JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
Year:2018 | Volume:10 | Issue:2 |Papers Count:49

Effective monitoring of wildlife populations requires detailed ecological background and reliable data sources. Noninvasive DNA sampling can be a powerful tool for wildlife ecological studies as it can be deployed over large areas and reliably detect multiple species. Although the feasibility of employing noninvasive DNA for ecological studies has been well documented, few studies have used this technique in Iran. In this study, I evaluated the feasibility of performing species-level identification of sympatric carnivore species, using faecal samples collected in the wild. From June to October 2012, I collected 174 faecal samples from six protected areas in the Iranian Caucasus. First, I used morphological characteristics for field identification of each species. Then I used a short cytochrome b segment to identify the species of each scat. Using confusion matrices, I evaluated the accuracy in field identification for each species. A total of six carnivore species were successfully identified from 67. 2% of all samples obtained, including the brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris/lybica), grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), stone marten (Martes foina) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). The lowest accurate identification of carnivore scats (true positive rates) were for the wildcat and Eurasian otter (0%). In contrast, accuracy for brown bear scat field identification was high (94%). I found a high false-positive rate for stone marten, indicating samplers often incorrectly assigned its scats to the red fox. This pilot study shows that DNA obtained from faecal samples works efficiently for surveying Iranian carnivores.

Habitat fragmentation affects numerous ecological processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Patch size has been identified as a major feature influencing the plant and small mammal communities. Golestan National Park is an important National Park in Iran. but this park has been changed by Tehran-Mashhad Asian Highway to two south and north parts. Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) has been classified as a vulnerable species. Habitat determination is a complex problem that requires consideration of a wide variety of factors and their relationships. Assessments of habitat for a large area are not viable without a powerful tool. GIS is appropriate for habitat assessment. We used a GIS-based model to predict suitability of habitat for wild Goat. In order to modeling the habitat of this species Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) method in a Biomapper software has been used. In this study, the presence points of species used as a dependent variable and 10 environmental variables used as an independent variable in autumn and winter. So These layers were prepared and analyzed. Habitat suitability map which prepare in this study has showed that suitable habitat for Wild Goat in Golestan National Park located in the slopes of more than 20% and Habitat selection by Wild Goat was positively related to steep slopes. The Oak seeds had a major role on dispersion of Wild Goat in autumn. Also, the most important variables for determining the suitability of Wild Goat habitat is ruggedness and slope and the height players negative role.

Knowledge of effective factors on species habitat suitability and range of suitable habitats have essential importance in planning in order to wildlife protecting and managing. Dena protected area is 93820 ha located that is located in 36 km far from Yasouj County in Kohgilouia and boyerahmad province. Wild goat is indicator species of Dena protected area. Propose of this study is analyzing of wild goat's dispersion in Dena region and eastern Dena. Species presence points' data were collected in spring and divided into two clusters randomly of Training data and Test data. Then other habitat variables ran in MaxEnt model. The result of Jackknife sensitivity indicated that distance from rocky regions, distance from forest, and roughness are most important effective variables in habitat suitability. The result of study demonstrated that suitable habitat for this species is located in rocky zones far from man-made regions and incline to sparse plant covered region with high elevation.

In order to evaluate the effects of Essential® (a commercial mix of herbal essential oils containing Ricinoleic acid, Cardanol and Cardol) on milk production and composition and blood parameters, 20 Holstein dairy cows (DIM=80± 20) were used in two experimental groups in completely randomized design. Experimental groups included: 1-control group (total mixed ration and no additive) and 2-Essential® group (supplementation of 13. 5 gr Essential® /cow/day in the TMR) during 30 days of experimental period (consisted of 21 days adaptation followed by 9 days sampling period). The TMR consisted of 41. 6% alfalfa hay, 2. 83% cotton seed and 55. 57% concentrate (Dry Matter bassis). There were no significant differences between experimental groups in milk production and compositions and 4% fat-corrected milk (P>0. 05). Also, substantial differences were not observed between experimental groups in glucose, triglyceride, urea, albumin, total protein, LDL, HDL and hepatic enzymes (P>0. 05). Essential® consumption led to higher cholesterol concentration and total antioxidant capacity than control group (P<0. 05). According to results, it seems use of Essential® as feed additive had no significant effects on productive performance in short term period; but antioxidant properties may have valuable effects on animal health.

Tatera indica is a subfamily of the Tatera and the Muridaefamily. This species is found in most places, including dry and semi-arid areas, rivers, planted areas and sides of the irrigation and drainage channels and usually has high adaptability power. This species has great ecological importance because it is the main chain of food chain in nature for animals such as owls, jackals, foxes, snakes and birds. Tatera indica by eating the seeds of plants and repelling them in other areas, at the same time it contributes to the distribution of seeds, on the other hand it is considered as the most important pest of agricultural products among vertebrates. Rodents are one of the most important classes that they need to study in terms of the positive and negative effects that occur in various fields such as agriculture or health. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric of Tatera indica with trapping in different habitats in Jiroft and Zabol, March 2016 and April 2017. In this study, the samples was hunted by deadly and lifelong trap and were measured 15 samples of the appearance morphological traits and 15 samples of the skull and dental characteristics and were investigated by SPSS 22. The results showed according to Nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, there is a significant difference between all measured variables in both regions (p < 0. 05) and also, characteristics measured in Jiroft species were larger than Zabol.

Morphine exerts inhibitory effects on GnRH/ LH hormones secretion via the effects on the activity of different intra hypothalamic interneurons. In the present study, the effects of morphine sulphate were investigated on LH secretion via monoamine glutamate in male rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g in two group (n=10 in each group) received saline or one microgram morphine via third cerebral ventricle. Then each group divided in two groups. Blood samples were collected before injections and at 30 or 60 min after saline or morphine injections. Hypothalamic samples were dissected 30 or 60 minutes after injections. Serum LH hormone concentration was measured by the radioimmunoassay method and hypothalamic glutamate levels was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Morphine decreased mean serum LH concentration at 30 or 60 min after injections compared to before injections of morphine however this decrease was statistically significant only at 60min group. Also, morphine significantly decreased mean hypothalamic glutamate levels at 30 min after injections compared to 30 min after injections of saline group. Decrease of hypothalamic glutamate neurons activity may be involved in the morphine neural pathways controlling the inhibitory effects of morphine on LH secretion.

According to the harmful effects of silver nanoparticles induced by free radicals production, it is assumed that it can lead to reduced level of seminal total antioxidant capacity and then poor sperm quality. In this research, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles on sperm parameters quality as well as total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide (NO) in seminal plasma of male rats. In this experimental research, 24 male rats (Balb/c) were randomly divided into four groups including: controls (n=6), treatment group A (n=6), treatment group B (n=6) and treatment group C (n=6). Commercial silver nanoparticle was injected orally in a single dose (A=0. 007μ g, B=0. 14μ g and C=0. 28μ g per day) for 4 consecutive weeks. After that seminal total antioxidant capacity and NO values were measured using Ferric reducing antioxidant of power (FRAP) and microscopic techniques, respectively. Sperm parameters quality was considered by microscopic methods. There was a significant reduction in sperm parameters quality in treatment groups, especially in group C and group B, when compared with controls (p<0. 01). There was a significant difference for FRAP between study groups of A (290. 29± 28. 14), B (225. 47± 39. 32), C (225. 54± 22. 73) and control (300. 18± 19. 08) group (p<0. 001). There was a significant in mean of NO levels between groups (p<0. 05), in which group C demonstrated higher mean value of NO concentration compared to the other groups. Silver nanoparticle leads to poor sperm quality via reducing of seminal total antioxidant capacity; however, its effect is dose dependent.

Recognizing the habitat requirements of wildlife species, especially endangered species, is of vital part of wildlife management. The purpose of this study was to habitat suitability modeling for vulnerable species of marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) in the northern part of Shadegan International Wetland. The presence of species was achieved by conducting field studies and reports from local communities and DOE experts. Environmental factors used as effective variables on presence include water depth, water temperature, electrical conductivity, acidity, soluble oxygen content, vegetation type, vegetation density index (NDVI) and distance from the village. Then, the variables needed for modeling were prepared using the GIS and finally, a Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) was used to prepare the habitat suitability map. The results showed that the MaxEnt based on AUC had a good operation in this study (AUC = 0. 981). Also EC, DO, Distance to village, vegetation type and depth was as important environmental variables respectively.

Meighan Wetland Forbidden Hunting Region of Arak is located at center of Iran in the birds’ migratory flyway. In the cold season, thousands of the migratory birds settle this region featuring of the desired habitat conditions annually, especially, common crane. To view are the birds fauna 4 stations with diverse habitat conditions ranging from Waterfowl, The aquatic, playa and desert shrubs. They Were selected as the location for viewing. Bird watching was performed during the season from spring of 1392 until winter of 1394. In order to, collect the data was used directly observed and counted birds. During the study were identified bird species 150 from orders13 and families 38. As if of these was observed respectively species 77 of Waterfowl, The aquatic and Terrestrial 73. The number of observed species were endemic species 60, species 90 of migratory and semi-immigrant and immigrant passing. Order passeriformes with the largest number of families(families12) and with the largest number of species (species 41) were identified most diverse orders in the region. In the area, the species of Aquila nipalensis, Oxyura leucocephala and Falco cherrug are endangered in the category.

In broiler Flocks, the fertility rate decreases with increasing age from 40 to 45 weeks. Therefore, different methods are used to compensate for the reduced fertility caused by the aging of the rooster that the most important of them is the movement inside the rooster flocks or inter-spiking. Unlike spikes which always is accompanied by a risk of different contamination from another farm to the flock. In this method, there is no concern about the introduction of contamination into the farm, which is one of the most important advantages of this method. In this research, income and expenditure data were used from 2016 and 2017 for estimating the cash flow from the “ Arta Joojeh” broiler chickens producer in Ardebil province. Using a bioeconomic model that were designed and collected from broiler Breeding Farms, the estimation of the economic value of one-day-old chicks and the survival rate of rooster herd in different movement conditions were determined. The economic value of a trait is defined as the increase in the profit derived from an animal when the performance of the animal increases for the desired trait while performance for other trait remains constant. Types of movement inside the rooster flocks methods indicated that the highest percentage of hatch and income were in the 32% displacement and the lowest hatch and income were in the 44% displacement. In such a way that 32% of the displacement of the rooster flock is considered to be the most profitable and the highest economic value of broiler chicks, as well as the highest rooster survival rate (less casualties). The results of this study showed that the use of displacements inside the rooster flocks is very useful and effective according to the conditions of broiler chickens to maintain and compensate for the fertility decline due to the aging of the rooster flocks and also to improve the economic outflow of the system One-day-old broiler production.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of different inclusion rates of formaldehyde in diet with or without supplementation with phytase on growth performance, carcass and immune system of broiler chickens. The experiment was done in a 2×3 factorial arrangement including three levels of formaldehyde (0, 2 and 6 ml/kg of diet) and two levels (with or without) of phytase supplementation. A total of 360 day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used in six treatments and there were four replicates for each treatment. The results indicated that the interaction effect and the main effect of phytase supplementation on feed intake were significant in the starter phase (p<0. 05). The results of growth performance showed that the interaction effect was on the weight gain in grower, finisher and total periods (p<0. 05). Besides, the body weight gain of the broiler chickens was influenced by the main effect of phytase supplementation (p<0. 05). The results showed that addition of formaldehyde into the diets altered the weight gain of broiler chickens in the grower phase (p<0. 05). The results of the evaluation of internal organs indicated that interaction effect and the main effect of phytase had a significant effect on the weight of abdominal fat (p<0. 05). The concentration of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as a liver enzyme was affected by interaction effect and the main effect of phytase supplementation (p<0. 05). It is concluded that phytase supplementation improved the body weight gain of broilers. However, addition of formaldehyde had no negative effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.

Hemorrhois ravergieri is one of the nonpoisonous snakes, widely distributed in Iran. Recent studies revealed considerable morphological differences among H. ravergieri in different habitats. In this study, morphological characteristics of H. ravergieri were investigated in different sampling area. To address that, 52 specimens, including 30 male, 16 female and 6 immature were collected from different provinces of Iran. The result of principle component analysis showed 5 separate categories, including (1) Khorasan and Golestan (north and north-east of Alborz), (2) Azarbayjan gharbi, Azarbayjan sharghi and Zanjan (northern Zagros), (3) Alborz, Lorestan, Esfahan and Khuzestan (northern-central Zagros), (4) Chaharmahal and bakhtiari province (central Zagros), (5) Kerman and Fars (Southern Zagros). 7 Metric and 5 meristic characteristics, were analyzed in either gender at different categories. The number of ventral and subcaudal scales was significantly (P=0. 026 and P=0. 041, respectively) different between mature and immature specimens. There were significant differences in total length as well as snout-vent length among male and female specimens, P=0. 034 and P=0. 012 respectively. Other statistical analyses were performed for comparison of our data in five different categories to identify the discriminant variable. According to results, the variability of meristic characteristics such as the number of ventral and subcaudal scales can be perceived in different categories.

Sefid Kouh-Aresk No-Hunting Area with an area of 666000 hectares in the northwest of Damghan city along the Tehran-Mashhad road is located between 20 and 22 km of Damghan to Semnan road on the northern side of the road. This study was conducted to identify the reptile fauna of this region from April 2013 until late November 2013. During this research, 93 reptile specimens were collected and a total of 17 species of six families and thirteen genera were identified. These include: Natrix tessellata, Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Platyceps ventromaculatus ventromaculatus, Platyceps najadum najadum, Hemorrhois ravergieri, Pseudocerastes persicus, Natrix natrix persa, Telescopus fallax iberus, Platyceps karelini, Eirenis collaris collaris, Tenuidactylus caspius caspius, Eremias velox velox, Eremias persica, Trapelus agilis agilis, Paralaudakia caucasia, Mesalina watsonana, Heremites aurata transcaucasica. In this research, no species of the turtles was observed. In this area, the lizard diversity was lower than snakes. From the suborder of Serpentes, the highest number belongs to the species Natrix tessellata with 7 samples and 18% frequency, and the lowest belongs to the Eirenis collaris collaris with 1 sample and 3% frequency. The subspecies of lizards had the highest number of Tenuidactylus caspius caspius with 15 samples and 27% frequency and the lowest number belongs to Heremites aurata transcaucasica with 3 samples and 5% frequency.

One of the main goals of evolutionary biology is to describe morphological diversity in the populations. It is necessary to examine the causes of such varieties in order to explain the process of evolution and change. Color patterns are considered to be the proper characteristics to identify subspecies and since various morphs of marsh frog can be seen in nature, the study of polymorphism color of this species in habitats of the northern and southern Khuzestan province was carried out due to geographical separation and microclimatological difference. In so doing, the samples were collected from the above-mentioned habitats during spring and autumn 1395-96. They were then studied in order to identify their morphological types. According to the results, 7 types of morph were identified in this species. Then the amount of different morphologies, the relationship between polymorphism and gender were examined. According to the results, morph 7 had the highest frequency among others. In addition, polymorphic traits and gender traits of marsh frog was reported independently. The highest and lowest morphological variation was determined based on the season.

In this research, concentrations of heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Cadmium and Mercury) in sediments, muscle tissue of Cynoglossus arel fish and brown Seaweed (Sargassum illicifolium) of five stations from the northern Oman sea that names Jask port (Hormozgan province), Darak port, Pozm port, Chabahar Golf and Goatre port in water of Oman Sea on the Sistan and Balochestan province were measured and compared. For this purpose, samples were randomly collected together with water and sediment from each station in summer 2017. Samples of Sediment was digested by using MOOPAM method and metal were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The average concentration of heavy metal in sediment in northern coasts of Oman Sea for Pb, Cu, Cd and Hg were 3. 38, 13. 61, 0. 21 and 0. 88ppm, muscle tissue 0. 94, 3. 87, 0. 09 and 0. 06 ppm and brown microalgae 0. 01, 7. 40, 0. 07 and 0. 06 ppm respectively (p<0. 05). Nevertheless, the highest mean concentration of lead, Copper and Mercury (13. 65, 20. 21, and 1. 56 respectively) in the sediment of Jask port, and Cadmium (0. 28) in Jask port and Chabahar Golf were observed. Also, investigation of heavy metals in the muscle ofCynoglossus arel fish and brown seaweed showed the highest concentration of lead (2. 73-0. 25), Copper (7. 08-13. 39), Cadmium (0. 26-0. 15) and Mercury (0. 20-0. 16) in the sample of Jask port respectively. Also, the lowest average concentration of these heavy metals in all of samples was recorded in Darak port. In general, our study showed that the concentration of heavy metals in Jask port and Chabahar Golf were significantly higher than other areas. The concentration of heavy metal in the sediments, muscle tissue and brown seaweed in each of five stations had lower in value (except for the copper metal concentration, which was higher than the LAL level) than the acceptable limit suggested by the standard value of WHO, FDA, NHMRC, NOAA, CCME, USEPA and institute of the national standard center of Iran.

Heavy metals are the most important contaminants that aggregate in the aquatics body through food chain. The purpose of this study was to compare the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni and Cd) in the muscle of Psettodes erumei, Carangoides fulvoguttatus and Thunnus tonggol in Boushehr, and also to compare these concentrations with global standards. 30 Samples of the investigated fishes were obtained from daily hunting of fishermen in Boushehr. Then the muscle tissues were washed, separated and following acid digestion, the measurement of heavy metals concentration was performed by Atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean of metal concentration of Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe and Cr for Psettodes erume were 3. 11± 0. 14, 3. 20± 0. 10, 2. 64± 0. 21, 0. 36± 0. 01, 15. 44± 0. 33 and 0. 40± 0. 05 ppb respectively and for Carangoides fulvoguttatus were 1. 24± 0. 07, 0. 33± 0. 01, 0. 02± 0, 32. 35± 0, 11. 49± 0 and 0. 61± 0. 06 ppb respectively and for Thunnus tonggol were 2. 34± 0. 14, 1. 82± 0. 12, 0. 02± 0, 0. 27± 0, 13. 37± 0. 07 and 0. 30± 0. 01 ppb respectively. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that significant differences in concentration of Fe, Zn and Pb between different fishes (P<0. 05). While concentrations of Cr in between different fishes had no significant differences (P>0. 05). The results of this investigation showed that the concentration of heavy metals including Zn, Cr, Fe and Ni in the fish muscle were less than the amounts reported by WHO.

Otolithes ruber is a commercially important species in Persian Gulf. We estimated the genetic diversity and population structure among six populations of O. ruber from Iranain coastal waters(Khormosa, Hendijan, Genaveh, Boushhr, Dayer and Asaloyeh) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technology. A total of 345 bands were amplified for 80 individuals by 7 pair selective primers (+3), 37. 27% of which were polymorphic bands. Minimum and maximum polymorphic band percent obtained from EAA/MCAT(39) and EACA/MCAG(25%) respectively. Average of genetic diversity and Shannon index were calculated 0. 28 and 0. 5 respectively. Boushhr showed the highest genetic diversity (0. 33) and Shannon genetic diversity (0. 5). Pairwise FST values were between 0. 022 to 0. 23. Significant genealogical branches or clusters corresponding to sampling localities were detected by UPGMA tree. The results of AMOVA analysis and pairwise FST values showed genetic divergence among different geographic populations. Pairwise Fst and UPGMA tree revealed significant genetic differentiation among Khormosa, Boushhr and dayer. But genetic differentiation wasn’ t height among population.

In the present study, Thorin (Disodium 4-[2-(2-arsonophenyl)hydrazin-1-ylidene]-3-oxo-3, 4-dihydronaphthalene-2, 7-disulfonate) as a reagent was used by forming color in the alkaline water – acetone media for direct spectrophotometric determination of lithium in blood serum of two species of mullet (Liza auratus) and sardines (Sardinella melanora) with thorin reagent in Chabahar Bay. In December of 2016 from any fish caught 15 blood samples were taken and the serum was separated. Affecting factors such as reaction time, concentration of thorin and percent of potassium hydroxide and acetone again were studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the correlation coefficient, linearity range relative, standard deviation of method were obtained 0. 994, 0. 05-3 meq/L, 0. 82% (n =7), respectively and the average concentration of lithium in blood serum of two fish species was estimated 0. 22 meq/L. Also Analyzing data using SPSS was investigated. Due to the results there was no significant different in lithium concentration in blood serum of two fish species.

Urmia bleak (Alburnus atropatenae) is endemic to Iran and it has been reported from rivers of the Lake Urmia basin. In this research 274 specimens of this fish from seven rivers of Lake Urmia area including Aghdarreh, Nazloochai, Barandooz, Sarough, Zarrinehrud, Senteh and Talkhehrud were studied. In morphometric geometric, Landmarks number 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9 had the highest variation. Also in canonical variate analysis, the population of Talkhehrud River were to some extent separated from other populations, and the population of Nazloochai River was completely separated from the population of Senteh and Zarrinehrud rivers. In comparison of the morphs there was no significant differences between the populations of Barandooz and Talkherud, Barandooz and Nazloochai, and Zarrinehrud and Senteh rivers (p<0. 0001). Amongst these populations, Zarrinehrud and Senteh rivers showed the highest overlap. Also, the result showed some significant differences among the other populations (p<0. 0001). Populations of Aghdarreh and Talkhehrud and Talkherud and Zarrinehrud were completely separated from each other and the most differences and landmark changed were observed between Aghdarreh and Talkhehrud populations. The geometric morphemetric methods could only separate the population of Talkhehrud from other populations to a great extent, in spite of significant differences among the seven populations.

In this study, changes in the survival, growth, body composition and blood parameters Oscar fish (Astronotus Ocellatus), under the influence of garlic extract has been studied. A total of 300 fish Oscar (initial weight 36/0 ± 37/8 g) were distributed in four treatments and each treatment was diet with garlic extract supplement, (0. 0%, 0. 5%, 1. 5% and 2. 5%). Period test was 8 weeks and samples were taken and the appropriate parameters were measured by standard methods. Growth indicators such as weight gain (%), SGR and FCR in fish fed garlic extract improved. Crude protein increased in the fish fed with the extracts of garlic 1. 5% and lipids was decreased in this treatment. Hb and PCV increased in fish fed with the extracts of garlic and RBC increased significantly in fish fed with the extracts of garlic 1. 5% compared to other treatments. The study results indicated that garlic extract beneficial effects on survival, growth, body composition and blood parameters in Oscar fish is the best value in the treatment of garlic extract 1. 5%, respectively.

Biofloc technology system that be done by adjusting the ratio of C/N in the water and increases the density of heterotrophic microorganisms are used to improve the farmer interests. At this study the effects of different ratios of carbon to nitrogen in intensive culture of common carp on growth and health performance was evaluated. for this purpose, a total of 420 healthy common carp with an average weight of 40 ± 5. 9 (SDِ± Mean) Were divided into four treatments with three replications include A(15: 1), B(20: 1), C(25: 1) and D(control). The fish were reared for 90 days. Biometery and sampling was carried at one-month interval. Growth performance and fish health indicators, including Appearance, including color fish, Parasitic and fungal infections, deformities and behavioral characteristics (Respiratory, appetite and swimming) and gill structures, liver, kidney and skin were evaluated. The results showed that the index for the treatment of Biofloc was significantly better than the control treatment(P<0. 05). Although an exact growth parameters evaluated showed no significant difference among the three treatments of biofloc. Among the health of the fish has been studied, significant changes were not observed in these studies and fish in these condition could be raised with relative health and any tissue lesions and protozoan pathogen was not found in microscopic studies

In this trial, it was studied some reproductive characteristics of wild Common Carp brood stocks caught from the sea and reared in ponds. The effects of age and weight were assessed on some reproductive characteristics such as percentage of fertilization, number of fertilized eggs, number of early hatched larvae, egg diameter and the number of eggs per gram produced by both groups. The results showed that weight and age of females had no significant effect on percentage of fertilization, the number of fertilized eggs, number of early hatched larvae, diameter and number of eggs per gram (P>0. 05) but it had significant effect on the percentage of hatching, so that percentage of hatching was significantly higher in wild caught brood stocks (P<0. 05). Also, type of brood (wild and cultivated) had no significant effect on percentage of fertilization, number of fertilized eggs, number of early hatched larvae, eggs diameter and the number of eggs per gram (P>0. 05), but it had significant effect on percentage of hatching (P<0. 01) so that percentage of hatching was significantly higher in wild broods. In conclusion according to the results, it founded that age and weight of female broods in contrast to male broods, had significant effect on percentage of hatching (P<0. 05), and also type of broods had significant effect on this parameters.

Aloe Vera is one of the most valuable medicine herbs in the world. In this experiment, the growth factor, survival and sex ratio were meagured in the first-generation off spring of the Xiphophorus helleri fed with Aloe vera extract. Productive fish were fed diet containing different levels of Aloe vera powder extract 0 (control or treatment 1), 20 (treatment 2), 40 (treatment 3), 80 (treatment 4) and 160 (treatment 5) mg / kg for 14 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the results showed that the highest number average of larvae than productive was observed in treatment 4 and the lowest number average of larvae than productive was observed in 2 and 5 treatments and there were no significant differences between 3 and 4 treatments (P >0. 05). The highest and the lowest sex ratio of male to female were observed in treatments 5 and 3 respectively. As a general conclusion, it can be concluded that the use of 40 and 80 mg of Aloe Vera powder extract per kg of diet in female broodstock probably increased the number of replicated male Xiphophorus helleri larvae.

Reuse of unconventional waters, such as wastewater, is very important in point of environmental principles view. The main objectives of the present study was to survey feasibility of the growth and survival performance of two species of silver carp and common carp at different concentrations of wastewater, and also investigation of the effects of presence of these two species on improving the quality parameters of wastewater BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, nitrate and phosphate parameters in the Mahdishahr wastewater treatment plant (active sludge method) in the Semnan province. For this study, five wastewater treatments were considered as control treatment (without wastewater) and treatments of 25, 50, 75 and 100% wastewater with triplicate in 80 liter reservoirs. In each tank, 10 common carp and 10 of silver carp were introduced with average weight 30± 5 gr. In one month, the growth performance and survival rate of fish were compared in different treatments. Also, changes in different wastewater parameters in the 100% wastewater treatment with presence of fish and without of fish (control) were also investigated during the 10-day intervals. According to the results, the highest growth (WG) (18%) and specific growth rate (SGR) (0. 23) were related to the 75% and 100% of wastewater treatments. Also, in the treatment of 100% of wastewater in the presence of fish compared to the control (without fish) during the study period, BOD, COD, TSS, nitrate and phosphate parameters decreased significantly (P≤ 0. 05) during the research period, while the trend for the TDS parameter was increasing in the treatment. The results showed that urban wastewater without water mixing also has the potential for reuse in aquaculture of resistant species such as Cyprinidae family species. Also, the presence of aquatic species with regard to diet has a significant effects on the improving the quality parameters of the wastewater.

Today, the use of natural immunostimulant such as medical plants has been growing in aquaculture an alternative of chemicals and antibiotics in control of fish disease. The present study was done to investigate the effects of Urtica dioica hydroalkohalic extract on some hematological parameters (white and red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC, MCV and MCH) and biochemical indices (glucose, cholesterol, albumin and total protein) in Carassius auratus. For this purpose, fish with an average weight of 21. 88 ± 4. 7gr divided in 3 treated groups, fed 2, 4 and 8 g/kg of Urtica dioica supplementation and the control group in 2 replicates (7 treatments with 2 replicates). According to the result no significant differences were revealed in hemoglobin, hematocrite, MCH, MCHC and MCV in fish fed supplementation of these extracts (p>0. 05). Albumin showed a significant increase in fish fed 4g/kg Urtica dioica compare to control and other groups. Glucose, Cholesterol and triglyceride levels didn’ t show significant differences in fish fed extracts compare to control (p>0. 05). It appears that supplementation of diet with Urtica dioica could improve physiologic parameters in Carassius auratus.

Aflatoxins are commonly produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. These fungi can grow and produce toxin in prepared food or ingredients in temperature above 27° c and humidity level more than 16% conditions. The rainbow trout is the most sensitive animal to aflatoxins. The presence of aflatoxins in the rainbow trout's feed may cause decrease in the growth rate, immunosuppression, blood clotting disturbance, liver tumors incidence and several other harmful effects on this fish. In recent study we gathered 20 samples of pelleted rainbow trout's feed from 20 of Alborz province facilities in Autumn and total aflatoxin amounts of samples were measured by direct ELISA assay. The results showed the range of aflatoxin was between 1. 34 and 12. 4 ppb. The average level of total aflatoxin was reported 4. 65 ppb that was less than the standards. Mycobiota of pellet food samples were also evaluated and seven genera (Aspergillus, Mucor, Fusarium, Alternaria, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Absidia) were identified. Aspergillus was the most prevalent genus (46. 3%). Among the species of this genus A. flavus with 48. 2% and A. fumigatus 5. 3% were the most and the least frequent species. The frequency of A. niger was also 34% in 19 samples. In spite of low amount of aflatoxin and regarding to the isolated fungi from the food, there is a risk of fungal toxin production. Thus, storage conditions of food are so important for healthy food.

Today, various methods are used to keep up, maintain and enhance the shelf-life of fishery products, and in all of these ways, it attempts to bring the nutritional value of the finished product with the least quality loss. Among these methods, industrial smoke has a special place in advanced countries. In this research, the comparison of two hot industrial and cold smoky methods was investigated. For this purpose, for hot smoked fish, the fish were first dried at a gentle temperature (35° C) for 30 minutes in the industrial machine and then dried for 5 hours at the final temperature of 80° C was smoked and in cold smoker it was first dried at 27° C for 30 minutes and then smoked for 10 hours at a final temperature of 35° C. The treatments were kept at a refrigerated temperature at a temperature of 1 ± 3° C for a period of 30 days. Treatments in addition to zero time, at 10-day intervals for one month, were evaluated for chemical and amino acids profile changes after smoking. The results of statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the two treatments in terms of the amount of TBArs, volatile nitrogen (TVB-N), pH (P <0. 05(. Of the 14 amino acids measured in the three treatments of fresh fish, respectively, they were related to glutamic acid 0. 05). In general, data between fresh fish and smoked treatments were significantly different in some cases (P <0. 05). And the overall conclusion of this treatment (hot smoked) was the priority of In terms of usability and acceptance.

Sepia pharaonis and Trichiurus lepturus are two species target catch of Bottom Trawl. These two species because of the value of export and money are very important economically. This study Biomass and the mean Catch per Unit of Area (CPUA) Sepia pharaonis and Trichiurus lepturus of Bottom Trawl fisheryfrom Oman Sea (Sistan and Balochestan province coastal waters) were investigated. Data were collected in one research cruise by using R/V Ferdows-1 during September and October 2016. The study area was stratified into 5 strata (M to Q) and 4 Substratum covering the depths of 10-20, 20-30, 30-50 and 50-100 m in the Oman Sea. A total of 92 stations were randomly selected and the biomass and CPUA were estimated by swept area method. Result indicated that maximum and minimum the mean CPUA of Sepia pharaonis was 894. 0 Kg. nm-2 and 64. 1 Kg. nm-2 in the region M and Q respectively. Maximum and minimum the mean CPUA of Trichiurus lepturus was 2485. 3 Kg. nm-2 and 49. 9 Kg. nm-2 in the region N and Q respectively. Maximum and minimum biomass of Sepia pharaonis was estimated 240. 3 tons and 46. 6 ton in the region P and Q respectively. Maximum and minimum biomass of Trichiurus lepturus was estimated 899. 3 ton and 21. 7 tons in the region N and M respectively. Also maximum and minimum the mean CPUA and biomass of Sepia pharaonis and Trichiurus lepturus were obtained in depth of 50-100 m and 10-20 m respectively. Result this study is useful for management of these two species resources from of Oman Sea.

The percent study was carried out to determine the impact of Sturgeon pen culture activities on the water quality from August 2015 to July 2016 in Gorgan Gulf. The study was done at 3 pen culture sites in Ashoradeh Island, Bandar Tourkman. Sturgeons with averaged weight of 21. 00 ± 12. 28 kg /pen and 25. 00 ± 21. 66 Pieces /pen were taken from sea respectively. Total input feed were recorded during the experiment in this study. 5 sampling stations with 3 repetitions were selected which were in distance 0, 5, 25, 50 and 100 m from pen sites. Physico – chemical factors of water were evaluated. Results of season variations of Physico – chemical factors of water showed that, there were no significant differences between SD, Turbidity, Chol a and Cyano biomass, P and PO4-3 (p>0. 05). However, there were significant differences between BOD5, COD, TDS, NO2-, TAN and TDS (p<0. 05). At the sampling station far from the pen, TDS and Clα and biomass value was found to decrease and turbidity value was found to increase. The maximum amount of Chol a, BOD5, COD, NO2-and TAN were in the station which was 25 m far from the pen sites which showed a significant differences with the other stations (p<0. 05). The results also proved that feeding can cause increase, though not significant in P and PO4-3 values around the pen. However, there was significant difference between stations. These results indicate that the pen culture had maximum effect on water quality in distance 5 m far from the pen sites.

Optimization of standard methods of marine compounds leads to acquire chitin and chitosan with highest purity from chitinous wastes and shells with extensive use in pharmaceutical and industrial applications. In this research, Litopenaeus vannamei and Portunus pelagicus shells were used as wastes to extract these valuable compounds. For this reason, two extraction methods were applied for chitin. The first method was deproteinization with 10%NaOH, demineralization with 15% HCL, degreasing with 15% NaOH and decoloration with aceton. While, the second method carried out applying decoloration first with 3% sodium hypochlorite, demineralization by 1M HCL and then deproteinization with 1M NaOH. Chitosan was extracted by deacetylation of acquired chitin. Results indicated that the percentage of extracted chitin from shrimp and crab shells in first method were 75. 3% and 58% and in second method were 30. 26% and 37. 8%, respectively. Therefore, the first extraction method was selected for chitosan isolation. The amount of chitin found in claw and legs of the crab was (58% ± 0. 07) and segments of shrimp body was (81% ± 0. 12) which was higher than the amount of chitin in carapace shells (P <0. 05). The percentage of extracted chitosan from shrimp and crab shells were 29. 3% and 31. 02%, respectively. The degree of deacetylation of chitosan obtained from chitinous shells of two species in this research were 45% (Shrimp shells) and 52. 63% (crab shells), respectively. Use of waste chitinous shells of shrimp and crab species will be useful for both remediation of wastes from environment and increment the manufacture of economically important marine products.

he use of probiotics in aquaculture has shown that it can make more productive in the industry. With this purpose, in this study the effect of two bacterial species Bacillus subtilis and Pediococcus pentosaseus were examined as probiotics on growth, survival and biochemical composition of the carcass of vannamei post larvae (PL). Hence, three treatments, each with three replicates were included Bacillus treatment (B), Pediococcus treatment (P) and integrated treatment of Bacillus and Pediococcus (BP) through the enrichment of Artemia consumed by larval shrimp vannamei from the Mysis III to the PL15. Unenriched Artemia with probiotics was used to feed larvae in control treatment. At the end, growth and survival indices demonstrated an increasing significantly (P <0. 05) procedure in consumption of probiotics and the greatest effect was also found in integrated treatment. The effects of probiotic consumption on biochemical carcass factors were showed no significant differences between different treatments. Finally, based on obtained finding of this study, described bacteria could be effective on improving growth and production efficiency of vannamei PL, but no effect on biochemical body factors.

The radula has been used as an important instrument in the systematic studies of gastropods. Aim of the present study was differential identification of the Trochidae and Turbinidae families of gastropods from the inter-tidal areas of Hurmoz Island by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sampling was done from six stations in inter-tidal areas of Hurmoz Island in spring 2015 (once). The samples were freeze and transferred to laboratory. After morphometric study, the organic matter of the samples were digested and their radula were isolated and prepared for SEM study. Four species were identified in this research including Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus (Trochidae), Turbo radiatus and Lunella coronata (Turbinidae). They existed in 3 stations. The types of radula were ripidoglossan in Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus and Lunella coronata and taenioglossan in Turbo radiatus. The shape of central, lateral and marginal teeth were different in ripidoglossan radula of in Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus and Lunella coronata. So, evaluation of radula by Scanning Electron Microscope could be an appropriate method for more exact identification of gastropods.

The molecular phylogeny of Vetigastropoda species have been studied based on mitochondrial genes, COI and 16S rRNA in the present work for the first time in the northern rocky coastal zones of Persian Gulf during years 2013 and 2014. After morphological identifications of species, DNA extraction, amplifying partial of cytochrome oxidase COI and 16S rRNA and sequencing procedure were done in the laboratory. In this study 9 COI and 5 16S rRNA sequencing belonging to 5 species were measured. Also, phylogeny analyses with drawing phylogeny trees of Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian were done using MEGA6, PAUP and BEAST softwares. The result showed that clade Vetigastropoda, include Trochidae, Chilodontidae, Turbinidae and Fissurellidae families, is not monophyletic, which is not as classic identification. So Trochidae and Chilodontidae are in seprated clade from Turbinidae and Fissurellidae clade᾽ s. This showed not monophyletic relation between this two group which represented difference between classic and molecular classification.

Earthworms widely used as biological indicators by many researchers to evaluate the risk of environmental pollutants. On the other hand, the existence of earthworm species in a region, as well as its sensitivity to a specific pollutant is different. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of lead on the morphology, biomass, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity as biomarkers in Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea caliginosa, Dendrobaena hortensis and Eisenia fetida earthworm species in order to determine more Inherent sensitive species to lead. In this study, acute toxicity test carry out according to: organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD) guideline number 207. TAC and LPo levels were assayed by ferric reducing antioxidant power and thiobarbituric acid methods, respectively. The severity of morphological and physiological symptoms such as elongation of the body, body constriction and segmental bulging, cuticle rupture, vesicle seminal constriction, were A. rosea> A. caliginosa > D. hortensis> E. fetida, respectively. Also the species of A. rosea exposed to different concentrations of lead has was more sensitive in stand of biomass loss, MDA and TAC levels. Therefor it seems A. rosea earthworm can be used as suitable biomarkers against to soil lead pollution.

To study the density and distribution of phytoplankton, sampling was conducted in 6 stage from April till March 2016. Phytoplankton samples horizontally and vertically from different depths (0, 5, 10 and 20 m) by harvesting water with Ruthner and bring to a volume of 10 liters, homogenize and finally picked it took a liter. Samples 4% formalin fixed and in the laboratory using 5 ml containers and inverted microscope were identified and counted. Investigate totally distinguished 35 genus in 6 Phylums among of genus, Bacillariophyta, Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta, Pyrophyta, Chrysophyta and Cyanophyta had 8 genus, 1 genus, 13 genus, 3 genus, 2 genus and 5 genus respectively. In this reservoir dam the Phylum of Bacillariophyta was dominant of Phytoplankton with 73. 8 % of population annually and genus Cyclotella, Navicula and Synedra were dominant samples. The Phylum of Chrysophyta has been located the second position with genus of Dinobryon and Synura and frequency 12. 2 %. Other of Phytoplankton phylums were least population such as Chlorophyta with genus of Scenedesmus, Cosmariumand Tetraedronwith frequency 8. 2 %. In all of the sampling months, mean of the most of Phytoplanktonic density belonged to Phylum of Bacillariophyta 69500449± 11456 number in liter that in the spring with an abundance of 25044064 ± 467892 showed the highest density per liter. Phytoplankton abundance of phylum in summer, autumn and winter seasons with a lot of density 17323830, 10786088 and 16346467 per liter respectively. The maximum abundance of phytoplankton in a station 1 (crest dam) with an abundance 7, 589, 932, station 3 (end lake) with a frequency of 6637800 and two station (the middle section lake) with a frequency of 5, 495, 732 per liter respectively. According to the tropic index and according to the degree of transparency, the phosphate, nitrogen and chlorophyll a values obtained from physical and chemical data, Karde reservoir located at the level of Meso-trophic lakes. According to non-parametric analysis Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney there were statically significant difference between Phytoplanktonic frequency in different stations and months (P<0. 05). The study also spring seasons showed significant differences with the other three seasons (P>0. 05).

Degradation of rivers and the associated loss of biodiversity reduces ecosystem health and water quality. One of the best practical approaches to understand ecological status of a water body and determine impacts of human activities in reducing water quality is the use of benthic macroinvertebrates as evaluation tools for monitoring their biological integrity and health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health of Zarin Gol River using SIGNAL index. Macroinvertebrate samples were taken using Surber sampler (an area of 900 cm2) with 3 replicates in 4 sampling sites (upstream, entrance of fish farm, forest area) in winter and spring seasons on Zarin Gol River. The total number of abundance of macroinvertebrate were counted 1971 belonging to 8 order, 19 families. The result showed that SIGNAL index among all stations are same and lies in quadrant a. but SIGNAL 2 score result indicates that station 3 lies in quadrant b. In general, based on the results of the distribution of macroinvertebrates and biotic index, the influence of these factors on Zarin Gol river is quite evidence and the stations that were affected by a variety of effluents (2, 4) had undesirable conditions in the studied river.

This study was carried out to investigate microbenthic diversity and seasonal variation in two sampling areas including estuary and river stations during 4 season in 2010. Sampling was done using Van Ven Grab in 3 replicates and the collected samples were fixed in 4% formaldehyde. The results showed that there are 12 benthic taxa families belonging to 9 orders in the river station, in which the most frequent family was Lumbriculidae (19. 39%), and Tubificidae has the lowest abundance (2. 07%). While the estuary station contained 12 families belonging to 10 orders. The following families had high abundance: Ampharetidae (21%), Lumbriculidae (11. 55%), Naididae (11. 32%) and Gammaridae (9. 98%). The highest and lowest abundance of macrobenthoses in the river station were observed in fall and in winter respectively, while in the estuary station the maximum and minimum were observed in spring and in winter. The maximum Shannon-Wiener index in the river were observed in the spring (2. 36) and in the estuary was in the summer (2. 13). The highest value of Simpson index in the river area was in the summer (0. 19) and in the estuary area in the spring. Results of Richness index showed that the highest amount in the river was observed in the spring, while the highest amount in the estuary was obtained in the autumn. It can be concluded that river station had higher density and diversity than estuary, indicating better ecological conditions.

The intertidal coral reefs are influenced by a composition of environmental parameters and biological components, which has a direct influence on communities associated with them. Hence, this study investigates the effects of some environmental parameters such as sea water factors and substrate compositions on distribution pattern of macrobenthos associated with the order Zoantharia on intertidal zone of Hormuz Island using diversity index variables and abundances data sets obtained over a period of 12 months between June 2015 and June 2016. For this purpose, line intercept transect method was performed to assess the abundances of zoanthid polyps and associated macrobenthos along 6 transects with 3 hard bottom types. The results of this study revealed significant differences in species evenness and species richness between T3 and T6 with other transects. The diversity indices of macrobenthos, tested with Bray-Curtis similarity index, was significantly homogeneous in all transects with the exception of T3 and T6, probably as a consequence of different substrate compositions in habitat heterogeneity. Pearson analysis results showed positive significant correlation among macrobenthos abundance and dissolved oxygen in all transects, so that the analysis of multiple linear regression showed this significant relationship in upper littoral zone of transects. In conclusion, substrate composition was the main factor limiting the spatial distributions of macrobenthos associated with zoanthids, although dissolved oxygen was also important. Also, the abundances data showed two distinct benthic communities and support the hypothesis that the distribution pattern of communities varies along the coastal area in a gradient from the upper to the lower portion of the intertidal zone.

This study has been done during nine month (2016-2017), with the purpose of recognition, classifying and coding coastal ecological environment of Boushehr port (central part) by using Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS), which is the newest model of ecological classifying. This study has been accomplished, based on library research, free investigation, seasonal sampling (for determination of the probable effects which are derived from climate changing), analysis of pictures which are sent through satellite, maps, site covering, and by using G. I. S. According to this model, 3 groups of information layers of CMECS model contain surface geology component (SC), Geoform Component (GC) and biotic cover component (BC). In regard to the extent of the case study and based on coastal geomorphologic features in 20 stations, 13 standard codes are recognized in the coastal area of Boushehr port. There is little of biodiversity in the coastal zone that resulting the expansion of industrial development centers and service units as human-made sectors, which has limited natural and untouched areas in the coastal zone. human-made sectors are supported effecting factors on animal and plant communities in coastal habitats of Bushehr port.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens acquired of hospital and community. The aim of this study is molecular typing SCCmec cassette chromosome genes in S. aureus strains resistant to methicillin. In this study 106 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were collected of hospitalized patients in the milad hospital. Antibiotic susceptility test was performed in 106 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus by oxacillin and cefoxitin by disk diffusion method according to CLSI protocol. Fifthy resistant strains were isolated. DNA Extenation of resistant strains were performed by boiling method, SCCmec genotype was determined by PCR and multiplex PCR. A total of 50(47. 15%) isolates of S. aureus were MRSA. PCR and typing showed that type I 11 (22%), type II 20 cases (40%), type III (28%), type IVa 7 (14%), type IVb 5 (10%), type IVc 12 ( 24%), type V 9 (18%) were observed and SCCmec type IVd was not observed in isolates. Different Sccmec type is related to the origine of strains isolation and differ in susceptibility to Antibiotics. In this study, type IVa was least Sccmectype and type III and type II were most common genotype in strains, which induce multi drug resistance in strains.

The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase and catalase as biomarkers of heavy metal contamination in pearl oyster Pinctada radiata and their mechanism in aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metals lead, cadmium and nickel were measured in soft tissue and studied stations in two seasons. Samples were collected seasonally in Lavan stations, Hendurabi and Nakhilo (in the northern Persian Gulf) from spring 2013 to winter of that year by scuba diving. Pearl oysters are divided according to their shells size; shells separated from soft tissues and were transferred to the laboratory for analysis of heavy metals and enzymes. Moopam standard method were used for measuring the concentration of heavy metals and for analyzing tissue concentrations of glutathione S-transferase in Clam the method recommended by Habig et al In 1974 were used. For measuring acetylcholinesterase Ellman method were used. Catalase contamination in pearl oyster in the supernatant obtained from the study based on the method homogeate soft tissue of mussels which Abeiwere evaluated. The concentration analysis of heavy metals nickel, cadmium and lead in the soft tissue ofPinctada radiata in all three stations, respectively 0. 12 ± 0. 58 and 1. 86 ± 0. 04 and 1. 94 ± 0. 30 in parts per millionThe, concentration of acetylcholinesterase at several stations, in large and small sizes and in the seasons had no significant difference. Variations of catalase, and glutathione S-transferase were almost similar to each other and parameters, station and seasons were significantly different in the concentrations of these enzymes. Seasonal changes in antioxidant enzymes related to (assuming a constant in salinity and oxygen) to age, reproductive cycle, and availability of food and water temperature. With increasing temperature at warm season, antioxidant enzymes were increase, with increasing temperature and abundance of food in the environment the amount of antioxidant enzymes may increase. The presence of the enzyme concentration may indicate that the higher levels of the enzyme to eliminate ROS activities to be any healthier situation. At the time of gonads maturation and spawning season catalase activity increases. This study also indicates that catalase was significantly higher in the warm season. Due to low pollutants of heavy metals in the study area, a lower level of contaminants were observed in shellfish tissue incidents of international standards and strong correlation between the amount of heavy metal contamination in pearl oyster tissue and enzymes was not observed, Therefore, we can say that the pearl oyster remains in a healthy condition and the amount of enzyme is normal.