SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH IRANIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
Year:2017 | Volume:12 | Issue:4|Papers Count:16

Since 1998, Iranian poultry industry has been affected by avian influenza (AI) virus, subtype H9N2. The association of high mortality with these outbreaks in the field raised the specter of a possible new genetic modified AI virus. In this study, three AI viruses (H9N2) isolated from the broiler flocks with high mortality rates were characterized. The 488bp PCR products containing the midle site of hemagglutinin (HA) protein were generated and sequenced to determine molecular characterization of the isolates. Sequence analysis of main region of HAl gene of three isolates showed that isolates were identical at the nucleotide as well as amino acid levels. Phylogenetic analysis of 488 bp nucleotide region of the PCR products revealed that Iranian AI viruses had very close relationship to each other indicating these came from the common source. Moreover, the maximum amino acid sequence similarity of these viruses was observed with AI viruses from India (99 & 97%), Tunisia (99%), respectively. Overall, the results indicate that the current status of Iranian AI viruses resembles to other Eurasian H9N2 viruses and in spite of different nucleotide sequences among the viruses there is no evidence for existence of new AI pathotype.

High mortality rates in embryonic and larval stages of rainbow trout in Iran are believed to be associated with incubation stressors such as handling. In the present study, the effects of triploidization handling stress on hatching, survival rate, growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid profiles in rainbow trout were assessed. The fertilized eggs were subjected to handling for 10 min submerged in a 12 °C, aerated water bath, 10 min after fertilization. Untreated fertilized eggs were used as controls. The handling stress caused decreased survival of eggs during the incubation period (p<0.05). Also, the handling induced changes in weight gain, protein and ash contents, and fatty acids profile of descended fry (p<0.05). Of saturated fatty acids, levels of palmitic acid (C16: 0) and palmitoleic acid (C16: 1) were significantly increased in treatment group (p<0.05). In addition, levels of omega-6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (C20: 4n-6), linoleic acid (C18: 2n-6) and gamma-linoleic acid (C18: 3n-6) were significantly increased as an effect of handling. The results showed that the levels of saturated fatty acids increased and the levels of unsaturated fatty acids decreased as an effect of manipulation of fertilized eggs, indicating that handling affects the quality and nutritional value of fish.

Iron is an essential element for nearly all living organisms. It plays a vital role in many metabolic processes including oxygen transportation by hemoglobin and myoglobin and as a structural compartment of several enzymes. Considering the lack of documented information about serum iron status of dogs in Ahvaz and the predisposing factors to iron deficiency in the region, this study was performed to evaluate serum iron levels and its correlation with hemogram in owned dogs in Ahvaz district. For this purpose, 120 clinically healthy dogs referred to small animal section of Ahvaz Veterinary hospital were sampled. Complete blood counts including PCV, RBC, Hb, MCHC, MCV, RDW, Plt and leukocyte total and differential counts were conducted. Reticulocytes were also counted by examination of vital stained blood smears. Serum samples were subjected to iron, TIBC and iron saturation measurement.Mean serum iron was 81.14±7.29 mg/dl in sampled animals while 20% of dogs were iron deficient based on serum iron levels. Decrease in serum iron was accompanied by Hct, Hb and MCV insignificant reduction (p>0.05) while significant leukocytosis (p<0.05) and insignificant thrombocytosis (p>0.05) were also observed. However, there were no increase in reticulocyte counts and serum TIBC concentration in iron deficient dogs. Sex was the most important affecting factor on serum iron and hemogram in dogs, as mean iron, iron saturation, hematocrit, hemoglobin and MCH in male dogs was significantly lower than females. No significant differences were detected between small and large dog breeds and between different age groups (p>0.05).

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of Purslane powder on cecal microbial population, blood parameters and tibia characteristics of laying hens. One hundred and twenty Leghorn Hy-Line (W36) strain in 44 to 52 weeks of age used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates to receive diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2 and 3% of dried purslane. The results showed that purslane powdered supplementation was significantly reduced E.coli and coliform bacteria (P<0.05).Lactobacillus bacteria population affected by the experimental treatments were significantly higher than controls (P<0.05). Useing purslane powder with different levels to diet had no significant effect on blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P>0.05) but significantly decreased of glucose (P<0.05). These experiments showed that the addition of purslane powder to diet of laying hens had no significant effect on the weight of bone, epiphysis diameter, outside diameter, inside diameter and thickness of the tibia (P>0.05).Volume, dry weight and tibia ash were significantly affected by the experimental treatments (P<0.05). The results showed that the purslane powder had positive effects on cecal microbial populations have and led to better tibia bone mineralization in caged laying hens.

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of histopathologic lesions of thyroid gland and respective thyroid hormones changes in ewes and their fetuses in hot and cold seasons in Ahvaz abattoir. The blood and thyroid samples were taken from 29 pregnant ewes and their fetuses at the end of cold season (March) and 25 ewes and their fetuses at the end of hot season (September- October). Tissue samples were subjected to histopathological examination and ELISA procedure was used for detection of T3 and T4 levels. The results showed high prevalence of thyroid lesions in ewes and their fetuses. The observed histopathological lesions included parenchymal cyst, follicular hyperplasia, follicular degeneration, hemorrhagia, inflammation and colloid goiter in the ewes, and parenchymal cyst, hyperemia and follicular degeneration in the fetuses. The hot and cold seasons had not any effect on thyroid lesions in ewes and their fetuses. There was no difference of T3 and T4 levels in ewes and their fetuses between hot and cold seasons. Also, the results showed that the thyroid lesions had no effect on ewes T3 and T4 levels, but significant increase in the serum concentration of these hormones was observed in the fetuses with thyroid lesions.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of using antibiotic, organic acid, probiotic and prebiotic on acidity and morphology of the small intestine and tibia bone minerals and strength in broilers and laying hens. In 1st experiment 160 Ross-308 broilers in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 birds in each replicate for 42 days and in 2th experiment 160 Hy- line (W36) laying hens in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 hens in each replicate from 32-42 weeks of age were used in completely randomized design. At the end of each experimental period, 2 broilers and laying hens to investigate the histological of the small intestine and tibia characteristics were slaughtered. The results showed that organic acid supplementation significantly decreased pH of duodenum and jejunum in both broilers and laying hens (P<0.05). Villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio by use of probiotic in broilers significantly increased (P<0.05) but in laying hens a non-significant elevation was observed.Tibia calcium percentage of broilers by use of organic acid significantly increased (P<0.05).In laying hens, tibia ash was significantly increased by using of organic acid supplementation (P<0.05). The results of this experiment showed that probiotic improves the characteristics of the small intestine morphology of broiler chickens and organic acid supplementation improves the characteristics of tibia in broilers and laying hens.

To evaluate electrocardiogram and some serum biochemical alterations after ileocystoplasty, ten healthy adult mixed breed dogs of both sexes (7 males and 3 females), weighing between 15-24 kg were selected. The animals randomly divided into equal treatment and control groups. In treatment group, partial cytectomy resecting 50 percent of the urinary and immediate ileocystoplasty was performed by Lamesch and Dociu technique and in control group an ileal segment resection and intestinal tract re-anastomosis was achieved without partial cystectomy and ileocystoplasty. Blood samples for measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium and potassium were taken before surgery and repeated at day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 after operation. Electrocardiograms were recorded before surgery and at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 after surgery too. The results showed some significant increase in blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and phosphorus. Other biochemical parameters did not reveal any significant alterations. The electrocardiograms did not show any arrhythmias and irregularities. In spite of some serum biochemical changes, it can be concluded that ileum is an ideal part for augmentation cystoplasty in dogs and at least in this study the serum biochemical changes did not show any significant effects in electrocardiogram.

Phytoestrogenic plants have different effects on the reproductive system. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a phytoestrogenic herb which is used in human and animal nutrition. There are many reports about widely effects of alfalfa on reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alfalfa effects on histomorphometrical of the rat seminal vesicle. For this purpose, 30 adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups and each group were divided into three subgroups (5 rats in each). Control rats were fed only by 140 g concentrate (plate). The treatment groups were fed by 80 g of concentrate (plate) and 300 g alfalfa. In the end of each period (30, 45 and 60 days), the seminal vesicles were removed and examined macroscopically. After that, 5-6 mm sections were made using paraffin embedding method. The sections were stained by H& E and PAS. Seminal vesicle weight in the treatment group 1 and 2 were decreased significantly (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively) compared to their control groups but it has not seen a significant difference in group 3. The results of histometrical studies showed that the total wall thickness and tunica muscularis of seminal vesicle increased insignificantly in the treatment group 2 and 3, but they increased in the treatment group 1 significantly. Thickness of the epithelium increased in the treatment group 2 and 3 significantly, but there was not a significant difference in the treatment group1. The results showed that, although the alfalfa has some structural effects on macroscopic and microscopic seminal vesicle of male rats in 30, 45 and 60 days periods but these changes are very mild and may have not considerable effect on reproductive performance.

Restriction of using antibiotics in human and animal brought an increasing application of effective biological compounds in this regards. In present research, to investigate the effects of Chevill powder on microflora and immune response of female broiler chicken, a total of 476 commercial broilers (Cobb strain) randomly assigned to 7 treatments, each with four replicates in a way that each replication contained 17 chicks. Birds fed the same basal diets treatment with 0% (control), 0.4 and 0.8% Chevill powder in days 1 to 28, 29 to 42 and 1 to 42. For evaluating the immune system response in the days 28 and 35, we injected sheep's red blood cells (SRBC) into wing vein of two birds at each replicate. To measure the carcass weight, fat weight, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and VLDL, two birds were killed in each replication. The highest average of daily gain observed in the control group and the lowest one was seen in 0.8 percent Chevill. Lactobacillus count significantly increased in 0.4% or 0.8% Chevill treatments, but E.coli was decreased significantly on day 28 of age (p<0.05). In day 42 of age, the highest Lactobacillus count was detected in 0.8 F, and the lowest ones detected in the control group. The highest E.coli count detected in control, and the lowest one was seen in the 0.4 F group. The antibody titers against SRBC were significantly affected by treatments. The maximum total immunoglobulin and the highest IgM were seen in the group fed 0.8 F. This experiment shows that Chevill would have favorable effects on chicken performance, some small intestine microflora and humeral immune response in broilers chickens.

Since the role of oleuropein as the most important phenolic compound of olive has been confirmed in protection of gastric mucosal layer and other tissues; the aim of present study was histometrically and histologically evaluation of rat duodenum after administration of ethanol and oleuropein. Six groups of male rats were treated as following: control (normal saline), oleuropein (5 mg/kg), ethanol (1ml), and ethanol with oleuropein by 3 doses of 5, 10 and 50 mg/kg. Oleuropein was orally administrated for 3 days and ethanol was orally administrated one hour after last oleuropein administration by gavag. The rats were euthanized by ether one hour after ethanol administration and duodenum was removed and evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Ethanol destroyed mucosal layer of duodenum since thickness of epithelial tissue, number of columnar cells, number of goblet cells, length of villi and thickness of mucosal layer were significantly decreased in comparison with control group. Usage of oleuropein at 5 and 10 mg/kg was effective to reducing the effect of ethanol. However, 50 mg/kg of oleuropein did not protect duodenum but acted as oxidant agent and increased injuries. Thus, oleuropein with low doses can be considered protective for duodenum against ethanol.

Some of the important factors such as temperature, ions and osmolarity have important role on the quality of the melt especially motility. Some of the factors such as spermatocrite, concentration and chemical composition were evaluated for examination of common carp melt. The aim of the present study was evaluation of physical and biochemical characteristics of common carp melt of Khuzestan province in Winter season. Melt was collected from 20 adult fishes. Physical and biochemical examinations were performed. The mean volume of melt was 6.6±3.51 ml, spermatocrite was 46.25±12.38 %, total sperm was 11.75±70×1010 and viability was 46.54±18.32 min. the mean total protein was 0.29±0.35, albumin was 0.03±0.02 g/dl, cholestrol was 9.95±8.31 mg/dl, Calcium was 3.82±1.32, Phosphorus was 1.95±0.92, Magnesium was 3.59±1.31 mg/dl, Chloride was 117.55±15.71, Sodium was 73.33±14.15 and Potassium was 27.45±2.51 mmol/l. Based on the results, the positive correlations were observed between weight of fishes with volume and total sperm, volume of melt with total sperm and Sodium, spermatocrit with sperm density, total protein, albumin, cholestrol, P and Na, albumin with cholestrol, P and Cl, Cholestrol with P and Cl, and P with Cl.

Disinfectant plays an essential role in control of spoilage and infective bacteria in food industry and common places. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) has been regarded as a new sanitizer in recent years. (EOW) is safe, cheap and effective on different bacteria, molds and viruses. This study was conducted in two parts. In the first study, the effect of 1% citric acid, neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) alone and plus 1% citric acid on microbial load in shrimp was investigated. Shrimp samples separately were treated with different solutions for 30 min and stored at 4°C, 25 and 37°C and then mesophilic and psychrophilic bacterial count were Carried out for different times. In the second study the efficacy of NEW and mixture of (NEW) plus 1% citric acid on pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes) on the ceramic and steel surfaces was investigated in ambient temperature.Results showed that the combination of citric acid and NEW was significantly reduced population of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria on shrimp samples in compare to other solutions, Also, the best efficacy on reduction of E.coli was obtained by mixture of NEW and 1% citric acid on steel surface. While, NEW alone was more effective on L. monocytogenes than NEW plus 1% citric acid on the both surfaces.