BACKGROUND: Opioids and nitric oxide (NO) are functionally linked in the regulation of intestinal motility. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of NO in the opium induced bowel dysfunction in mice. METHODS: Sixty-six male mice received incrementally doses of the following treatments in six groups for 5 consecutive days: 1) Opium (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6mg/30g/day), 2) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 5,7.5,10,15 and 20mg/kg/day), 3) L-arginine (5-20mg/kg/day), 4) Opium+L-NAME, 5) Opium+L-arginine and 6) distilled water. At the end of the treatment, the abdomen was opened; some pieces of duodenal and proximal colon were taken to determine NO synthase (NOS) expression and nitrite levels, and some isolated rings from those parts of small and large intestine were prepared and transferred to the organ bath system to study intestinal motility. RT-PCR was used to determine the NOS gene expression. To determine the small intestinal transit, 30 mice in six groups, were used for oral administration of charcoal+gum in vivo. RESULTS: Opium decreased amplitude of the duodenum and ileum contractions, but increased frequency of duodenal and mid colon contractions (P<0.05). While the gene expression of inducible, neuronal and endothelial NOS was increased in colon (P<0.05), a reduced neuronal and endothelial NOS gene expression was shown in duodenum. The charcoal+gum transit was decreased in opium-treated animals compared to the control group (19.9%). However, L-arginine increased this transit while L-NAME decreased it. CONCLUSIONS: Opium induced intestinal smooth muscle spasms, which result in the decreased intestinal movements. The alterations in NOS gene expression may be a compensation mechanism against opium-induced intestinal dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Replenishing fish oil with vegetable oils and using dietary supplements plays an important role in the metabolism of fats in aquatic animals. Corn oil is one of the vegetable oils that can be a good alternative to fish oil. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing fish oil with corn oil and the use of dietary supplements L-carnitine and betaine on the metabolism of fats and blood indices of rainbow trout. METHODS: 450 rainbow trout (9.12±0.26 g) were divided into four treatments (three replicates) and were fed with manual diet containing fish oil (1st treatment), corn oil (2nd treatment), fish oil with 500 mg/kg of food containing L-carnitine and betaine (3rd treatment) and corn oil with 500 mg/kg of food containing L-carnitine and betaine (4th treatment) for eight weeks. At the end of study, fatty acid profiles of the treatments were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and blood indices and their weights were also examined. RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, the weight index did not show a significant difference. In the replacement of fish oil with corn oil, the levels of PUFA n-3, C18:3n3, C20:3n3, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 fatty acids significantly decreased in fish carcasses and the PUFA n-6, C18:2n6, C20:2n6 and C20:4n6 increased significantly, but no significant difference was observed in total SFA and MUFA fatty acids. L-carnitine and betaine increased the EPA accumulation in fish oil and corn oil significantly, and the number of white blood cells in corn oil, L-carnitine and betaine fed fish (fourth treatment) were increased compared to fish oil treatment (first treatment), significantly (p < /em><0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the effect of corn oil, L-carnitine and betaine supplements on increasing the n-6 PUFA fatty acids, essential EPA and white blood cell counts, the use of corn oil and L-carnitine and betaine supplements in rainbow trout diet is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Dactylogyrus is one of the most common external parasites on                the gills of Cyprind fish. These parasites are highly host specific and many species only have a specific host. OBJECTIVES: Since there are reports of silver carp specific Dactylogyrus species isolated from big head carp and vice versa, the investigation of Dactylogyrids have been done in these two fish species. METHODS: 81 silver carp and 82 big head carp were caught from 10 fish farms in Guilan province and after preparing wet mounts of body surface Dactylogyrus parasites divided and fixed by glycerin jelly. In order to perform morphometric assessments on captured images, Image J software was used for 7 point to point distances. Drawing of parasites was done by drawing tube and then compared by identification keys and parasites identified. For molecular investigation the genomic DNA was extracted from one parasite specimen and 28S rDNA region of Dactylogyrus specimens were amplified by related primers in PCR. RESULTS: Sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MG825611 and MG825765 respectively for D. hypophthalmichthys and D. suchengtaii isolated from Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and also MH023397 and MH023399 respectively for D. aristichthys and D. nobilis isolated from Hypophthalmichthys nobilis. The phylogenetic tree shows the genetic affinity of isolated parasites from these two fish. CONCLUSIONS: It seems hybrid fish are sometimes produced accidentally in fish reproduction centers of Iran. Racial impurity of silver carp and big head carp is not only the reason of poorer breeding efficiency in fish farms but also these hybrid fish are hosts of more parasitic species.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive method used in diagnosis and treatment of many disorders in animals, however, its application in smaller species is limited in literature which can be contributed to the challenges faced while performing a minimally invasive procedure in smaller mammals. OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the feasibility and ideal port placement considering heart as the target organ in rabbit. Also, the impact of ventilation protocol on rate of mortality was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experiment. Approaches used for the introduction of the camera were Para-xiphoid and intercostal space, the optimal spot for insertion of the second trocar relative to the camera was also evaluated, lung damage and rate of mortality were assessed under two different mechanical ventilation modes of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled. RESULTS: Surgical view gained through the para-xiphoid approach is rather panoramic and spatial than the direct intercostal view, maneuver on the heart with an instrument is easier when the 5th intercostal space is used for the second trocar. With the help of PCV, lungs sustain less damage and atelectasis can be avoided till the end of the procedure and therefore, less mortality is experienced. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Para-xiphoid approach and the correct ventilation protocol provides sufficient working space under good vison, which makes the rabbit thoracoscopic heart model a practical model that can be used in many cardiac experiments.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the economic values of meat, adulteration in meat products is probable. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the histological method for the quantitative detection of meat in Kabab Loghme and cooked sausage model. METHODS: Five Kabab samples (containing 70 % meat) and cooked sausage (30, 50, 70 and 90% meat), were prepared. Then, each sample was divided into three parts and one piece was taken from each part and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. The samples were routinely processed for light microscopy and embedded in paraffin. The paraffin-embedded blocks were cut into 6 μm sections and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H &amp; E) for histological study. RESULTS: The histometrical analysis indicated that the estimated percentages for the added meat in kabab did not show significant difference with the real related percentages. On the other hand, the amount of meat was difficult to estimate especially in cooked sausage. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present research suggest the histological technique as a complementary method for quantitative evaluations of meat in raw meat products. However, the quantitative evaluation of meat in raw meat products was more convenient than in processed ones.

BACKGROUND: Extracts rich in phenolic compounds have an important role in antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and pistachio green hull extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green peel of Kalleqouchi and Fandoghi pistachio extract on performance, relative weight of carcass components, blood indices and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens challenged with Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: A total 168 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six treatments, four replications and seven chicks. Experimental treatments included unchallenged groups (negative control) and chickens challenged with Staphylococcus aureus and fed 0, 200 and 400 mg / kg of aqueous extract of Kalleqouchi pistachio and 200 and 400 mg/ kg of pistachio Fandoghi green extract. All infected chicks were inoculated with oral solution containing 3 x 109 CFU of Staphylococcus aureus. Performance characteristics, immunity, blood indices and microbial population of the intestine were determined. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of green pistachio inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus but the ethanolic extract inhibited the growth of lactobacilli. Growth performance of chicks was not affected by the experimental treatments except at day 24, when aqueous extract of 200 mg / kg led to higher body weight gain as compared to control (0.049). Kalleqouchi extract at 400 mg/kg level increased abdominal fat (P = 0.0005) and had no effect on relative weight of other carcass components. The 400 mg/kg Fandoghi green extract and 200 mg/kg kalleqouchi extract increased enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase activity and decreased the concentration of blood total protein (P <0.01). The pistachios extracts at all levels increased total antibody titer compared to control (P <0.02). Pistachio extract reduced total bacterial population of jejunal area compared to negative control (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Application of aqueous extract of pistachio extract improves immune response, decreases blood lipids and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens challenged with Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for poultry. Receiving too much phosphorous by livestock and excretion of excess phosphorus, can lead to environmental pollution. OBJECTIVES: Determining the ileal and total tract digestibility of phosphorus and calcium in di-calcium phosphates produced in Iran. METHODS: A total of 720 day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 8 treatments with 6 replicates of 15 birds in each. In control treatment phosphoric acid was used as a source of phosphorus. The other dietary treatments included one of the seven domestic samples of di-calcium phosphates (A to G). Chromium oxide was used as a marker in the diets. On day 21, after collecting of feces, all birds were slaughtered via neck dislocation. Then, the last one-third of ileum was removed. The contents of the intestine were collected for each replicate and after drying were sent to the laboratory to determine the chromium oxide, phosphorus, and calcium amounts. Percentage of ileal and total tract digestibility of phosphorus and calcium for each sample were calculated separately. RESULTS: The effect of type of di-calcium phosphate samples in feed on ileal and total tract digestibility of calcium and phosphorus was highly significant (p < /em> < 0.001). Ileal digestibility in control was 69.8 percentage, while the lowest was observed in the E and F samples, and the highest value was related to sample A. Digestibility for phosphorus in control diet was 53.4 percentage throughout gastrointestinal tract. The lowest amounts of total tract digestibility of phosphorus were observed in treatments E and F, respectively, while the highest total tract digestibility was related to treatment A with 47.9 per cent. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that ileal digestibility is more accurate in evaluating phosphorus bioavailability and sample A had the highest biological value, while the lowest was related to the samples E and F.

BACKGROUND:  Among infectious diseases, Newcastle disease, due to being highly contagious and its rapid spread among poultry and other bird species, is a deadly viral disease and is considered a global threat to the poultry industry. Objectives: To determine the occurrence of Newcastle disease in poultry broiler farms reported to the Iranian veterinary organization during the study period. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from September 2013 to March 2015. During this study, from 185 farms and a total of 3700 bird sera, cloacal and tracheal swabs were sampled and tested using a haemagglutination inhibition test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction respectively. Results: In this study, of a total of 185 farms reported to the Iranian Veterinary Organization, 115 farms (62.16%, 95%CI: 55.17-69.14) were positive for Newcastle disease viruses and then using specific primers, 69 farms (37.3%, 95%CI: 30.33-44.26) had vaccinal pathotype (non-acute) and 46 farms (25%, 95%CI: 18.76-31.23) had acute pathotype (field virus). The mean±SD age of infected poultry was 24.63±5.38 days and antibodies titer against Newcastle disease virus was 5.97±1.21. The highest mortality rates were observed in the spring (32.34%) and winter (26.9%), respectively. Mazandaran (37%) and Isfahan (22%) province had the highest percentage of farms with Newcastle disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested virulent Newcastle virus strains are circulating in the Iranian commercial broiler farms in the mentioned time and with high occurrence. Therefore, the relevant authorities need to make correct decisions to reduce the risk of Newcastle disease in the Iranian poultry industry and its control.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoon with worldwide distribution that infects human and a wide spectrum of warm- blooded animals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to survey the prevalence of T.gondii antibody in slaughtered livestock in slaughterhouse with modified agglutination test in Sanandaj in 2015. Methods: Totally 343 serum samples were collected from 130 cows, 111 sheep and 102 goats from May to July 2015 in Sanandaj slaughterhouse. Sera were examined with modified agglutination test (MAT) for T.gondii antibody and 1.40 titer antibody and above was considered as positive. Results: Antibodies of T.gondii were found in sera of 51 out of 343 (15.45%) samples. From 51 seropositive sera, 13 cows (23.84), 13 goats (12.74%) and 9 sheep (8.1%) were infected. The differences among species were statistically significant (P≥.002). Conclusions: Results indicate that T. gondii in sheep, goats and especially cows is prevalent, so consumption of undercooked meats should be avoided, also the prevention methods of infection should be taught to the people and due to the possibility of limitations in the results of serological tests, repetition of the study using molecular techniques is recommended

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and prebiotics are the most important bioactive compounds for aquatic health. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of prebiotic (immunowall) and probiotic (primalac) were assessed on growth performance, survival, body composition, and blood biochemical parameters in the Caspian Sea common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. METHODS: Juveniles (n = 100 per tank, 21 tanks) were distributed in four inclusion levels (each in three treatments) of 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15% of immunowall and primalac inclusions for a period of 56 days. Growth, body composition, and hematological parameters have been evaluated in different inclusion levels at the end of culture period. RESULTS: The increment of body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio in fish fed with diets containing 0.15% prebiotic and 0.1% probiotic improved considerably compared to other treatments. The survival rate of the juveniles was not significant between treatments, and the group fed with the pre- and probiotics revealed higher survivals. Protein content in the group fed with the pre- and probiotic showed significantly higher contents compared to the control group, and lipid content showed increasing trend in different inclusions. The red blood cells contents showed no differences between treatments; but the white blood cells contents revealed higher performances in the fish-fed probiotics compared to prebiotic and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results recommend the addition of 0.1 % immunowall and 0.15 % primalac in the diets of the juveniles in terms of growth, feeding, and hematological indicators in the Caspian carp.