Veterinary Research & Biological Products
Year:2017 | Volume:30 | Issue:1 (114)|Papers Count:26

AI H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and causes huge losses to the poultry industry of the country every year. Backyard poultry can spread the virus to commercial poultry as reservoirs and vectors of AI viruses. Identification of high-risky areas of the disease using spatial analyses can be effective in prevention and control programs. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design from September to December in 2014 and 2015. Samples were taken from backyard poultry of villages that had been registered in Iranian veterinary organization database (GIS). All samples were examined using HI-H9N2 test according to the IVO protocol. In 2014, a total of 397 villages and 11546 birds were sampled.341 (86%) villages and 4517 (39%) birds were positive for HI test. In 2015, a total of 329 villages and 8901 birds were sampled.286 (86.9%) villages and 2771 (31.1%) birds were positive for HI test. The results of this study indicate that the village level prevalence is high but bird level prevalence is low. Given that, there are spatial databases in IVO (GIS) and all diseases data including avian influenza surveillance data are recording in this system. Hence, spatial analysis capabilities can be used to identify high risk areas of disease occurrence, and based on these findings, the planning should be done to control the disease in Iran.

Staphylococcus aureus pathogens are known in animals and humans. They cause various infections such as mastitis in cattle, sheep and goats, as well as dermatitis, poisoning and even in some cases severe infections such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in humans. The bacteria also lead to severe economic losses and mortality in dairy industry, due to the fact that the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics as a result of treatment makes it difficult. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between mastitis and bacterial virulence factors, one of which is haemolysin enzyme. The aim of this study was to analyze the phenotypes and genotypes of haemolysin genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 540 subclinical bovine mastitis in Savojbolagh county, Alborz province. Subclinical mastitis-affected quarters which has been detected by CMT, were cultured in the laboratory. Staphylococcus aureus samples positive for coagulase test were analyzed by PCR and the results of PCR and culture were compared. Of 420 subclinical bovine mastitis samples, 84 (20%) were determined positive by culture. Fifty (59.53%) samples were found positive by coagulase test. Forty five samples (90%) out of this 50 were positive by PCR test. These 45 samples were culture on blood agar and analyzed by PCR. The results showed that in some cases, based on bacterial cultures, haemolysin virulence genes were well expressed and the results almost collapsed with the results of PCR. Hence, we can say that in most cases, there is a significant relationship (P value=0.001) between the phenotypes and genotypes of virulence genes. However, there is no direct relation, because in some cases, genes are not expressed in culture as well and this is quite obvious in alpha haemolysin gene.

In this study, in order to evaluate the production, internal organs and meat quality characteristics, 225 one-day-old Japanese quail were tested in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates and 15 quail per replicate for 35 days. The treatments were consisted of control diet and diets containing 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 % levels of thyme. The performance parameters i.e. feed intake, weight gain and FCR were assessed periodically. The Results revealed that diets containing 2% of thyme decreased feed intake in growth and the entire experimental periods significantly (P<0.05). Diets containing 1.5 and 2% thyme reduced weight gain compared to controls during the entire period significantly (P<0.05). Diet containing 0.5% thyme, improved FCR in the starter period significantly (P<0.05), but The FCR in the growth period and the entire period did not show significant difference (P>0.05). The relative weight of carcass and gastrointestinal tract components were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). The highest relative weight of spleen and bursa were observed in 1 and 2% of thyme diets, respectively (P<0.05). Diet containing 2% thyme reduced the relative weight of oviduct and follicles and also reduced the number of follicles and oviduct length in comparison to the control treatment (P<0.05). The meat oxidative stability was not affected by treatments in the slaughter day (P>0.05), but microbial count of meat decreased significantly with thyme powder levels in comparison to the control treatment (P<0.05). The results revealed that use of thyme in the diet of quail significantly decreased feed intake and improved FCR. The growth and development of the reproductive tract components, and meat microbial count were also affected.

For this study, 12 healthy fertile ostrich eggs at ages of 22, 26, 30 and 36 days of embryonic stage and three one-day chicks were used. For histological study of different layers of choroid and retina, eye sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson’s trichrome. The results showed that the three main layers of the eye on embryonic day 22 (fibrous, vascular and nervous) were formed. Connective tissue stroma of the choroid was seen with high matrix and collagen fibers on day 22 and they were not well defined and as distinct layers. Retina at the age of 22 days was composed of three main layers; the outer granular, inner granular and optic nerve fibers. At this age, the border between the inner and outer reticular layers were not well defined. At 26 days old, the size of the fibers in the stroma increased more specifically. Further development of the retina happened at 26 days old, and its constituent layers were separated and well defined. At the age of 30 days, choroid stroma contained collagen fibers and dilated blood vessels and the formed layers of retina were well developed. At 36 days old, the layers of the sclera, choroid and retina had reached maximum development. Choroid layer consisted of a relatively expanded area and contained dilated blood vessels, thin collagen fibers and abundant melanocytes. Histologically the chick eye components were not much different from those at embryonic day 36.

Guinea fowls belong to the pheasant’s category. Owing to the functions of the large intestine in the physiology of digestion, like incorporation in water absorption, microbial and immunologic activities, it has a significant role in bird's body. As there are some differences in these organs in different species, and also due to the lack of research on pheasant’s category like guinea fowl in these aspects, this study was performed. For this study 20 adult male and female guinea fowl were selected and their large intestines were grossly studied, then tissue samples were taken, and processed through routine paraffin sectioning and stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin method. The macroscopic and microscopic results did not reveal basic differences with other birds such as Gallus domesticus. The statistical analyses did not reveal significant differences regarding sizes of this organ in male and female spieces. Special features were seen in the cecum. In contrast to other birds, cecal villi was unclear. Also this organ was tubular shape in contrast to other pheasant’s category. Histological study showed that the cecal tonsils were located on one side of the cecum wall.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological and histochemical alterations of accessory sex glands in condition of unilateral cryptorchidism. Three adult healthy donkeys and three adult donkeys with unilateral cryptorchidism were selected and euthanized. Accessory sex glands were separated and were prepared for biometric studies. Microscopic studies were done on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples stained by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H& E) and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) methods. Histochemical detection of lipid profiles was evaluated on frozen sections of tissue samples by Oil Red O and Sudan Black B methods. Histological alterations of the ampulla of ductus deference in animals with unilateral cryptorchidism were seen as trabecular thickness decrement, reduction of trabecular branch, decrease in secretory cells height and increase in glandular lumen diameter. In these animals, some structural changes were seen in prostate gland as mucosal folds height reduction and in bulbourethral gland as slight decrement in secretory alveoles and increment of trabecular thickness. Cellular alterations were not seen in comparison with control group. There was no indication of lipid droplets in histochemical studies in the experimental groups. The results showed that unilateral cryptorchidism leads to slight reduction in the functions of accessory sex glands, especially in intrainguinal ampulla of ductus deference.

In Digestive system in birds is the most important body for their growth. Since histochemistery and histometrical in connection with the stomach, there is little information isthmus and gizzard Guinea fowl 5 adult male chickens were prepared. Samples are first anesthetized and then anatomy proventriculus of the three parts (elementary, middle, and end), isthmus and gizzard two field (body and cranial, caudal bag). Then the samples of were taken according to the method of tissue processor sections stained with hematoxylin - eosin, Masson trichrome and coloring mixture passes Alciane were studied. The results showed that in the stomach mucosa contains numerous folds worn by simple columnar epithelium. Toward the end of the columnar cells epithelial the proventriculus of height decreases were seen in high cuboidal. Histometrical results in a primary third the height of the cells in the (24.46±5.40 mm), the middle third (11.58±1.70 mm) and a terminal third (9.34±1.42 mm) was determined. The gizzard inner surface is covered pseudo keratinized by it was short columnar epithelium. Tunica submucosa Thick in the body (460.6±25.94 mm) and the cranial, caudal bag (283.64±76.68 mm) were determined. There is not in the gizzard muscular mucous.

As the proventriculus plays an important role in food digestion and there are differences in morphological and functional characteristics among different avian species, this study was carried out. A total of 54 female and males Ross broiler chicks at age 3, 7 days and then at weekly intervals until week 8 were used. The proventriculus were collected and fixed in 15% buffered formalin solution. Histologic sections of 5μm of thickness were obtained and they were stained routinely with hematoxylin-eosin and special stainings: Alcian blue, Orcein, Masson’s trichrome, PAS and Gomori’s method for reticular fibers. The results showed that by age increasing, the height of mucosal folds (particularly anastomoses), lymphatic aggregations, the number and frequency of superficial mucosal glands, the size and number of deep mucosal glands, thickness of muscularis mucosa, tunica muscularis (particularly inner circular) and serosa (particularly adipose tissue) were also increased. The shape of the deep glands was varied but polygonal, elliptical and triangular structures more prominent. The duct branching of these glands were increased with age. There was not a significant histological difference between male and female chickens. Our observations on the general histological structures of proventriculus were similar to native chickens stated in literature, but there were also some differences. The muscularis mucosa is thick and continuous. The deep glands are compound tubular and located in the lamina propria. Lymphatic aggregations are present within the connective tissue between the compound glands, and beneath their central unique ducts.

The aim of the present study was to immunohistochemical positioning of ghrelin in testicular and epididymis tissues of Kurdish ram. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid acylated peptide is an important factor involved in most of the metabolic and hormonal signals which adapt the reproductive functions in conditions of altered energy balance. This study investigated the immunohistochemical localization of ghrelin in testicular and epididymis tissues of Kurdish ram, using mouse monoclonal anti ghrelin antibody as primary antibody and polyclonal donkey anti IgG Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) antibody as secondary antibody. Samples of testis collected from three native male sheep aged of 1.5 to 2 years old, and preserved in 10% formalin for posterior inclusion in paraffin. Histological sections with 5 micron in thickness were prepared for IHC. Immunoreactions was assessed for Germ cells, Leydig and Sertoli cells and head of epididymis. It is believed that the site of ghrelin expression in the spermatogenesis process, Leydig, sertoli cells and head of epididymis may indicate its role in local (autocrine / paracrine) regulations. This is one of the first studies to provide molecular evidence for the presence of ghrelin within the entire testicular and epididymis tissues of ram.

Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (DPJ) is a relatively-new syndrome in the horse and is characterized by inflammation and edema of the small intestine, excessive fluid secretion and large volume reflux of fluids into the jejunum, duodenum and stomach. This report describes the clinical and paraclinical findings of DPJ in a Dareshuri horse. A 6-year-old Dareshuri mare with a history of depression, anorexia, bruxism, acute and sudden onset of colic, sweating, severe muscular tremor and ataxia was referred to the veterinary clinic. Vital signs of abnormalities included fever, increased respiratory and heart rate, hyperemic mucous membrane and increased capillary refill time (CRT). Dyspnea and lack of gastrointestinal sound (ileus) were detected on physical examination. Severe and intermittent fluid reflux from the stomach (a malodorous, green and turbid liquid, pH=7), with a volume of about three liters each time was observed during the four-day nasogastric intubation. A decrease in abdominal pain and heart rate was seen following the intubation. Hematological and biochemical findings showed signs of acute inflammation and toxemia in the mare. The exact cause of this syndrome is still unknown. Considering that there are no accurate statistics relating to the exact incidence and economic impact of DPJ in Iran, it is necessary for equine veterinary practitioners to be more accurate in determining the exact cause of this syndrome in horses presenting colic, and publish their findings.

In order to determine the damage and histological alteration, evaluation of the effects of materials and chemical contaminants on organisms, is important. The present study reports an overall assessment of histopathological changes in kidney and muscle of goldfish in exposure to Butachlor. The experiment was carried out in1393. For this purpose, 32 adult fish supply and 4 aquariums (8 fish per tank) were exposed to different concentrations of pollutants: sub-lethal concentrations of 0.1, 0.14 and 0.28 ml butachlor 60% per liter and a control aquarium for two weeks. Then, 6 pieces was randomly selected from each treatment, the center of both kidneies and muscle tissues were removed from the bottom of the dorsal fin. At the end of the exposing period, the muscles below the dorsal fin were removed and fixed by bouins solution, processed, sectioned at 6μ thickness and further stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin general method. Histological findings in this study indicated pathological changes such as increase in Melanomacrophage centers, glomeruli shrinkage and Bowman's space expansion, reduction or blockage of the urinary tract, glomerular capillary dilation, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, degeneration of urinary cells and separation from cell membrane, permeation of leukocytes, bleeding of urinary tubules in kidney and necrosis. Increasing the concentrations of butachlor in different treatments led to the increased extent and severity of lesions. Based on the histological study, histopathological changes in muscle, such as changes in striation, nuclear changes, cloudy swelling, hyaline degeneration, granular degeneration and necrosis were observed. The most damage was observed at the concentration of 0.28 ml/l.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term fasting in the luteal phase on follicular diameter, the size of corpus luteum (CL), steroid hormones and some metabolic hormones in Holstein dairy heifers. In this study 60 heifers were allocated randomly to 2 groups, control and treatment, that contained 30 heifers with the same age and weight. After estrous synchronization, heifers entered the luteal phase; diet was used in control group based on NRC at one meal, and the treatment group at two meals during 12 days (for short-term fasting during the luteal phase). Number and size of follicles were evaluated by ultrasonography at observation of heat, and CL diameter was estimated by ultrasonography as every other day at 30 h after heat. Also, estrogen hormone was measured at follicular phase and progesterone hormone at luteal phase as every other day. Two glucose samples were estimated within 5 days during short-term fasting. Also, GH hormone and IGF1 was measured at the end of follicular phase and mid-luteal phase, respectively. Results of study showed that number of follicles, CL diameter on left ovary, and the level of progesterone and IGF1 were significantly different (P<0.05) between the treatment group compare and control. However, glucose was significantly higher (P<0.05) in treatment group in the first sample but wasn’t significantly different in the second sample. Also, AI/pregnancy was higher in the treatment group than control. It was concluded that short-term fasting had an effect on reproduction of heifers.

Ticks are known as the most important vectors of the human and animal diseases. The soft fowl tick (Argas persicus) belongs to Argasidae family. This investigation was carried out to evaluate effects of four doses of three acaricides: cypermethrin, phoxim and lambda-cyhalothrin in three replications on the soft tick under laboratory conditon. In control group, ticks were dipped in distillate water. Five adult soft ticks were used for each treatment and similar treatments were also evaluated for tick larvae. The adult tick mortality for the four doses of 10, 5, 0.5 and 0.125 mg/ml cypermethrin was recorded as 100%, 80%, 46.66%, and zero, respectively. The mortality rate of the four doses of phoxim and lambda. Cyhalolothrin was recorded as 100%, 33.33%, 26.66%, 20% and 100%, 66.66%, 33.33%, 26.66%, respectively. A. persicus was controlled by all three acaricides, but cypermethrin was found to be more effective than the others.

In the world of pharmacology, along with the discovery of new antibiotics, bacteria also gain features that antibiotics are ineffective against, and the issue of bacterial resistance in such a situation arises. Venom of animals have antibacterial effects among which, honey bee venom has therapeutic effects including anti-cancer, anti-arthritic and antiinflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of crude venom of honey bee and its fractions on bacteria. In this study, the antibacterial activity of honey bee venom (Apis mellifera) and its fractions against five bacterial species including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhyimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudo mallei was investigated. In this regard, different volumes of crude venom and two fractions which were obtained by gel filtration with standard antibiotic as positive controls by disc-diffusion method were evaluated and the inhibition zone was measured. The results showed that crude venom of honey bee and its fractions have a positive effect on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The inhibition zone around the disc in concentrations of 25, 35 and 45 μl for Escherichia coli was about 7, 10 and 14 mm and for Salmonella typhimurium was about 7, 9 and 12, respectively. This venom and its fractions had no effect on the other tested bacteria. Statistical analysis showed that p-value was less than 0.05. Analysis of the venom volume and the test samples proved that increasing the venom volume leads to a relative increase in anti-bacterial effect.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of artificial insemination methods on reproduction efficiency of Zandi ewes inseminated with fresh and frozen semen. Two hundred and forty Zandi ewes (three- to four-years old, 55 kg weight) received CIDR for 12 days and at the time of CIDR removal, received 400 IU of eCG and were artificially inseminated 54 h after CIDR removal. Groups one to three included 120 ewes that were assigned into three equal groups and inseminated vaginally, by laparoscopy and transcervically, respectively with fresh semen. Groups four to six included 120 ewes that were assigned into four equal groups and inseminated vaginally, by laparoscopy and transcervically, respectively with frozen semen. The results showed that during using fresh semen, differences between artificial insemination methods were not significant, but during using frozen semen, the fertility rate was higher in laparoscopy method than other methods (P<0.05). After laparoscopy, transcervical artificial insemination had higher efficiency than vaginal insemination method (P<0.05). It can be concluded that using frozen semen, highest efficiency will be obtained if laparoscopy condition is available, otherwise, transcervical artificial insemination via oxytocin will be better than the vaginal method.

Different scorpions from buthidae family are present in Khuzestan province (southwest of Iran). These species are variable in size and color and some of them are medically important. In this research, hemispermatophore of Buthidae species was morphologically studied. In this research some species of scorpions such as Mesobuthus eupeus, Apistobuthus sosani, Odontobuthus odentorusand Composobuthus were studied. In comparison of hemispermatophore in different species, it was found that some parameters of hemispermatophore are generalized and some others like the size of capsule are specific among the species.According to statistical analysis of obtained data, scorpion species in a genus did not show a significant difference in different parts of hemispermatophore at 5% significance level, and this analysis revealed that the specifications among the species in a genus were so close, but in the two family of Buthidae and Hemiscorpionidae scorpions, the hemispermatophore was different.

Information available for decision-making and adoption of appropriate policies to control paratuberculosis in most countries is based on published data in developed countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the status of Johne's disease in Iran in a meta-analysis method to provide comprehensive and accurate information to implement effective programs to control the disease. This search is a systematic review based on authoritative databases inside and outside the country. The search was carried out by keywords of Iran, Johne's disease, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, buffaloes, milk, semen fluid, and their combination. Then all articles and theses that had necessary indexes were evaluated. The Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software Version 2. The prevalence of Johne's disease in ruminants was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.4-8.5). In addition, the rate of infection for bulk tank milk, individual cow milk and semen fluid was 28.3% (95% CI: 1.1-93.2), 20.4% (95% CI: 13.4-30.2) and 11.4% (95% CI: 7.6-16.7), respectively. Unfortunately, despite the great population of ruminants in the country and the higher infection rate of paratubeculosis in Iran compared with developed countries, the current strategies for control of paratuberculosis are voluntary and considered by ranchers. Basic control strategies are management modification, testing, culling and vaccination, and implementation of these programs can be effective in control of the disease occurrence in Iran.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of freezing medium and artificial insemination method on reproduction efficiency of Zandi ewes inseminated with frozen semen. One hundred and sixty Zandi ewes (3-4-years old, 55 kg weight) received CIDR for 12 days and at the time of CIDR removal received 400 IU of eCG and were artificially inseminated 54 h after CIDR removal. The ewes divided into two insemination groups of vaginal and trans-cervical, then, each group was inseminated with frozen sperms in extenders containing egg yolk or soybean lecithin. The results showed that the extender didn’t have any effect on sperm viability, semen lipid peroxidation and reproductive performance (P>0.05), but the artificial insemination method had a significant (P<0.05) effect on reproductive performance and pregnancy rate, parturition rate and lambing rate, which were higher in trans-cervical method than in vaginal method. In conclusion, regarding to the advantages of plant-origin extenders for ram semen freezing, soybean lecithin may be used as a suitable extender and fertility rate would be improved by trans-cervical artificial insemination method.

Rainbow trout is one of the main species of Salmonidae family. With high economic value and demand, large part of the aquaculture production has been allocated to this species. Therefore, study on diets that affect the feeding and growth can be a helpful way to improve trout culture. Seventy rainbow trout with an average weight of 170±10 g were placed in 70-liters containers. Three treatments were considered for this study, including (0 (control), 400 and 800 mg/ kg food). After fish were fed through different concentrations of vitamin C on days 5 and 10, fish were sampled for blood serum analysis. ALP activity in 400 and 800 mg/kg vitamin C groups on day 10 showed a statistically significant increase compared to control group (P<0.05). On days 5 and 10, ALT activity at 400 mg/kg vitamin C decreased significantly compared to control (P<0.05). On the fifth day, AST and ACP enzyme activity showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the groups of 400 and 800 mg/kg vitamin C, it significantly increased compared to control (P<0.05). On day 10, AST enzyme activity showed a significant increase in 800 mg/kg vitamin C group compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Overall, it can be concluded that 400 mg/kg vitamin C in the diet of rainbow trout has the ability to impact on the performance of ALT enzyme.

Monogeniasis is one of the most common diseases that happen by a species of Monogenean parasite in the gills and skins of many farmed and wild fish and it is seen in all age of them. In this research that it was done on December 2012, caught 33 white fish (Rutilus frisii kutum) weight 190- 1200 g and length 20-40.5 cm from the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in province of Mazandaran (Sari) were examined. Gill arch in 10% fixed formalin and by using standard histological methods, 5 m tissue sections of samples were taken and by hematoxylin - eosin method they were staining. After studying tissue losses which were caused by parasites, chloride cells number and their size were counted and measured through optical microscope. Monogenea were identified from Dactylogyridae and Diplozoidae families. Mean infection intensity and frequency to parasites of Dactylogyridae and Diplozoidae families were respectively (118, 100%) (4.53, 78.78%). The observed loss included: filaments demolition and adhesion of gill lamellae, epithelial cells hypertrophy and hyperplasia of gill blades, separating the epithelium from the basement membrane of blades, the incidence of aneurysm and clubbing mode.The results showed that total chloride cells number in the presence of parasites decreased but there weren, t any changes in their size. There was a strong and significant inverse correlation relationship between parasites density and total number of these cells.

In the present study, the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and a compound binder on blood cell count, biochemical indices of serum and liver histology of rainbow trout was investigated. In this regard, total number of 414 trout fingerlings (9.67±1.20g) were randomly allocated into six different treatments comprising various dietary inclusion levels of AFB1 (0, 25 and 50 ppb) and binder (0 and 5%) for 60 days. At the end of experiment, blood indices did not differ amongst treatments. The highest and lowest levels of ALP activities were observed in treatments fed diets containing 5% binder-25 ppb AFB1 and the group without any dietary aflatoxin and binder inclusions, respectively (P<0.05). Activities of AST and ALT were only affected by the binder to the extent that its presence led to lower enzymes activity (P<0.05). Interaction of AFB1 and binder significantly affected total protein and globulin content (P<0.05). The albumin content was only affected by the binder (P<0.05). According to the results AFB1 reduced HSI (P<0.05). Blood vessels dilation, cytoplasmic degeneration, blood congestion and hepatic immune cells infiltration were observed in fish fed aflatoxincontaminated diets which were severe in 50 ppb AFB1-recieved groups. In conclusion, The AFB1 resulted in liver tissue damage and despite improving the immune indices; binder did not show remarkable hepato-protective effects.

The hormones of pituitary-thyroid axis play an important role in the maintaining of the normal physiological status of the body in vertebrates. Therefore, disturbance in the function of this axis can affect other parts of the body. In the present study, 50 male and female Liza abu (with 45.51±8.2 g body weight and 16.25±0.88 cm body length) were collected from five stations in Musa creek including: 1) Petrochemical 2) Ghanam 3) Zangi 4) Doragh and 5) Patil stations.10 L. abu were also caught at the Sajafi station (located in Musa creek) as a control site. Bleeding was carried out and the blood plasma was separated. Then, the plasma levels of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4)) were measured using ELISA method. Tissue samples were also taken from thyroid and were fixed in 15% formalin and prepared according to the routine histological process. The lowest and highest amounts of T3 and T4 hormones respectively, were measured in the fish plasma from Patil station. The most histopathological changes (such as hemorrhage) were observed in the fish from Petrochemical station. The results of this study indicated the adverse effects of environmental pollution on the balance of thyroid hormones.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of Biomin Imbo synbiotic on the growth performances feed indices and body composition of Mugil cephalus for 62 days. This experiment conducted in a completely random design with four treatments which contain triplicates. Three levels of symbiotic (0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg and 1.5 g/kg of ration) were added to the basic diet..The results showed that at the end of experiment, the highest FW (8.59±0.22g), CF (1.90±0.14%), the lowest HSI (0.88±0.08%), the highest PER (10.02±1.11), and the highest LER (43.48±4.82) were observed in the diet containing 1 g /kg synbiotic supplement and treatment 4 (1 g/kg) showed a significant difference compared with control treatment (P<0.05). Finally, the present results suggest that diet containing 1 g/kg Biomin Imbo synbiotic could improve growth, feed performances and carcass quality of M. cephalus.

Neospora caninumis a worldwide distributed pathogen which causes abortions in dairy cattle, leading to economic losses in the cattle industry. In this study ten different available lots of commercial fetal bovine serum samples and sixteen different lots of prototype fetal bovine serum were tested using a commercially available ELISA kit for the presence of total antibody to N. caninum.100% (10/10) of the commercial FBS and 37.5% (6/16) of the prototype fetal bovine serum examined in this study were positive for N. caninum. This finding showed the high frequency of N. caninum infection in used commercial fetal bovine serums.

Eimeria infection in native chickens is common throughout the world and Iran, and causes remarkable infection in broiler chickens of the same geographic region. This study was aimed to determine prevalence and diversity ofEimeria species in native chickens of suburban villages of Khoy municipality, Iran. A total of 130 indigenous chickens from four geographic regions were sampled using cluster sampling method from summer 2013 to summer 2014. The intensity of infection was determined on the basis of Eimeria oocyst per gram of feces (OPG) using Clayton-Lane and McMaster methods. Eimeria species diversity and prevalence were also determined by using oocyst sporulation in 2% potassium dichromate. Of all examined native chickens, 28 (21.53%) chickens were infected with Eimeria species. The highest prevalence was found in north part of the region (50%) with the highest intensity (5.66×102). There was a significant association between prevalence and geographic distribution in the infected regions. Of all examined native chickens, four Eimeria species were identified, i.e. E. necatrix (20%), E. tenella (24%), E. maxima (32%) and E. acervulina(48%). Mixed infections with 2 (22%), 3 (16%) and 4 (6%) Eimeria species were also identified. The results of the current study elucidated that different Eimeria species were prevalent in native chickens of the suburban villages of Khoy municipality, which could be important in epidemiology of infection spreading to the neighboring broiler and broiler breeder farms of the region.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with global distribution. Because of the importance of the disease, it is necessary to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in meat producing animals especially cattle which constitutes the main source of meat for local consumption. This study was carried out to determine the seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in cattle of industrial and traditional farms of Kurdistan province by ELISA method using commercial kits in 2012. Out of 704 serum samples collected, 21.02% was found to be Toxoplasma gondii infection positive in cattle. Statistical analysis indicated the presence of significant differences between infection in cattle of industrial and traditional farms as well as gender of the cattle (P<0.05). In this way, the traditional cattle and male animals showed higher toxoplasmosis rate. However, the cattle of different ages and between different cities of the province, there was no significant difference in terms of toxoplasmosis rate. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in cattle of Kurdistan.