral branches, number of seeds per pod in the main stem and branches and 100-seed weight, which were named “yield component factors”. The fourth factor showed the highest correlation with number of lateral branches and was named for this trait. The first and fourth factors were related to vegetative growth characteristics and physiological source. The second and third factors were related to physiological sink. On the basis of stepwise regression analysis, number of pods per lateral branches was the most important component of yield, and number of pods per lateral branches and main stem had the next following ranks. Number of pods per lateral branches and main stem had the highest relationships with yield.
H. Azadi, E. Karami,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2001)
Abstract
Cooperative have always been considered institutions capable of solving major problems in the process of development in different countries. These institutions has evolved along with theories of development from government dependent organization to independent, people centered with the objective of being equal-opportunity systems for all members in order to be responsive to current goals of development. The aim of the present research was to determine the level of success in mechanized companies in Fars Province (12 Mechanized Companies, 24 Rural Cooperatives and 8 Production Cooperatives) in achieving development goals through a survey research.
The findings indicated that production cooperatives were more successful in promoting farmers' income and participation of members in community activities, increasing equity and farmers' work related welfare while mechanized companies had more achievements in flexibility and participation of members in making decisions regarding farming activities and in terms of payment to farmers. In other words, production cooperatives have been more successful in achieving development goals (increasing income, participation, and work related welfare and decreasing inequity). Mechanized companies rank a position in the middle of the success scale, but rural cooperatives had the lowest success level in achieving development goals.
A. Zare Shahneh, R. Mataji, M.j. Zamiri, M. Moradi Shar-E-Babak,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2001)
Abstract
Effects of the β-adrenergic agonist metaproterenol were studied daily gain, carcass composition and feed consumption of Varamini female lambs were studied. Thirty lambs were randomly assigned to a randomized complete block design with three groups (treatments) and two blocks (live weight). The ration was similar for all groups (ME: 2.6 MCal/kg, CP: 14.9%) and lambs were fed ad libitum. Metaproterenol was injected subcutaneously at 0 (control), 7 (low dose) and 14 (high dose) µg kg-1 w75. Lambs were weighed at 20-day intervals.
Mean daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio improved significantly by metaproterenol (P<0.05), but feed intake was not affected. Hot carcass weight, carcass weight minus fat-tail, dressing percentage and longissimus muscle characteristics were different among the three groups (P<0.01). Physically separated fat from several depots and fat-tail weight significantly reduced in the metaproterenol groups. Carcass fat content decreased but carcass protein content increased in metaproterenol treated lambs.
H. Alipour, A. Rezai, S. A. M. Meibodi, M. Taheri,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2002)
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to study genetic variation for electrophoretic seed protein patterns and their relations with some seed characteristics such as protein and oil percentages, chemical compositions and 100-seed weight among 270 soybean (Glycine max L. Moench) genotypes.
Among different electrophoresis procedures examined, 10% and 4.5% concentrations of acrylamide for resolving and stacking gels, respectively, 13.5 mg/ml concentration of protein buffer extraction, injection of 10 microlitre sample injection into gel hollows, 2.5 miliamper and 2-hours staining period were determined as the best combination to achieve clear bands and good separation. Based on relative mobility on gel, 30 protein bands were observed, of which only 5 varied among genotypes. In general, 8 electrophoretic patterns were recognized. Cluster analysis based on qualitative evaluation of patterns grouped the genotypes in 8 clusters and classified different bands in three groups. Simple concordance (matching) coefficients between protein bands with relative mobilities of 2.5% and 49.5% were zero, which is an indication of their independent occurrence. Probably, these bands are coded with one gene that in dominant and recessive homozygous genotypes appear as a single band at different positions on the gel. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P<0.05) among protein patterns for protein and oil percentages. Correlation coefficients between variable protein bands and studied traits showed a positive and significant relation (P<0.05) of bands with relative mobility of 3.5 and 49.5 with protein and phosphorous contents of the seeds, respectively. Protein patterns having band with relative mobility of 49.5 had the highest phosphorous content. Black hilum color of seeds was related to protein band with relative mobility of 52.
G. Saeidi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2002)
Abstract
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an oilseed and widely adapted crop. Oil of regular genotypes of flax is used in industry because of its unique fatty acid profile. New, mutant genotypes of flax have oils similar to sunflower oil which can be used as edible oil. This experiment was conducted to investigate the genetic variation of agronomic traits and productivity in different edible and industrial oil genotypes of flax in Isfahan. The genotypes were evaluated in augmented design.
Based on the results, the average numbers of seedling/m2 in edible and industrial oil genotypes were 178 and 367 with variation coefficients of 70 and 10%, respectively. Maturity also showed variation and varied between 89 to 116 days in edible oil genotypes and between 89 to 128 days in industrial oil genotypes. Plant height varied between 57 to 86 and 49 to 73 cm in edible and industrial oil genotypes, respectively. Seed yield also had considerable variations and varied between 429 to 2651 and 779 to 2389 kg/ha with variation coefficients of 35 and 25 in edible and industrial oil genotypes, respectively. Seed yield per plant showed a high and positive correlation with basal branches (r=0.77**) and bolls per plant (r=0.93**), but high and negative correlation with stand (r=-0.66**). Regression analysis revealed that approximately 96% of the variation in seed yield per plant was attributed to variation in bolls per plant, seeds per boll and seed weight and they were determined as the major yield components, respectively. Bolls per plant was the most important yield component and contributed to 87% of the variation for seed yield per plant.
M. R. Khajehpour, A. R. Bagherian Naeni,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2002)
Abstract
It is believed that various types of field bean, including pinto, white and red, differ in adaptability to high temperatures and may, thus, differ in response to delay in planting. In order to evaluate this response, an experiment was conducted during 1996 at the Agricultural Research Station, Isfahan University of Technology, using a randomized complete block design with split-plot layout. Main plots consisted of four planting dates (April 28, May 13 and 28 and June 13) and sub-plots included four genotypes of common bean (red bean, c.v. Naz pinto beans, experimental lines 11816 and 16157 and a white bean, experimental line 11805).
Number of branches per plant, number of pods per branch and per unit area, number of seeds per pod of main stem and branch, number of seeds per main stem, per branch and per unit area, 100-seed weight and seed yield significantly reduced, while harvest index significantly increased by delay in planting and consequent increases in temperature and reduction in time for growth. The lower harvest index obtained with early planting was the result of the lower efficiency of the produced vegetative growth due to the coincidence of seed filling period with high temperatures. Pinto bean line 11816 ranked the highest for number of branches per plant and harvest index among the genotypes evaluated and produced the highest seed yield (3030 kg ha-1). Although red bean Naz ranked the highest for number of pods and seed per main stem and per unit area, it had the lowest harvest index and 100-seed weight and, consequently, produced the least seed yield (2254 kg ha-1). The results obtained indicate that delay in planting adversely affects bean seed yield. Pinto bean line 11816 may have higher yield potential among the genotypes studied at all planting dates under conditions similar to the present experiment. No specific relationship was observed between apparent seed characteristics and plant tolerance to heat.
S. M. B. Nabavi, A. Savari, Gh. H. Vosoughi, A. R. Nikouy,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2002)
Abstract
To estimate the biomass and secondary production of macrobenthos in Khore-e-Mousa creeks, 216 sediment samples were taken. The sampling period started in 1996 and terminated in 1997. A bimonthly sampling strategy was adopted. The samples were taken by Van-Veen grab (0.1 m2) from the beginning, middle and end of each creek (Khor). To estimate the biomass of the macrobenthos, the Crisp method (1984) was employed. The standing crop was expressed as dry weight and ash free dry weight. For the measurement of secondary production, a dominant crustacean species Apseudes sp. was used.
The results indicated a low biomass per unit area in Khore-e-Mousa creeks. Maximum and minimum amounts of the standing crop were found to be in June (33.5 g DW/m2) and December (2.19 g DW/m2), respectively. Amongst all creeks, Douragh creek displayed the highest (24.93 g DW/m2) and Beehad the lowest (2.24 g DW/m2) standing crops. During the study period, 1483 individuals of Apseudes sp. were collected and grouped into 5 age classes according to Bhattacharya (Sparre, 1989) method. The secondary production was estimated to be 0.08 g/m2 ash free dry weight (AFDW). The production/biomass ratio (P/B), therefore, is calculated as 0.08÷0.18=0.44. Considering the ecological efficiency, (transfer efficiency) of different trophic levels which is about 10%, the fish production is estimated to be 2430 tons in Khore-e-Mousa area.
Y. Ebrahim Nejad, J. Pourreza,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2002)
Abstract
This experiment was carried out to study the effect of ionophore drugs (Salinomycin, Lasalocid and their combinations) on the performance of broiler chicks. Also their relationships with methionine (three levels) were evaluated. 1215 one-day-old commercial broiler chicks (Arian) were divided into 81 groups, 15 chicks per group, and tested in a completely randomized design with a 3×3×3 factorial experiment. Three drug types with three levels (0.0, the recommended level and 1.5 times the recommended level) of drugs and three levels (0.0, 0.1% and 0.2%) of supplemental methionine were used.
The results indicated that the effect of sex on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride, percentage of bone ash and percentage of abdominal fat was significant (P<0.0l). Drug type had no effect on the characteristics under study. Drug level influenced percentage of bone ash, percentage of eviscerated carcass, and percentage of abdominal fat significantly (P<0.0l), (P<0.01) and (P<0.00l), respectively. Also methionine level influenced cholesterol and triglyceride (P<0.0l) significantly. Interaction effect of drug type and drug level on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride was significant (P<0.05). Interaction effect of drug and methionine level on cholesterol and triglyceride was significant (P<0.0l). The results showed that levels of this drug influenced carcass composition and also supplemental methionine had no influence on the modulating effect of these drugs on carcass composition.
J. Keramat, M. Khorvash,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
Iran, as the biggest producer of dates, has 25 percent of the world date production. More than 400 varieties of dates have been identified in Iran. Dates have a high nutritional value they contain considerable amounts of sugar, vitamins and minerals. For instance, 2830 kilocalories of energy are obtained from one kilogram of dates. Dates are economically suitable replacements for sugar in bee feeds. However, feeding bees with some varieties, which contain certain amounts of mannose and potassium, are harmful. This investigation was carried out in order to identify the most suitable variety of dates useful for bee feed and to determine its nutritional value as human food. In this study, the dominant varieties of date including Bam Mazafati, Behbahan Kabkab, Booshehr Kabkab, Jiroft Mazafati, Kangoroad, Khanizi, Khasi, Saameran, Shahani, Shahdadi and Zahedi, were collected and analysed. The amounts of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium were determined. Also, sugar composition of the above varieties consisting of glucose, fructose and sucrose, was measured. Chemical methods (Lane-Eynon and Shaffer-Somogyi) and high performance liquid chromatography were used for sugar determination.
The results showed that, except for moisture and protein contents, there was no significant difference between fat and ash contents of the samples. Shahdadi and Zahedi had the highest and lowest moisture contents, respectively. Behbahan Kabkab and Shahdadi had the highest and lowest protein contents respectively. Jiroft Mazafati and Saameran had significantly the lowest amounts of potassium and mannose, respectively, while Kangoroad had significantly the highest amount of sucrose, which is use full for bees. Therefore, these three varieties were found to be suitable replacements for sugar in bee feeds, but considering their price, Saameran is recommended as the best feed for bees. On the other hand, with respect to the minerals and sugar contents, Behbahan Kabkab was found as the most nutritious date for human food.
D. Qujaq, S.e. Mousavi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
The objective of this investigation is to measure pectinesterase activity by a simple method. The assay is done at 25°C. Oranges were obtained at a local supermarket in winter. They were peeled and 5 gr sections of the peeled tissue were homogenized in 10% NaCl and 0.5 M phosphate buffer in a homogenizer. The homogenates were centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 20 min. The supernatants were collected, their pH levels were raised to 7.25 using NaOH and the reaction was monitored at 485 nm in a spectrophotometer. The activity of pectinesterase was expressed as micromoles of methanol released per minute.
The results show that this method is reliable, sensitive, and capable of measuring pectinesterase activity of as low as 0.05 unit. The assay method proposed is a very useful analytical tool for the determination of the activities of pectinesterase.
M. Niknejad Kazempour,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae is a phytopathogenic bacterium with a wide host range. The biology of this bacterium consists of two phases. The first phase is the indication of disease on the host plant which generally appears in the form of necrosis on the aerial parts of plant (pathogenicity phase). The second phase is a rapid multiplication of bacteria on the aerial surface of the plant without inflicting any defense response (epiphytic phase). In this study, the impact of pathogenic virulence genes of aggress, dsp, ice, cor and hrp genes in the epiphytic process of Pseudomonas syringae on resistant and sensitive varieties of tomato is examined. The population dynamism of bacterial colonization on the root, stem and leaves was studied.
The results indicated that the hrp genes system (hypersensitive reaction and pathogenicity) in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, P. s. pv. syringae and P. s. pv. phaseolicola and the coronatine gene system in P. s. pv. tomato are necessary for colonization on both host and non-host plants. The mutants isolates of hrp and cor compared with wild isolates could colonize at a lower level on all parts of the plant. In contrast, the ice (Ice nucleation), aggress (Agressivity) and dsp (disease specific) gene systems had no significant impact on the epiphytic colonization of P. s. pv. syringae. However, under in vitro conditions no significant difference was observed among the wild type isolates and their mutants in king B medium in the bioscreen machine. It is concluded that the lower multiplication of P. syringae mutants in planta is due to the plant-bacteria interaction.
M.r. Lak, M. Shamsbakhsh, M. Bahar,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
During the summer of 1998, leaf and pod blight symptoms of bean were observed in Arak, The survey in the following year showed that the disease had an increasing trend in bean-growing regions of Markazi Province. It appeared that more severe losses occurred in fields equipped with sprinkler irrigation system. Symptoms of diseased plants consisted of formation of irregular necrotic lesions on leaves surrounded by yellow halo. Under favourable conditions, these lesions gradually expanded and heavily infected leaves became blighted. The primary symptoms on infected pods were the development of water soaked spots which later turned to dark or reddish blotches. In attempts to investigate the causal agent, two types of a Gram negative bacteria with raised, yellow and translucent colonies were isolated from leaves and pods of blighted beans. All strains produced Xanthomonadin pigment and their inoculation on young bean plants induced disease symptoms similar to those observed under field conditions. Based on morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, the predominant pathogenic type was identified as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. However, the other strain with the same properties, but capable of producing melanin pigment in nutrient media, was assigned to X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli var. fuscans.
R. Fotouhi Ghazvini, S. Shirani,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
The effect of different media including the growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis from Mexican lime was studied. The average embryo formation after 60 days from unfertilized ovules in different media was evaluated at 0 to 33.75%. The most effective hormone to stimulate embryogenesis was GA3 at 0.01 and 0.1 mg/l concentrations. Malt extract (ME) at 300 mg/l increased embryo formation, whereas at 1000 mg/l, it inhibited embryogenesis but produced embryogenic callus. Banzyl adenine (BA) at 0.1 and 0.01 mg/l concentrations had significant effects on embryogenesis, while embryo formation was inhibited at high concentrations. Embryo development in different media was also studied. The index of mean root length to mean stem length in the MT3 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l of GA3 was observed to be 1.22±0.22, which was regarded a suitable medium for embryo formation, embryo development and plantlet regeneration.
M. Moalai, H. Nassiri Moghaddam, H. Kermanshahi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine growth and carcass characteristics of male broilers subjected to early feed restriction. Restricted birds were fed equivalent to 1/5*BW0.67 Kcal/day/bird between days 7 and 14. On days 0 to 7 and 14 to 56, all chickens received feed ad-libitum. Diets of feed-restricted birds were supplemented with 15% higher methionin and cystine recommended by NRC (1994) during refeeding in starter and grower periods. No significant differences were observed for liver, breast, heart, carcass and liver fat between early restricted birds and ad-libitum control at 56 days of age. Body weight for restricted broilers were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of controls in 56 days. However, restricted broilers had significantly lower total-feed to gain ratio than the unrestricted control. Restricted broilers that received diets high in total sulfur amino acids in starter and grower periods had singnificantly lower abdominal fat pad than control birds.
G. Tahmasebi, R. Ebadi, N. Tajabadi, M. Akhondi, S. Faraj,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
Small honeybee (Apis florea) is one of the common species in Iran. Apis florea lives in southern Iran and plays an important role in the polination of plants in this region. In a series of studies during the years 1997-1998, the genetic populations of the Iranian small honeybee and the effects of geographic and climatic conditions on the morphological variation and separation of Iranian small honeybee were investigated. For this purpose, 400 samples of worker bees from 40 colonies from 26 cities in 9 provinces were collected and twelve morphological characters were measured, using Ruttner method (1978). To determine geographical and climatological variables, average values collected by synoptic stations and other meteorological stations of Iran Meteorological Organization were used. The principal components analysis was used in the statistical analysis of the data obtained. The results show that there exist two distinct groups of small honeybee populations in Iran. Southwest of Iran hosts a class of bigger bees forming one distinct group while southeast of Iran hosts smaller bees forming the second group. Latitude has a positive correlation with size of body, wings and legs. Amount of precipitation has a nagative correlation with size of body, wings and legs. Temperature, wind speed. relative humidity, freezing days and other parameters did not show any correlations with size of body. The results from this research proved that the more northern areas with higher altitudes and more precipitation have bigger honeybees. This finding is in accordance with the Bergman law about other animals.
S. A. Maybodi, A. R. Amini Hajiabadi, J. Khajeddin,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
A number of halophytic species as Salicornia europea, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Aeluropus lagopoides, and Aeluropus littoralis were found to occupy a significant portion of the total vegetation of the surrounding area at the Zayande-Roud inlet to Gavkhoony wetland. However, their ecological demands and bioenvironmental factors by which vegetation community composition has been affected is not undestood. A compehensive knowledge of the establishment is essential for future improvements in using the above species on salanized regions. In this paper, using the ordination method. The establishment pattern of these four species in a range of varied habitats is evaluated based on the recongition of the relative significance of habitat soil chemical properties and vegetion crown cover to the establishment of the four species. For this purpose, 48 plants meansurements were taken along a transect, having more species variation in term of vegetation cover percentage. Furthermore, 48 soil samples were taken from the plot along the same transect in a one-year period in 1999. The soil samples were analysed for PH, EC, available Na, K, Ca and Mg as well as clay, and silt contents. The ground and field vegetation data were analysed using the Principlas Components Analysis (PCA), and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to produce summary vectors (PCA axes) of both the soil chemistry and habitat vegetation structure datasets. The summary of ordination method quantified the degree to which soil variables and species cover were related to variability in ground vegetation composition. variation in community composition (type and percentage) was significantly related to gradient of the aforementioned soil factors. Generally, the vegatation community composition in this experiment could be considered as a key component to expand the growth and development patterns of these species to similar salinised regions.
S. Kouchakzadeh,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2002)
Abstract
Side channel spillways have a common usage in conveyance and distribution networks, high dams, water and wastewater treatment plants, and surface drainage networks. A side channel carries spatially varied flow with increasing discharge and their water surface profiles is a main feature in the design process. Usually, the bottom width of the channel is flared in the flow direction and an end sill is also installed at the downstream end to provide a control section and to generate an even water surface profile. In this study, the impact of installing an end sill on the flow characteristics in a non-prismatic side channel is presented. Six distinct longitudinal profiles were clearly observed in each run and the difference between the mid points of the maximum and the minimum profiles of each run was used to evaluate the sill effects on the water surface profile and the energy dissipation.
The results indicated that the maximum and the minimum differences are, respectively, equal to critical depth and half of it generated at the channel downstream end. Also, based on an envelope of the data, a method was proposed to determine the maximum potential impact of an end sill that might have on the flow depth, which could also be considered as a guideline in the design process.
G. Saeidi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2002)
Abstract
Edible-oil flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) can be an alternate oil-seed crop in Isfahan region. Seeding date is very important in obtaining higher grain yields and a successful flax production. The present study was conducted at the research farm, Isfahan University of Technology in the year 2000 to determine the effect of seeding date and genotype on yield, yield components and maturity of edible-oil flax. In this study, a RCBD with three replications, in which the treatments were organized as a split-plot experiment, was used. Seeding dates (Oct. 17, Nov. 16, March 15, April 13, May 14, June 13, July 15) and genotypes (four breeding lines of edible-oil flax) were considered as the main and the subfactor, respectively. The number of capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight and seed yield were highest for all genotypes in the first seeding date. Average seed yield in the first seeding date was almost twice, triple and eight times as much as the second, third and the last three seeding dates, respectively. In the second seeding date there was no emergence because of low temperature. The genotype and seeding date interaction on seed yield and maturity was significant. In general, delayed seeding was accompanied by reduction of emergence, number of days to maturity, yield and yield components in all genotypes, with the exception that the last seeding date led to increased number of days to maturity and seeds per capsule. Based on regression analysis, seed weight, number of seeds per capsule and number of seedlings/m2 were the most important components that contributed in seed yield variation, respectively. But, most of the variations in seed yield per plant was affected by number of copsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule, and in that order.
F. Khajehali, H. Nassiri Moghaddam, R. R. Marquardt, M. Danesh Mesgaran,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2002)
Abstract
Evaluation of uric acid contents of poultry excreta was examined for use in the estimation of apparent protein digestibility. Uric acid was determined either by high-performance liquid chromatography or by spectrophotometric method. A high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay was used with absorbance measured at 285 nm. The method used a reverse-phase system with a C18-bonded column (250*4.6 mm, i.d.). The mobile phase was distilled deionized water. Injection volume was 20 l with a flow rate of 1 ml/min.
Correlation (r) between the two methods for uric acid content of excreta from birds fed diets with different methionine levels was 0.976. The uric acid values were then used to determine apparent protein digestibility. The apparent protein digestibility values, when corrected for uric acid nitrogen, were comparable with those calculated from amino acid analysis.
A. Rezvanfar, H. Vaisy,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (1-2003)
Abstract
To improve livestock production and to modernize dairy husbandry in Iran, it is essential to disseminate the most recent information on dairy husbandry technologies and management practices through various means among farmers. An understanding of farmers’ communication behaviour is essential in formulating effective communication strategies for livestock development. For the purposes of this study, East Azarbaijan Province was selected. The study will examine how farmers obtain information on dairy husbandry technologies and management practices and how they communicate with agents of technology transfer (extensionists). The major channels and sources used in obtaining information and inter-system communication by farmers are discussed. To study the farmers’ communication behaviour, a sample of 154 farmers from a total of eight villages (four villages from high level plain areas and four villages from low level plain areas) were selected using “Stratified two-stage random sampling” method. Data were gathered by filling out questionnaires that had been tested before. The criteria like frequencies in terms of number and percentage, mean and product moment correlation were calculated. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used for the analysis of the data.
According to the findings of this study, most farmers in the two groups (98%) had low information input score. The independent variables such as information output, farmer inter-system communication, farmer-researcher communication, farmer-extensionist communication, education, family education status and availability of input facilities had positive and highly significant relationships (P<0.01) with information input.
