ixty adult Barki ewes (2.0-3.0 years old and 38.89 ± 1.02 kg average body weight) were used to investigate the effect of feeding Nigella sativa meal as an alternative source of protein on the reproductive and productive performance of Barki ewes. Animals were randomly assigned into equal three groups (20 each). The first group (G1) served as control and fed the basal diet contain 20% cotton seed meal and 6% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein, while the second group (G2) fed diet contained 13.5% of Nigella sativa meal (NSM) and 8% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein. The Third group (G3) fed diet contained 25% of NSM as a source of ration protein. All groups were offered berssem (Trifolium alexandrnum) hay ad libitum, and rations were adjusted monthly to cover their requirements during their different physiological status. Reproductive traits in terms of conception and lambing rates, abortion and stillbirth rates, number of lambs born alive and weaned and mortality rate from birth to weaning were measured during this study. Birth and weaning weights as well as body weight changes of ewes recorded during different physiological stages. Milk yield and composition were also determined. Results indicated that conception and lambing rates were insignificantly higher in G1 and G2 compared with G3. While number of lambs born alive was higher in G2 and G3 than control group (19 and 18 Vs. 17 lambs for G2, G3 and G1 respectively). Birth and weaning weights were significantly higher in G3 then G2 compared with control group. G3 recorded higher milk production during lactation period (627.29 ml/h/d) then G2 (601.33 ml/h/d) while control group recorded the lowest value (587.33 ml/h/d). Progesterone profile in the three experimental groups was found to follow the normal pattern reported in the literature. Progesterone levels insignificantly increased in control group than other two groups during pregnancy, especially during late pregnancy and decreased to the basal values after parturition. In conclusion, we can use NSM as an alternative source of ration protein to improve reproduction and production efficiency of Barki ewes under arid conditions of North Western Coast of Egypt.

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It is with great pleasure that I write this editorial to welcome you to the IJCBR. This journal provides a platform for publication of original and reviews research articles, short communications, letter to editor, thesis abstract, conference report, and case studies. These types of publication are directed at the interface of the fields of cancer and biomedical research.The IJCBR relies on a distinguished expert of the Advisory and Editorial Board Members from the top international league covering in depth the related topics. They timely review all manuscripts and maintain highest standards of quality and scientific methodology and ethical concepts. Meanwhile, we take all possible means to keep the time of the publication process as short as possible.I take this chance to welcome your contributions to the IJCBR and have every expectation that it will soon become one of the most respected journals in both the fields of cancer and biomedical research.

A total of 100 adult Shami goat does was used to determine the effect of early postpartum treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and/or prostaglandin F 2∞ (PGF 2α), on estrous and ovulation incidence as well as subsequent fertility. Does were randomly allocated into four groups. Does in groups 1 (G1) and 2 (G2) received 8 µg GnRH (Receptal) between day 10 and 14 postpartum while does in groups 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) were injected with saline solution. Ten days later, does of G2 and G3 received 25 mg PGF 2∞ (Lutalyse) and does in G1 and G4 received the same volume of saline solution. Visual observation for signs of estrus throughout the day by the herdspersons were supplemented by two daily 30-min observations between 07:00 and 08:00 h and between 17:00 and 18:00 h. Blood samples were collected thrice weekly via vein puncture from all does and continued until 6 weeks post mating or 120 days postpartum for progesterone assay. Progesterone profile was used for characterization of estrus and ovulation. All does were hand mated with 5 fertile bucks at the onset of the first estrus after 6 weeks postpartum and fertility in terms of non return to estrus, days open and conception rate were also recorded. Results revealed that treatment with GnRH reduced intervals to first ovulation (P<0.05) and first detected estrus as well as increased the proportion of does with more ovulations before first service (83%) compared with saline treated group (57%). Treatment with PGF 2α reduced (P <0.05) intervals to second and third ovulation (20 and 19 day) as compared to G4 (26 and 27 day) group, respectively as well as shortened (P <0.05) interval to the first estrous cycle. There was a numerical tendency of insignificant increases for G2 does (pre-treated with GnRH) to respond to PGF2 ∞ (45.0 vs. 35.0%) as well as decreasing percentage of those with no luteal function (20 vs. 25.0%), at the time of PGF2 ∞ treatment, than those of G4 treated does. Does in G2 have the shortest (P< 0.05) interval to first estrus (35 days) compared to the other treated groups. Interval to the second estrus was ranged from 22 to 26 day with differences being insignificant among treatments. Percentage of does with cycles classified as short (<18) d), normal (18-24 d), or long (> 24 d) duration appeared similar, but when the ratio of normal to abnormal length cycles was examined, G1and G3 does showed more (P< 0.05) normal estrous cycles than G4. The average frequency (number of estrus per doe) before either 6 weeks postpartum or first service was unaltered by treatment. Treatment of does in G1 and G3 increased the proportion of does having estrous cycles of normal duration (P<0.05). Days open, improved (P< 0.01) in the G1 and G2 groups compared with control (115 d, Table 7). Days open in the G3 (96 d) were intermediate between the G4 and other treated groups. Does of G1, and G3 showed less services for conception by 26 and 22% compared with G4. Days open, Interval from kidding to conception, was reduced by 27-29 d (P <0.05) for does treated with ei...

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