SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH IRANIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
Year:2008 | Volume:3 | Issue:4 (17)|Papers Count:21

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus that commonly infects cattle and causes B cell leukosis in 1-5% of infected cattle. BLV-infected cells are present in marketed beef and dairy products. The aims of this study were to determine BLV prevalence and the correlation of age, size of herd, common use of needle and veterinarian consultant with prevalence of the infection in Shahrekord area, Iran in 2002. A pilot study was also carried out to find whether humans could be infected with BLV.In this study, serum samples of 422 cattle from Shahrekord area dairy farms were examined for antibodies to BLV by commercial ELISA test. Human blood sera were tested for anti gp51 antibodies by AGID test. Fifty-nine (14%) samples of cattle were positive in ELISA test. There were statistical correlations between some factors such as common needle use and the size of the herd with the prevalence of BLV in investigated herd (a=0.05). The lowest prevalence was observed in 2-3 year-old cows and the highest incidence was observed in cows with more ther 5 years old. No statistical correlation was observed between veterinarian consult with prevalence of BLV in investigated herd (a=0.05).No antibodies to bovine viral leukosis were found positive in 102 serum samples from dairymen of the farms. So this study failed to reveal any relationship between bovine leukosis and human. However, we suggest that further studies in this area could be important.

In order to determine the amount of blood serum biochemical parameters in Benni (Barbus sharpeyi) and Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), blood samples were taken from the caudar vein of 121 clinically healthy Barbus sharpeyi male (61) and female (60) as well as 126 Ctenopharyngodon idellamale (71) and female (55) cultured in culturing pools at the Azadegan culturing center in Khuzestan province, Ahvaz- Iran.In this study the overall mean of glucose, BUN, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and albumin in Barbus sharpeyi (benni) were 64.6±2.5, 5.9±0.3, 4.4±0.4, 0.3±0.02, 246.2±5.3., 157.1±4.3 mg/dl, 4.5±0.09 and 1.9±0.06 g/dl respectively, and in Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) were 97.1±3, 5.3±0.3, 4.4±0.3, 0.1±0.09, 256.6±6.1, 189±4.6 mg/dl, 4±0.06 and 1.5±0.04 g/dl respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean values of glucose and triglyceride in Ctenopharyngodon idella were higher than the Barbus Sharpeyiand the mean values of creatinine, total protein and albumin in Barbus sharpeyiwere higher than the Ctenpharyngdon idella (P<0.05). The results showed that the mean value of blood serum uric acid was significantly higher in females than the male Ctenopharyngodon idella (P<0.05).

A number of 16 lactating ewes nursing lamb from Makuie and Ghezel breeds, aged between 3 to 5 years old was selected to determine 1) the concentrations of blood glucose (BG) and urea (BU), milk lactose (ML) and urea (MU) and their relationships to energy (ED) and protein diet (PO) in lactating ewes; 2) the blood and milk parameter changes during the lactation period; 3) estimation of the regression equations of energy and protein diet by using blood and milk parameters. A 5 ml Jugular blood vein, 50 ml milk and 200 grams of mixed food were prepared 15 days in interval up to 135 days (9 samples). The mean for energy and protein diet was 2.39 MCal/Kg/DM and 14.1%, respectively. The mean for BG, BU and MU were 48.5, 46.5 and 36.7 mg/dl and ML was 4.8%. The mean difference was significant (P<0.01). Blood and milk urea increased while blood glucose and milk lactose decreased. There were significant correlations (P<0.05) between BU&MU (r=0.45), BU&PO (r=0.83), MU&EO (r=0.75), MU&PD (r=0.79), MU& BG (r=0.75) and MU& ML (r=0.24). Regression equations for the prediction of dietary protein (R2=0.72) and dietary energy (R2=0.42) were also demonstrated. It is concluded that the mean parameters under study were at the range recommended by references. The differences among parameters indicate the variations in metabolism, digestion, absorption and composition of the food. Significant correlations among parameters and regression equations for the estimation of protein and energy diet in milking ewes indicate the reliability and importance of blood urea and glucose, milk lactose and urea as appropriate variables in the prediction of protein and energy diet in ewes.

Recent studies show an interaction between histamine H2-receptor agonist and benzodiazepine binding sites in the brain of rats. This study evaluates the effects of intracerebroventricular injection of histamine H1 and H2 receptor antagonists on GABAA agonist induced short-term food intake in broiler cockerels. At first, guide cannula were implanted surgically in the right lateral cerebral ventricle of chickens. In Experiment 1, birds were received chlorpheniramine - H1 receptor antagoist prior to injection of muscimol in to the lateral vetricle of the brain. In Experiment 2, the chi kens received famotidin - H2 receptor antagonist - prior to injection of muscimol. Then, cumulative food intake was measured at times of 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after injection. The effect of muscimol on food intake was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with chlorpheniramine (P<0.05), while the famotidine had no effect. These results suggest the existence of H1-receptor mediated histamine-GABAA receptor interaction on food intake in broiler cockerels.

Eight hundred and sixty four-day old Ross 208 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three treatments. There were 3 stocking densities of 14, 16 and 18 birds/m2 (treatments 1, 2, 3 respectively). Two high densities were reduced to 14/m2 at 6 weeks of age. Each pen (4.5m2) had one cylinder waterer and feeder. All birds received common feed and management for 49 days. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were determined at 21, 42 and 49 days. Data for all response variables were subjected to ANOVA. Variable means for treatments showing significant differences in the ANOVA were compared with Duncan's multiple range test. Reducing the stocking density from 18/m2 or 16/m2 to 14/m2 at 6 weeks increased food consumption and body weight gain and led to compensatory growth in their body weight by 7 weeks.According to the results of this experimental trial, it could be concluded that for obtaining the best performance of flock, breeding period with high density and reducing density at 42 days could be a good strategy to achieve a good performance in breeding period.

Using of packed water in 20 liter-recycle containers and also disposable one-liter bags is very common in Ahvaz. These packages have lower price compared to disposable bottles of mineral water. In this study, 180 samples of packed water from three different companies (30 samples from each company in each season) were examined during cold and warm seasons (totally 90 samples in each season). After preparing samples, total microbial count with pour plate method, probable contamination to Coliform with MPN method and tests for confirmation of E. coli and also total hardness evaluation of samples were performed. According to the results, the mean of total microbial counts of supplied waters from companies (1), (2) and (3) were 90.8±26.3, 46.92±9.41 and 8781±1082 CFU/ml respectively, In comparing the results with standard limits, only company number 3 had a significant difference with standard limit (5x102 CFU/ml). The means of Coli forms number in water samples of the companies (1), (2) and (3) were 0.993±0.342, 1.705±0.392 and 3.437±0.697 CFU/ml respectively, and according to these results, all the companies had significant differences with standard limits of packed waters (0 CFU per 100 ml). There were 2 (3.3%) E. coli positive in water samples of each company. Also the water samples, from all companies had total hardness in the limit of standard levels. Conclusively, the percentage of suitable water samples (with respect to total count, coliform, E. coli and total hardness) of companies (1), (2) and (3) were 80%, 70% and 25% respectively. Company (3) (one-liter bags) had a significant difference with two other companies in this respect. Also there was statistically significant difference between cold and warm seasons in water samples of all companies from the aspect of hygienic quality (hardness and microbial factors). Regarding the results of this survey, it is necessary for authorities to pay more attention to the companies producing packed waters.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of K99 positive E. coli isolates in diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves. A total of 114 and 68 swab samples were obtained from diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves (fewer than 3 weeks age) respectively. The samples were cultured for E. coli isolation. E. coli Isolates were subjected to 3 consecutive passages for 24 hours on Minca agar at 37oC. All E. coli isolates were examined by direct immunofluorescence and hemagglutination tests. According to biochemical tests 96 isolates from diarrheic calves and 63 from non-diarrheic cases were confirmed. On direct immunofluorescence test 45.83% (44) and 17.46% (11) of isolates respectively from diarrheic and non-diarrheic cases were positive for K99 antigen. On hemagglutination test, 21 (21.87%) E. coli isolates from diarrheic calves and 7 (11.11%) isolates from non-diarrheic cases showed positive reaction.

Twenty-five healthy water buffalo weighing 300-350 Kg and 4-6 years of age were selected for this study. Ketamine HCl %10 (2 mg/kg B.W.) diluted with normal saline % 0.9 and adjusted to 10 ml was injected in the caudal epidural region (Cl-C2). The onset, duration and extent of sedation and analgesia were evaluated after injection. Heart and respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded on 0, 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injection. The onset and extent of analgesia was produced within 3.02±1.45 minutes after injection and lasted for more than 90 minutes. Systemic sedative effects of Ketamine HCl %10 occurred after 4 to 6 minutes by drooling and drooping of the tongue. The heart rate increased significantly at 5, 15 and 30 minutes and respiratory rate increased at 5 and 15 minutes respectively (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the rectal temperature (P>0.05). The results of this study indicate that the caudal epidural analgesia by Ketamine HCl %10 could produce proper analgesia and confident sedative for surgery of caudal region of water buffalo.

In this study 15600 records of milk and fat yield and fat percentage which were collected during 1988-2004 were used to estimate genetic parameters. The data were obtained by Animal Breeding Station of Najdi Cattle located in Shooshtar. (Co) Variance components were estimated using uni and multiple traits animal model with Restricted Maximum Likelihood method. Mean and Standard deviation for milk yield, fat yield and fat percentage were: 706.68±19.68, 30.10±2.96 and 4.26±0.05 respectively. In this model, the effect of the month and calving season, lactation period, milking type on all traits was significant. Calving interval was covariable. Heritability of milk yield, fat yield and fat percentage were: 0.29±0.05, 0.1±0.01 and 0.15±0.02 respectively using univariate model. Genetic and phenotypic correlation between milk yield-fat percentage, milk yield-fat yield, fat yield-fat percentage were: -0.39 and -0.04, 0.83 and 0.3, 0.7 and 0.32 respectively. Heritability for milk yield trait was moderate. So, selection on the basis of this trait may cause desirable genetic gain.

This study was done with the aim of identification of critical contaminating points of raw milk from udder to dairy factory in traditional dairy farms. Three collection centers and 9 farms were selected in Fars province. 392 raw milk samples were collected from udders, milking machine, milk in cans in collection center, bulk tank of collection center and milk transport vehicle at receiving platform in dairy plant. The samples were examined for total microbial, coliform and E. coli count and also acidity and pH. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure in SAS. Geometrical means of total microbial count at various stages were 1.5x105 , 7.5x105 , 9.4x105 , 8.3x106 , 6.2x106 CFU ml-1, respectively. Total microbial count, coliform count and acidity were significantly increased in milking machine stage and bulk tank of collection center stage in comparison with pervious stages (p<0.0001). E. coli count was significantly higher (p<0.0001) and pH was significantly lower (p<0.0001) in bulk tank of collection center stage in comparison with pervious stages. All of the measured items were significantly higher in bulk tank of collection center stage than udders stage in different seasons. Results suggest milking machine and bulk tank of collection center stages are critical contaminating points of raw milk during production in traditional dairy farms and imply localization executive, educational and investigative activity on these critical points.

The high incidence of hydatidosis and faciolosis in sheep and goats in Iran causes a high economic loss every year. Intermediate stage of Echinococcus granulosus is important. In man hydatid disease is particulary serious, because the cysts may reach any part of the body, espicially the liver and the lung. The cysts grow slowly often being encapsulated by dense fibrous tissue of the host. The hydatid cysts may be identified by pathologic examination of tissue removed at exploatory laparotomy or necrospy. The liver flukes are recognized as significant pathogenes in sheeps. In sheep the migration of this large fluke through the liver is entirely unchecked.In this study 18899 sheep and 2473 goat livers were examined and samples were collected from grossly affected. Sixty percent of livers of sheeps showed gross and microscopic lesions of faciolosis, and from these 20.45% hydatiosis (100 cases of goats) 10 cases were fasiolosis and 5 cases of hydatid cysts sections of fixed in % 10 formalin, the parafin block was prepared and pathological sections of 5-7 micrometer in diameter were prepared. Eeach pathological section was stained with hematoxylin, Eosin stain. The result indicates a high percentage and also shows that two diseases: A- multifactorial and B- Prevention need permanent progrom in Iran.The representative liver specimen from 523 sheep and 100 goats showing gross pathological abnormalities were collected in 10% formalin- saline and processed for histopathological examination. Faciolosis was observed in 38.3% sheep and 5% goats. Hydatid cysts were found in 107 sheep (20.45%) and 10 goat (10%) Livers. Our observation was in conformity with other studies.

In order to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in less than I-year-old calves in Shahrekord dairy farms, 400 samples were randomly collected from 30 dairy farms in Shahrekord area in summer 2005. Fecal samples were directly taken from calves' rectums and smears were prepared and stained by modified acid-fast method. The smears were examined by using light microscope. Seventy two (18%) out of 400 smears were infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. In morph metric evaluation of the oocytes, the calves were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum.In statistical analysis there was no significant relationship between sex and the rate of infection (P>0.05). The relationship between age and rate of infection, however, was significant (P<0.05). Moreover, the maximum prevalence was detected in calves with less than I-month age (32.98%). The relationship between the rate of infection and clinical incidence of diarrhea was significant such as the incidence of diarrhea in infected calves which was two-fold when compared with no infected calves (Odd's Ratio=2/3).

An investigation on the rate of ixodid ticks infestation was carried out in Bokan suburb in 2003. In this investigation, 342 cattle, 145 sheep and 105 goats were examined. The infestation rates were 18.32%, 31.03% and 88.57% for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively, with overall prevalence of 33.78%. During the course of this study, a number of 995 adult ticks (441 from cattle, 310 from sheep and 244 from goats) were collected and identified. The Cattle were infested with different species of genus Hyalomma including Hyalomma detritum (50%), H. asiaticum asiaticum (25%) and H. anatolicum anatolicum (25%). The sheep and goats were infested by two different genera of ticks including Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis. The infestation rates of both genera of ticks were almost similar in sheep and goats ranging from 82.5% to 85.7% for Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 14.3% to 17.5% for H. inermis. Ixodid tick distribution per animal was 1.3 for cattle, 2.14 for sheep and 2.32 for goats. Based on the body site of infestation, the mammary glands and groin had the highest infestation rate (58.40%) in cattle. In sheep and goats, the ears had the highest infestation rate (54.14% and 67.5%, respectively). In contrast, head and neck (2.85%) in cattle, mammary glands and groin in sheep (8.76%) and goats (10.07%) had the lowest infestation rates.

A 4-year-old Persian cat was presented to a small animal hospital at the college of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran. The animal was recumbent, depressed, and dehydrated, with anorexia and complication in breathing. The owner complained about diarrhiea and vomiting during the last two days. The cat mucosal membrane of mouth and gingiva was pale and slightly icteric. The haemogram showed PCV=33%, WBC=10x105/ul, segmented neutrophil=72%, band neutrophil=7%, lymphocyte=10%, eosinophil=8% and basophil=7%. There were severe proliferation of myeloid series and presence of a mild neutrophilic left-shift and immature cells. The erythroid series proliferation was also severe with 46% neucleated red blood cells (NRBC) and the presence of blast form of RBC. Rouleaux formation was noticed in erythrocytes and there were signs of anemia with presence of hypochromia, Howel Jolly and Heinz bodies. However, the packed cell volume (PCV) seems, in normal range, but the anemia, high serum protein level (7.9g/dl) and dehydration suggested it should be under the normal range. The liver enzymes showed high elevation in their activities, (AST=190 IU/L and ALT=375 IU/L) suggesting liver malfunction. There were inflammatory processes in liver, lungs and intestine, and the liver was larger than normal in radiography. The blood BUN was in the normal range (BUN=25mg/dl) that means the kidney function is still normal. The patient did not respond to symptomatic therapy and died several days after the treatment. A myeloproliferative disorder was diagnosed with erythroleukemic reaction, prodorninantly (MDS-Er or M-Er), in which GI tract was involved and produced diarrhea and vomiting. Infiltration of the most reticuloendothelial organs with proliferated cells was probably the cause of death.

Collected semen with a good quality and quantity is essential for a bull for selected semen collection and preservation. This survey was carried out on a Friesian Holstein bull, kept in Northwestern breeding center of Iran. Although the bull had normal libido, the semen produced was reported to be azoospermic. Clinical examinations proved no testicular abnormality but the scrotal circumference was measured 27 centimetres which is less than the normal size of this breed (at least 30 centimetres). In histopathological studies, there was a decrease in semeniferous tubule's epithelium (sertoli and gonadal cells), Beside intratubules focal calcifications, fonnation of new connective tissue and vascularization was observed. All of these signs demonstrate an extensive degeneration in both testes.