JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
Year:2016 | Volume:8 | Issue:1|Papers Count:31

Habitat is an important component of biodiversity conservation. Understanding the habitat characteristics to achieve conservation programs is inevitable. The present study was carried out with an aim to identifying microhabitat ecological factors effecting habitat use of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper (Vipera ebneri) in Alborz Mountains. Sampling was carried out during spring and summer in 2012-2013. Ecological variables were measured in 31 presence and 33 absence plots of 12 ´ 12 m. Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that hillsides with dense vegetation cover and decimetric stones at the appropriate distance from water sources, are the most important variables in habitat suitability of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper in the area. The results of this study can fascilitate effective conservation of the remainig populations of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper through determining factors limiting the distribution of this species as well as identifying and protecting its critical habitats.

Leopard population has declined sharply during the past 100 years. Persian leopard (Panthera pardus), categorized as Endangered in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the largest felid in Iran following the extinct12 Persian lion (P. leo persica) and Caspian tiger (P. tigris virgata). In order to determine the diet and food habits of the Persian leopard in one of its most important habitat in central Iran, Bafgh protected Iran a two–year study (2012-2013) was conducted. The results of this study, which included analysis of 127 Leopard scats, showed that wild sheep (Capra aegagrus), with a frequency of occurrence of 73.23% is the major prey of the Persian leopard in Bafgh protected area, followed by wild sheep (Ovis orientalis), with a frequency of 20.47%. This study revealed that livestock (domestic goat and camel) fed by Persian leopard that can a serious threat for the Persian leopard in close future. Trophic niche breadth of Persian leopard in Bafgh protected area using Levin’s index 0.11 and Shannon-Winner 0.48 was calculated. Two factors that causes decline of trophic niche breadth of this species includes low density of potential prey and high food availability of wild goat.

Human activities and habitat fragmentation in protected areas and ecological sensitive regions can have negative impacts on wildlife populations. Khojir National Park is among one of the most sensitive national parks in Iran, and is affected by frequent and intense disturbances in a human-dominated landscape. In recent years, ecological restoration has been highly recommended to reduce the negative impacts of human disturbances on natural ecosystems. The main objective of this study was determining the required criteria and their relative importance to assessment the ecological priority area in Khojir National Park in order to the conservation of biodiversity. For this purpose, after intensive literature review, and field visit, the most important criteria were identified and using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), problem solving structure was formed, and then the database contains criteria layers was prepared. The criteria were divided into two main groups including 1) biophysical criteria, and 2) disturbances, and then criteria importance was obtained with poll from experts. The data analysis have been done by Expert Choice software. The results showed that disturbance criteria with 0.712 weight is more important comparing biophysical criteria for determining priority areas for ecological restoration and conservation planning in the study area.

Improving immunity system is crucial in preventing losses and higher production yield. There are several approaches to develop immunity system and a lot of investigations have been carried out in field. In this investigation, antibody titre against sheep red cells (SRBC) was predicted using data on the number of blood cells such as heterophile, lymphocyte, basophile, monocyte and eaosinophile from 196 Japanese quail (98 female and 98 male) in Research Center of Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources. 0.5 ml of SRBC (5%) solution was intramuscularly injected in the 28thday of growth. And in the 35th day blood sample was collected from cervical vein to count blood cells and antibody titre against SRBC. Antibody titre was conducted by haemaglutination method in order to study the correlation between the predicted antibody titre and the measured antibody titre. Nearly 0.1 ml blood was spreaded on lam which was fixed with methanol (99.5%) in air, and then was stained by gimsa followed by rinsing. Based on the results, a significant increase was observed in ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte in females compared to males (P < 0.05). Estimation of total antibody, titre of resistant antibody to mercaptoethanol (IgG) and titre of sensitive antibody to mercaptoethanol (IgM) was conducted by multiple linear regression based on the number of blood cells in male and female quails. Besides, correlation between the estimated and measured for different types of antibody titres in two genders was positive and significant (P<0.05).

The possible risks of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for human body are a growing concern for our society. In the modern world, the increase of using cell phones is remarkable in all generations especially young people. There is tremendous concern regarding the possible adverse effects of cell phone microwaves. In the present study, the effect of cell phone microwaves (950MHz and 915MHz) on Histology of Testis and Prostate in male Rat. This experimental study was performed on 21 adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g). The animals were randomly assigned to three groups (n=7): i. control, ii. two-week exposure to cell phone-950 MHz simulated waves, iii. two-week exposure to cell phone-915MHz simulated waves, the weight of the rats and testicular in all of the groups were investigated and diameter of seminiferous tubules (STD) and epithelium and tunica albuginea thickness were measured, and evaluation of spermatogenesis in testicular tissue was investigated, and thickness of epithelial secretory ducts of prostate was investigated. The results indicated that, there was not significant difference between the weight of rats and testicular in different groups, and seminiferus tubuls thickness and epithelium and tunica alboginea thickness in the experimental groups had significant decrease. More seminiferous tubules at 950 MHz compared to the control group showed no differentiation index. (p<0.05) comparison with control group.and thickness of epithelium of prostate urethra in experimental groups had significant decrease (p<0.05) in comparison with control group. Above findings indicated that cell phone radiation (950 MHZ and 915MHz) are able to the decrease of the weight of the prostate and it can decrease the thickness of the seminiferus tubuls, thickness of epithelium and tunica albugine in the testicular tissue, and it can also decrease the epithelial secretory duct thickness of prostate.

There is a close relationship between metabolism and hypothalamic- pituitary- gonadal axis (HPG) and most of the peptides or hormones involved in the controlling of metabolism play an important role in regulating reproductive axis activity. Galanin is a peptide which expressed in the hypothalamic nuclei and have been implicated in the control of feeding, cognitive performance, mood and reproduction. In the present study, central injection of galanin was investigated on amount of bLHmRNA expression in pituitary, mean serum LH and testosterone concentrations in rats. Twenty five male Wistar rats in 5 groups (n=5 in each group) received saline, galanin (.63nmol), galanin (1nmol), galantid (1nmol), galanin+galantid via third cerebral injection at 07:00 - 08:00. Blood samples were collected at 30and 60 min following injections. Four hours after injection the pituitary gland was removed and amount of LHmRNA expression measured by quantitative PCR. Serum LH and testosterone concentrations were measured by using rat kit and the method of the radio-immunoassay (RIA). Galanin injection significantly (p<0.05) increased mean serum LH and testosterone concentrations compared to saline. Co- administration of galanin/galantid did not significantly increase mean serum LH and testosterone concentrations compared to saline or galantid. Galanin increased amount of bLHmRNA expression significantly compared to saline. Co-administration of galanin/galantid did not significantly increase amount of bLHmRNA expression compared to saline or galantid. Galanin play an important role in the hormonal control of hypothalamus- pituitary- gonadal axis. Galanin may control pituitary LH secretion and expression via direct and indirect mechanisms.

Based on recent reports the benefits of wheat germ oil have been attributed to high vitamin E and antioxidant properties. This study was performed to evaluate the effect on breeding factors in a PCOS female NMRI mice model.36 female mice with normal estrous cycles were divided into four groups: 1-control, 2-sham, 3-PCO, 4-PCT.To develop PCOS Estradiol valerate was administrated (0.2mg/kg/bw) by subcutaneous injection to the PCO and PCT groups. Sham and PCT received 0.2mg/kg/bw wheat germ oil orally by gavage for 63 days. At the end of experiment 60±3 and blood was collected by heart puncture for evaluation Serum levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone were determined by ELISA. The ovaries were removed and the tissue sections were examined by microscopy. Significant increase in estrogen and progesterone decrease in the PCOS group (p<0.05). Progesterone in sham groups and ovarian weight in PCOS group was significantly increased (p<0.05), in PCOS treated with wheat germ oil (PCT) reduced. A significant decrease and increase found in the rate of cystic follicles, corpus luteum and graph PCT in comparison with PCOS group (p<0.05).

This study was undertaken with the aim of morphological comparison among deepwater goby, Ponticola bathybius populationsin the southern Caspian Sea. A total of 185 specimens were captured from Bandar-e-Anzali (64 specimens), Salmanshahr (61 specimens) and Miankaleh (60 specimens) using a long beach seine from March to April 2014. 17 landmarks were marked on the left side of body and then 135 interlandmark distances were analyzed using truss-based morphometric method. Also, nine meristic features were counted. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) on morphometric data showed separation among Bandar-e-Anzali, Salmanshahr and Miankaleh population groups (P< 0.05), as in assignment tests using a jack-knifing method, the average proportions of correct assignments were 68%. Non parametric multivariate analysis of Variance MANOVA analysis of the meristic data revealed that there was a statistically significant difference among three population groups (P< 0.001). The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) revealed discreteness between Miankaleh population samples than the two other population samples.

Cinnamon is a plant with a scientific name of Cinnamoum zeylanicum belongs to Lauraceae family. The herb has many curative effects important of which is the libido increase. The study aimed to evaluate the hydro-alcoholic effect of cinnamon extract on histomorphometric changes of testis and gonadal-pituitary hormonal axis in mice. Thirty Balb/C mice weighing 25-30 gr were divided into control and cinnamon treatment groups. Treatment group: the experimental mice of this group received 50 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of cinnamon intraperitoneally for one month. Control group: the mice of this group received physiology serum injection with a similar dosage. The testis weight, testis capsule thickness, the number of spermatocytes, Leydig cells, increased seminiferous tubule diameter, and gonadal-pituitary hormone levels were measured in different groups. The results were explained as Mean±SEM and the statistical T-Test was used to analyze the data of the two groups. Hydro-alcoholic extract of cinnamon caused significant the increase of FSH, LH, and Testosterone(p<0.05). Other obtained included increased of Leydig cells in the mice of the treatment group. Therefore, it can be concluded that the extract good stimulus for spermatogenesis.

The aim of current study was to investigate the nucleotide sequence of seven tRNA genes in mitochondrial gene of Khorasan’s native chicken and identification of possible mutations in it. For performing it, this part of the gene was cloned using the specific amplification initiators and cloned in the plasmid pTG19-T vector in DH5α strain of E-Coli after the sampling and extracting the DNA from whole blood. Finally, the recombinant plasmid was extracted from a recombinant colony and the sequence of it was identified after the purification. The results of the nucleotide blast of this peer showed 100 percent similarity to the same nucleotide sequences of the Gallus Gallus domesticus with access number x52392. In addition to that, it was revealed that Khorasan’s native chicken shows a similarity of 99 percent to the other chicken breeds in nucleotide sequences of these seven genes. Also, no nucleotide mutation was observed while sequence comparison of the produced fragments to the similar sequence of Gallus Gallus. The order of tRNA genes in the sequence studied fragment was entirely identical to the mitochondrial genetic sequence of the Gallus Gallus and it was as follows: tRNATrp, tRNAAla, tRNAAsn, tRNACys, tRNATyr, COX1 gene, tRNASer, and tRNAAsp, and COX2 gene.

In this study, fauna and population dynamics of Pseudo scorpions and Isopods in Semeskandeh forest (as Hyrcanian forest) soil was studied during one year in different seasons. For these reasons, samples from leaf litter (OL, F, H), the 0-3 cm and 3-6 cm of soil layer (Ah) were assessed in 2 month intervals during 1 year sampling (2012-2013). For Pseuodoscorpions fauna totally, 2 genus and 4 species belonging 2 families and 3 class were collected and identified. Also for Isopoda fauna totally, 2 genus and 2 species belonging 2 were collected and identified. Abundance of these Arthropods was highest in leaf litter in autumn and the lowest in deepest layer of soil in spring. Density of these Arthropods was highest in leaf litter in autumn and the lowest in deepest layer of soil in April and December.

Seven Iranian commercial silkworm hybrids and four non-Iranian imported commercial hybrids were hatched and reared during the spring 2013 in farms of Iran Silkworm Rearing Corporation, Iran Silkworm Research Center, and elected Langroodian farmers. All stages of rearing were conducted under supervision and inspection of experts and technicians of Iran Silkworm Rearing Corporation, and Iran Silkworm Research Center. After finishing of rearing stages, the produced cocoons was collected and recorded for productive traits and the obtained data were analysed and compared. From statistical analysis it is showed that the effect of hybrid was significant at all rearing sites, indicating different performance of hybrids various sites. For produced cocoon weight of ten thousand larvae at all sites, non-Iranian hybrid Baiyue Qiufeng had th higest performance, and the Iranian hybrid 103´104 had the lowest pewrformance (P<0.01). Statistical difference of the other non-Iranian and Iranian hybrids was not significant (P>0.05). For cocoon shell percentage trait, hybrids 32´31, 31´32, 103´104, and 104´103 had the highest performance respectively (P<0.05). Also all non-Iranian hybrids except Haoyue Jinysong had lower cocoon shell ratio than Iranian hybrids (P<0.05). For good cocoon percentage, all non-Iranian hybrids had higher performance than Iranian hybrids except 31´32, and 32´31 (P<0.01). Hybrids Haoyue Jinysong and 31´32 had the largest cocoon, and hybrids 32´31, Qiufeng Baiyue, and 4532.Xianghui 932.Furong had the smallest cocoon (P<0.01).

This survey was conducted to study the relationship between total length of Capoeta gracilis (with selection of two length ranges, including TL>11cm and TLC. gracilis were different in Taleghan River. The results also revealed that the length class with total length of more than 11 cm selects habitats with higher elevation (p<0.05), greater river width (p<0.01), higher water velocity (p<0.01), regions with larger bed stones (p<0.01) and lower temperature (p<0.01). The selected habitats of length class with total length less than 11 cm are area with lower elevation (p<0.05), less river width (p<0.01), lower water velocity (p<0.01) and higher temperature (p<0.01). Presence of proper habitat conditions in Taleghan River has been resulted in an excellent habitat for different age groups of C. gracilis.

Neogastropoda is one of Caenogastropoda’s orders belongs to Gastropoda class. There are some families of this clade in the Persian Gulf. The phelogeny and divergence time of them have been studied for the first 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 7 COI and 3 16S sequencing belonging to 4 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. Results showed that the members of Neogastropods in the Persian Gulf have been divergent in middle Eocene, So that their common ancestor astimatedin about 47 million years ago. In addition Neogastropoda is a monophyletic clade.

Fish fossils of the Alborz (central) and the Zagros (central and southern) region, and some of the central plato from Iran has been collected, with the aim of identification and systematic revise and defining the period of the fossilized typology (Taphonomy) and paleontology was used. Fossil samples were including bone plates, teeth, skeleton (skull, spine) and fish scales into four categories Placoderms, Chondrichthyans, Osteichthyans and Acanthodians were identified and coded. Of the 125 fossil specimens, 37 species belonging to 21 families were identified which samples belonging to three families Gonostomatidae, Clupeidae and Dussumieriidae have the highest abundance of fossilized fish. The main distribution areas were in the central Zagros region. All samples of marine fossils from in sedimentary formations and limestone of Zagros had been found. The oldest examples were of the Mesozoic period, 250-200 million years old of Bangestan formation, and the youngest samples of the Tertiary Period, dating back 5.2 million years old of Makran formation.

Application of plant protein resource rather than animal protein in fish diet can help to suppress the feed costs and to eliminate the limitation of animal protein availability. However, the effect of plant protein should be investigated on fish to determine any effect on whole physiology. The effect of dietary taurine and methionine was investigated in Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fed high plant (soybean meal, wheat gluten) diets. Two separate experiments were conducted. In the experiment 1, the fish were fed diets with constant methionine but 0.05-1.6 % taurine levels. In the experiment 2, the fish were fed with diets containing different methionine (optimal and sub-optimal) and taurine (low and high) levels. After six week feeding, serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin and globulin levels were determined. The results showed that taurine caused decrease in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the fish. Also, shortage of either taurine or methionine resulted in increase in serum glucose. There was a significant effect of taurine and methionine on serum total protein, albumin and globulin levels (P<0.05). It is concluded that taurine and methionine had interaction effect on serum biochemical characteristics in Persian sturgeon. The possible mechanisms involving in the observed changes were discussed.

Penaeidae family is one of important index of shrimp stores in the Persian Gulf that has been studied the larva stores and fishing effort (SPUE) between 2012-14, also studied maximum of sustainable production (MSY) and the index of maximum of real withdrawal (MCY) on twelve years ago in the northwest casts of Persian Gulf. According to this the most abundant species that identified from penaeid larva are consist of Prapenaeopsis stylifera 1806 number and lowest number of Penaeus is P. semisulcatus (green tiger shrimp) consist of 181 number of total samples that be taken that average of larval density in 10 m² observed 250 number in surface unit in during the year, on the other hand by obtaining the average index of fishing effort in terms of kilograms per hour (Kg/h) 5.57 and the average of the maximum real withdrawal with KADIMA order in the last twelve years (1637.99 ton per year) and it’s comparison with capture average (1560.17 ton per year) in during mentioned period despite the harmony between averages of this two index, still decrease of liner trend of capture was observed with coefficient 0.87 because of lack of normal distribution during the last twelve years (P<0.01).

The vital role of polychaete Perinereis nuntia in Penaeid shrimp sexual maturation shows the Importance of biotechniques and economical culture of this species in aquaculture. In the present study, the effect of four different salinity treatments, 0, 10, 20 and 35 ppt on growth and survival rate of Perinereis nuntia was examined in a three months experimental period. A number of 480 polychaetes with average initial weight of 0.409 ± 0.020 g were cultured with Enteromorpha green algae Ulva (Enteromorpha) flexuosa diets for 12 weeks. The results indicated significant effect of water salinity on final weight and survival rate of P. nuntia. Final weight and survival rate of polychaetes cultured at 20 and 35 ppt, were significantly higher than polychaetes cultured at 10 ppt (P<0.05). All polychaetes cultured at 0 ppt (fresh water) died. The results of the present study showed that P. nuntia has the optimal growth and survival rate at 20 and 30 ppt. therefore, depending on the condition of hatcheries and availability of sea water, its recommended that cultured at 20-30 ppt this species.

Gahar Lake is located in the center of the protected area of Oshtorankooh in Lorestan province. This lake is a unique high-mountain lake "Paternoster or Lord's Prayer" with two water body connected by a stream. There is not any research and published study about limnology, biology and taxonomic composition of its organisms. This study is the first one and a part of a complete investigation on planktonic community and trophic status of GaharLake. SmallGaharLake is a shallow water body and submerged macrophytes have covered entire the lake. So this study was conducted to introduce cladoceran species composition of small macrophyte dominant lake. Zooplankton assemblage was sampled from open waters and near macrophytes using a 30 micron net, filtering 100 liter water, during a period of 1 year from Ordibehesht 1389 to Ordibehesht 1390 (except 3 months of ice period) The Cladoceran taxa composition of small Gahar Lake revealed 14 species. These species belong to 2 families and 6 genera including: Simocephalus expinosus var.? Simocephalus expinosus, Simocephalus vetulus, Chydorus sphaericus, Chydorus faviformis, Chydorus latus Ceriodaphnia reticulata, Alona quadrangularis Alona affinis, Alona gutata, Alonella diaphana, Alonella sp., Scapholeberis kingi, and Pleuroxus hamulatus.

Aeromonas hydrophila, a mobile gram-negative bacteria, is widely considered as an opportunistic and zoonotic bacteria of warm-water fish pathogens. The high incidence of fish mortalities, economic losses, and bacterial resistance have highlighted the need to develop new strategies such as vaccination for prevention and treatment against A. hydrophila. In regards to recent studies, OmpTS a virulence factor located in outer membrane of A. hydrophila. Due to importance of bacterial septicemia, molecular and stractural bioinformatic study of OmpTS to immunization of fish is neccessary. In this study, A. hydrophila isolated from the kidney of infectious Acipenser persicus were examined by biochemical tests e.g. Oxidase, Catalase, TSI, SIM, Asculin, Nitrate and Sugar tests. Dedicated primers were designed based on OmpTS gene, then PCR products were used for DNA sequencing. Finally, the phylogenetic tree and protein structures (first, second and third) were prepared for further information about structure and characteristic of OmpTS. Biochemical tests and DNA sequencing confirmed A. hydrophila isolated from the kidney of infectious Acipenser persicus. Based on phylogenetic tree reports, OmpTS of A. hydrophilasis more similar to A. aquariorum and lessto A. diversa. Structural analysis of OmpTS indicated its stability under laboratory handling conditions. In addition, active sites of OmpTS was attributed to the sequence between 102-340 amino acids. Adequate preventive measures in order to avoid the serious consequences of water infections especially with gram-negative bacteria should be employed in Aquaculture industry. On the other hand there are no bioinformatic data on the OmpTS. Our results demonstrated that OmpTS gene can be potentiated to immunization of fish against A. hydrophila infection.

A feeding trial with three protein levels (35, 40 and 45%) and three lipid levels (5, 10 and 15%) was conducted to evaluate the optimum protein and lipid ratio of Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense). According to this research, 405 prawns, with mean (± SD) weight of 1.40 ± 0.04 g were distributed in 27 glass aquaria and were fed four times daily. Results showed that interaction between protein and lipid significantly affect on all of the growth indices (p<0.05). Prawns fed the diet containing 45% protein and 5% lipid showed the highest growth rate, protein and lipid efficiency ratio and protein and lipid productive value and the lowest feed conversion ratio. Increasing dietary protein levels reduced body moisture and protein content increased but had no significant effect on lipid percent (p>0.05). The results of this research showed that Oriental River Prawn shows the best performance at level of 45% protein and 5% lipid.

Level of shrimp culture technology which called culture system, related to density of larvae in pond (stocking density), the investment capacity of farmer and shrimp production. Hence the system chosen according to production capicity, the volume of investment required, return on investment and profitability factors will be important. The aim of the present study was to compre of extensive and semi-intensive farming of L. vannamei in terms of growth, survival, specific growth rate and production in the period of 110 days (period culture), with approach of technical and economic aspects. In this study, shrimp post larve a (PL12) stocked with density of 10 and 30 PL /m2, respectively, in extensive and semi-intensive ponds. In extensive system, shrimp feeding was based on fertilization and natural production of pond (live food) and in semi-intensive pond based on formulated diet. Average length, weight, survival rate, specific growth rate and yield in the extensive system was 96.3 (mm), 7.33 (gr), 65.53%, 4.99, 560 (kg/ha) and in semi-intensive, 129 (mm), 1.53 (gr), 87.23%, 5.56, 4082 (kg/ha), respectively. the results of this research showed that off measured factors have higher value in semi-intensive culture than extensive method and in Comparision between tow systems, T-test showed significant difference (P<0.05).

The main goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of dietary herbal appetizer(produced by Gomes Company) on the growth performance of growth out common carp. This project was conducted at Caspian Sea research institute of ecology from 2013 to 2014. Totally 186 common carps with an average weight of 126.3 g were randomly distributed to 9 fiberglass tanks with area and depth of 16m2 and of 0.6 m. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and the fish were fed by three different diets as follows: 1. Commercial pellet contained no herbal additive (control diet) 2. Commercial pellet contained 1% herbal appetizer and 3. Commercial pellet contained 2% herbal appetizer. The results showed that common carp weight gains for diet 1, 2 and 3 were 51.6, 49.3 and 57.6g respectively. The estimated growth rate was 39.03g for control diet, 40.03g for 1% inclusion of the additive and 48.65g for 2% inclusion of the additive. Results also showed that inclusion of the additive did not change statistically average final weight (p>0.05). A larger weight gain was observed at 2% additive inclusion although this was not statistically different with other treatments (p<0.05). In conclusion, with regard to the observed results, herbal appetizer administration cannot improve growth, feed conversion rate and weight gain in common carps.

Enzymes can eliminate the effects of antinutritional factors and to improve fish growth performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilizing Kemin multi-enzyme in the diet and its effects on growth factors and some biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications and multi-enzyme (Kemin®, Herentals, Belgium) at 5 levels of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg per kg of food, was added to the diet and given the experimental diets to fishes for 8 weeks and growth factors, Weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), Weight growth percent (WGP), Condition factor (CF) and Protein efficiency ratio (PER) were studied. Blood biochemical factors albumin, calcium, glucose and total protein were measured and evaluated. Different treatments of (CF) were not significantly different from each other (P> 0.05), But (WG), (SGR) and (FCR), the enzyme levels of 500, 750 and 1000 (mg / kg) were significantly different from control group (P <0.05). Calcium in enzyme levels of 500 (mg / kg) was significantly different from control group (P <0.05), but total protein, albumin, and glucose were not significantly different between enzyme levels (P> 0.05).

The aim of this study was to investigate effect of Garlic extract and Echinacea extract on some non-specific immune responses in Rainbow Trout. For this purpose, 1050 pieces of fish with mean weight 47±5 g, the randomly to 7 treatments separated were divided as follows: First treatment (control), second treatment (0.5% Garlic extract), third treatment (1% Garlic extract), fourth treatments (0.5% Echinacea extract), fifth treatment (1% Echinacea extract), sixth treatment (0.5% Garlic extract + 0.5% Echinacea extract), and seventh treatment (1% Garlic extract + 1% Echinacea extract). The fishes were fed for 30 days to arrange the treatments and were given for 15 days only commercial food. The results showed that lysozyme activity on 15th and 30th days in third and seventh treatments significantly (P<0.05) was higher than the control treatment, but this difference was not significant at 45th day. In terms of Complement activity on 15th and 30th days in third and seventh treatments significantly were higher than other treatments, and at 45th day third treatment had a significant difference with other treatments except sixth treatment (P<0.05). In terms of Total Serum Immunoglobulin levels at 15th day of third treatment was a significant difference with other treatments except seventh treatment, at 30th day, third and seventh treatments had significant difference with other treatments (P<0.05). Also at 45th day, third treatment had a difference with other treatments except sixth treatment (P<0.05). So the, can be concluded that use of Garlic and Echinacea extract improves immune response in Rainbow Trout.

The commercial probiotic (Bactocell) in aquaculture were permitted and registered in 2009 in Europe. The probiotic with beneficial changes in the intestinal microbial population and lactic acid production leades to improved growth and survival of fish and shrimp production. In this study, the influence of, Pediococcus acidilactici, supplementation was investigated on growth parameters and food efficiency in rainbow trout. All experiments were triplicated and designed in three different administrations of probiotic to the diet in order to study the comparative effects of three different doses Bactocell probiotics on some rainbow trout growth factors during 4 week in experimental treatments : In the first group, 1 g Probiotic Bactocell was added to 10 kg fish food. In the second group, 2 g probiotic Bactocell was supplemented to 10 kg food. In the third group, 3 g probiotics Bactocell was added to 10 kg ration and in control group, concentrate food with no probiotic-supplemented was used. Initial fish weight was 400 g. Based on results, FCR rate of all treatments, respectively (0.84, 0.78, 0.82 and 1.47) obtained with no significant difference (P>0.05).The specific growth factor (SGR) of probiotic treated groups were 1.4, 1.5 and 1.4 respectively and significantly different (P<0.05) from that of control group (0.96,the lowest amount). Finaly, mean fish total length in all groups wasn’t significantly different (P> 0.05). The results indicate that dietary probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici to 2 g per 10 kg of diet has positive effects on the growth of rainbow trout.

Investigated the effects of beet (as a source of plant pigment) on rainbow trout skin discoloration experiment in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates were performed. For this purpose, 240 fish (20 pieces per experimental unit) were reared for 45 days under standard conditions. Experimental groups included a control treatment (no beets) and nutritional treatments with 5%, 10% and 15% were beets. For measuring changes in skin color on the 45th day in Experiment, 2 pieces of fish from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. After a side cut on the part of the body with the skin and also making cold for 24 hours, based on three criteria colorimetric parameters L * (brightness), a * (redness) and b * (yellowness) colorimetric device 400-MINOLTA CR were evaluated. Results were shown significant differences between experimental groups, there were no effects on the skin and flesh color (P>0.05). Although numerically the highest rates of red meat and skin index was for 10% beet group and the highest value of yellow and brightness index was for no beets group. Although by calculation DE (the deviation of color) in the skin, the results were shown that 10% beet group had more significant differences than the other groups (P <0.05). And also there was a significant difference (P <0.05) in the flesh which was in P-value level (probability level).

The present study has been carried out for the purpose of effects of different levels of dietary lipid levels on liver enzymes and blood hematological and biochemical parameters in juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser bearii) for 12 weeks. For this reason 120 juvenile Siberian sturgeon (15.6 ± 0.33g, mean ± SD) were distributed to 12 tanks, each containing 10 fishes. Four experimental diets with the same protein (45 %) and 4 fat levels 10, 15, 20 and 25 percent (as low, optimum, high and high level) was formulated. They were fed three times daily. During the breeding period, fish fed diets containing 15% fat had better blood (RBC, WBC and Hb), biochemical (glucose and lysozyme) and liver enzymes parameters (GOT and GPT) significantly in comparison with fish fed with 20 & 25% lipid. Based on the results of this study we can say that increased levels of fat in the diets of juvenile Siberian sturgeon up to 15 percent, improved biochemical and blood hematological parameters.

Florfenicol is used in aquaculture to treat bacterial infections. In this study, effect of florfenicol on some hematological and biochemical parameters was investigated. One hundred eighty healthy common carp with 50±10 g average weigh were divided at 3 groups (bath, oral, control). Bath and oral groups received 5 mg/l and 10 mg/kg of drug respectively, for 10 consecutive days and control group don’t receive any drug. Then, blood samples for hematological and biochemical estimation were collected at 1, 7 and 14 days after experimental period. Results showed that treatment of fish with bath and oral florfenicol administration for 10 days, significantly depressed hemoglobin, erythrocyte counts, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration compared with control group (p<0.05). The mean corpuscular volume and activity of AST, ALT and ALP enzymes were enhanced significantly with respect to the control group (p<0.05). According to the results of this research, it seems that the ten day period of florfenicol administration in common carp can decrease most of hematological parameters and increase activity of serum enzymes.