Journal of Animal Research
Year:2017 | Volume:30 | Issue:3|Papers Count:17

This study was examined to determine the developing stages and start feeding time of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). Daily sampling was done from the first day of hatching to 26 days post hatch (DPH). Samples were fixed in formalin and total length, yolk sac length, fins length, barbells length, head length and eyes and mouth diameters were measured using a loop equipped with micrometer. In this study, with increasing the age, yolk sac volume was decreased and absorbed in 15 DPH with mean total length of 25. 7 mm. Melanin plug concentrated in last part of digestive tract in 4 DPH larva with mean TL 15. 3 mm at 20. 2 ± 1. 3 ° C, and in 8 DPH (21. 3 mm TL) with opening of anal, start to excreted and in 10 DPH (22. 8 mm TL) completely excreted. Based on the results, for increasing the growth rate, survival, resistance and also to avoid starvation and cannibalism, it is recommend that to start the feeding of Persian sturgeon larvae from 8-10 DPH when temperature is 18-20 ° C.

The Persian stone lapper, Garra persica Berg, 1913 is an endemic cyprinid fish found in Hormuz, Makran, Jazmurian, Sistan and Kerman basins of Iran. Osteological structures of fishes are important biological features, therefore, studying these structures provide valuable biological and ecological information. Since there is little data about G. persica, especially on its osteology, this study was carried out to define the osteological features of Persian stone lapper captured from Zahak River, Sistan basin. The skeletal structure of this species showed differnces in the shape of vomer, supraethmoid, parietal, parasphenoid, pterygiophores, epural, parhypural bones, neural spine and hemal spine in caudal plate, number of infraorbital series, shape and number of supraneural, absence of hard spine in dorsal fin in compare with other species from cyprinid that reported in other study, so this differents as osteological recognizable traits could be beneficial to identification of this specias and other populations that habits in other rivers. This differences can be as a result of adaptation to a new feeding pattern in new habitat and can used in phylogeny studies.

Schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the positive symptoms such as hallucinations and negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and depression. Depression is an important co-occurring syndrome in schizophrenia. One of the progressions of the disease, the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant system. Quercetin, as a neutral antioxidant found in many plants, is widely distributed in edible fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was evaluated to protective effect of quercetin and quercetin nanocrystal on depression and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes in ketamine model of schizophrenia. In this study, 49 male mice were divided into seven groups: control, vehicle, disease group that received 10mg/kg/day ketamine for 10 days and other four groups that received 10 and 25 mg/kg/day of quercetin and quercetin nanocrystal orally after injection of ketamine. Depression disorders using with forced swimming test and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase were evaluated. This study shows that injection of ketamine increased immobility and decreased catalase and superoxide dismutase activates (P≤ 0. 001). Treatment with quercetin and it nanocrystal increased significantly mobility time and also increase the activities of these enzymes in in an animal model of schizophrenia (P≤ 0. 001). The results of this study showed that consumption of quercetin nanocrystal decreases depressant disorders and oxidative stress induced by ketamine in model of schizophrenia.

Today, the arrival of agricultural pesticides in surface water is one of the biggest environmental problems that can threaten aquatic life. The impact of these pollutants on the immune system of fish has caused weakening it and increasing fish sensitivity to pathogens. Diazinon is one of the most important organophosphates used in many agricultural areas and found in Iran’ s surface water. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diazinon on the immune system of fish and the use of Vitis vinifera extract to reduce the adverse effects of the pesticide in the immune system of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Feeding was done by adding plant extract supplement of 400 mg/kg of food. After sampling of fish on days 7, 14 and 28 after the start of the experiment and separate the plasma levels of peroxidase, immunoglobulins and complement were measured. The reduction in the level of plasma peroxides, IgM, total complement and lysozyme in fishes exposed to diazinon shows the effect of diazinon on the immune system of fish in the long term well. While in fishes fed by Milk thistle plant V. vinifera extract and exposed to toxin, no significant difference (p <0. 05) was observed compared to the fishes in the control group which reflects the strengthening and protective impact of Milk thistle plant V. vinifera extract on the immune system of rainbow trout.

Due to creation of oxidative stress, diabetes plays an important role in prevalence of metabolic damage and it appears that black grape seed can play a role in treatment of diabetes-induced testicular damage due to its antioxidant properties. In this study, 32 male vistar rats with a weight range of 200 to 220g were selected and divided into four groups; control group, diabetic (sham) group that became diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of 55mg/kg streptozotocin, first experimental group (diabetic + 100mg/kg aqueous extract of black grape seed) and second experimental group (diabetic + 200mg/kg aqueous extract of black grape seed) that were administered oral (gavage) extract for five weeks after two months of becoming diabetic. At the beginning of fifth week, blood was taken from samples and testes were placed in stabilizer for tissue assessment. To examine statistical results, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were employed. Diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in diameter and number of seminiferous tubule germ cells. Grape seed plays an important role in improvement of diabetes-induced testicular damage with the ability to prevent and treat oxidative stresses as well as increased testosterone hormone.

Barnacles are among the most important and abundant sessile animals on hard substrates, particularly in tidal areas. In this study, effect of substratum type on settlement of the bay barnacle, Amphibalanus improvisus, was investigated in Amirabad Port, Southern Caspian Sea, from August 2013 to July 2014. Five substrates (10×10 cm) including PVC, wood, Plexiglas sheets treated with barnacle adult extract, smooth sheet and roughed sheet were used. Ten replicates per substratum were horizontally deployed at 1m depth. The substrates were then monthly retrieved and replaced with new panels. Subsequently, number of settled barnacles (abundance), biomass (dry weight), growth (weight per individual) and organic to inorganic material ratio of the barnacles were recorded. The results showed that the number of the settled barnacles on the PVC panels were significantly higher compared to the other substrates (p<0. 01). Furthermore, the highest density of barnacles were observed in December, while there were almost few settlers in February. The highest growth rate of barnacles occurred in July. The highest and the lowest organic to inorganic ratio were observed in December and July, respectively. Regression analysis showed that temperature is a significant factor in the growth rate of barnacles. Besides the knowledge on the temporal distribution of barnacle larvae, the results of this study have implications in selecting the material type for construction of marine infrastructures.

This study was conducted to investigate the feeding habits of Copeota trutta in Sezar River from Tigris basin (Lorestan Province). Sampling was performed monthly from July to December 2011 using seine net with different mesh size and gill net with 50 mm mesh size. For diet analysis, a total of 79 C. trutta was sampled and studied. The mean RLG index was 9. 97± 0. 24 showing herbivores feeding in C. trutta. The mean condition factor (K), index of fullness (IF) and vacuity index (CV) were 1. 44± 0. 01, 1. 41± 0. 01, 478. 08± 25. 26 and 1. 26, respectively. All feeding items were priphyton unicellular algae. In identified feeding items, the genera Navicula, Cymbella, Diatoma and Nitzschia were identified as the main food, the genera Fragillaria, Microspora, Pinnularia, Gomphonema, Oscillatoria, Pediastrum, Rhoicosphenia, Acnanthidium, Tribonema, Melosira, Surirella, Achnanthes, Lyngbya, Scenedesmus as the supplementary food and the genera Ulothrix, Gyrosigma, Spirogyra and Closterium as the incidental food of C. trutta. The main, supplementary and incidental foods were identified. Dietary indices showed good feeding condition of this species in Sezar River.

Identification of the quality and nutritive value of plants due to its importance in animal nutrition can effectively help describe of animal feed diet. Also, determination of forage quality is one important factor that is necessary for the proper management of rangeland. In this study, quality of forage two species, like grasses family, Bonnie (Aeluropus lagopoides) and Lulium (Loulium perenne) of Sistan pastures in phenological stages were examined. Plant samples in the vegetative stage, flowering and seeding were collected and then immediately transferred to the laboratory and after the grinding, chemical compounds by standard method, organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy by gas production technique (in vitro) method were determined. Results indicated significant changes in the chemical composition of the plants in different phenological stages (P<0. 05). With developing of growth stage, the amount of crude protein, organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy decreased and the rate of cell fibers were increased (P<0. 05). The maximum amount of gas volume produced in 96 hours, organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy was related to vegetative stage of Aeluropus lagopoides (P>0. 05). Aeluropus lagopoides forage quality in the vegetative stage, the best nutritive value compared to other phases of Aeluropus lagopoides and different phenological stages of Loulium perenne. The results showed that the development of growth stage and thus increasing the proportion of cell wall components caused a significant decrease in the nutritive value. Therefore recommended the vegetative stage of the plants used by domestic animals that are more favorable nutritive value.

Measurement of the biodiversity of overwintering birds is a very important issue in ecology and wetland management. In the present study, 8 orders of overwintering birds (waterfowl, shorebirds and wetland-dependent bird species) belonging to 17 families, 39 genera and 73 species were identified and bird census and survey techniques were calculated based on total counts from mid-Dei to mid-Bahman in the different parts of Boujagh National Park (located in Guilan province). Then the biodiversity of birds was calculated using Margalef's species richness indices, Simpson’ s, Shannon-Wiener’ s and Brillouin’ s diversity indices, Buzas-Gibson’ s evenness index during a 3-year study period (1390-1392). Based on the obtained results of biodiversity indices, the highest Margalef's richness and also the highest species diversity (in relation to all three Simpson’ s, Shannon-Wiener’ s and Brillouin’ s diversity species indices) were observed in Boujagh’ s wetland indicating the favourable conditions in the given part of wetland. The outcomes also showed that the highest species evenness was obtained at the mouth of Sefidrod River. Based on the results of one-way analyze of variance (ANOVA) test, there were significant differences between different parts of the National Park Boujagh and the Margalef’ s species richness indices as well as Buzas-Gibson’ s evenness index (P < 0. 05).

Selenium is often caused selenoproteins, which is using in the construction of antioxidant enzymes that are necessary for the health of those cells which are subjected to oxidative stress-induced. Selenium is essential for the normal function of sperm cells and spermatogenesis. This element as an antioxidant cofactor reduces oxygen free radicals, and is expected to be effective for increasing fertility. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of in vitro selenium nanoparticles additive to semen extender on sperm parameters after cryopreservation. Seminal samples were collected with an artificial vagina from four healthy Farahani ram with an average weight 55 ± 5 kg. Samples were collected and were pooled after the initial assessment. Each sample was divided into five equal parts received 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8% selenium nanoparticles. Every five parts were freezed for five days, and subsequently they were thawed and total motility, progressive motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and sperm abnormalities were assessed by CASA software. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The results of this experiment showed the effect of selenium nanoparticles on sperm motility was significantly (P˂ 0. 01). The effect of selenium nanoparticles on sperm plasma membrane integrity and sperm abnormalities were significant (P˂ 0. 05), but survival was not statistically significant. The results indicate that the addition of selenium nanoparticles thinner improve the conditions of freeze-thawing the sperm parameters.

The prostate cancer is considered as the second most common malignancy in men after skin cancer. The alternative methods and novel compounds with lower side effects can be very important and critical for the patients due to high costs and many complications of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and invasive tissue surgery. The natural and herbal compounds have been noticed since they have variable advantages. The several herbal drugs have been identified up to now which have anticancer effect. Indeed, the plants are considered as an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The Sodab plant, Ruta graveolens, as a member of herbal drugs has a long consumption history in traditional medicine of Iran and different nations besides its significant therapeutic effects. The Sodab is a very valuable plant which has been named as “ a treatment for all diseases” and over 85 compounds of its different parts (leaves, stems, roots and seeds) has been recognized by gas-chromatography. The goals of this study were to investigate the cytotoxic effect of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Sodab besides the comparison of these two extract effects on DU-145 cell line. In addition, the effect of this plant was studied on the prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant effect and the amount of phenolic compounds of Sodab extracts were evaluated. The Sodab plant was prepared from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Isfahan. The next step was preparation of the water, hydroalcoholic and methanol extracts of this plant. The DU-145 cell line cultivation conditions were RPMI-1640 culture medium which contains 10% bovine serum, incubation with 5% CO2 and different concentrations of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts during 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. The MTT method was used in order to estimate the cells viability percent in the presence and absence of the extract and in the optical absorption was read with wavelength 540 nm by the ELISA device. The selected method for estimation of the antioxidant activity was DPPH. In addition, the total phenolic content of this plant extracts was analyzed by Folin Ciocalteu reagent. The gallic acid was used as the standard compound and the total phenol was measured based on the milligram per gram of gallic acid. The cytotoxic effect of Sodab aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts was weak on DU-145 cell line while the antioxidant activity and the phenolic content of this plant were significant. Key words: Cytotoxic, Sodab, DU-145 cell line, Antioxidant activity, Total phenol.

Todays, chemical drugs such as fluoxetine with different side effects are used to reduce stress effects. In the current study, the effects of Bioactive peptides from fermented sardine fish mixture on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) of plasma and blood parameters as well was investigated in comparison with Fluoxetine in restrained male rat. Thirty healthy male rats (100 ± 20 g) were randomly distributed in 6 cages at a density of 5 rat/cage and treated experimental groups (Control C, 2 hours restrained per day S, Bioactive peptides P, Fluoxetine F, S+F, S+P. After 21 days, the results indicated that the lowest TAC and highest MDA was observes in restrained rats than control and S+P (P<0. 05) whereas no significant difference was seen between control, S+F and S+P (P>0. 05). The red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin significantly increased in restrained rats than control and S+P (P<0. 05). The cellular immunity was affected by restrained stress and a significant decrease was observed in the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes than control, S+P and S+F (P<0. 05) whereas the number of neutrophils showed a significant increase then the others. Overall, our results indicate that bioactive peptides derived from fermented sardine could act as a potential functional ingredient with antioxidant activity for medicinal preparations.