Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2008 | Volume:63 | Issue:1|Papers Count:18

In the present study, under typical management conditions of dairy farms in Iran, the effect of oral administration of on serum glucose, AST and arginase(indices of liver injuries) of oral monensin was assessed. Thirteen multiparous Holstein cows were blocked into a control and an experiment group from 3 weeks prepartum to 45 days postpartum according the number of their calvings. The groups received similar diets. The experiment group received monensin added to grain mix at 340 mg/head/day during prepartum weeks, 160-480 mg/head/day during first two weeks postpartum, and 350 mg/head/day during days 15-45 postpartum. Blood samples were obtained at days -20 and -10 prepartum, and days 4, 15, 25, 35 and 45 postpartum to determine serum glucose, AST, and arginase. Serum glucose decreased significantly (p=0.025) in the control group from day 10 prepartum to day 15 postpartum. In the experiment group it increased significantly (p=0.049) from the beginning of the experiment to day 35 postpartum. On day 15 postpartum, serum glucose showed a tendency (p=0.07) for significant difference between groups. The level of AST was higher in the experiment group from day 10 prepartum to day 25 postpartum with a significant difference( p=0.011) on day 10 prepartum. There was no significant difference in serum arginase activity between control and experiment groups (p>0.05). Administration of monensin mixed with diet can result in better functions of the liver, increase (or prevention of decrease) in serum glucose during peripartum weeks. It appears that changes in the dose of the drug during the early postpartum days(due to changes in dry matter intake) cannot affect the positive effect of monensin. The positive effect of monensin can be started prepartum; thus, its administration from prepartum transition period continued to postpartum weeks is recommended.

Fungal infection of uterine of dairy cattle have not been received much more attention. The aim of this study was: to investigate the uterine mycoflora of dairy cows with reproductive disorders or healthy. Uterine sampling of 112 Holstein dairy cows included 70 cows with reproductive disorders and 42 healthy cows were collected directly. Samples were cultured in sabouraud glucose agar at 28°C for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using Chi square test. Different fungal agents and yeast were isolated from 22 (31.42%) dairy cows with reproductive disorders, whereas the infection rate was 28.57% in healthy cows. The most common isolated fungi in treatment and control groups were Penicillum (22.72%)and Candida Albicans (41.66), respectively. It is concluded that the uterine of dairy cows with reproductive disorders can be infected by different fungal agents. The rate of fungal contamination and various mycoflora in healthy cows is lower than in dairy cows with reproductive disorders.

In this study a nested-PCR assay was optimized for detection of two BVDV biotype of NADL strain. A part of 5' non-coding region of virus, 249 bp in size, was amplified in RT-PCR. PCR product was cloned in a pTZ57R/T vector and sequencing results confirmed the specificity of the test. Internal primers were designed and a 155 bp DNA fragment was amplified in nested-PCR. The sensitivity of RT-PCR and nested-PCR for detection of virus in cell culture were found to be 104 TCID50 and 102 TCID50, respectively. Seven cell cultures were tested for BVDV contamination using ELISA, RT-PCR and nested-PCR. Results indicate that sensitivity of molecular tests for detection of virus in cell culture samples is higher than ELISA.

During 2004-2006, a total number of 22 tissue samples obtained from poultry flocks suspected to respiratory diseases submitted to avian virology laboratory of faculty of veterinary medicine, were prepared for avian influenza virus (AIV) isolation in embryonated chicken eggs, according to the standard method. RT-PCR was established on tissue samples using specific primers for H9 gene. Amplified PCR products were 435 bp in length. Analytical sensitivity of the RT-PCR was 103.5 EID50 and sensitivity, specificity and correlation rate compared with virus isolation, were 100%, 94% and 95%, respectively. The results showed that the RT-PCR assay using H9 gene specific primers, directly on tissue samples, could be used in rapid detection and sub typing of H9 AIVs as a useful alternative to virus isolation assay.

Towelve calves of 4-10 months old with clinical signs suspected to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection were selected for this study. Histopathologic sections were performed on formalin fixed paraffin-embded ear notch biopsies, mounted on poly-L-lysine coated slides and stained for BVDV by Anti-BVDV monoclonal antibody labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Stained sections were examined by fluorescent microscopy for detection of green fluorescent evidence within the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, other dermal cells and chondrocytes. Detection of BVDV antigen in buffy coat cells was performed by using a commercially available antigen-capture ELISA kit, and RT-PCR, using a universal primers set, specific for all pestiviruses. Based on 11 positive cases detected by RT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining and antigen-capture ELISA could detect 8 cases (72.72%) and one case (9%) respectively. Results of this study suggest immunofluorescent test on ear notch biopsies has a relatively high sensitivity, and can be used as a reliable and feasible method for detection of calves with acute infection with BVDV.

Macrocysts of S. fusiformis were teased out from the oesophageal muscles of infected buffaloes and a suspension of cyst extract with protein concentration of 2mg/ml was used as uncooked (UE) and cooked (CE) form. Thirty six healthy male laboratory rabbits were divided into six equal groups randomly. Group I and II were inoculated with UE, group III and IV were inoculated with CE and group V and VI were inoculated with PBS orally and intraperitonealy (1 ml/kg) respectively. Blood samples were taken in 0, 3, 6, 24 hrs, 3 and 7 days after inoculation. Coagulation tests including BT, CT, PT, APTT, fibrinogen level and platelet count were measured at the different times which mentioned in all groups. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between different times of all tests in group II compare to other groups (p<0.05). The study showed that IP inoculation of UE of S. fusiformis at protein concentration of 2mg/ml is lethal to rabbits about 24 hr after inoculation, and caused significant changes in blood coagulation tests in different times. The results also showed that S.fusiformis extract toxin was thermolabile as it was inactivated at 60°C for 30 min. In addition oral administration of the cysts extract did not make any changes in both cooked and uncooked form. Thus it seems that orally inoculation of S. fusiformis cysts extract had no toxic effects on coagulation tests mentioned above in rabbits because the toxin is probably susceptible to the gastric enzymes and low pH of the stomach. 

This study was designed to induce nutritional hypophosphatemia to investigate the possibility of intervascular hemolysis in the control (7 lambs) and test (8 lambs) groups. Phosphorus of the ration for the test and control groups was formulated as 0.063 % and 0.34% of dry matter, respectively. The jugular vein blood samples were weekly taken for inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, billirubin, hematocrit and Heinz body examination. The indepentent t-test and repeated measures )analysis of variance) methods applied for the statistical analyses. Significant hypophosphatemia (p<0.01) and increase in the alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.001) observed in the test lambs. Hienz bodies in the red blood cells and higly significant decrease of the hematocrit (p< 0/0005) appeared in both groups. Although, visible hemoglobinuria was not observed. The results cleares up potential sensitivity of sheep to nutritional hemolysis. 

A total of 400 bovine diarrhoeic fecal specimens were obtained and conventional microbial culture, immunomagnetic separation and multiplex PCR were simultaneously carried out on samples. For detection of Salmonella at genus level, inv-A universal primer was selected. In order to identifiing of Salmonella typhimurium, specific primers of Rfbj, Fljb and Flic related to gene sequence of O4, H2:1,2 and H1: i were used, respectively. Results showed, 33(8.5%)were culture positive for Salmonella serotypes. However, Salmonella typhimurium with(66.7%), Salmonella dublin(9.1%), Salmonella virchow(6.1%), Salmonella gloucester(6.1%), Salmonella enteritidis(3%), Salmonella georgia(3%), Salmonella augustenborg(3%)and Salmonella lindenburg (3%), were the most common isolated serovars, respectively. In the IMS+Multiplex PCR four amplified products(663,526,284 and 183 bp) were found in all specimens which had typhimurium serovar(1,4,5,12:i:1,2) from rfbj, fljb, inv-A and flic genes, respectively. Results showed that detection and identification of Salmonella typhimurium using specific primers of O4, H2:1,2 and H1: i antigens can be useful.  

Cryptosporidium is an important cause of illness in farm animals. The present study conducted in Kerman, Iran between 2003-2004 to elucidate the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep and goats. Fecal samples were collected fresh and transferred to the research lab. Cryptosporidium oocysts were concentrated using formalin-ether sedimentation method followed by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The data analyzed using non-parametric tests and logistic regression. Of 774 animals, 434 sheep and 340 goats, 120 animals (15.5%) were infected. The infection rate in sheep and goats was 13.8% and 17.6% respectively. Age, season (spring and winter), fecal consistency, presence of other animal species and the herd size significantly correlated with the probability of Cryptosporidium infection. The study showed a remarkable rate of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep and goats. Regarding the risk factors of the infection improving animal husbandry is a prerequisite for effective control of the disease in livestock.

In this experiment two pre-laying broiler breeder pullets from Ross strain at 17 weeks of age were selected, weighed and allocated in layer cages. Surgery was achieved to implant a jugular vein catheter. The birds were placed individually in metabolic chamber. Each bird was fed, in random order, test diets containing one of nine levels of lysine (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5 percent of the diet). Indicator oxidation was determined for primed dose (75 KBq/KgBw) and 4 hours continuous infusion of indicator (44 KBq.h-1.KgBW-1) too. 14Co2 exhalation breakpoint was used to determine lysine requirement of the experimental birds. Individual lysine requirement for bird 1 and 2 was 0.463 and 0.458 percent of diet, respectively. Mean lysine requirements for two birds was 0.461 percent of diet.

In order to investigate seroprevalence of turkey's chlamydiosis in Khuzestan province, 270 turkeys, of different sex and ages from different parts of Khuzestan province were bleed and their sera were tested for antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Immunocomb-ILS). According to results the seroprevalences of chlamydiosis were 58.9% in tested turkeys. Chi square test showed that the prevalence were significantly lower in young, under 6 months (25%) than adult's turkeys (66%) and in cold (68.9%) than warm (49.3%) months (p<0.005). In Khuzestan, highest (85.7%) and lowest (31.42%) prevalences were in Shoshtar and Haftgel respectively. It is inferred that C. psittaci is widespread in turkey's populations in Khuzestan and further attempts for definitive diagnosis by isolation of its etiologic agents are recommended.

Three hundred cattle from 12 dairy farms in Shiraz area were chosen randomly for population to be studied. After restraining, the jugular vein was examined for distention and on the base of severity, first, second and third degree distention was recorded. Then the cattle were checked for jugular pulsation. The data were analyzed by using Chi square, Fisher exact test and t-test. P<0.05 was considered as significant. The prevalence of jugular distention (JD) and jugular pulsation (JP) were 13.3%±3.3 and 9.77%±3.8 in the population, respectively. The incidence of JD and JP was related to the amount of milk production, laction period and systolic murmurs with the maximum intensity on the tricuspid valve. On the base of the results of this study it can be stated that although JD and JP are the signs of heart disorders but may also be observed in clinically healthy cattle. This study also indicated that there is a close association between the incidence of JD and JP with the amount of milk production and lactation period which can be concluded that milk production and lactation period may have effects on the cardiovascular system.

This study was conducted to detect the common bacteria implicated in bovine mastitis in bulk tank milk by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-four milk samples from bulk tank milk were obtained and submitted to our laboratory. To detect Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus parauberis, two sets of universal primers were used. The PCR reaction was set up as described in previous literature. Using universal primers, PCR amplification results demonstrated 28 positive samples (63.6%) of 44. The percentages of positive samples for farms with production rates of <3, 3-10, and 10< tones were 48, 85, and 100%, respectively. In the present study, we concluded that using universal primers, a simplex PCR is able to detect common important bacteria implicated in bovine mastitis. 

In order to determine the copper status and correlation between the ceruloplasmin and copper of serum and among the copper of serum, liver and kidney of slaughtered goats in Shahrekord, blood, liver and kidney samples (10 gr) from 100 goats were gathered. The amounts of ceruloplasmin and copper of serum, liver and kidney were measured by Sunderman - Nomoto and Shimadzu atomic absorption method, respectively. Results were analyzed by Pearson correlation test, Chi square test. The mean serum ceruloplasmin value of goats was 190±40.2 mg/L. The corresponding value for the copper of serum was 14.32±2.42 mmol/L. Mean liver and kidney copper levels were respectively 4596.08±1967.5 and 271.98±59.81 mmol/Kg. There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between the level of ceruloplasmin and copper of serum (r = 0.85). There was also a correlation (p< 0.05) between copper of serum and liver (r =0.56), copper of serum and kidney (r = 0.36) and copper of liver and kidney (r =0.22). Kidney copper concentration in 7% of goats was lower than 199.89 mmol/Kg and serum copper level in 4% of goats was between 6.29-11.01 mmol/L. They indicated that between 4 to 7 percent of goats had marginal copper deficiency. Data shows low correlation among variables and only correlation between serum copper and ceruloplasmin was high. It could be concluded that copper deficiency can occur under certain conditions in Shahrekord.

The effect of blood glucose level changes induced by 24h food deprivation and intraperitoneal (IP) injection of insulin (2IU/kg) and glucose (2gr/kg) was investigated on the pain induced by intraplantar (IPL) injection of formalin (20ml, 5%) in mice. Blood glucose level changes were determined by blood sampling from the apex of the tail of mice. IP injection of insulin and 24h food deprivation decreased and IP injection of glucose increased the blood glucose level. IPL injection of formalin produced a marked biphasic pain response with a quiescent phase between them. Insulin and food deprivation reduced the late (inflammatory) phase of pain. Exogenous glucose increased the quiescent phase of formalin pain. It seems that hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia may not have a role in neurogenic pain. Hypoglycemia reduces the inflammatory pain. Hyperglycemia produces hyperalgesia by increasing the pain response in the quiescent phase.