JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
Year:2018 | Volume:10 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:50

Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) is an endangered species that it’s population and distribution have decreased during last decades. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approach that there is in MaxEnt software were used to and MaxEnt software for habitat suitability modeling of this species. Information layers were determined as the affecting variables on this species include the slope, aspect, elevation, forms of topography, vegetation, water resources, human development variables (villages and roads) and prey density. Results showed that 21.5 percent of this Protected Area were suitable for Leopard. Based on habitat suitability map, Persian Leopard preferred elevation range of 1400 to 2200 meters above sea level and 10 to 70 percent of slop. Furthermore variables of prey density, water sources (springs), uninhabited villages and mountainous areas are also important factors in the presence of this species. Results of model evaluation using the area under the curve (ROC=0.982) showed that prediction of this model are much better than random condition. Leopard integrated suitable habitats, is in two regions of Orsestan and Panj Derakht that located mostly in Corn zone of this research area. The most suggestions of this research were 1) preventing of Gazoueie road establish in the core zone and suitable habitats of Leopard, and, 2) determining of corridors and movement routs of the species outside of the protected area in future studies.

Planning for the protection of wildlife species without knowledge of the ecological requirements of these species and their interaction with the habitat is not possible. Habitat suitability models today have many applications in ecology studies using GIS and statistical software release with linking environmental variables. Gazella has been classified as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List.In this study, the presence points of species used as a dependent variable and eight environment variable used as an independent variables such as maps elevation, slope map, map directions, map location villages, map road asphalt and dirt, map location stations rangers, maps of water and Streams. So these layers were prepared and analyzed. Based on the amount of specialization, the most important factors affecting the ecological niche of study slope, distance from the road and distance from the rangers stations. Gazella habitat suitability maps prepared in this study to show such a favorable habitat for Gazella has been very limited in Golestan National Park.

Wildcat Felis silvestris, is one of the 8 members of felids in Iran which is distributed widely across the country and is observed all over the country except forests located in north slopes of Alborz Mountains. As there is little information about the status of the wildcat and its habitat, distribution modelling of the species across the country was performed using maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt), which is a modelling method, based on only-presence data. Potential distribution map of wildcat and factors affecting distribution of the species were obtained using 144 occurrence records along with 10 eco-geographical variables. Performance of the model was tested by the area under the curve (ROC). The value of AUC=0.816 for training data revealed that the model has a good possibility for producing potential habitats of Wild Cat in the country. In addition, results of Jack Knife's analysis, land- use, slope and dem out of 10 variables were identified as important factors affecting wildcat distribution in Iranian plateau. Response curve of wildcat to land-use variation showed farms, arid places and desert limit Wild Cat presence in different landscape in present study furthermore Model indicated northern slopes of Alborz Mountains are potentially suitable for wildcat distribution. Based on results of present study, systematic habitat study in order to finding environmental requirements for Wild Cat, additionally conservation planning for wildcat populations in designated regions by the model particularly protected areas away from human settlements is highly recommended.

The aim of this research is to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) of local communities in Hormozgan province for the protection of endangered large mammal’s species in Geno protected area and biosphere reserve. In this study, 150 local people in hormozgan province were near the Geno biosphere reserve and protected are as a natural habitat of wildlife, chosen via the simple random sampling and interviews face to face. A questionnaire comprising items about the people’s demographics as well as their willingness to pay for protection of large mammal’s species. Subsequently, analysis of gathering data was carried out with applying a Logit model under maximum likelihood procedure by using SPSS (version 21) and Eviews (8) Software. Result showed that, 78 percent of the local people had positive willingness to pay for protection of large mammal’s species. The average payment of WTP for the monthly and annual protection value of large mammal’s species was estimated 53416.97 RLs (1.65 $) and 641003.7 RLs (19.8 $) respectively. Furthermore, the result showed that the literacy level, membership in environmental organization, species recognize and bid have statistical significant effects on willingness to pay for financial supports of large mammal’s species protection in Geno biosphere reserve.

By changing habitat structure, their composition and configuration are changed and habitat loss and fragmentation occure. Acording to Patch-Matrix-Corridor Model, source patches, matrix and permeability of matrix for connectivity between patches are the strategic components of habitat that if they maintain, sustainability of habitat will be maintained. The aim of this study was monitorig the changes of strastegic components of protected areas as important habitats. For this purpose, Lisar Protected Area and the species of red deer is selected. In this study habitat suitability layer was considered as the foundation for defining the habitat patches and resistance surface was considred as the foundation of landscape connectivity and functional connectivity. With combining habitat suitability layer, resistanc surface, functional connectivity network and analysis of their temoral changes, the state of strategic elements of the landscape including the habitat patches, the permeability of the matrix, functional connctivity network and their impacts including habitat loss and fragmentation were analyze. The findings indicate that reduction of 36% of suitabe habitat (rating equal to or higher than 50) and reduction of 30-40% of landscape permeability reduced 35 percent of the habitat area. This study confirmed the fact that by measuring the resistance of land cover, potential of permeability of the landscap can be quantified and with intruducing landscape permeability index, the permeability of the landscape of Lisar protected area and Caspian red deer habitat was examined.

In order to improve and maximize biodiversity due to time restrictions, finance resource limitations to protect all habitats, species, and also due to people increasing concerns about biodiversity decline, it’s required that before any protective action, basic programs, management programs, political decision making, a rapid assessment and priority assigned about habitats and species threat. This research aims to assess biodiversity threats in Jajrood protection complex, provide threatened status delineation as cellular-network in the area. In order to analyze biodiversity threatened fast evaluation in Jajrood protected area, initially biodiversity’s threats rapid assessment criteria and sub-criteria identified through reviewing various resources, then sub-criteria presence in the area was studied and 47 biodiversity threaten Sub-criteria identified in two fields of ecology and social economy. Then the most important sub-criteria were selected through using TOPSIS method. Sub-criteria selected through quantification-based indices were studied in order to classify biodiversity threatened status in studied area. Finally, biodiversity threatened status classified as cellular-network in Jajrood protected area in five critical classification: high threatened or endanger, mild threatened or vulnerable, low threatened or very low threatened. Based on the results, 39.46% of area was in critical zone, 59.83% in too much threaten, 0.12% in vulnerable zone and only 0.59% of whole area was placed in very low threaten zone. The results emphasis the efficiency of this model to be applied in protected area as a rapid assessment method.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ethanol on bull sperm quality after freeze thawing process. Treatments used in this study included: 1) semen extender without ethanol as control group (C) and 2) semen extender containing 0.25% ethanol (E). A total of 24 ejaculations were collected from four healthy mature Holstein bulls in 3 consecutive weeks and twice a week. In each replicate, semen samples were mixed to eliminate individual differences and then divided into two equal parts and each of them were extended with one of the aforementioned extenders. Afterward the treatments were frozen using a standard protocol. After thawing, sperm motion characteristics, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, apoptosis status and mitochondrial activity were assessed. The result of this study was showed that spermatozoa in control group had higher total motility (68.5±1.96 vs 76.17±2.49) and lower apoptosis (10.65±0.36 vs 13.13±0.33) in comparison with group treated with ethanol (p£0.05). Also, no differences were observed in plasma membrane integrity and functionality and mitochondrial activity between two treatments (p³0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that ethanol could negatively affect post thaw characteristics of bull spermatozoa.

Artemisia absinthium (known as wormwood) is used as a menstruation and abortive drug in the traditional medicine. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of A. absinthium hydroalcoholic extract on the uterus, oviduct tissues and pituitary_gonadal axis hormones in adult female NMRI mice. In this experimental study, intraperitoneally injections were performed over 30 days on 50 female NMRI mice with 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg.bw doses of the extract of Artemisia stem and flower. Sham group received distilled water and control group was kept without any injection. After 30 days of injections, animals were dissected and blood samples were collected by heart aspiration. The levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone serum were measured. Sections of oviduct and uterus were prepared and stained by H& E method. Our findings in all experimental groups indicated a significant reduction in the body weight comparing with sham and control groups. In parameters such as uterus tissue thickness (Endometer, Miometer and Perimeter), and uterus glands, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg doses of the extract (p<0.05). In all experimental groups, no significant changes were observed at the levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH and LH showed a significant decrease in the groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg doses of the extract (p<0.05). It can be concluded that Artemisia absinthium hydroalcoholic extract in high doses has damaging effects on the reproductive system and uterine tissue, which may be due to α and β Thujoun, Alkaloid and Saponin constituents in this plant.

Characteristics of Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) nesting in Baghshadi e Khatam protected area were evaluated in the spring of 2015. Twenty nests of this bird were detected in the study area by establishing 10 random transects in the spring of 2014 and 20 control points were also obtained within 500 meters from each nest in different directions. Habitat variables such as the area of canopy, height of plant species, distance to the nearest water source and road were measured in presence points and compared with those of control points. The results of independent t-test compared with the mean of variables between the presence and absence points showed that Wood Pigeon prefered Pistachia atlantica trees with more canopy areas and higher heights far from roads for nesting. In most cases, nests of Syrian Woodpeckers were seen beside the nests of Wood Pigeons on a stand tree indicating no feeding competition between the two species. Logistic regression analysis showed that the canopy area of P. atlantica trees was an important variable in nest site selection for this species (P=0.002, r2 =0.54). Conservation of Woodland Climax will play an important role for species survival in the region.

Milk thistle plants including medicinal plants useful that its extract has antioxidant and liver protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of Milk thistle herb and antibiotics Cotrimoxazole on blood metabolites of Ross broilers. In this experiment, milk thistle herb in three levels 0, 0.3 and 3 percent and antibiotics Cotrimoxazole in two levels 0 and 2 kg with 3 repeat were considered. Blood metabolites were measured at 42 days of age. Metabolites include glucose, cholesterol, prothrombin time (PT), uric acid, creatinine and bilirubin. Data to evaluate the effect of factors under study using the general linear model (GLM) and SAS statistical software were analyzed. Antibiotic cotrimoxazole was a significant effect on blood glucose (p<0.05). Milk thistle effect was a significant on blood cholesterol (p<0.05) and Cotrimoxazole antibiotic effect on blood cholesterol was a very significant (p<0.01). Milk thistle effect on uric acid and creatinine levels was a significant (p<0.05). The different levels of Milk thistle was very significant on bilirubin in the blood (p<0.01). Different between mean of Milk thistle and antibiotic cotrimoxazole for prothrombin time (PT) was significant (p<0.05). Use of the Milk thistle levels reduced the liver problems, because the amounts of liver enzymes secreted in the blood was decreased. Level 3% Milk thistle have maximum protective effect on the liver.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplemental yeast cell wall (YCW) powder and butyric acid (BA) on the growth performance, carcass traits, ileal microbial population, and serum metabolites of broiler chickens. A total of two hundred day-old broiler chickens were assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicate pens of 10 birds per pen. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (control), basal diet+3 g/kg YCW, basal diet+2.5 g/kg BA and basal diet+3 g/kg YCW+2.5 g/kg BA. The results showed that dietary treatments did not alter growth performance parameter. However, in carcass traits, addition of BA decreased the relative weight of thigh (p<0.05). The Salmonella counts decreased in broilers fed YCW+BA supplementation (p<0.05). In contrast, the population of ileal Lactobacilli increased in YCW+BA treatment (p<0.05). The dietary treatments had no significant effect on E.coli and total bacteria counts in broilers. In serum metabolites, the concentration of Aspartate aminotransferase was greatest in broilers received control diet (p<0.05). It is concluded that YCW and BA had no negative effect on growth performance in broilers. In addition, the microbiota activity was improved in broilers received YCW in combination with BA in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary hatchery waste meal (HWM) on egg weight and blood parameters in laying hens. A total of 240 fifty six week old laying hens (LSL) were randomly allocated to one of six treatment with four replicate cages of 5 birds per treatment. A group fed a basal corn- SBM diet and the other five groups were fed with diets prepared by introducing HWM into the same basal diet at the levels of 3 HWM, 6 HWM, 9 HWM, 12 HWM, and 15 HWM%. At the end of the experimental period (10 weeks) 5 birds from each treatment were randomly selected and blood samples were taken from their brachial veins and sera were harvested to analyze the specified serum variables. The highest serum concentrations of HDL and calcium were detected in HWM9 group. Dietary inclusion of HWM at the levels of 6, 9, 12 and 15 % resulted in significant reductions in serum glucose when compared with the control diet. Hatchery waste at the inclusion level of 6 % caused the highest average egg weight significantly (P<0.05) differing from those of the other treatments and the lightest eggs were produced by HWM9, HWM12, and HWM15 groups.According the results, it may be concluded that the HWM used in the current study can be included in layer diets with no adverse effect on egg weight and metabolism.

Ovalbumin is one of the active proteins of eggshell matrix that affects eggshell calcification. This gene is located on chromosome 2 The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between two region polymorphism of ovalbumin exon 8 with some of external egg quality traits by RFLP and SSCP techniques in Isfahan native chicken. In this study, the genomic DNA was extracted from blood by standard kit and target regions of gene were amplificated using PCR. Polymorphism in a region of exon 8 having length 199 bp was studied by Mnl1- RFLP and SSCP, in other region with 407 bp length by SSCP techniques. In order to genotype chicken, electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel following silver staining was used. In the first region two genotypes including A1A1, A1A2 were detected by RFLP and three genotypes B1B1, B1B2 and B3B3 by SSCP techniques. In the second region, three genotypes including C1C1, C1C2 and C2C2 were identified. The most genotypes frequencies belonged to A1A1, B1B2 and C2C2, and heterozygosity means were obtained 0.33, 0.51 and 0.33 respectively. Analysis of data didn’t show any significant association between traits and 199 bp fragment (P>0.05). Egg weight had significant association with 407 bp fragment (P<0.05) that C1C2 genotype was lighter than other two genotypes, but association were not significant with other traits (P>0.05). Results showed that ovalbumin gene has a relatively high polymorphism and could be considered in future breeding programs of native fowl herd of Isfahan.

33000 one day-old broiler chickens were purchased and divided into 2 equal groups. Chickens of groups A received 200 ml of BioherbalÒ supplement in 1000 liter of drinking water for all the period. Chickens of group B did not receive BioherbalÒ supplement as control group. Chickens of 2 groups were vaccinated against Newcastle disease with Vitabron through spray on 1th days, with B1 strain intraocularly on 9th days, with Nobilis ND Clone 30 on 20th days, and with LaSota Strain in drinking water on 30th days.35 chicks of each group were bled randomly and blood samples were collected before vaccination as well as on last day of the period and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine was determined by HI test. The results of this study showed that receiving of 200 ml of BioherbalÒ supplement in 1000 liter of drinking water could increase the specific antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine compared to the control group (p>0.05).

Southern Crested Newt belongs to family Salamandridae and distributed in Gilan, Mazandaran, parts of Ardabil, East and West Azarbaijan Provinces. They are identified by dark brown color in dorsal, dorsal crest in males; tail compressed laterally, ventral surface head and body with dark spots. Morphologic and 25 morphometric characters (accuracy 0.01mm) were studied in 57 specimens (14 females, 24 males, 19 larvae) from Mazandaran Province, preserved and depositedin Zoological Museum of Golestan University. Males have dorsal crest and a bright silver band along the sides of the tail. Snout-vent lengthin males were 47.59-62.35, in females 57.76-64.05, and in larvae 32.73-39.03. Ratios of forelimb to hindlimb lengths of larvae were 0.79-0.99 (0.88±0.053), in males 0.75-1.03 (0.91±0.079) and in females 0.81-1.07 (0.93±0.078). Ratio of head width to head length in larvae 0.65-0.90 (0.79 ±0.072), in males 0.65-0.99 (0.81±0.084) and in females 0.68-0.99 (0.84±0.097). Ratios of tail to total lengths were 0.47-0.54 (0.51±0.019) in larvae, 0.45-0.52 (0.48±0.021) in males and 0.45-0.51 (0.48±0.022) in females. Ratios of head to snout-vent lengths were 0.21-0.29 (0.24±0.019), 0.22-0.31 (0.26±0.022) and 0.23-0.30 (0.24±0.020) in larvae, males and females respectively.

Turtles and tortoises are reptile species from the order Testudines. Turtles are known as key species within the habitat that occupy. Their presence is needed for biodiversity to survive and remain sustainable. We conducted faunistic survey on turtle and tortoise species of Alborz province to achieve sufficient information on the species of the order Testudines in this area for further protection decision makings. In this study 12 different stations were selected from Alborz Province and the study was carried out between March to August 1395. Totally 33 spicimens of turtles and tortoises were collected. After a comprehensive biometry including measuring weight, biological studies and identifying the gender, they were classified by the use of valid identification keys. The 33 specimens were collected out of which 32 specimens were identified as Testudo graeca and one specimen as Emys orbicularis. The number of specimens did not significantly differ among stations and the distribution of the species seemed to be the same in different parts of Alborz Province.

Teratoscincus bedriagai (Bedriaga’s Plate –tailed Gecko) was included in Gekkonidae family but based on recent molecular studies was separated from this family and moved to the family Sphaerodactylidae. In order to study morphologic, morphometric and meristic characters of this nocturnal lizard the sampling was conducted in the dry lands of Sistan (north of Sistan and Baluchistan Province) at night hours in 2014 and 2015. Eighteen specimens were collected. The gecko specimens were transferred to the laboratories of Shahid Beheshti and Golestan universities. The identification key of Anderson was used for scientific naming of the specimens. The following results were obtained based on the morphologic, biometric and meristic characters on 12 males and 6 females. The body length ranged from 52.8 to 64.3 mm. and from 52.1 to 64.3 mm. for males and females respectively; scales number were 28-35, 61-76, 9-12 and 8-11 for head width, head length, supralabials and infralabials respectively; number of scales round middle of body less than 60 scales; and number of plate like scales 8-11. There are no posterior chin scales.

Reptiles feed on insects as pests so it is important in maintaining agricultural products. Khojir is located in the center of the Iranian Plateau and it has different climate at the same time a good representative for assessment. The aim of this study was to biosystematically and biometric identify and evaluate lizards of Khojir National Park located in the Jajrood protected area in East of Tehran, which was conducted from March to August 2016 and sampling was conducted with survey method in these areas. A total of 58 lizard Specimens were collected from the area and all information related to Specimens was written down on the notebook and photographs were taken from the Lizards. All the Specimens were released after identification. Morphological, meristic and biometric studies were performed on Specimens and then were identified based on authentic identification keys.58 specimens include 5 species belonging to 3 families were collected. The5 identified species of region are as fallowing: 5 speciesinclude: Eumeces schneideri and Trachylepis aurata from the Scincidae family, Cyrtopodion scabrum from the Gekkonidae family and Paralaudakia caucasia and Trapelus agilis from the Agamidae family.

This study was conducted to investigate some biological parameters of Spirlin (A.eichwaldii) from Googgol Stream (Gorganroad basin) from March to September 2015. Sample size was 191 Specimens. The largest specimen of males had 9.3 cm total length and 10.115 g weight, and of females 10.2 cm total length and 15.751 g weight. The mean length and weight (±SD) were 6.22±1.25 cm and 3.38±2.63 g respectively. There was no significant difference between males and females’ abundance, so the sex ratio could be considered as 1: 1. The growth pattern was positive allometric (Female: W=0.0093TL3.1527, Male: W=0.0093TL3.1277, Population: W=0.0087TL3.1781). The studied population included 3 age groups ranging from 2+ to 4+ years. The highest growth rate of males and females was observed between 1+ and 2+ ages. Based Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) was as Lt=12.28 (1-e-0.304 (t+0.154)) for females and as Lt=10.11 (1-e-0.251 (t+0.512)) for males.

The Landmark based geometric morphometrics and comparison of meristic characters was used to understand potential differences among populations of Capoeta barroisi in Kor, Qomrud and Sheldon rivers. Some 90 specimens of Capoeta barroisi were caught (36 from Kor River, 11 from Qomrud River and 43 from Sheldan River). After anesthetizing in 1% clove oil and fixing in 10% neutralized formalin, the specimens were transferred to Museum for further studies. Some 15 landmarks were digitized on two-dimensional pictures taken from left side of the specimens and meristic characters were counted under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Variance Analysis CVA after procrustes superimposition and data standardization. The results of CVA of counting traits and as well as CVA of geometric morphometry of C. barroisi showed that the populations of Kor, Sheldon and Qomrud populations are significantly different and they are separated from each other (P<0.05) and Sheldon and Qomrud formed one cluster and Kor population formed another one.

The relationship of Length-weight and reproductive of the Longnose Trevally (Carangoides chrysophrys) were studied from March 2014 to February 2015. Monthly samples at 14 stations were collected using trawl fishing. In this study, the total number of samples was 376, which 194 were females and 137 males and 45 immature. The minimum and maximum total length during different months were between 25.5 and 80 cm respectively. Weight-length relationship for Longnose Trevally was W=0/0064TL2.9004. This fish had an isometric growth. LM50 for Longnose Trevally was 46 cm. Sex ratio (female: male) for Longnose Trevally was 1.42: 1. The maximum absolute fecundity and relative fecundity was achieved 479992 Ovule in April and 385 in July Ovule per gram of body weight respectively. The minimum absolute fecundity and relative fecundity was achieved 98247 Ovule in November and 125 in July Ovule per gram of body weight respectively. GSI female monthly average was calculated. This fish has a long spawning season from January to May and spawning peak was observed in May.

In this study, the effects of supplementary fennel (F. vulgare) essential oil on oocytes maturity and sexual maturation of Convict cichlid (C. nigrofasciatum) were investigated. For this purpose, 225 Convict cichlids with mean weight (1.65±0.02 g) were distributed into 80-l glass aquaria (15 fish/tank) in triplicate treatments and fed with diets containing levels of fennel essential oil at 0, 100, 125 and 150 mg kg-1, at 3% of their body weight daily for 40 days. Results of gonad histology (30 days after fed), time to sexual maturation and the elapsed time from mating to spawning showed that most oocytes of control, 75 and 125 mg essential oil groups being in pronuclear stage and some of them in vitellogenesis. In 100 and 150 mg essential oil treatments, most oocytes were observed in final stage of vitellogenesis and as compared to other treatments had more evolution of maturity. The lowest time for sexual maturation observed in 150 mg essential oil (78±1.15 day) that had significant difference with control group and other treatments except 100 mg essential oil (p<0.05). The elapsed time from mating to spawning in control group (17.66±1.45 day) were longer as compared to all treatments fed with fennel essential oil (p<0.05).

The sagittal otolith’s contours were studied to discriminate between four Carangid species including Carangoides coeruleopinnatus, Carangoides chrysophrys, Carangoides malabaricus, and Megalaspis cordyla from the Persian Gulf. After preparing Sagittal otolith photos, their contours were analysed by elliptic Fourier analysis using Shape software. The chain codes, harmonics and elliptic Fourier coefficients were obtained for each sample. The mean otolith contours values were rebuilt by specific values. The shapes of otoliths were studied by elliptic Fourier descriptors of 20 harmonics and 6 shape indices. These four species were discriminated successfully using shape indices (72.2%), elliptic Fourier coefficients (73.7%), or combination of both techniques (72.2%). No classification success was achieved in discriminant analysis using merely shape indices. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) also indicated that the percentage of variance in the first principal component of each species showed maximum value and the principal components were reduced respectively. However, cumulative variance showed how the estimated shape by elliptical Fourier transformation can represent the corresponded species shape. The results of this study show that combining the size according to shape descriptors and EFD is a suitable tool to distinguish of four Carangid species.

To investigate the effect of probioenzyme on growth, nutrition, hematology and immune response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), this matter was supplemented at 0.3, and 0.5 g/kg diet (treatments of 2 and 3 respectively) and control group (treatment 1: no food supplemented probioenzyme) in three treatments with three replications. This survey was performed in nine 200ltanks containing 30 fish (average weight: 26.3±2.7g) in each tank for 60 days. At the end of the feeding period, the growth and blood factors analyzed. Based on the results, there is no significant difference between treatments 1, 2 and in growth, nutrition and blood erythrocytes factors (P>0.05). The mean white blood cells and blood cells neutrophil percentage in treatment of 3 was significantly different (P<0.05) from the control group fish. Significant differences in serum complement components in the treated groups were in comparission to control group (P<0.05). ACH50 activity and immunoglobulin (IgM) did not show significant differences between treatments (P>0.05). The lysozyme and serum globulins in treatment 3 compared to the control treatment was higher and statistically significant (P<0.05). Although there weren, t signs of significant effects of probioenzyme on growth and nutrition factors, Probioenzyme can have immunological effects on rainbow trout.

The advancement of modern technology and its many uses in the environment, especially the aquatic ecosystem, has caused, in addition to humans, other organisms, especially fish, to be affected by its margins, including the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by them. Therefore, attention to the effects of these waves on fish as the most important inhabitants of aquatic environments is necessary with economic aspects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mobile electromagnetic waves (900 MHz) on gonadal and liver weights, GTH II and ovarian tissue structure of angel fish female brooders during 10 days and in 3 experimental groups including: 1) control (without receiving Waves), 2) 4 times a day and each time for 30 minutes in faced with mobile phones in a standby position, and 3) 4 times a day and each time for 30 minutes in faced with mobile phones in a calling mode. At the end of the test after blood sampling, centrifugation and serum separation, GTH II was measured by radio immunoassay (RIA). The broods were then biometrically analyzed and scattered. The histological section of ovaries were prepared by the classical method of histology with hematoxylin-eosin staining, and microscopically evaluated for quantitative and qualitative examination. The gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic index as well as the mean level of GTH II in treatment group 2 was significantly higher than control group and treatment 1. No brooders of treatment 2 spawned. The number of atresia in treatment 2 was higher than that of other groups. The results showed that mobile-induced electromagnetic waves produced significant changes in the reproductive indices of female angel fish. However, more extensive studies are needed in the future.

In the present study the impact of different photoperiod and light intensity on digestive enzymes activity (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase and alkaline phosphatase) of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) from hatching until complete absorption of yolk sac were monitored. The newly hatched Persian sturgeon larvae with average weight and length of 19.23±0.08 mg and 11.35±0.03 mm respectively were treated with 3 photoperiods (24L, 12L, 24D) and 3 light intensities (50, 150 and 300 lux). The light intensity for 24D was 0-10 lux. The larvae in different treatments were cultured under similar experimental conditions (pH, temperature, water flow and feeding rate). The results demonstrated significantly higher activity of pepsin and trypsin at 9 days post hatch (dph) in treatment 2 (12L-150 lux light intensity) and in treatment 5 (24L-150 lux light intensity) compared to control respectively. The alkaline phosphatase was higher in treatment 2 whereas amylase and chymotrypsin exhibited higher activity under 12L-300 lux, however showed no significant difference with control. In conclusion the results of this study indicated that light is an important physical factors in ontogeny of Persian sturgeon digestive system during early larval stages. Moreover most of the enzymes showed higher activity under 12L and 150 and 300 lux light intensity.

Since Clupeonella spp. are as a main food for huso huso in the natural ecosystem of the Caspian Sea, in this study the growth characteristics of farmed Huso huso fed by crude Clupeonella spp was investigeted. For this purpose, 120 fish with a mean initial weight of 1175±238 gr (±SD) were stocked in fiberglass tanks. Fishes were fed with five levels of crude kilka comprising 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in diet artificial diet for 60 days. This trial was carried out in completely randomized design with at least three replicates for each treatment. Finally, the highest growth performance based on final length, weight and average biomass, condition factor (CF), specific growth rate (SGR), average daily growth (ADG), body weight% (BW%) and average production were obtained in the treatment 5 (100% artificial diet without kilka). However, there was no significant difference in the growth performance of fish fed with diet 5 (1.07±0.04) and 4 (0.81±0.02) (p>0.05) except feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05). In addition, diet economic estimates for the treatment 4 (25% kilka+75% artificial diet) was 10% lower than the treatment 5 (100% artificial diet without kilka). The results of this study showed adding 25% kilka in diet of farmed Huso huso affects on its growth characteristics. Therefore, the use of 25% kilka in the daily diet of the farmed Huso huso is recommended due to kilka relative abundant and availability as well as its high nutritional value and appropriate price.

Study of dietary lipid levels is too important; therefore, in order to evaluate the effects of different lipid levels on growth indices and survival rates of gold fish, a nutritional study was designed for 180 days on fish with an average of 3.5 grams to achieve the rate of desired fat requirements. Three different levels of lipid level 9, 12 and 15 % with digestible energy of 3790 to 3900 Kj / kg were considered in this study. The results of the effect of different dietary lipid levels indicated a significant increase in final body weight, body weight gain, body weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor and survival rate, and a significant decrease in food conversion rate (P<0.05). Based on the findings of this study, the increase in fat content by 15% has led to improved studied indices. The highest growth, survival rate and the best feed conversion ratio were obtained at 15% lipid. Accordingly, in this study the optimum lipid content for diet of goldfish was considered as 15%.

Large branchiopods have a worldwide distribution, occurring in some of the most remote places on earth. Like the global level, the patterns of diversity, distribution and conservation status of these taxa are still poorly known. In this respect, a study was conducted on distribution and status of large branchiopod crustaceans in the Bazargan area, Maku, West Azerbaijan, during the spring 2015. Two Anostracans species were collected, including Branchinecta orientalis and Branchipodopsis affinis.The B. orientalis have been reported previously in neighbouring area of Iran, however B. affinis is reported for first time. From the collected data it is easy to deduce that local ecological parameters are the main factors for the diversity and distribution of anostracan species within the local and regional scale. The Anostracan species in the studied area are threatened by the loss and degradation of their temporary aquatic habitats owing to drainage, agriculture and salinization. These negative effects have been aggravated due to the prolonged drought throughout the country.

Anzali wetland is one of the most important ecosystem for fishes spawning and zooplankton groups are the first consumer in this ecosystem.They are the perfect food for the larvae of fishes. Zooplankton status was evaluated in 10 stations of different areas of the Anzali wet land during March 2014 to February2015. Sampling was done by tube (PVC) and passing through of 30 micron planktonic net. The samples were identified and counted by invert microscope. A total of 72 Genus of phylum Actinopoda, Rhizopoda, Ciliophora,, Rotatoria, Arthropoda, Gastrotricha, Mollusca, Tardigrada, Nematoda, Porifera, Annelida) were identified. The results showed that the maximum and Minimum annual average density of zooplankton was observed with 9667±12383 and 312±1539 ind.lit-1 in Komeh Sheijan station and West Wetlands Center station Respectively. The population was more in the summer than in other season phylum of Rotatoria, Rhizopoda, Ciliophora and superclass Copepoda formed 59, 8, 30 and 3 percent of the density respectively. According to the results the populationof zooplankton is ncreased compared to past studies. According to the statistical analysis Kruskal Wallis there were not significant differences between density of zooplankton in different stations, months and seasons (p>0.05), but significant differences were found in between different phylum (p<0.05). Overall, the results showed that the Anzali wetland has Eutroph condition.

Benthic macroinvertebrate communities are inhabited in the lentic sediment; they can used as an indicator for evaluation the quality of aquatic environment. In order to assess the benthic communities of Kamal Saleh Dam Lake, seasonal sampling at 5 stations was performed. The sampling was carried out by the sediment sampler with the dimensions of 20cm×20cm. The lake showed minimum 7.6 and maximum 21.2 water temperature in winter and summer, respectively. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the surface water was fluctuated with an average of 8.07±1.5 (mg/l) within the range of at least 6.44 (mg/l) and up to 10.12 (mg/l) respectively in summer and winter, respectively. The maximum, minimum and average depth of the water was 18.2, 14 and 16.8 meters in winter and fall, respectively. In this study the genus of families Naididae, Chironomidae, Viviparidae, Valvatidae, Coenagrionidae and Lymnaeidae was observed. Tubifex was the dominant genus in all stages. The maximum and minimum density of benthic was reported 115.64±18.39 (N/ M2) of 34.22±13.63 in spring and autumn, respectively. The values of diversity index were between 0.29 and 0.88. The highest and lowest values of Shannon diversity species index were in spring and winter respectively. Simpson's dominance index and Margalef's richness index also measured in autumn and winter for Simpson index and in summer and winter for Margalef index respectively. The low abundance of the benthic fauna of lake can be related to not suitable bed for establishment and deficiency of nutrients in this young lake. It seems that the structure of substrate, the amount of nutrients and grazing pressure are the most important environmental factors that affect benthic community in the Kamal Saleh Dam Lake, Arak.

The present study investigated the biodiversity of Nayband beach by using molecular and morphological studies. For this purpose, samples were taken from dominant bivalvia in sandy shores of Bushehr, Nayband in April 2016. To record morphological features such as shell shape, decorating on the shells, umbo shape, position, numbers and shape of valve teeth was photographed. For molecular studies, DNA was extracted by using CTAB method and mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit gene segment (COI) was PCR and sequenced. results of morphological identification showed that all the samples are most likely belong to Callista genus, C.umbonella Species and from the Veneridae families. But sample NI9, the blast of sequences from sample present study showed the highest percentage of similarity with Turtonia minuta (DQ184850) from Veneridae family. however, the sample NI9 is most closely resembles with Costacallista impar species (DQ184808) species showed that this species is also belongs to Veneridae family. phylogenetic trees and alignment of these sequences in the gene bank was only able to prove their belonging to the veneridae family. results evolutionary tree topology for all three analyzes (Maximum parsimony, Maximum likelihood,) per 17 sequences showed that the nucleotide sequence of the COI gene, in all samples that presented as one species, are not the same. although, there were very similar morphology in the samples, the genetic differences among trees drawn between these samples revealed that it should be considered the possibility of creating new species and further studies and more detailed studies of morphology and molecular markers presented more decisive idea.

Considering the wide biological application of zinc nanoparticles during the recent years, serious concerns have been emerged about the effects of these materials on environmental health. In the present study, the genotoxic potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated in the mussel Anodonta cygne as an ecologically important species. For this, the mussels were exposed to 0, 2.5, 25 and 50 mg L-1 zinc oxide nanoparticles during 14 days. To assess the DNA damage through single cell gel electrophoresis, sampling was done from the gill and hepatopancreas tissues on the 7th and 14th days of exposure. Micronucleus assay was also done using the gill tissue on the 7th and 14th days and the micronuclei frequency was determined. According to the results, exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles led to the micronuclei induction and DNA damage in A. cygnea so that the micronuclei frequency and the values of the parameters of tail length, moment and DNA percentage as well as the genetic damage index increased in all treatments exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles as compared to the control. An increasing trend in the induced damage was also observed with the increase in exposure concentration and time. In comparing the investigated tissues, the hepatopancreas tissue exhibited more sensitivity to the genotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles. According to the results from the present study, it could be stated that zinc oxide nanoparticles have potential genotoxic effects on the mussel A. cygnea.

The present study was conducted to study cytotoxicity of extractions from Siphonaria carbo limpet. Brine shrimp lethality assay, hemolytic effects on erythrocytes and coagulation tests was performed using aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Sampling was performed from Bushehr coastal rocks. Extraction was carried out using wet and dry tissue. Results of toxicity assay on Artemia nauplii showed lethality effects of extracts, except for dried aqueous extract. The lethality of extracts was in correlation to concentration. Wet aqueous extract showed the highest toxicity on tested cells (LC50=5.98 mg/ml) in contrast to other extracts. The results of hemolysis test revealed no significant hemolytic activity of extracts. The results of anticoagulant assays did not confirm any anticoagulant effects in any of extracts. In conclusion, in spite of the negative results of hemolytic and anticoagulant effects, the cytotoxicity of the extracts might be utilized for further anticancer and antiparasitic screening.

White spot disease virus is one of the most deleterious viruses in the world and Iran shrimp farming industry. Surface proteins of virus has important role in the early stages of virus with host cell interaction, because these proteins usually enumerated as a candidate to produce a subunit or recombinant vaccines This study was designed in order to gain these proteins for immunization of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).White spot virus genome extracted from moribund shrimps with clinical signs of Choebdeh farms. VP28 and VP19 protein-coding gene-specific primers were selected, after amplification and purification were cloned into the E.coli, TG1. Protein expression evaluated and commercial were coated with inactivated bacteria containing the recombinant protein. White leg shrimp post larvaes (PL30) were fed with pellets, then in 9th and 23th day after feeding were challenged by white spot disease virus. The results of the first challenge showed that the lowest mortality in different groups belong to VP28 group with cumulative mortality percent %30 ± 3.84 and the highest percentage of the group TG1 equal to %72.22±2.93, and in the second experiment the lowest cumulative mortality belong to VP28 (%50 ± 5.09) and the highest percentage was owned by group TG1 (%75.55±2.22). Protein VP28 would be able to protect shrimp against the white spot virus, while the VP19 does not have this ability. The survival rate is directly related to the duration of the possession of the recombinant protein.

The present study was conducted to identify the foraminiferan species and the assemblage structure of these benthic meiofauna in coastal waters of Hormoz Island (Persian Gulf). The species were sampled seasonally during one year (March 2014-November 2015) at six subtidal stations around Hormoz Island. Sediment samples were collected by a Van-Veen grab at depth of one meter after low tide occurrence, fixed with 4% formalin and transferred to the laboratory for isolation and identification. Of 27 foraminiferan species collected in this study, 12 species were distinguished belonging to 17 genera from 14 families and 6 orders. Ammonia beccarii was clearly observed at all stations. Also, genus Quinqueloculina displayed the highest species diversity. It was further found that the genera Ammonia, Elphidium, Bolivina, Quinqueloculina, and Triloculina were responsible for the similarity of foraminiferan fauna at other northern and southern coasts of Persian Gulf. The results showed lower diversity of foraminiferan species and families than those at other areas studied in the Persian Gulf. Moreover, the presence of indicator species for stressed ecosystems belonging to two suborders of Rotalina and Miliolina in the studied area could suggest possible stressful conditions in the ecosystem, which requires monitoring the stressor factors.

In order to investigate the effects of thyme powder on the immune parameters, 20 lambs were allocated in 4 experimental groups at Research Station of Animal Science, University of Arak (Iran). The lambs were selected according to their ages and divided into 4 groups of 5 animals including i) a control group (group 1) aged 5.5 months on average and non-threated with the thyme powder ii) a thyme-threated group (group 2) of 5.5 months on average receiving 20 g/d of thyme powder iii) a control group (group 3) aged one year old on average without receiving the thyme powder treatment and iv) a thyme-threated-group of the average one-year old receiving 20 g/d of thyme powder. The experiment lasted 70 days. The results showed that the use of the thyme powder did not have significant effect on hematologic parameters, serum immunoglobulin concentrations (IgA, IgE, and IgM) in Farahani male lambs (p>0.05). The results of this study indicated that the use of thyme had no effect on blood parameters.