BACKGROUND: Lameness is regarded as a serious issue in dairy cattle which can ultimately lead to a drastic reduction in milk production as well as conception, and the possibility of early removal of cattle from the herd. Short claw and thin sole play the chief role in excessive pressure on the heel and lateral grooves, which in turn are the direct consequences of heel erosion and lameness. OBJECTIVES: Current study intended to investigate the simultaneous occurrence of these two events at epidemic proportions in cattle. METHODS: This study was performed in 110 Holstein newborn heifers. Lame cows were chosen based on the fact sheet approved by AABP, (the American Association of Bovine Practitioners). The “Thin sole” criteria included a length of ˂7.5 cm at the posterior wall, along with ˂5 cm in sole (measured by claw check). Existence of dark V-shape lesions in lateral grooves was considered as heel horn erosion. RESULTS: In 50 newborn heifers, thin sole and lateral grooves ulcer which affect rear limb digits almost equally, were diagnosed and clinically approved. The lowest posterior wall (66.54 ± 1.02 mm) and the lowest sole thickness (43.98 ± 1.78 mm) were observed in the left hind limb. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, these two above mentioned conditions are called “New Concrete Disease” and the lameness due to these two lesions was clinically considered.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc. METHODS: This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography. RESULTS: Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.

BACKGROUND: Phytase enzyme (EC 3.1.3.8), is used to increase the availability of phosphorus in the feeding of monogastric animals. Increasing public attention to environmental issues, improving livestock nutrition and human health have led to considerable attempts to increase its activity or prevent its inhibition as a food additive. OBJECTIVES: Determination of inhibitory or activating effect of methanolic extract from aerial parts of some herbs, as rich sources of secondary metabolites. METHODS: Phytase was partially purified from wheat barn. After preparation of methanolic extracts from aerial parts of plants, their effects on phytase activity were measured at four concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/ml. Micro plate assays were performed at 405 nm. RESULTS: Among analysed plant samples, extracts from Pedicularis sibthorpii Boiss, Phlomis persica Boiss, Solenanthus Circinatus Ledeb, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl, had appreciable inhibitory effect, while extracts from Astragalus caraganae Hohe, Hypericum scabrum L, Linum album Ky.ex Boiss, Valeriana sisymbriifolia Vahl, Euphorbia denticulate Lam, Rindera lanata (Lam.) Bge, had a considerable activation effect. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this report, plants with positive effect on phytase activity, could be used as food additive along with phytase to improve phosphoros uptake. On the other hand, plants with negative effect on phytase could be viewed as unwanted sources in monogastric animals feeding.

BACKGROUND: The histogenetic study is a useful and practical laboratory method for obtaining basic and effective information in order to reveal the process of histogenesis and development of organs in different stages during the embryonic period. This applied method helps us to understand the formation time of each organ and its tissue structure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to study the histogenesis and histochemistry of the pheasant liver during the embryonic period. METHODS: Sixty fertile eggs were placed in the incubator and sampling was performed from day 5 to the end of incubation period. The liver samples were fixed in 10% Buffered Formalin and the slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson Trichrome (MT). RESULTS: In this study, liver parenchyma, changes in the hepatocytes and their glycogen storage, as well as the appearance time of canaliculi, biliary ducts, central veins and port spaces were investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the time of the formation of the organs and structures in various birds relate to different incubation period or species variations. In this research, as the first study on the liver histogenesis of the pheasant, the formation of this organ from the fifth day to the end of the fetal period was examined and it was observed that the evolution and tissue development of the liver is completed until the eighteenth day of incubation period.

Background: ARDS is a lung disorder that causes death in human and livestock and new therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy are essential because of lack of specific drug therapies for it. Objectives: Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of intrapulmonary transplantation of BM-MSCs to improvement of clinical signs in experimental model of ARDS created by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)E.Coli strains-O55:B5 in sheep is the aim of this study. Methods: In this study, 10 male sheep 3-4 months old Shall were used after random placement into two groups, treatment and control. Of sheep in the treatment group after anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine collected bone marrow samples and in the clean room BM-MSCs isolated, amplified and were identified with the evaluation of surface markers. Then experimental model of ARDS was induced by endotracheal injection of LPS to dose 400μg/kg. Clinical signs and radiograph images performed before and 24 hours after injection of LPS. After confirming inflammation, the sheep were anesthetized and on sternal position 50×106 cells of BM-MSCs third passage were transferred in treatment group as autograft by the catheter lavage in the bifurcation of the trachea and PBS in control group. Then clinical signs were recorded at hours of 3,6and 12 and on days 1,2,3 and 7 in both groups and finally, were analyzed based on the scored system. Results: The data showed transplantation of BM-MSCs caused significant improvement in clinical signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, respiratory sounds, cough, mucosal status, nasal secretions, appetite and physical condition compared with control group. A significant decrease in respiratory rate and body temperature from 12 hours and in heart rate from 24 hours to next be began. Also, changes in breath sounds on the first day after transplantation, physical condition, mucous membranes and appetite on the third day, the occurrence of cough and abnormal discharge from the nose on the seventh day had returned to pre-inflammation (-24 time) and the median of score was zero for them. Conclusions: This study showed that transplantation of BM-MSCs can cause improves and the reduction in the severity of the clinical signs of ARDS, significantly.

Background: Hip dysplasia (HD) is an inherited, non-congenital disease that is particularly prevalent in large and giant breeds of dogs. The vast majority of dogs afflicted with HD show no clinical signs and it can be a highly debilitating condition for dogs. Objective: Aim of this study is a preliminary study on hip dysplasia based on clinical and radiographical examination in referral large breed dogs referred to veterinary teaching hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Methods: Thirty six large breed dogs were examined for HD using Standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, and graded into five categories (A, B, C, D and E) using the FCI scoring system. PennHIP method was performed for measuring Distraction Index (DI). The Ortolani method was done to evaluate hip joint laxity. Results: HD was found in 72.2% of the dog, which included 11.1% unilateral and 61.1% bilateral. 73% of the afflicting cases were male. HD was reported In 11 dogs among 14 dogs with clinical signs and among 22 dogs without clinical signs 15 dogs were affected by HD. Ortolani test represented false negative in 33 cases and false positive in 6 cases. Conclusion: This study revealed the radiological evaluation of hip joint is essential in susceptible breeds for diagnosis and screening program of HD

BACKGROUND: Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is particularly rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors and antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, maintenance and storage of bovine colostrum has always been considered due to benefits of colostrum for the calf. Microbial contamination of colostrum is a concern because it is thought that bacteria in colostrum may interfere with passive absorption of colostral antibodies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical preservatives and natural fermentation on quality and storage of colostrum. METHODS: Colostrum from the first milking of five Holstein cows was stored separately. Then colostrum samples were studied at days 1, 10, 20, and 30 of storage after treatment. All samples underwent microbiological culture for total plate count and detection of Escherichia coli, Coliforms, mold and yeast. Then whey was provided from untreated and treated samples at the end of 30th day and SRID (single radial immune diffusion) test was performed for assaying IgG antibody. Then the effect of treatments on colostrum antibody level was studied. RESULTS: The results showed that potassium sorbate did not have a role in reducing E.coli and coliforms count. However, it has prevented an increase in E.coli and coliform count during 30 days. Formic acid and propionic acid reduced the number of E. coli and coliform (p<0.05). In addition, the two organic acids promoted the growth of mold and yeasts compared with potassium sorbate. Nonetheless, the mentioned three treatments did not have an important role in reducing total count (p>0.05). The natural fermentation contributed to the decline of E. coli and coliform count while total count increased one day after treatment compared with other treatments, however among the treatments, formic acid and potassium sorbate were more effective than propionic acid and natural fermentation treatment for maintaining hygienic quality of colostrum. The result of measuring IgG antibody indicated that potassium sorbate has had more protective effect than other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results exposed that potassium sorbate and formic acid are better than other treatments to maintain colostrum quality with regard to increasing shelf life of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: The function of molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to bind antigenic peptides and display them on the cell surface for recognition by T cells. MHC polymorphism is related to suseptibility or resistance to immune-mediated and infectious diseases. High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis is a novel and powerful technique in molecular biology for the detection of genetic polymorphisms and can be used for discrimination of MHC alleles and genotyping. OBJECTIVES: Discrimination of dog MHC alleles (DLA-DRB1) by high-resolution melt analysis. METHODS: Forty blood samples were collected from dogs referred to Small Animal Teaching Hospital of faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran. After DNA extraction and amplification the exon 2 of DLA-DRB1, HRM and Melt Curve analysis was carried out. Direct sequencing was used for checking the HRM patterns. RESULTS: Following the HRM and Melt curve analysis, forty samples could be classified into 8 genotypes (A to H). Most frequent was A (25.00%) and then C and E (each one 15.00%). In total, 82.5% and 17.5% of samples were heterozygote and homozygote, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the HRM technique was used for DLA-DRB1 gene alleles typing for the first time. Confirmation HRM results through sequencing results revealed that HRM can be used for discrimination of DLA-DRB1 alleles.

Peritonitis, pericarditis and meningitis due to salmonella enterica in a Kermani ewe Summary : CASE HISTIRY : A Kermani ewe was examined because of inappetance and illthrifness. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : Clinical examination showed normal heart rate , tachy pnea, muffled heart sounds , stiff neck , dullness , dehydration , rumen atony and paled mucosal membrane . DIAGNOSITIC TESTING : Post mortem examination revealed pericarditis, peritonitis, intestinal adhesion, mesenteric thickness as well as meningeal thicknesses. Salmonella enterica was isolated in bacterial culture from affected tissues . ASSESSMENTS : Although there are some previous reports regarding the association between salmonella infection and peritonitis, pericarditis and meningitis in domestic animals, to the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report about the concurrent peritonitis, pericarditis and meningitis due to salmonella in ruminant . Key words : Peritonitis , Pericarditis , Meningitis , Salmonella , Sheep . . . . . .

BACKGROUND: Phytogenic products are considered as nonantibiotic feed additive which may exert their possible appreciate effects on poultry performance and health through stimulated digestive secretions. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary Satureja khuzistanica powder (SKP) on pH of intestine contents, bile secretion and composition, and liver as well as blood lipids in Isfahan native breeder cocks. METHODS: Thirty-six 40-wk-old Isfahan native breeder cocks were individually caged and randomly allotted to three groups of 12 birds each and fed with diets containing 0 (control), 20 or 40 g/kg SKP for 10 weeks. At the end of experimental period all birds were killed and used for data collection on dry weight and pH of intestine segments, liver, bile and blood variables. RESULTS: Mean pH value in ceca contents was lower in the birds received diets containing 40 g/kg SKP compared with control cocks (P>0.05). Addition of SKP in diet at 20 g/kg significantly decreased liver lipids compared with the birds fed on control diet and the diet containing 40 g/ kg (P<0.05). Liver score based on external appraisal of the organ was improved in the cocks fed with SKP-supplemented diets compared with control birds (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that supplementation of diet with SKP could improve liver health and function in breeder cocks through reduced total lipids accumulation in liver. However, SKP does not exert cholinergic effect in cocks.