Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2015 | Volume:70 | Issue:1|Papers Count:17

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis and Thosis are parasitic tick-borne diseases that cause a lot of economic loss in livestock Industry.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to detect Babesia and Theileria infection in goats and and vector ticks in goats in Mashhad.METHODS: One hundred blood samples of goats and 246 ticks were collected from some suspected flocks with history of piroplasmosis. The samples were transported to laboratory under cold condition. Blood smears were prepared and stained by Geimsa method and examined with a light microscope at ´1000 magnitude. The collected ticks were separated into tick pools of five according to their species and sex. The blood, salivary gland and ovaries of tick samples were examined using specific primers of Babesia.spp and Theileria.spp by semi nested-PCR.RESULTS: Piroplasm bodies were not observed in any blood samples of goat in Mashhad. In a total of 246 collected ticks, seven species were identified as follows: R.turanicus 127 (51.6%), D. marginatus 67 (27.2%), Hy. marginatum 44 (17.9%), R.sangunincus 4 (1.6%), Hy. anatolicum 2 (0.8%), Hy. asiaticum 1 (0.4%) and Heam. sulcata 1(0.4%). Dominant tick species of goats in Mashhad suburb were R. turanicus and D.marginatus. The results of PCR showed that none of the blood samples were infected with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Also, Theileria infectoin was detected in a sample salivary glands of Hy. marginatum.CONCLUSIONS: Based on microscopic and molecular results, no Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. infection were detected in goats. R.turanicus was the dominat tick species and Theileria spp. infection was detected in one sample of Hy.marginatum.

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Iran. Molecular techniques for diagnosis of persistent infection or carrier animals have shown a potential ability to improve the detection of a low genome copy number in samples.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of foot and mouth disease viral carriers in slaughtered sheep in Mashhad industrial abattoir using RT-PCR.METHODS: Samples were isolated from tonsil of 94 slaughtered sheep analyzed by RT-PCR experiment for the detection of FMD, identification of FMD virus serotypes and at the end nucleic acid sequencing were performed.RESULTS: The results showed that the 23 samples (24.5 percent) were positive for the presence of FMD virus RNA, of which 89.9% of cases are type O and 3 cases of FMD samples did not respond. The results of the 1D genome sequencing of the nucleic acid virus showed that FMD virus of sheep (O/IRN/100/2010Sheep), has 92.02% similarity with the virus (O/IRN/67/2001-2005) and 88.42% similarity with the virus (O/IRN/15/2004-2008).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the percentage of FMDV sheep carriers in Mashhad slaughterhouse was remarkable. Estimation of the frequency of carrier state in cattle and small ruminants is recommended as a monitor of control plan in the region.

BACKGROUND: Infectious bronchitis is a highly contagious disease which may cause poor weight gain and low feed efficiency in infected chickens. There are a large number of reported serotypes/genotypes, which makes the control of the disease more difficult through vaccination. However, there are only a few amino acid differences in the S1 protein of vaccine and wild type strains which are responsible for protection.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare IBV variants isolated from commercial chicken flocks in Iran with currently used vaccine strains.METHODES: The partial S1 gene of the spike protein, covering a hypervariable and constant regions, was amplified and sequenced using conventional RTPCR.RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences revealed that eight of total nine isolates were divergence at least 21.8% from vaccinal Massachusetts serotypes, and six of nine isolates were divergence at least 22.7% from 4.91, and none of the nine isolates were similar to Dutch-type, D274, vaccine serotypes.CONCLUSIONS: These findings are essential for continuous surveillance disease control strategies and monitoring of variants, and thus emphasize on the importance of improving the vaccination program in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Haemobartonella (also known as Mycoplasma) is a blood organism of cats and can cause many anemia and many clinical signs in the infected cats.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to calculate the incidence rate of haemobartonellosis in pet cats of Tehran and study its relationship with certain factors. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected ones.METHODS: 0.5 ml blood samples from cephalic veins of 120 pet cats in Tehran were prepared and after sending to parasitology laboratory and slide preparing, were stained with Giemsa. Finally, all of the prepared slides were studied with photomicroscope for presence of Haemobartonella. Meanwhile, the relationship between the infection and some factors including age, sex, breed, animal maintenance type, and color of their coats were studied with Chi square method. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected by Mann Whitney test.RESULTS: Results showed that out of 120 pet cats in Tehran, 14 (11.67%) were infected to Haemobartonella. Statistical analyses didn't show any significant relationship between the infection and the above-mentioned factors. Also, the results showed significant decrease in number of RBC, MCH, MCHC, NRBC, and number of Band cells compared with non-infected cats.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that haemobartonellosis is one of the probable diagnoses, when we have anaemia in pet cats of Tehran.

BACKGROUND: No study has been conducted on iron requirements of broiler breeder hens until now.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to determine the iron requirement of broiler breeder hens using nonlinear models.METHODS: Forty eight (Cobb 500) broiler breeder hens were individually placed in galvanized wire cages. In order to depletion of hens iron reserved, hens were offered a semi purified iron deficient diet for 3 weeks. At 62 week of age, Hens were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments (37, 52, 67, 82 ppm of diet iron) with 4 replicates. Body weight gain, egg production and egg weight were measured during 6 weeks experimental period.RESULTS: The results showed that the estimated iron requirement for egg production (H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 62, 54, 72, 57, 63, 64 ppm respectively. The logistic model was fitted to iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow, suggested that iron requirement were equal to 66, 53, 129, 58 ppm respectively. Fitted exponential model estimated iron requirement for egg weight, iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow were 62, 96, 70, 73, 111 ppm respectively. Also based on the quadratic equation models, estimated iron requirement for egg production (H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 66, 71, 220, 51, 70, 62 ppm respectively. Among the four models used, the broken line model is more accurate in estimating the required iron than other models due to the low variance between estimated requirements.CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that value recommended by primary breeder (Cobb 500 management guide, 55 ppm) is lower than values obtained in present study.

BACKGROUND: Faba bean (Vicia faba) is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates that is used as a vegetable ingredient in diet of livestock, poultry and fish, in many countries.OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the effects of different levels of faba bean on the serum lipid levels and liver function of farmed beluga sturgeon (Huso huso).METHODS: 144 juvenile beluga (82.38±0.83 g) were located into 18 oval tanks (300 L) and triplicate groups were fed by experimental diets inclusion 6 levels of faba bean (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) for 50 days. At the end of the trial, blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of 54 beluga juveniles and some of biochemical parameters (cholesterol and triglycerides) and liver enzymes such as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were investigated. Then nine fish per treatment were sampled to measure Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and liver composition per each treatment.RESULTS: The results showed that by increasing the levels of faba bean in diets ALP, AST and LDH contents were significantly decreased compared to the control treatment (p<0.05). However, the lowest level of ALT (0.76±0.2 U/l) was measured in fish fed with 10% faba bean meal (p<0.05). The moisture and fat contents of liver showed significant difference by increasing the levels of faba bean in diet (p<0.05). No significant differences were shown in cholesterol, triglyceride, HSI, liver protein and liver ash contents (p>0.05). Highly significant positive correlation were observed between total protein, cholesterol, AST, LDH, ALP and liver fat (p<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Use of lower levels of faba bean (up to 25%) had no significant effect on serum lipids and no adverse effect on liver function of juvenile beluga.

BACKGROUND: Today the use of natural substances plays a major role in improving the growth and immunity of aquatic organisms.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Iron nanoparticles with Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic on growth parameters and probiotic counts in rainbow trout intestine.METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty fish with 12±0.49 g initial weight were prepared and after acclimatized to the laboratory conditions divided randomly into six groups. First group was selected as control, other groups were fed with a commercial diet supplemented with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 2), 50 mg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 3), 100 mg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 4), 50 mg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 5) and 100 mg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 6), respectively. Biometry and intestine bacteriologic examination were carried out at days 0 and 60.RESULTS: Results showed that growth parameters (weight gain, body weight gain, specific growth rate, daily growth rate, and condition factor and food conversion rate) were significantly higher in group 5 compared with the other groups. Also, intestine bacterial counts increased by using Iron nanoparticles in combination with Lactobacillus casei. The fish that received 100 mg/kg Iron nanoparticles and probiotic had significantly higher bacterial counts in their intestine compared with the other groups.CONCLUSSIONS: Based on the obtained results we conclude that diet supplementation with Iron nanoparticles and Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic could significantly improve growth parameters in rainbow trout. However, these results would warrant further study on the clinical application of these agents.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is one of the important nutrients in fish culture and as a potent anti-oxidant, is of great importance in preserving cells against oxidation and boosting resistance in stress conditions and against pathogens.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to add high level of vitamin C supplementation to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet reared at high density and analysis of growth indices, survival and carcass composition at two different stocking densities.METHODS: Rainbow trout juveniles with initial body weight of 9.6±0.69 g at two densities of 50 and 100 pieces in 50 liters of water were fed two diets containing the same level of protein and fat. Experimental diets were diet 1 without adding vitamin and diet 2 with adding 1500 mg/kg of vitamin C. A total number of 900 rainbow trout juveniles in four treatments each with three replicates as T50 (0) (with the density of 50 and fed with diet 1), T100 (0) (with the density of 100 and fed with diet 1), T50 (C) (with the density of 50 and fed with diet 2) and T100 (C) (with the density of 100 and fed with diet 2) were randomly distributed in incubators.RESULTS: After 6 weeks of feeding, growth indices, feed conversion ratio and viability were significantly different between treatments (p<0.05). T50 (0) and T50 (C) treatments had higher weight gain, specific growth rate and viability than T100 (0) and T100 (C) (p<0.05). In the case of feed conversion ratio, it was higher in T100 (0) and T100 (C) treatments compared to T50 (0) and T50 (C) ones (p<0.05). Carcass composition was not significantly different between treatments (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that vitamin C supplementation in the diet of rainbow trout juveniles did not have significant effects on growth indices, feed conversion ratio, survival and carcass composition but density was a key factor in growth, feed conversion ratio and survival in this species.

BACKGROUND: Zeolites containing silver ion, in combination with synthetic fibers, show antibacterial activity.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to use silver zeolite indirectly as antimicrobial agents to control Streptococcus iniae infection which recently has caused disease in some of rainbow trout farms in Iran.METHODES: In this context polyurethane foams containing silver zeolite (10 and 20%) were used in water filtration of semi circulation culture system of rainbow trout fry. After addition of Streptococcus iniae (105 Cell/ml) to water in culture systems, the filters were evaluated for efficacy in inhibiting bacteria through measuring bacterial loading in water, monitoring disease symptom and culture of bacteria from kidney and spleen.RESULTS: The results indicated that filters containing silver compounds could significantly reduce load of bacteria from the water to 102 (p<0.05) compared to the control. Filter with 10% silver zeolite had higher efficiency among others.CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it seems that silver zeolite in combination with polyurethane foams has the sufficient potential to control bacterial infection and disease prevention in semi circulation system of Rainbow trout. Development of these filters and their application in control of aquatic animal diseases can result in reduction of using chemical drugs.

BACKGROUND: Negative energy balance in cow occurs in transitional period, highyielding dairy cows immediately after calving and feed restriction. In response to energy demand cow mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue causing an increase in the circulation of NEFA. Increased blood NEFA is associated with low glucose, high free fatty acids and ketone bodies as well as lipid and lipoprotein disturbances in the blood. Does buffalo follows the same as cow, is not yet cleared.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of starvation on some lipid parameters in serum and liver of buffalos in Ahwaz.METHODS: Five two-year-old male buffalos with average body weight of 200 kg were fattened with a diet containing alpha, barely, wheat, and maze for 8 weeks and then they were fastened for 8 days. During fasting period the animals had free access to barely and water. After fasting period the buffalos were again fattened for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein during the first and second fattening period with 20 days intervals and every day in the fasting period. Plasma samples were obtained, stored, and analyzed for glucose, BHBA and NEFA using standard kits. The liver of each buffalo was sampled at the beginning and end of feed restriction period and sent to the laboratory for the measurement of the liver TG content. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare mean values in fed and fasted periods.RESULTS: The results of present study revealed that there were no significant differences in plasma NEFA, BHBA and liver TG concentration before and after feed restriction (p>0.05), but there was significant difference in plasma glucose (p£0.05).CONCLUSIONS: It appears that in the period of food depravation, buffalos are essentially able to cope with these hard conditions probably through control of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis at the aim of preventing metabolic disorders particularly fatty liver. The results of the present research reveal probably for the first time, this inheritance phenomenon with the emphasis of further research.

BACKGROUND: In nature, there are herbal extracts, while capable of reducing aflatoxin B1 in agricultural product by different mechanisms, may also act as growth promoters.OBJECTIVES: In this study, aqueous extract of T. daenensis was evaluated to detoxify contaminated feed with aflatoxin B1 and to determine the effect of growth promoters in Japanese quail.METHODS: To this purpose, at 24 d of age, quails were separated by sex and 80 male quails were randomly divided into experimental units with equal weight and number. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1. basal diet (B), 2. B+AFB1 (500 mg/kg of feed), 3. B+aqueous extract of T. daenensis (2000 mg/kg of feed), 4. B+AFB1 (500 mg/kg of feed) + aqueous extract of T. daenensis (2000 mg/kg of feed). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and serum total protein were determined at day 45.RESULTS: The results showed that aflatoxin significantly decreased feed intake, body weight gain and total blood protein but increased FCR (p<0.05). The extract significantly increased feed intake and body weight gain, but decreased FCR (p<0.05). The extract did not have any effect on total blood protein. There was an interaction effect between aflatoxin and extract (p<0.05), so that feed intake, body weight gain, FCR and total blood protein were improved in birds offered diet with aflatoxin and extract. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, the extract has improved the performance in birds and the negative effect of aflatoxin on performance was significantly decreased in birds offered diet with the extract.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the oxidative agents. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in calves within 3 days of birth.METHODS: Twenty calves from Zagros dairy farm were selected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0 (before administration of colostrum), 24, 48 and 72 hours after birth for measurement of serum levels of TBARS, Superoxide dismutase and catalase.RESULTS: The results indicated higher levels of serum malondialdehyde concentration at birth that subsequently decreased at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). There were lower levels of serum concentration of catalase at birth that followed by increasing in it at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). Also, the concentration of superoxide dismutase was lower at the birth that subsequently increased at 24 hours after birth (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it seems that antioxidant capacity of calves has been increased within 3 days of birth. Improvement of oxidative status in calves could be due to gradual increasing of their antioxidative capacity and also beneficial effects of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Considering differences in head size and shape of different Equine breeds, biometric parameters can be an attribute to a particular race.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present paper is to give a numerical definition of morphological characteristics of head region of the Darehshori horse.METHODS: Twenty mature Darehshori horses were studied biometrically. The ear length, ears distance, eyes distance, head length, lateral head length, head width, rostrum length, distance between two mandibles and lateral face length were measured and the averages were calculated.RESULTS: The average of the related characters were as follow; ear length 16.89, ears distance 12.12, eyes distance 15.79, head length 55.26, lateral head length 49.33, head width 20.42, rostrum length 23.68, distance between two mandibles 10.82 and lateral face length 39.88 centimeter.CONLUSIONS: The coefficient of variation of these characters showed that the head length, lateral face length and lateral head length are more reliable characters than the other indices in characterizing the Darehshori horse.

BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in chicken has profound influence on resistance/susceptibility to disease, and production and reproduction traits. Microsatellite marker LEI0258 is a genetic indicator for MHC haplotypes. Recognizing diversity of MHC haplotypes in selectively bred populations will be helpful for selecting population resistant to disease and development of effective vaccines.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate polymorphism at MHC in two populations of Khorasan indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn breed using microsatellite marker LEI0258 and to investigate its segregation and heredity.METHODS: A total of 335 blood samples from Khorasan Razavi indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn population including parents (P) and offspring (F1), were analyzed. The MHC genotypes were determined using LEI0258 microsatellite. The study of allele heredity from P to F1 and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were conducted using Chi-square and Likelihood Ratio tests.RESULTS: In Khorasan indigenous chickens 20 different alleles were identified for LEI0258 microsatellite. The allele 321 bp had the highest (22.88%) and the allele 182 bp had the lowest (0.16%) frequency. In the commercial population (Leghorn breed) 3 alleles were found for this marker of which the allele 261 bp had the highest (50%) and alleles 487 bp had the lowest (6%) frequency. In allele heredity analysis and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of Khorasan population, no significant differences were observed between P and F1 progenies.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a higher genetic variation in indigenous chickens compared to commercial breed. There was no preference for a particular allele in indigenous chickens. The higher frequency of some alleles in F1 population is due to the high frequency of the same alleles in parent population which their gametes make the population gene pool.

BACKGROUND: Medical plants have been recently used to treat diabetes. Osteoporosis is one of diabetes side effects and increases the risk of bone fracture in diabetic patient.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential bone protective effects of O.persica ethanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and treated as follows: group 1 (control); group 2 (STZ group): received STZ 50 mg/kg by a single IP injection; groups 3, 4 and 5 treated with STZ as above+200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of O. persica extract per day by oral gavage, respectively. On day 29, serum taken for glucose level measurement and left femoral and tibio-fibular bones were dissected for histomorphometric study, while L4 vertebrate were removed for determination of ash weight.RESULTS: 300 mg/kg of extract reduced serum glucose levels. Epiphyseal and metaphyseal Trabecular thickness as well as epiphyseal bone area/tissue area significantly decreased in STZ group. O. persica extract at the dosage of 200 mg/kg reversed all these parameters to the control level. No significant difference observed in osteoid thickness among different groups. Ash weight of L4 vertebrate in rats treated with 300 and 450 mg/kg of extract was significantly lower than other groups.CONCLUSIONS: The results show that ethanolic extract of O. persica has bone protective effects in STZ-treated rats.