Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2007 | Volume:62 | Issue:1|Papers Count:19

Some specific and non-specific immune variables of rainbow trout were assessed following vaccination of fish with formalin killed cells (FKC) and FKC containing extra cellular products (ECP) of S. iniae. Rainbow trout weighing 80-100 g were vaccinated by intraperitoneal (i.p), dip and oral routes using FKC and FKC plus ECP with or without Fround adjuvant (FA) at 16-17°C. Antibody titration, lysozyme activity, serum bacterial killing activity and population of immunocompetent cells were measured on 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 weeks postvaccination. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results showed that the highest antibody titers were produced in i.p vaccinated fish with FKC plus ECP and immunized fish with FKC by dip, respectively. However, oral administration resulted in the lowest response. Also, the level of antibody production was higher during initial period of post-immunization, while it reduced to lower levels at the end of sampling time. Similar results were obtained when lysozyme activity and bacterial killing capacity of sera samples were estimated. Moreover, while, leukocyte and lymphocyte populations in immunized fish were generally higher than control groups, heterophil and monocyte counts were varied during the sampling periods.Results show that both humeral and cellular immunities of trout are enhanced following immunization of fish with FKC with or without ECP administered as i.p and dip. However, i.p administration of FKC with or without ECP could cause higher response than both dip and oral routes.

In the present study Blood was collected from dogs (n= 110) after clinical examinations and recording of necessary information (age, sex, breed and housing) examined by modified knott method. Periodicity of the microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation, was determined through blood collection from a dog each hour for 72 hours. Number of microfilaria in each ml of the blood samples was calculated and expressed as average of microfilaria in each hour. Results showed that 15.45% of dogs were infected by Dirofilaria immitis and 4.55% by Dipetalonema reconditum. Statistical analysis did not show significant relationship between infection and age, sex, breed and housing status. Furthermore, maximum and minimum numbers of microfilana were seen at 1 am (13316 microfilaria) 12 am (6681 microfilaria) respectively. Therefore, by considering the infection of dogs on Golestan province and its transmition to other animals, control of above-mentioned nematode should be done by treatment of infected dogs and eradication of stray dogs.

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the concentration of leptin and thyroid hormone in energy restricted ewes and effect of leptin injection on thyroid hormone level. In the first experiment, 28 ewes were assigned to two groups (n=14). Ewes were fed by a ration that provided 60% or 100% of maintenance energy requirements during 71 days. Blood samples were collected and body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were determined. In the second experiment, 6 energy-restricted ewes from the first experiment were selected and assigned to two groups (n=3). Ewes were fed a ration that provided 60% of maintenance energy requirements and injected by 1 or 4 mg leptin/Kg BW. Blood samples were taken and BW and BCS were determined. In the first experiment, concentrations of leptin, T3 and T4, BW and BCS were decreased in energy restricted ewes (p<0.01). In the second experiment, concentration of T3, T4 and leptin were increased by leptin injection (p<0.01). The results suggested leptin injection may restore thyroid hormone secretion to normal levels in energy-restricted ewes.

In order to investigate the prevalence of infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) of cattle in Ahvaz, blood samples were collected from jugular vein of 572 cattle (521 female, 51 male) from industrial and nonindustrial farms. Sera were stored at -20°C while waiting for analysis. The sera were tested by ELISA, using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of specific antibody to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). The results were analyzed by chi- square test. 163 (28.5%) Out of the sera samples were positive. The results showed the seropositivities of 29.55%, 17.64%, 75% and 23.34% in female, male and animals in industrial and non- industrial farms, respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences between male and female and between industrial and non-industrial farms (p<0.05).

The aim of the present study is radiographic evaluation of urinary system and the effect of urografin on clinical parameters, urinalysis and renal function tests in sheep. Six clinically healthy female sheep were selected for this study. Before experiment, vital signs were recorded. Blood and urine samples were collected prior to the trials and paraclinical examinations were performed. Urine samples were analysed for glucose, bilirubin, urobilinogen, blood, ketone bodies, pH, creatinine, specific gravity and urine precipitation. Serum samples were analysed for creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Electrocardiographs were taken and then positive contrast cystography with the use of urografin 76% was performed on each animal. After 2 and 24 hours, clinical parameters were recorded and urine samples were collected. Ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs were taken immediately and at 5,20 and 40 minutes after injection of contrast media. There were no significant differences among clinical parameters, urinalysis, serum and urine creatinine and blood urea nitrogen before, 2 and 24 hours following injection of urografin (p>0.05). Electrocardiographic findings showed no abnormality following injection of urografin. Radiographic findings showed that urinary system was normal and urografin had suitable and perfect contrast. Urografin had no side effects on urinary system, clinical parameters, urinalysis and renal function tests in sheep and can be recommended for urography in small ruminants.

Twenty four male lambs divided into four groups and were allocated to 90, 105, 120 and 135 days of fattening periods. At the end of each fattening period, lambs were slaughtered. The percentage of cold carcass on the basis of empty body weight in the mentioned periods were 57.0±0.94, 57.5±1.7, 59.9±3.3 and 62.2±4.4, respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the average of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat percentages were 11.2±1.6, 13.4±3.2, 15.2±2.4 and 16.0 ±2.4, respectively (p<0.05). Average percentages of crude protein, ether extract, ash and moisture showed significant difference among experimental groups (p<0.01). Moreover, ratio of weight percentage for large and small intestine, blood, abdominal and kidney fat to empty body weight showed significant difference among groups.(p<0.01). Results show that net profit per kilogram live weight gain increases in longer fattening period. Increasing of fattening period cause carcass quality to be reduced. So, the reduction of feed efficiency and carcass quality is not in favor of the national benefits.

Perforation of the wall of the reticulum by a sharp foreign body often produces peritonitis and can cause involvement of other organs. In cattle the disease is economically important because of severe loss of production and high mortality rate. The objective of this study was to determine the presence and kinds of foreign bodies in apparently healthy buffaloes which were slaughtered in Ahvaz abbattoir. In addition, adhesion of reticulum was studied. The animals (n=200) were selected from both sexes and divided into three age groups(group 1: less than 2.5 years old, group 2: 2.5-5.5 years old and group 3: more than 5.5 years old). Adhesion of reticulum was seen in 43 buffaloes and there were significant difference between sexes and different age groups(p<0.05). In 73 buffaloes, foreign bodies were found. Furthermore, 14 pieces of metallic foreign bodies penetrated the wall of reticulum in 13 buffaloes. According to the presence of foreign bodies, there were no significant difference between sexes and among different age groups (p>0.05). A relation between adhesion and presence of metalic foreign bodies was seen.

In this survey, resistance to albendazole was investigated in 15 sheep flocks from different regions of Khozestan province. On each flock, two groups of 15 sheep including control groups (untreated) and Albendazole group (treated with 5 mg/kg of Albendazole) were selected and the investigation was carried out using faecal egg count reduction test (F.E.C.R.T) for 10 days after treatment. Posttreatment faecal culture and necropsy of 4 sheep from control group and 6 sheep from Albendazole group were done to identify species of resistant nematodes. Results of F.E.C.R.T showed that 27% of the flocks were resistant, 53% were suspected to resistancy and the rest were susceptable to albendazole. Faecal culture of necropsied animals showed that resistantce to albendazole was developed in Ostertagia circumcincta and Marshalagia marshali.

Two hundred and ninty four engorged female ticks were collected from 4 different geographical regions for assessment of tick resistance against acaricide compounds. The 15-21 day- old larvae have been tested in accordance with FAO recommended larvae packet test. Resistant factor for each region was calculated by LC50 and LC99. Minimum LC50 (0.008) and, Maximum LC50. (0.024) for Amitraz were seen in arid and northern regions with resistant factor equal 3. Minimum LC50 (0.001) and, Maximum LC50 (0.003) for Cypermehtrin were seen in mountainous and southern costal regions with resistant factor equal 3. Minimum LC50 (0.003) and Maximum Lc50 (0.014) for Diazinon were seen in the northern and arid regions with resistant factor equal 4.7. In comparison with Probit test results, the applied concentrations denote Amitraz and Cypermethrin at recommended concentration do not slay 100% of the larvae in the northern and arid region. However Diazinon can slay all the larvae even at concentrations lower than the recommended doses.

The objective of this study was to determine the protein pattern and antigenic structure of BHV-1. Ten viral isolates from cows with clinical signs of respiratory infections were selected for this study and confirmed by SN test. All samples were cultured on cell cultures and purified by ultracentrifugation. Purified isolates were electerophorsed using SDS-PAGE method and immunoblotted. Viral antigens were detected using anti BHV-1 bovine antiserum and molecular weight of the bands were determined. All samples showed identical band number and molecular weight except for one sample which revealed an additional 120-125 KDa band. Also immunoblotting data resulted in identified of twelve bands (150,130,115,97,77,70,55, 45, 40, 38, 32 and 25 KDa) suggesting involvement of these antigens in evoking humoral immune response in affected cattle.

Twenty carcasses from a small flock of 5000 four-weeks old broiler chickens were submitted to a poultry disease diagnostic clinic in Tehran. At necropsy, 19 carcasses showed the typical lesions of colibacillosis such as pericarditis, prihepatitis and airsaculitis. One case did not show any gross lesion of colibacillosis or chronic respiratory disease (CRD) but the liver had an abnormal size containing a cystic part at the base of right lobe filled with a whitish fluid. In bacteriological culture, proteus was isolated from liver. Histopathological examination revealed multicentric bile duct hyperplasia and cholangiocarcinoma in the liver. Neoplastic cells effaced hepatocellular architecture. Histological examination of the neoplastic areas in the liver revealed cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct carcinoma). This appears to be the first reported case of cholangiocarcinoma in birds in Iran.

Ninteen samples of dust from wool and carpet-weaving places around Tabriz were collected. Dust mites of wool and carpet-weaving places were separated and identified based on morphological characteristics. Genus and species of mites per gram of dusts, were determined. The results showed that dominant population of mites was: Dermatophagoides farinae (64%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (21.5%), Euroglyphus maynei (8.5%) and 3 undistinguishable species of genus: Acarus, Chortoglyphus and Glycyphagus (6%). Clinical results showed that (44%) workers of to asthma had flowmetry lower than 85 FRV -and most of them showed asthmatic clinical signs. Dermatophagoides mites were determined as the dominant mite population in wool and dusts of carpet weaving places and it seems to be an important allergen for inducing asthma in carpet weavers.

Infectious bronchitis (IB) disease is one of the important respiratory diseases of poultry that causes annually large economic losses in poultry industry of Iran. The aim of this study is molecular characterization of SI gene of Iranian infectious bronchitis viruse (IBV) belonged to 793/B serotype. The whole SI gene of three local IBV strains in RT-PCR, showed a band above 1600 base pair (bp) in gel electrophoresis. RFLP analysis using 3 restriction enzymes, HaeIII, HindIII and EcorI, showed 793/B serotype pattern. The SI gene of these strains were sequenced and compared with 30 reference IBV strains. Identity Plot (IP) of nucleic acids and amino acids sequences were also designed. Moreover, nucleic acids differences in 1659 bp of SI gene were calculated by distance method: nucleotide: Kimura 2-parameter and finally, the phylogenetic tree of S1 gene sequence strains with the highest validity in branching were designed. Three Iranian strains belonged to 793/B genotype with nucleotide differences of 5.64-6.07 % to UK/793/B as a prototype of 793/B and 26.02-26.16 % to H120 as a vaccinal strain. Regarding to low homology and weak cross protection between 793/B serotype and Massachusetts vaccinal strain, it would be a possible cause for failure in vaccination and outbreak of IB disease in vaccinated flock of poultry industry.

Effects of n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids alone or in combination with vitamin E on male breeders' fatty acid composition of spermatozoa, fertility and lipid peroxidation were studied. Fish oil increased C22: 6 n-6 and decreased C22:4 n-6 in the spermatozoa (p<0.05) Susceptibility of spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation was higher in treatments containing either corn oil or fish oil (p<0.05). The fish oil treatments had higher fertility rate compared to the other treatments (p<0.05).The results of this study suggest that changes in fatty acids profile of roosters's spermatozoa via manipulation of diet is possible and may have significant influence on fertility.

This study was done for identification of bacterial agents in calf pneumonia and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibility. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done on fourteen pneumonic and seven normal Holstein calves between 1-3 month old. In bacteriological examination on the fluid of bronchoalveolar lavage, Mycoplasma spp. Were isolated from 4 (28.6%) pneumonic calves and 1 (14.3%) healthy calf. Furthermore, Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from 3 (21.5%) pneumonic calves and 1 (14.3%) healthy calf. However, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Actionobacillus (Pasturella) urea, Neisseria mucosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Cardiobacterium hominis were isolated from one pneumonic calf. This is the first report of Cardiobacterium hominis from the lung of a pneumonic calf. All of the isolated bacteria had the highest susceptibility to florfenicol.

In order to determine the lipids and lipoproteins profiles in Iranian khouzestanian Arab horses, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 77 horses (47 female, 30 male) from different age groups (<6, 7-12, 12-36,37-60,61- 69 and> 96 months). serum cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by enzymatic methods and lipoproteins by precipitation methods. The results were analyzed by LSD and t - test. Regardless of sex and age, the mean values of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were 71.10± 1.25, 26.05±0.64, 10.91±0.67, 22.71±3.74 and 37.61±1.24 mg/dl, respectively Statistical analysis showed that there was no difference between female and male ones. However, age had a significant effect on LDL-c concentration so that its value decreased with increase in age. The present study revealed that the normal concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in Iranian Khouzestanian Arab horses differt from the other breeds and those Arabian horses which live in the other areas. This difference may be due to the effect of breed nutrition, various physiological and climatic conditions.

Objective of the present study was to determine calving parameters in eighteen large dairy herds of Holstein Friesian in Tabriz. Data analysis showed that the mean gestations length were 276.69 ±6.29, 279.54±8.55 and 271.38±7.34 days in multipara cows and twining pregnancy respectively. Percent of premature birth were 24.14% in twining (28 cases out of in 116 births), 9.61% in heifers (114 cases out of 1186 births) and 4.99% in multipara cattle (132 cases out of 2645 births). Percent of delayed birth were 2.12% in multipara cattle (56 cases from 2645 births). However, there was no case of delayed birth in heifers (out of 1186 cases) and twining parturitions (out of 116 cases). The rate of male progeny was 47.81 % (2621 out of 5482 births). The rate of twining birth was 4.06% (211 cases out of 5191 births). The rate of stillbirths was 3.71% (133 cases out of 3589 births) and the rate of dystocia was 4.84% (227 cases out of 4687 births). The rate of posterior presentation was 3.81%(121 cases out of 3178 births) and the rate of retained placenta was 9.15% (335 cases out of 3663 births).This study showed that the gestation length in heifers and twining gestation were lower than those reported gestation length in references. Moreover, the rate of male progeny was lower than the standard ones (p<0.005).