Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2017 | Volume:72 | Issue:1|Papers Count:21

BACKGROUND: Antibacterial drugs have long been used for prevention and treatment of poultry diseases but their misuse or overuse can make adverse effects on public health including occurrence of drug residues in poultry products.OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency and status of antibacterial drug consumption in broiler production farms in Qum province.METHODS: In the present survey, Qum province was divided into six regions (north, west, southwest, south, southeast and east) and in total 138 broiler production units (59%) were studied by direct interview using a questionnaire.RESULTS: The present study showed that the most frequently used antimicrobial drugs in broiler farms were sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim (93.4%) followed by enrofloxacin (60.0%), colistin (49.7 %), furazolidone (42.0 %), oxytetracycline (17.5 %), and chloramphenicol (14.6 %). Mean antibacterial consumption rate during a 42-48 day production period was 3.0±0.37 times per farm. A notable finding in this survey was the high percentage of banned drug usage such as furazolidone and chloramphenicol, indicating the ignorance or unawareness of poultrymen regarding the potential hazards of these drugs on public health.CONCLUSIONS: Owing to widespread and frequent usage of antibacterial drugs in broiler farms, all-out actions are needed to be taken in educational, research and administrative fields of veterinary and animal production sectors for rational and responsible use of these drugs in poultry industry.

BACKGROUND: Canine infestation of ectoparasites is of medical and veterinary importance worldwide and in Iran due to transmission of pathogen agents.OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to determine prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs of Gilanegharb suburb of Kermanshah province, Iran.METHODS: A total of 138 dogs (93 sheepdogs and 45 watchdogs) were randomly selected and examined from March 2012 to May 2013. The body surface was investigated for ixodid ticks and removed along with the mouthparts. The mites were also removed directly from the skin and/or using skin scraping and then digested. Fleas and lice were collected from body surface of examined dogs and identified.RESULTS: The results indicated that 65 sheepdogs (47.11%) and 43 watchdogs (31.16%) were infested with ectoparasites. There was a significant difference between prevalence and sex in dogs aged less than one-year-old (p≤0.05). The maximum and minimum ixodid ticks infestations were respectively forRhipicephalus sanguineus (35.36%) andH. marginatum marginatum (3.06%). Tick indices (number of tick per each animal) were 2.13 with the highest body distribution in ear (24.82%) ofR. sanguineus (p≤0.05). The frequency of ixodid tick infestation was significantly higher in spring (33.82%) than other seasons. Thirty five dogs (25.14%) out of all examined dogs were infested withSarcoptes scabiei (15.33%), Demodex canis (9.81%), Ctenocephaloides canis (6.52%), Pulex irritans (3.62%), and Trichodectes canis (4.35%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of the current study, it was concluded that there was species diversity in dogs’ ectoparasites fauna which can be transmitted to humans and served as the carrier for spreading the infective agents in the region.

BACKGROUND: The nematodes which belong to Haemonchus genes have high ability to show genetic and morphological changes. They can live with convenient adaptation in different hosts.OBJECTIVES: A Morphologic and Morphometric comparative study on Haemonchus nematodesfrom domestic ruminants in the southeast of Iran and comparison of studied parameters with the results of other researches around the world.METHODS: During an annual period the 100 adultHaemonchus nematodes (50 male and 50 female) were collected from each domestic ruminant (sheep, goat, cattle and camel) from Nehbandan (southern Khorasan), Zabol and Zahedan (Sistan and Balouchestan) in the southeast of Iran. In present study the measured parameters are: Total body length of male and female adult nematodes, gubernaculum length, right and left spicule length, the distance between spicule spine and the spicule posterior end, the distance between anterior cervical spine and the anterior end of nematode, the egg diameters. Also, the anterior sections were observed in order to study the longitudinal cuticular ridges (Synloph). The achieved data from nematodes of each host were compared with others using (One Way Anova and Tukey tests), also such comparison was done with the results of one of the standard sources (Soulsby 1982) using One Sample T Test.RESULTS: The results of present study showed that some of the parameters such as spicule length, distance between right spicule spine and the spicule posterior end, and Synloph pattern in nematodes from sheep and goat are mostly similar to Haemonchus placei. The significant statistical differences in present study results showed high polymorphism inHaemonchus nematodes in the area.CONCLUSIONS: It seems that such high polymorphism in present nematodes, especially from sheep and goat has been created due to mating of native nematodes and foreign species with the source of imported cattle.

BACKGROUND: This study was initiated to improve our understanding of the health and environmental impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag-np).OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is application and direct effects of silver nanoparticles on Zebra fish (Danio rerio).METHODS: After characterizing the AgNPs using TEM, EDX, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, XRF and SEM methods, their effects on some vital tissues have been tested successfully in vitro. In this study, 540 fish (2±0.05 g) were randomly divided into 9 groups in triplicate for acute tests (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kgfood). After short term (96h), chronic toxicity tests were evaluated using under lethal concentration (100, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kgfood) fed with experimental diet for 8 weeks. Fish in groups 1 to 4 were fed by food supplemented with 100, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg food, respectively. Group 5 was fed with basal food without supplementation. After histopathology, heavy metals were measured by spectrum photometry reveal.RESULTS: According to the results of acute tests, the 96h LC50 values in 24, 48, 72 and 96h were 804.601, 486.637, 323.696 and 195.208 mg/kgfood AgNPs for the Zebra fishes respectively. According to the results of chronic toxicity tests, fed via oral administration of AgNPs produced significant histopathological effects. Also, the most important histopathological effects of AgNPs were observed in the liver (vasculature and exposure, degeneration of some hepatocytes), intestine (increase in the submucosa layer, narrowing of the intestinal lumen and reduced intestinal absorption), gills (clubbing of gill secondary lamaleas, hyperplasia, hyperemia and shortening of the primary lamaleas gills) and kidney (degeneration, high increase in interstitial cells and dilatation of Bowman’s space of glomeruli), respectively. The greatest bioaccumulation of silver occurred in the liver, gills and muscle of fish respectively (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The release of untreated nanoparticle waste to the environment should be restricted for the well-being of human and aquatic species.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that immune responses are influenced by dietary nutrients, feed formulation is mainly based on the productive responses, so the immunity indexes were ignored.OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine the effects of diets formulation based on different expression systems of energy and amino acids of feeds and requirements on performance and immune responses of Arian chicks.METHODS: A total of 1440 Arian chicks were fed eight diets arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial design with 2 systems of energy expression (AMEn and TMEn), 2 methods of amino acids content of feeds (TAAF and DAAF) and 2 methods of amino acids requirement (TAAR and DAAR) from 1 to 42 days of age. Each treatment was replicated six times with each replicate consisting of 15 males and 15 females.RESULTS: The results showed that when the Feed formulation was based on TMEn and DAA, the productive parameters increased compared with AMEn and TAA (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Selection for increase the growth rate in poultry, improve metabolic and physiological processes in order to use the feed. Therefore, lower proportions of nutrients will be allocated to other vital systems. However, the most suitable immune responses were observed in chicks that were fed diets which were set based on AMEn and received high level of amino acids. There is a negative correlation between immune responses and productive parameters. It is recommended that in normal conditions TMEn and DAA be used and in stress conditions AMEn and DAAF×TAAR be added to feed formulation.

BACKGROUND: Lactic acid bacteria are the most common class of bacteria used in aquaculture as probiotic.OBJECTIVES: In this study the effects of various levels of Lactobacillus caseion the growth performance and digestive enzymes activity of juvenile Shirbot were evaluated.METHODS: Four hundred-eighty juvenile Shirbot weighing 40 g were divided randomly in four treatments (in triplicate). Treatments of A, B and C were fed with 5×106 CFU g-1, 5×107 CFU g-1, 5×108 CFU g-1, respectively for 60 days. Control group was fed with free-probiotic diet. After the period, treatments were fed with free-probiotic diet for 15 days. Growth indices and digestive enzymes were examined on days 0, 30, 60 and 75.RESULTS: In the Treatment B, Specific Growth Ratio, Daily Weight Growth and Relative Growth Rate, after 30 days from the beginning of experiment improved considerably which, compared to control group had significant difference (p<0.05). Activity of chymotrypsin enzyme in treatment of group B after 30 days and similarly, trypsine in treatment of group C after 30 and 60 days, were increased significantly compared to control group (p<0.05). In the other points of sampling and enzymes, considerable difference was not seen (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that 5×107 CFUg-1 of Lactobacillus caseifor 30 days and 5×108 CFUg-1 for 60 days, are the best doses of probiotic.

BACKGROUND: Honey is recognized as having different biological properties including antioxidant effects. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are the main antioxidant in this apiary product.OBJECTIVES: In this study eight samples of Sabalan honey were screened to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content.METHODS: Antioxidant activity of honey samples was determined by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) method and b-carotene bleaching assay, total phenolic and flavonoid by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride methods, in addition, in all samples, some physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, diastase activity, existence or nonexistence of HMF) were measured according to Iranian National Standardization N92. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (one-way).RESULTS: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of honeys ranged respectively from 15.71- 41.58 (mg GAE/100g honey) and 3.80-13.20 (mg QE/100g honey).Antioxidant activity was between 23.19%-94.25%, b-carotene bleaching inhibition 69.54%-85.69%, pH ranged from 3.63-3.83, Acidity 11.99-20.50 mEq/kg, diastase activity of all samples was negative except sample No.1. All samples had positive HMF results.CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the above results, it could be concluded that the honey samples have significant antioxidant activity. All parameters of physicochemical test were according to the international specifications except diastase and HMF tests, which may be due to improper processing and storage condition, heating treatment, old honey, etc.

BACKGROUND: Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiated from signs of noninfectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea.OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia withEscherichia coliO111: H8. METHODS: Colisepticemia was experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24 h before septicemia until 48 h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was done based on antibiogram from 24 h after challenge.RESULTS: Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24 h before the challenge to 24 h after treatment were significant (p<0.001). Fecal consistency altered with treatment (p<0.04). Heart rate (p=0.04 and p=0.033, respectively), respiratory rate (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively) and body temperature (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) have significant changes till 24 h after challenge and till 24 h after starting treatment. Blood cultures were positive except for 0 h and 48 h after challenge.CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated clinical signs changed unfavorably following septicemia that were dissolved approximately during 24 h, depending on treatment in appropriate time and drug choice. Thus, a targeted scoring system will be useful in clinical evaluation of septicemia, quantifying the changes procedure and treatment efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Dew claws of ruminants are rudimentary of 2 and 5 digits and usually do not have functional action. Most studies about the dew claws were done on the diseases and shape-abnormality.OBJECTIVES: Because no comprehensive study has been done on the normal features of dew claws, especially in the water buffalo which is an important animal in Khouzestan, this study was performed on anatomy and radiology of the dew claws in the water buffalo and cow.METHODS: 136 dew claws from 11 water buffaloes and 6 cows were examined morphologically, morphometrically, and radiologically and their similarities and differences were clarified.RESULTS: Morphologic result showed that the dew claws were prismatic in shape; their bases were attached to skin at the level of the palmar or plantar surfaces of the fetlock joints. They had two bony ossicles in most cases as proximal and distal ones, but the ossicles in lateral dew claws of thoracic limb in the water buffalo were 3 in number. Proximal ossicles of the water buffalo were dumbbell-shaped, and were irregular or drop-shaped in the cow. Distal ossicles were nearly similar to the third phalanges of the main claws which were pyramid-shaped in water buffalo and triangle-shaped in the cow. Morphometrically, the measurements of the hoof and bony structures of the dew claws in the water buffalo were muchgreater than those of the cows.CONCLUSIONS: Although dew claws in both animals morphologically shared some similarities, there were morpho- metrically significant differences between the dew claws of the water buffalo and the cow. Being larger than the structures in the water buffalo may provide better adaption in static and dynamic of the animal in soft and swamp grounds. Radiologically, the best view for examination of dew claws and their elements was oblique view.

BACKGROUND: Yeasts are microorganisms that have the ability to absorb aflatoxins.OBJECTIVES: The effect of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PTCC 5177) on aflatoxin B1 detoxification and absorption of toxin in in vitro (the cow rumen) was investigated.METHODS: For this purpose, the yeast used in various treatments (live-treated, autoclave, heat-treated, treated with acid 100oC) was prepared and added to the rumen of cattle. Aflatoxin B1 in different doses (0, 5, 10, 20) ppb in the rumen were added and were incubated at 37oC for one and two hours. The amount of toxin residues was measured by ELISA using Europroxima kits.RESULTS: The results showed that microorganisms that have been treated in an autoclave have the highest amount of toxin removal (90.5%) (p<0.05). Also, with increases in the incubation time, the amount of toxin absorbed significantly increased (78%) (p<0.05) and with increasing concentrations of toxin in vitro the yeast’s ability to absorb toxin increases. These results demonstrate that the major toxin is absorbed by the yeast cell wall and therefore non-living microorganisms shown an ability to absorb higher.This is because the composition of the yeast cell wall mannoprotein that are effective at absorb in toxin.CONCLUSIONS: As a strategy for the animal feed industry the use of glycomannan yeast cell wall can be useful for reducing aflatoxin B1.

BACKGROUND: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly.OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate.METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies.RESULTS: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index (TDI), Repopulation index (RI), number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.

BACKGROUND: Microorganisms are responsible for development of many diseases, which directly or indirectly affect reproductive performance in mares, like various animal species. Fungi are present at mucous membranes of reproductive tract as mycoflora in warm blooded animals.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was isolation and identification of molds of external reproductive tract in mares.METHODS: Samples were collected from genital tract of 151 mares in different ages from horse breeding farms and clubs suburb of Tehran from April to December, 2014. Age, pregnancy, insemination and mating were recorded. Samples were taken by sterile cotton swabs from 3 different sites, (1) vestibule, (2) clitoral fossa and (3) vagina and transferred under cold condition to the laboratory of Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran.Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with antibiotic (chloramphenicol; 0.005) and kept at 30°C for 10-15 days before being considered negative.Fungal identification relied on morphologic and physiologic features. SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis of the data.RESULTS: Totally, 666 filamentous fungi colonies were isolated. Maximum colony (CFUs) were 20 and 37 colonies for each site and horse, respectively. In total, 81.5 percent of mares and 48.3 percent of different sites were positive. The most predominant isolates wereAspergillus spp 362 (54.35%), Scopulariopsis 93 (13.96%), Cladosporium 35 (5.25%), Penicillium 31 (4.65%), Alternaria 26 (3.90%), Fusarium20 (3.03%). Aspergillus took high occurrence with 362 and A. fumigatus with 156 colonies followed byScopulariopsis 93, Cladosporium 35 and Pencillium 31. A. fumigatus had significant difference among other fungi p<0.05. Among sites, 39.51% for filamentous fungi and 8.17% for both filamentous fungi and yeasts were positive.265.CONCLUSIONS: Isolated filamentous fungi could be resident flora of external reproductive tract of mares. These saprophytic pathogen fungi in predisposing conditions could be causative agents of endometritis and infertility in mares.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, infertility is one of the major problems of human societies.OBJECTIVES: To study oral administration of bulk milk and milk of late pregnant cows on spermatogenesis of male rats.METHODS: The first group of rats from day 1 of pregnancy until the end of lactation and then their male pups to maturity were treated with late pregnant cow’s milk. The second group from day 12 of pregnancy up to 15 days after delivery was treated with late pregnant cow’s milk. The third group of rats from day 1 of pregnancy until the end of lactation and then their male pups to maturity were treated with bulk milk.The fourth group from day 12 of pregnancy up to 15 days after delivery was treated with bulk milk. Rats in the control group during the study period were only fed with special food of rats and at the end viability, types of movement (progressive and in-place movement, immobility), number of sperms and also the serum testosterone level were elevated.RESULTS: Administration of both types of milk had no effect on in-place movement and also viability of sperms of experimental groups but they could cause a significant increase in sperm immobility and a significant decrease in number of sperms of experimental groups. Also, the level of serum testosterone of experimental groups was significantly reduced in comparison with control group (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it was determined consumption of late pregnant cow’s milk and bulk milk when it contains high estrogen can cause changes in some sperm species that are involved in male reproduction.

BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats, causing considerable losses for herd owners. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a potent exotoxin produced by C. pseudotuberculosis and it has been considered as the major virulence factor for this bacterium, possibly contributing to the spread of the bacteria from the initial site of infection to secondary sites within the host. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important candidates for the development of vaccines because they are usually able to promote both humoral and cellular immune responses in mammals.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the cloning and expression of the PLD and HSP60 genes of C. pseudotuberculosis, used subsequently to evaluate the protectivity of these recombinant proteins for vaccine development against this bacterium.METHODS: PLD and HSP60 genes were cloned into pMAL-c2X vector and recombinant plasmids construct was transformed to DH5 strain of E. coli. Expression of the proteins was shown by SDS-PAGE and accuracy of the cloned genes was confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis.RESULTS: The transformed E. coli strain DH5 expressed PLD and HSP60 proteins effectively. The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the soluble form.CONCLUSIONS: In the following studies the immunogenicity and protectivity of these recombinant proteins againstC. pseudotuberculosis infections can be assessed.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to potentiate the immune system of fishes against stresses in farms.OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to address the potential effect of Levamisole on immune system of rainbow trout against density stress.METHODS: 1500 fish (average weight of 50 g) were divided into 5 test groups, in which each test group was repeated three times with average density of 33 kg/m3. They were fed with commercial diet supplemented with Levamisole at concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg for a period of 45 days. The fishes of all groups were then fed with Levamisole free diet and exposed to 2 and 3-fold density stress for the following 15 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 to evaluate the serum compliment and lysozyme activity as well as total immunoglobulins.RESULTS: The results showed that all used concentrations of Levamisole just had significant effect on compliment activity after 45 days feeding period (p<0.05). Higher levels of lysozyme and complement activity as well as total immunoglobulin were observed in 1000 mg/kg Levamisole treated group when exposed to density stresses 2 and 3-fold at the end of trial (day 60) (p<0.05).The highest overall survival was found in group which was treated with 1000 mg/kg of Levamisole.CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that using 0.1% Levamisole as an immunostimulator in commercial diet could potentiate rainbow trout against outbreak of high density stresses and increase its overall survival.