SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH IRANIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
Year:2013 | Volume:9 | Issue:2 (39)|Papers Count:14

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of dietary lactoferrin on growth performance and innate immune response of juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri). Fish (26.3  ± 0.2 g) were fed with six different dietary lactoferrin including 0, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Growth performance was measured at each 2-week interval. After the feeding trail, blood and mucus samples were .collected for estimating hematological and immunological parameters. There was no significant difference between treatments in terms of growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, condition factor and hepatosomatic index), during and at the termination of the experiment (P>0.05). White blood cell counts (WBC) and differential WBC count were not affected by dietary supplementation of bovine lactoferrin (P>0.05). Mucus and serum lysozyme activities were not significantly influenced by dietary lactoferrin (P>0.05). Moreover, mucus secretion significantly increased in fish fed 400 mg/kg lactoferrin compared to control group (P<0.05). In spite of the significant increase of mucus secretion in fish fed dietary lactoferrin, it seems that the possibility of using this ingredient as an immunostimulant for Siberian sturgeon is low, but further studies are needed to find the effect of lactoferrin on other related immunological indices.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostatic abnormality in intact male dogs and is estimated to occur in 100% of old, intact dogs. The pharmacologic use of plant and herbs for the treatment of BPH has been growing steadily. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb that has a long history of medical use, especially for urinary tract problems. In this study, five intact male old dogs with natural benign prostatic hypertrophy orally received 2 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica root daily for 3 months. Prostatic length, width, height and volume of each dogs measured using transabdominal ultrasonography every two weeks.Prostatic length, width, height and volume of dogs were decreased 14.02, 9.3l. 9.02 and 19.41% of initial values, respectively, at the end of study. Urtica dioica extract was significantly effective in reducing prostatic dimensions and volume. No untoward side effect was observed in any dogs. Urtica dioica root extract in our study appeared to be safe and well tolerated. The evidence suggests that Urtica dioica root extract provides mild to moderate reduction in prostatic dimensions and volume. Available data indicate that urtica dioica is a useful alternative to castration in the treatment of BPH in dogs. The long term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known. However, the significance and magnitude of the effect remains to be further confirmatory studies before Urtica dioica treatment may be accepted in the guidelines for BPH treatment.

Considering the lack of knowledge of the molecular biology of scorpion venom antibacterial peptides, as a first step we sequenced and identified a full-length sequence from the venom glands of scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus) through RT-PCR. Scorpion toxin consists of different types of toxins and enzymes which are encoded by individual genes. Antimicrobial peptides are cytolytic peptides that can rapidly kill a broad range of microbes and have additional activities that impact on the quality and effectiveness of innate responses and inflammation. These pep tides had been found from a wide variety of organisms in the last few years. Scorpions were provided and identified by Razi Institute in Ahvaz. The origin of the total RNA was the telson, the last segment of the tail containing the two venom glands. Using RNX plus solution (CinnaGen, Iran), the total RNA was extracted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, c DNA was synthesized with the extracted total RNA as template and oligo (dT) as primer. In order to amplify cDNA encoding neurotoxin, RT-PCR was performed. The amplified cDNA fragments were sequenced in both strands according to the dideoxy termination method. Sequence comparisons with GenBank database were done using the BLAST software. Based on the sequence data, the complete sequence contained 273 nucleotides called MeBTXA signal peptide sequence was identified, and the glycine at position 20 was assumed to represent the start of the mature protein. Remarkably, they share 96, 94 and 67% similarity with the long-chain potassium ion channel blocker from Mesobuthus martens ii, Buthus occitanus Israelis and Tityus costatus. Domain analysis of the protein showed “Arthropod defensing” between amino acid resides 55 to 85. This domain which is rich in cysteine is belongs to the antibacterial peptide family and has effect on the gram positive bacteria. This high sequence similarity together with completely conserved in the positions of all 6 cysteine indicated that this gene is a new member of  b-toxin from the Iranian M eupeus which may originate from a common ancestor.

In this research, cadmium (Cd) concentration in the muscle, liver, and gill tissues of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), sediment, and water of ponds along the Karoun river was investigated in three regions including north (Shushtar), center (Ahwaz) and south (Khorramshahr) of Khuzestan province in autumn 2010. The highest and lowest concentrations of Cd in muscle tissues were 0.18 mg Cd kg-1 dry matter (Shushtar), and 0.06 mg Cd kg-1 dry matter (Khoramshahr) respectively. The results showed that Cd concentration was more than EU (2005) limit value (0.05 mg Cd kg-1 dry weight). Cadmium concentrations in sediment and water had significant differences (p<0.05). The highest and lowest Cd concentrations in the sediment of Khoramshahr and Shushtar were 3.85 and 1.9 mg Cd kg-1  dry weight, respectively while in water they were 1.84  mg 1-1 in Shushtar, and 0.85 mg r-1 in Khoramshahr respectively. The concentration of Cd in common carp organs were as follow: liver> gill> muscle. Therefore, the concentration and the load of Cd pollution in sediment is increased from Shushtar to Khoramshahr regions.

Isosmotic and hyperosmotic solutions of dextrose have many uses in veterinary medicine. Following application of these solutions, fluid displacement and changes in plasma levels of glucose, lipids, total protein and albumin may take place. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of this kind of solutions on homeostasis of plasma glucose, lipid, total protein and albumin. One ml/kg of 5 and 50% dextrose solutions were administered by rapid and intermittent IV injection to six 8-10 day old calves. Repeated blood sampling was obtained during next 12 hour to measure protein, albumin, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). According to the data 5% and 50% dextrose solutions led to a durable mild, and a short term, high-increase in plasma glucose, respectively (P<0.05). These solutions mildly and transiently decreased plasma protein and albumin levels (P<0.05). TG increased until 120 and 180 min after treatment with 5 and 50 percent dextrose solutions. Total cholesterol increased significantly following injection of 5% dextrose solution. These differences between 5% and 50% dextrose solutions may be related to different insulin levels released, following different plasma glucose levels. Thus we suggest paying attention to the dextrose solutions administration during the interpretation, of the above parameters.

Abortions caused by Brucella spp., Leptospira Interrogans serovars and Campylobacter fetus subspp. veneralis are the most important bacterial abortions in the cattle. For this reason from May 2008 through August 2010, 76 aborted fetuses randomly were collected. After necropsy, tissue samples were taken from the liver, stomach, lung, kidney, spleen, brain of the aborted fetuses and placenta (from the aborted dams). Tissue samples were kept at -20oC in the refrigerator until to performing the PCR test. Six (7.8%), sixteen (21%) and three (3.9%) out of 76 aborted fetuses showed positive reaction by the PCR test to the Brucella spp., Leptospira interrogans and Campylobacter fetus subspp. veneralis respectively. Prevalence of the Leptospira-induced abortions was high in the old cows and advanced pregnancies (7-9 months). However statistical difference was not observed among these groups or different periods of pregnancy (P>0.05).In conclusion, our results indicated that the Leptospira interrogans group is the most prevalent abortive factor among the Tabriz dairy herds and sometimes the RB51 vaccine can be abortive in the pregnant cows.

The experiment was conducted by using of 240 day old broilers cob with an average live weight of 44.6 g to determine the effect of of purple coneflower extract on the performance and immune reponses. The extract of purple coneflower containing 2.99 mg/ml caffeic acid was added in the levels of zero control group (Ezero), 0.5 (E0.5), 1 (E1), 1.5 (E1.5), 2 (E2) and2.5 (E2.5) ml/l to drinking water from day 6 to 42. Cellular immune responses were assayed by PHA-P injection in the skin fold of wings and thickness of skin were measured after 24 and 48h. A 25% SRBC suspension were injected in the breast muscle to investigate humoral immune responses, and titers IgG and IgM anti SRBC was determined by haemagglutination test. Results indicated that the using 1 ³ 1ml of purple coneflower extract improved daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). Treatment El gained the highest daily live weight (67.98) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.54). The using of purple coneflower extract improved cellular immune responses and IgG titer against SRBC (p<0.05). The highest of IgG titer against SRBC and cellular immune response were achieved by using 2.5 ml extract (p<0.05). Treatment E2.s had the highest burs and thymus percentage weight (p<0.05). Overall results showed that continuous use of 1 ml of extract/1 of drinking water of broiler chicks caused to improve performance and immune responses.

Protein and its fractions concentrations may be changed in physiological statuses such as pregnancy, lactation and oestrus. Therefore, purpose of the present study was evaluation of serum proteins changes in the Arabian mares during gestation stages. In addition, it seems that comprehensive study has not been performed around serum proteins changes in the Khouzestan Arab mares during gestation stages up to now. Therefore, the experiment was performed on five Khouzestan Arabian mares during pregnancy that were kept in identical conditions. Subsequent of written exact history from any horse, blood samples were collected monthly and serums were extracted. Determination of total protein concentration value with Biuret method, electrophoresis technique and cellulose acetate medium were used to separate and to determine concentration values of protein fractions (albumin, alfa-1, alfa-2, beta-1, beta-2 and gamma globulins). The results were analyzed with SPSS-16 software and GLM method. The results of present study showed that, in spite of variations in total protein and its fractions concentrations as well as albumin/globulin ratio during pregnancy, they were not significant (P>0.05). Therefore, pregnancy didn't influence serum protein profiles of Arabian mares.

Structure and function of various organs including testes altered in diabetic humans and animals. Some anti-diabetic and protective agents prevent the lesions caused by diabetes via reducing the hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Aloe vera has various effects such as decreasing blood glucose in diabetes. Thus in the present study, the protective effect of Aloe vera was evaluated on testicular structure in experimental diabetic rats. Twenty five adult male rats (220-240gr) were divided into five groups (5 rats in each group). One groupcontaining rats was kept as control. Diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin 60mg/kg) intraperitoneally in 3 groups. First group was treated by Aloe vera gel (300 mg/kg) daily for 7 weeks orally and second group was treated (subcutaneous) by insulin (60mg/kg) and third group did not receive any medication during the maintenance period and was kept under the control of diabetes. The fifth group was non-diabetic which received 300 mg/kg Aloe vera gel daily. After 7 weeks, the rats were weighed and blood glucose measured, then the rats sacrificed and their testes were removed. The testes were weighted and their volume calculated using water displacement method. The results showed that average diameter and epithelium height of the seminiferous tubules, the average number of spermatogenic and sertoli cells were decreased significantly in diabetic rats but these changes were reduced significantly in treated groups by Aloe vera and insulin. So, the testis structure was supported in diabetic rats by Aloe vera gel administration. The testis and body weight of treated diabetic rats were also increased significantly. It seems that the Aloe vera gel has a direct or indirect supportive effect on testicular structure in diabetes mellitus.

Salmonella serotypes are important zoonotic pathogens in humans and animals. Most Salmonella infection in humans result from the ingestion of contaminated food. Resistance of Salmonella to commonly used antimicrobials is increasing and has emerged as a global problem. The main objective of this study was determine the frequency of serotypes of salmonella and antibiotic resistance of isolated Salmonella from poultry in Arak. A total of 245 samples were collected from poultry in Arak, and 75 Salmonella (30.61%) were isolated. The result of Serotyping was Enteritidis (45.33%), Infantis (44%), Typhimurium (5.33%), Bardo (2.67%) and Bacongo (2.67%). The prevalent Salmonella strains isolated in this study belonged to serotype Enteritidis and Infantis. The results of antibiogram test that was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) showed that all isolated (100%) were sensitive to enrofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem and ceftriaxone and the highest resistance were observed against nalidixic acid and nitrofuratoin. In addition, 63 isolates (84%) out of 75 had multi drug resistance to three or more antibiotics.

Measuring total microbial count of milk with conventional standard pour plate method and comparing the results with standard limits is one of the routine tests in dairy factories. Achieving the results of total microbial count in minimum time is really important for confidence from the hygienic quality of products. Therefore, impedance splitting method as a new technique for this purpose was considered in order to receiving the results in less time and as soon as possible. The main purpose of this study, was to evaluate the correlation between impedance detection time (IDT in hrs), total microbial population (log10 N) and titrable acidity (0D) of raw and pasteurized milk. During 6 months, 100 samples (50 samples of raw and 50 samples of pasteurized milk) were collected from different areas of Ahvaz and examined under sterile conditions. The total microbial count by pour plate technique and impedance splitting method, also measuring milk titrable acidity were carried out based on the recommendations of Iran's Standard Institute and Industrial Investigation. Then, the calibration curves of 3 methods and their equations were obtained by using Excel software. The calibration curves of methods were elaborated for total microbial count and impedance detection time, demonstrating a good correlation between the two methods (95.29% for raw and 95.09% for pasteurized milk samples). According to the calibration curves, the correlation between impedance detection time and titrable acidity was 88.83% for raw and 85.4% for pasteurized milk samples, also the correlation between total microbial count and titrable acidity was 94.14% for raw and 93.27% for pasteurized milk samples. Therefore, impedance measurement which is a more rapid, automated and less laborious method than conventional total microbial count technique could be used like some developed countries as an alternative method for the rapid measuring the total microbial loads in foods instead of conventional methods.

The aim of this study was to describe the environmental risk factors of diseases in dairy farms in Fars province, Iran; and to suggest a method to quantify the data and to simplify their interpretation. In 30 dairy farms the familiarity of the owners with the effects of environmental factors on general health of the herd as well as the major environmental parameters known as predisposing factors of diseases were assessed. These included grouping, the housing area and the qualities of floor and bedding, conditions of mangers and waterers and the facilities for countering heat stress. Only 10% of the studied farms had comprehensive programs (or information) for establishing the general health of the animals. Fifty percent of the farms had rather acceptable groupings. With regards to ventilation of the milking cows' housing 10 percent the studied farms had relatively acceptable conditions. Regarding the housing area, floor and bedding 53.3% and regarding the manger conditions 50% of the farms needed some degrees of modification. Waterers had no problems in 56.7% of the farms while the remainder of the farms needed minor renovations. Neither of the farms had the facilities for effective prevention of heat stress so that 96.7% of them needed moderate-to-high renovations. According to the results, among the studied parameters, ventilation and countering heat stress required the greatest attention. Renovation of the housing conditions for area, floor, bedding and mangers lied in the second line while waterers needed the least renovation.

In order to study the effect of alphamune and biomin on the immune response against killed avian influenza vaccine, three hundred day-old chicks were randomly divided into 4 equal groups and each group divided into 3 subgroups. Chicks of group 1 only received basic feed, groups 2 and 3 received basic feed plus alphamune 0.5 kg and biomin 1kg per ton respectively. Group 4 chicks received only basic feed. Groups 2, 3 and 4 vaccinated with killed avian influenza vaccine subtype H9N2 at 9 days old subcutaneously on the back of the neck. Blood samples collected from 15 chicks of each group via wing vein, before of vaccination, 20 and 35 days after vaccination. Blood serum samples collected into microtube and kept in freezer up to test. Antibody titer against killed avian influenza vaccine was measured by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test with 4 HA unit influenza antigen. The data were analysed with SPSS version 16. The results of present study indicated that, blood serum antibody mean titer against influenza vaccinein group receiving biomin (3.98) was higher than group receiving alphamune (3.85) at 35 days after vaccination but the difference with vaccinated control group was no significance. It was concluded that, adding alphamune and biomin in the feed of broiler chicks could not affect immune response against killed avian influenza vaccine.