Journal of Animal Research
Year:2017 | Volume:30 | Issue:1|Papers Count:14

Sexual dimorphism is one of the most important an interested subject for biologists that as a result of natural selection pressure on individual based on mating system, the ecological differences between individual and the pressure of natural selection on reproductive associated traits. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in Ponticola cyrius fish in the Tajan River (Mazandaran Province-Iran) using geometric morphometric and traditional morphometric methods. Accordingly, 40 Ponticola cyrius (20 males and 20 females) were caught form the Tajan River. Thereafter, 31 absolute morphometric characteristics were measured and also 27 relative morphometric characteristics were calculated. To compare the geometric morphometric, images were captured form left-side, dorsal and abdominal views. In order to extract data from the body shape of fish, 20, 19 and 12 landmarks determined in the side, abdominal and dorsal view, respectively, and then were digitalized by tpsDig2 software on 2D pictures. Consequently, the obtained data were analyzed by application of Procrustes method. Data from geometric morphometric and traditional morphometric analysis were evaluated using Principal component analysis, Discriminant function analysis and t-test. The results revealed a significant difference between male and female in all of the mentioned views. According to the results, the male sex of Ponticola cyrius has greater length, body width, head height, dorsal and anal fin length the female one. In addition, the body color of male fish was darker with longer and sharper sex papilla compared to the female one. In conclusion, the traditional and geometric morphometric results in this study coincided remarkably.

Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that is widely required for cartilage formation. Its undesirable effects should not be ignored on the etiology of bone diseases such as tibial dischondroplasia and bone organic matrix. In this study the histopathologic and histomorphometrical effects of methionine was evaluated on tibia in chicken embryo as an animal model. 30 fertilized eggs of the same weight (50± 0. 4 gr) Ross 308 broiler strains were divided into the control and treatment groups. On the day of 4 of incubation, controls received 0/5 ml of sterile PBS through the hole created at the wide end while, treatment groups were injected by 0/5ml of PBS solution which respectively had 30 and 50 mg methionine. On the day of 18, Eighteen, samples were taken from cross section of the mid of the tibia. Thickness of the cortex, diameter and cortex to diameter ratio, numbers and size of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts were assessment histomorphometriacl. Results showed that yolk sac injected methionine in chicken embryos, decreased bone formation and reduce the calcium sediment in the bone matrix. Also it caused to decrease the osteoblasts and osteocytes in number and measures that was against its effects on osteoclasts. In conclusion, methionine– alone administration led to the osteoarthritis. It is hypothesized that methionine used with antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of functional groups dung beetles in modifying some features of soil physical and chemical Decomposition of cattle dung on pasture University Shahrekord in a randomized complete block design. In order to Grid with holes the size of large and small cattle manure in seven different modes, plus a control state with three replications each was selected as treatments. The results showed that soil physical properties Clay percentage control (23%) less than all states and greatest amount related to states 1 and 3 (each 32/83%), respectively. In the first state all the functional groups dung beetles were present and In the third state the possibility of presence of dwellers, large and small tunellers and also absent and present of large rollers and small rollers respectively there was, In the case of silt In the state of 7 In the absence of all functional groups Dung Beetles and there was only animal dung was lower than all states (32/83 percent) and greatest amount related to case (state 5) in which the possibility presence of dwellers, absent of large tunellers and present of small tunellers and also absent and present of large rollers and small rollers respectively there was (38/50 percent) and in conjunction with sand state 3 (29/66 percent) was lower than all states and most of related to controls (42/33 percent). Also the chemical properties of soil obtained different results in a manner that controls in relation to phosphorus and potassium (460 mg per kg respectively 17/55) of all states were lower and greatest amount of the elements related to states 2 (possibility of presence of dwellers, presence of large and small tunellers and also absent of large and small rollers) and state 3 (respectively 40/38 and 770 mg per kg). In the state of manganese, the highest and lowest levels of the elements related to states 1 and state 3 (9/44 and 6/32 mg per kg) and the Cu highest and lowest states respectively 7 and 1 (1/35 and 1/06 mg per kg) and in conjunction with zinc and iron results showed that most of the elements related to states 1 and 3 (respectively, 0/87 and 6/74 mg per kg) and the amount of each of the elements of the controls (0/72 and 4/80 utility mg to kg). The results of elemental calcium showed the highest and lowest levels of the element related to states 4 (possibility of presence of dwellers, absent and present of large tunellers and small tunellers respectively and also present of large and small rollers) and 3 (7/79 and 6/24 Akvan mg per liter) in conjunction with magnesium highest and lowest rates of 6 states (possibility of presence of dwellers, absent and present of large tunellers and small tunellers respectively and also absent and present of large rollers and small rollers respectively) and state 2 (respectively 51. 3 and 77/2 Akvan mg per liter) and the sodium element greatest amount related to mode 2 (1/66 Akvan mg per liter) and the lowest element of the controls (0/60 Akvan mg per liter). The results of reviews functional groups dung beetles in modifying some features of soil physical and chemical Show this insect through decomposed cow dung some of these features to control the region are faced with major changes. According to different functions of the different insects to animal dung, Different soil types and Habitat structure Stressed that more studies in this area in different natural ecosystems be done.

Diets and digestive tract histology of loach fish Turcinoemacheilus bahaii (Esmaeili, Sayyadzadeh, Ö zulug, Geiger & Freyhof, 2014) (Nemacheilidae) were studied in Zayandeh Roud River. Fishes were cached seasonally by two layers gillnet (with an outer mesh of 10 mm and inner mesh of 5 mm) in Deme region of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari province through one year (2013-2014). On each sampling date, the macrobenthos were also taken by a Surber sampler (size 25*25 cm with mesh 500 μ ). In order to evaluate diet of loach fish, the contents of gastrointestinal were studied and showed that this species mainly fed on macrobenthos in Zayandeh Roud River. The dominant macrobenthos group during present study was included Chironomidae, Hydropschidae, Gamaridae and Baetidae which showed a noticeable overlap with the diet of T. bahaii. Chironomidae and Baetidae (composing %82 of total frequency) were used as the most abundant prey by loach fish. The average of Relative Gut length (RLG) (0. 46± 0. 04 mean± SD) also confirms that the species was classified as carnivore. The digestive tract in the species was included the esophagus, stomach and intestine and the histological characteristics revealed that the wall of digestive tract is composed of the tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The tunica mucosa had simple columnar cells that in associated with goblet cells in intestine. The overall results of studying on benthos in the river, contents of the digestive tract and histology of digestive tract indicated that the diet and structure of digestive tract of loach fish were based on the different food items which were recommended by natural habitat.

Jacobson or vomeraonasal organ (VNO) is an accessory olfactory organ that its function is to perceive pheromones. Structure of VNO was studied in 10 healthy mature male hedgehogs. The head without mandible were fixed and decalcified. Nasal cavity was sectioned to five segments. Parafinized blocks and serial sections were prepared. Sections were stained using H&E and Masson's trichrom method. Anatomical results revealed that there were 9. 6± 0. 547 palatine folds in the roof of mouth. There was a bipartite and pad-like structure on maxillary incisive teeth. It began from the third incisive papilla to in front of fifth fold. Histological results showed that the shape of the organ tube was heart-like in initial part and its surface area was measured 0. 313 mm2. Lining epithelium was stratified squamous epithelium in initial part and stratified or columnar epithelium in near fourth palatine fold. Two epithelial tissues were observed in fifth palatine fold. Pseudostratified columnar without cilia and goblet cell and stratified cuboidal epithelium, in adjacent of fourth segment, pseudostratified epithelium with small cilia was observed in medial part. Lamina propria and tunica submucosa were ofvascular loose connective tissue. Vessels were organized as erectile tissue. Many nerve trunks and tuboloacinar gland were observed in lamina propria and tunica sub mucosa of tow end sections. Observed tuboloacinar glands were abundant serous firstly and mucous in end regions.

Air pollution is a major problem in large cities, which is a very complex process and dependent on many factors. Since air pollution is effective on the physical systems, especially the brain activity, metabolism and body weight, so the main aim of this study was to determine the effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on levels of leptin, triglyceride, total cholesterol and body weight in rats exposed to gasoline fumes. In this study˲ 36 male Wistar rats, weighting 200± 20 were used. These animals were divided into 6 groups(n=6) including control, exposed to gasoline fumes and experimental groups treated with Cinnamon extract before and after exposure. They were tested three weeks. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. Findings indicated that animals were exposed to pollution, showed an increase in level of leptine, triglyceride, total cholesterol compared with control group. After treatment with the extract(25mg/kg), their levels decreased. The effect of twice injection was more effective than one injection daily and could return of these factors to control level. Body weight increased in control group but decreased in rats exposed to pollution, over a period of 21 days. Cinnamon extract would return body weight to control levels in rats exposed to pollution.

Liver failure and cholestasis are associated with progressive brain edema (astrocyte swelling), which underlies hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Aquaporin4 (AQP4) is the main water channel in the brain that has important role in water transport across bloodbrain-barrier. It has been proved that intracranial pressure and also expression of AQP4 increase in brain edema. The aim of this study was to determine whether edema of cholestasis is associated with the brain aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Data assessedby analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc Tukey test. Male wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups as control (nosurgery), sham (surgery without bile duct ligation) and cholestatic (surgery with bile duct ligation, BDL). After 2 weeks, expression of AQP4 in control, sham, and experimental groups were determinedby immunohistochemistry. AQP4 expression was significantly increased in BDL (p <0. 05), but not incontrol and sham groups (P<0. 05). Increased brain water was observed in cholestasis compared to sham and control rats (P<0. 05). These results indicate that increased AQP4 levels in choroid plexus in response to brain injury are likely critical to the development of brain oedema in cholestasis.

The Caspian Sea as the greatest lake in the world has been faced with the different types of pollution. Among the different types of pollutants, petroleum (hydrocarbons) is one of the most important pollutants in the aquatic environment. Considering the economic and fisheries importance of the Caspian Sea, it is necessary to investigate the effect of such pollutant on valuable and endemic fish species. Since Caspian Kutum (Rutilus frisii) is a native and economic species of the Caspian Sea in the southern parts, the present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSF) on some physiological parameters of Caspian Kutum fingerlings at different times. Two experimental groups (WSF with LC50 of 0 and 50%) with three replicates for each one were considered in the experiment. Eighty fish (average weight of 0. 77 ± 0. 06 g) for each replicate were kept in an aquarium with the dimensions of 50 × 30 × 70 cm and exposed to WSF for 120 h. Then, 70 L WSF solution was added to each aquarium with the mentioned concentrations. Fifteen fish were sampled at 0 (before adding WSF), 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after exposure to WSF for the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase activity and whole-body cortisol concentration. The results showed that the lactate dehydrogenase activity in fingerlings exposed to WSF (LC50=50%) was significantly higher than those kept in sea water (LC50=0%) during the sampling times (P<0. 05). There was a significant interaction between WSF concentration and time on the whole-body cortisol levels (P<0. 05). The results showed that crude oil had adverse effects on the physiology and welfare of Kutum fingerlings and the physiological responses were amplified in association with prolonged exposure to WSF.

Zinc has beneficial effects in diabetic animals. The positive effects of garlic in lowering blood sugar and complications (side effect) of diabetes have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of zinc sulfate combined with garlic flower extract on diabetes induction by streptozotocin (STZ) in male rats. 21 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7), Normal control group, which received regular food and water during 45 days and on 15th day were injected normal saline, the positive control group (diabetic by STZ at a dose 40mg/kg on the fifteenth day), and preventive treatment groups, receiving combined of flowers garlic extract at a dose 360mg/Lit and zinc sulfate at a dose 36mg/lit in drinking water during 15-days treatment period before inducing diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40mg/kg). The insulin hormone measured by radioimmunoassay with special kits and blood glucose determined by using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Serum level of insulin in the preventive treatment group increased significantly (p<0. 001), compared to the diabetic group. Blood sugar levels in preventive treatment groups showed a significant decrease (p<0. 001) compared to the diabetic group. The results showed that a combination of garlic extract and zinc sulfate as preventive agents in induced diabetes give rise to increasing of insulin and decreasing of blood glucose.

This study aimed to assess the healing effect of ethanolic extract of Propolis as a natural resinous substance, possessing various biological properties, on the surgically experimental ulcer of Koi fish. Thirty-six Koi fish were randomly divided into 4 equal experimental groups for initial adaptation. Then three limited surgically cut wounded fish from the every group were cured under desired experimental cares, as three treatment groups (two doses of 10 and 20 mg/gr of the Propolis Ethanolic Extract (EEP) and Phenitoean Sodium %1) and one control (only Vaseline). The experimental doses of EEP and Phenitoean were respectively used as the Vaseline base made and the standard commercial Phenitoean Soudium ointments, one time a day for 10 days, as well Vaseline treatment (for the control group). The data were analyzed, using descriptive statistics methods. The results showed that dose of 2% of EEP were the most effective in the treatment of experimental surgically wounds. The signs of the wound were more healed in the 2% group, however the external and internal health effects were observed for the other dose of EEP (%1) and the standard Phenitoean (with criterion of cured skins quality signs, internal haemoragies, observed edema, inflammation and tissue adhesions) after 10 days. The control group wounds had retained the most signs of infection and skin damages, as well the internal viscose.

Reproductive biology of Siah mahi, Capoeta capoeta intermedia was studied by examining 330 individuals collected between November 2012 to October 2013, by regular monthly collections in the Shapour River, Iran. Overall female-male (F-M) sex ratio was 1: 1. 66 and their total length (TL) was 15 to 29 cm (19. 83 ± 2. 3) and 15. 5 to 26 (19. 85 ± 2) cm for females and males, respectively. The minimum and maximum weight of female and male calculated 36 to 250 g (93. 4 ± 38) and 36 to 183. 27 gr (87. 24 ± 25. 9), respectively. Reproductive period for this species is from February to June when GSI is considerably higher than the rest months. The absolute fecundity (AF) of Capoeta capoeta ranged from 105 to 8134 eggs per fish, with mean AF value of 2252. 6± 310 eggs per fish, varying considerably at given length and weight and there was a positive linear correlation between AF with total weight (p<0. 05). According to gonadosomatic index (GSI), the reproductive period for this species in this river was from February to June when GSI was considerably higher than the rest months.