Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2016 | Volume:71 | Issue:3|Papers Count:19

BACKGROUND: The correct usage of wastes in animal nutrition causes decrease in environmental pollution. Apple pomace as an energetic matter and source of digestible fibers for ruminants is a proper alternative for forage.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of diets containing dried apple pomace on digestibility, rumination, microbial fermentation and blood glucose and urea of Arabi sheep.METHODS: In the first step, 0, 10, 20 and 30% dried apple pomace replaced with alfalfa were used in the experimental diets. According to the result, gas production and digestibility of diet containing 30% dried apple pomace was higher than the other diets (p<0.05). Therefore, in the second step, 8 Arabi sheep were fed with diet without apple pomace (control) and diet containing 30% apple pomace for 45 days.RESULTS: The result showed that nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF) were not significantly affected by the diets (p>0.05), but rumination activity of diet containing apple pomace decreased (p<0.05). Blood metabolites (glucose and urea) showed no significant differences between experimental diets, but blood glucose was higher in control treatment. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration was 14.48 and 17.49 mg/dl (p>0.05), and pH was 6.30 and 6.16 for control and apple pomace treatment, respectively (p<0.05). The rumen protozoa numbers increased with apple pomace (p<0.05). Diet containing apple pomace increased gas production potential and digestibility of wheat straw by rumen microorganism and bacteria (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that alfalfa replaced with 30% dried apple pomace in Arabi sheep’s diet can improve digestive activity of rumen microbes and nutrient fermentation and digestibility.

BACKGROUND: Increase in aquatic production is dependent on raw materials, quality of diet, feed manufacture technology and optimum feed formulation.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was investigation and quality control feed of FFT, GFT1 and GFT2 of rainbow trout in farm and fish feed factory producers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.METHODS: In this study samples of FFT, GFT1 and GFT2 of diets were randomly taken from farm and fish feed factory producers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.Samples were analyzed for moisture, crud protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, phosphorous, TVN, Total count and coliform count.RESULTS: The results showed, diet CP was differs significantly (p<0.05) from many of the feeds. In addition nutrients of CP, phosphorous and EE of diets were differed slightly from rainbow trout requirement and in some cases were lower than instance requirement. The index of TVN that shows free nitrogen, was higher than standard in all samples. Total count and coliform count were different between some of the other feed factories.CONCLUSIONS: Better management in fish feed factories must be applied to balance the nutrient requirements of the rainbow trout diet in different stages of growth, by using fresh, suitable and special feed materials.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis is an important health disorder in dairy herds which affects milk production, animal reproduction and production.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of mastitis in dairy herds in Tehran province.METHODS: From 679 dairy herds in Tehran province that have more than 50 animals, 32 dairy herds were selected randomly and animals that had calved from March 2007 to March 2008 were followed until the next calving or culling. In total 10506 animals were included in the study. The information on number, parity, occurrence of mastitis was gathered from registry forms.RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of mastitis in this study was calculated 35.8% (95% Confidence interval (34.9-36.8), 3764 animals of 10506). Incidence of mastitis was increased by the increasing parity of animals, and animals in fifth parity have the most incidence.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed the incidence of mastitis in this area is very high and it is necessary to control it.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is considered as one of the most important infections in ruminants. The flukes are found in the blood vessels of animals. This parasite has been observed in many countries such as: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq and parts of Europe.OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to determine the contamination of Schistosoma turkestanicum in sheep in the central region of Mazandaran province during the year 2012-13.METHODS: Based on the high mortality rate reported by Mazandaran Veterinary Organization in some herds in the cities of the north of Iran During investigation 21.2% mortality was seen in infected herds by necropsy; Schistosoma turkestanicum was diagnosed as cause of death. Examined infected herds and fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of sheep. Samples were examined by flotation method and obtained results were analyzed by statistical tests.RESULTS: During present study which was performed in five central cities of Mazandaran, the highest infection rate was found in Babolsar and the lowest was found in Moghrikola region of Babol. Mortality rate was also evaluated based on gender and it was shown that mortality rates in females were higher than in males (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Ornithobilharziosis, is considered one of the endemic diseases in some parts of Iran and several epidemics have occurred in recent years in Iran. Because this parasite causes significant economic losses in herds of sheep and goat in Iran, due to its location in the ruminants body and because Mazandaran province is one of the important foci of infection, more attention of the veterinary organization and its institutions is needed for better and greater control of infection.

BACKGROUND: The Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venoms are known to contain α-toxin peptides, many of which interfere with K+ion channel function. These toxin peptides have important value in the pharmacology and physiology studies of specific K+channel of cells.OBJECTIVES: Given the lack of information of the molecular biology of peptides in the toxin of Iranian scorpions, the aim of this study is Amplification and Analyses of cDNA sequence coding for a peptide toxin from the venomous gland of the Khuzestan province scorpionMesobuthus eupeus. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from the venom glands of scorpionMesobuthus eupeus collected from Khuzestan province of Iran and then cDNA was synthesized with the modified oligo (dT) primer. By applying the Semi-nested RT-PCR using homologous primers, the fragments of 227 bp were amplified and sequenced.RESULTS: The full-length sequence of coding region was 174 bp which contained an open reading frame of 57 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 6.434 KDa and theoretical pI of 5.12. It contains a signal peptide of 19, propeptide of 4 and a mature peptide of 34 amino acids. For comparison of this peptide with the similar sequences registered in NCBI database, BLAST program was used. This protein with homology to the “Scorpion toxin-like domain” belongs to the Toxin-6 super family.CONCLUSIONS: Multiple alignment of the putative amino acid sequence of this gene exhibited the highest sequence identity with lesser Asian scorpionM. eupeus venom potassium channel a-toxin-1. This high sequence similarity indicates that this gene is a member of a-toxin from the IranianMesobuthus eupeus.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridge (MB) is generally defined as a superfacial muscular band that forms sporadic or multiple across the coronary artery in dog, cat, sheep, and human.OBJECTIVES: From the view of embryology MB is a preformatted structure with coronary artery during forming. The type of study in human is during sonography and angiography examination, but in veterinary science the study on MB is done after death examination.METHODS: This study was performed on over 50 sheep hearts that were prepared from slaughterhouse of Shahr e kord. First, pericardium was opened and the heart brought out of the pericardial cavity and then the hearts were studied with concentrated light and lens on both sides. After the M B recognition, their length and width were measured by a ruler. In both sides of the heart, the MB was divided into 1.3 proximal, 1.3 middle and 1.3 distal. In all of the studied hearts, only 10 samples (20%) had M B.RESULTS: The average length of recognised MBs was 1.55±1.17 (SD) cm and with width of 1.09±.092 (SD) cm. The positive samples were transferred to histology laboratory for preparation of cross section of heart and were stained with H& E staining.CONCLUSIONS: The longitudinal section showed the long fibers of myocardium with continual narrow fibers and intercalated discs were located between them.

BACKGROUND: Atrazine is one of the most important and effective pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The widest sugar cane farms of the Middle East are located in Khouzestan province, Iran. Large amounts of Atrezine are being used in farming on these farms.OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate acute toxicity (LC50 96 h) of atrazine onBarbus grypus and the effects of chronic toxicity with sub-lethal concentration of atrazine on hematological parameters as well.METHODS: 180 B grypus were divided into 4 equal groups (5, 10 and 20% of LC50 96 h and control). Blood samples were taken on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of experiment. Hematological parameters including hemoglobin level, hematocrit, and red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and globular indices were measured and compared among the groups.RESULTS: LC50 96 h was measured 65 mg l-1. Hematological parameters were significantly affected by chronic toxicity of atrazine. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC were decreased at all sampling periods in fish exposed to different levels of atrazine (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in globular indice values among the groups in sampling periods (p>0.05). For all samples, WBC value was decreased significantly on day 21 (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it can be concluded that chronic atrazine toxicity adversely affects hematological parameters of B. grypus.

BACKGROUND: Lactococcus lactis is one of the lactic acid bacteria that can be considered as a probiotic in Persian sturgeon.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to increase the resistance toAeromonas hydrophila after feeding the L. lactis JF831150.METHODS: In the present study, first 60 fish were fed different doses of L.lactis JF831150 for 56 days. The bacterial flora were counted with TSA and MRS. Resistance of fish against A. hydrophilawere considered after feeding. RESULTS: The use of L. lactis JF831150 for 56 days inP. sturgeon showed significant improvement in decreasing heterotrophic aerobic bacteria flora and increasing the lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. In the face of fish againstA. hydrophila in third treatment (108 CFU/g), the survival rate was shown to be significantly higher than the control and other treatments.CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that consumption ofL. lactis JF831150 (108 CFU/g) could improve the intestinal flora and increase resistance toA. hydrophila, and therefore has potential for use with P.sturgeon.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics have more functional effects and less survival under hard acidic-bile circumstances of digestive system, and foodstuff products situation has persuaded investigators to find techniques to resolve this problem. Microencapsulation as a useful method has a perceptible effect in this regard.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the protective role of double coated beads of calcium alginate-chitosan-eudragit S100 achieved from microencapsulation ofLactobacillus acidophilus as a predominant flora of human and animals gut.METHODS: Following activation of starter culture of L.acidophilus in MRS-broth medium, centrifuge (at aspeed of 5000 rpm for 10 minutes) was used to purify bacteria. Extrusion technique was used for Microencapsulation of probiotic bacterium. The survey of beads solidity was carried out for 12 hours and the study of survival of microencapsulated bacteria was done for 120 minutes inside hydrochloric acid, phosphate buffer and digestive powder solution. MRS-Salicin-agar and pour plate method and incubation at 37oC for 48 h was done for cultivation. Data were analyzed by means of an independent t-test.RESULTS: Shape and size of beads were shown by optical microscope.The consequences demonstrated that survivability of microencapsulated bacteria in the mentioned conditions, in both situation with and without mechanical tensions, is significantly more than free bacteria (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Microencapsulation with calcium alginate- chitosan-eudragit S100 plays a significant role in increasing the rate of L. acidophilusviability.

BACKGROUND: Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme of the oxidoreductase family. Lactoperoxidase is an important antimicrobial agent. Applications of lactoperoxidase are being found as a preservative in food and cosmetics. Immobilized LPO provides several significant benefits such as: easily separated from the reaction products, reducing production costs by efficient recycling and control of the process.OBJECTIVES: Purification and immobilization of lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk using sodium alginate polymer.METHODS: The lactoperoxidase was purified from camel milk by using sephadex G-100 gel filtration CM and sephadex C-50 ion-exchange chromatography. Encapsulation was carried out by using LPO, sodium alginate, glycerol and Tween 80. Afterward, the microcapsules were stablized by calcium ion (1%). Efficiency of encapsulation was calculated.The particle size and distribution were measured with particle size analyzer. Morphology and formation of the particles were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).Stability of encapsulated and uncapsulated LPO was studied at 4 oC during 70 days.RESULTS: After purification and purity measurement by SD-SPAGE, concentration of 0.28 micrograms per liter for each of the fractions was obtained. Microencapsulation efficiency was 84% and microcapsules less than 200 nm were formed. Observation by SEM confirmed the formation of microparticles. Microcapsules have a relatively smooth surface, spherical with low tenacity as well. Stability of encapsulated enzyme at 70 days was obtained 81%.CONCLUSIONS: Immobilization of Lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk using sodium alginate is a good method to increase performance of the enzyme.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) possess a variety of virulence genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of infections caused by this agent.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the genes encoding collagen binding (cna) and fibronectin binding (fnb) adhesion factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from food and clinical specimens.METHODS: During the time period 2010-2013, a total of 38 isolates ofStaphylococcus aureus from clinical specimens and 32 isolates from food samples were collected. All isolates were identified biochemically and subjected to DNA extraction. The accuracy of DNA extraction from each isolate was confirmed by PCR amplification ofaroA gene and then the presence of cna and fnb genes in the extracted DNAs was assessed by PCR, using the specific primers.RESULTS: The results showed that among 38 isolates from clinical specimens, 15 (39.5%) & 32 (84.2%) and among 32 isolates of food origin 10 (31/2%) and 16 (50%) isolates hadcna and fnb genes respectively.Thirteen clinical (34.21%) and 6 food isolates (18.7%) were positive for bothfnb and cnagenes and 4 clinical (10.5%) and 12 food isolates (37.5%) were lacking both genes.CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it is concluded that, although these adhesion genes are not present in allStaphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, but their prevalence is high and using the products of these genes in vaccines may be effective in protecting against infections caused by this bacterium.

BACKGROUND: Poultry production in houses and high stocking density, results in increase in mortality because of different diseases.OBJECTIVES: Investigating the effective managerial and environmental factors on mortality in industrialized poultry farms, proportion of each factor and ranking farms based on mortality risk to solve some problems of Iran’s poultry farm insurance.METHODS: Samples were taken from 47 broiler, 20 layer and 30 broiler breeder farms of 16 Iranian provinces which were selected based on geographical location, climate and outbreaks of diseases. House characteristics were evaluated by precision measurement. Parameters such as heat exchange, light intensity, atmospheric conditions (inside oxygen and ammonia concentration, acidity and moisture of litter) and quality of equipment (ventilator capacity, heating & cooling systems) were measured. Based on collected data, managerial index was defined and calculated. Parameters related to sanitary condition, birds’ health and immunization were measured by blood anti body titer. A total of 97 poultry farms were included in the investigation and 27231 measurement data were recorded.RESULTS: Average mortality in broiler, layer and breeder farms was 15.4, 11.2 per period and 1.9% per month, respectively. According to stepwise minimum Wilk’s Lambda discriminant regression, the highest standardized coefficient belonged to vaccine accomplishment (VA) followed by house ventilator capacity (VM), immunization against avian influenza (AIG), farm biosecurity (SHOW), drinker type (DRIN), precipitation rate (RAIN) and temperature management index (TMI): Mortality Risk (0, 1)=-2.622+1.533 VA-1.135 SHOW+0.739 AIG+0.551 DRIN-0.016 VM+0.003 RAIN+0.002TMI. Main variables of models which were fitted to layer and broiler breeder flocks were health and ventilation.CONCLUSIONS: 6 managerial and environmental factors, immunization of flock against diseases, farm biosecurity and house ventilation had the greatest impact on ranking the mortality risk.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease of poultry and a major cause of economic losses due to decline in growth, egg production, reduction in egg hatching and exacerbation of viral and bacterial respiratory diseases.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was detection of serological prevalence ofMycoplasma gallisepticum infection in broiler breeders of Mazandaran province and to suggest control strategies against mycoplasmosis.METHODS: All breeder farms that were in production period in Mazandaran province were sampled (74 farms in 14 cities); blood samples were collected from 45 birds in each farm. Sera samples were examined by RSPA and ELISA tests based on the instructions of OIE.RESULTS: In this study, by the RSPA test, 3 out of 74 farms (4%), 15 out of 553 houses (2.7%) were positive. From 5626 collected sera samples, 139 samples (2.5%) were positive in RSPA and 124 samples (2.2%) in ELISA.CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence of MG infection was 4% during the selected period and zone of study. Statistical analysis showed that biosecurity situations were significantly better in negative farms (p=0.04). There are some deficiencies in quality of biosecurity situations despite implementing biosecurity principles in farms. Establishing of farms near villages or the development of villages, keeping backyard birds close to the farms and employees living in villages are some of the biosecurity principles that were not followed in infected farms.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence and side effects of current treatments for urolithiasis confine their application, so other options using traditional herbal therapy are being sought.OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study we have tried to evaluate the antilithiatic effects of herbal extraxt of Tribulus terrestris which is often used to treat different kinds of urinary diseases such as urolithiasis in human on cats.METHODS: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant, the hydro alcoholic extract of T.terrestris was assessed for activity against induced urolithiasis in cats. The extract of such herb was administered at daily oral doses of 200 mg/kg for 30 days.RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of urine sediments and ultrasonographic study of kidneys and urinary bladder confirmed inhibition of crystal formation in tested cats.CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate this herbal extract could be a potential candidate for prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise anti-crystallization mechanism of T. terrestris in cats.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important heart diseases in dogs is chronic valvular disease which can be evaluated by diagnostic ways such as physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography and…. Traditionally, the evaluation of heart function has been accomplished by electrocardiography, radiography, and echocardiography. Within the past 15 years, cardiac biomarkers, primarily cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptides, have become a mainstay for both the diagnosis and patient monitoring in human heart disease. Recently, veterinary research has provided insight into the utility of these bloodbased cardiac biomarkers in canine and feline patients.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the chronic valvular disease and assess its severity via evaluation of circulating amino terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.METHODS: This survey was done on 20 dogs which had valvular disease and on 20 control dogs. Serum NT-pro BNP concentration was measured with an ELISA validated for use in dogs. Results of physical examination, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and serum biochemical analysis were recorded for dogs with cardiac disease.RESULTS: Serum NT-pro BNP concentration was significantly higher in dogs with cardiac disease than in control dogs.Serum NT-pro BNP concentration in group B2 and C was correlated with left atrial to aortic ratio.CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, results suggested that serum NT-pro BNP concentration could be a useful adjunct clinical test for diagnosing chronic valvular disease and assessing the severity of disease in dogs.