BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of biofloc has been considerable as a culture method to protect water quality and reduce the cost of food in the environment cultured shrimp. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of biofloc on water quality, growth performance and survival of Litopenaeus vannamei post larvae reared with no water exchange. METHODS: Post larvae with weight of 7.48 ± 0.85 mg and length of 9.23 ± 0.49 mm were reared in fifteen tanks with volume of 40-L and stocking density of 10 PL/L. Different levels of biofloc were added to tanks’ water as food sources: B0 (100% concentrate); B75 (75% biofloc +25% concentrate); B50 (50% biofloc +50% concentrate); B25 (25% biofloc +75% concentrate) and B100 (100% biofloc). The experiment was carried out for twenty=eight days. Results: Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) level was lower in B25 than other treatments (P<0.05). The levels of Nitrate (mg NO3–N L−1) were significantly lower in B25 and B50 in 28 days of the experiment than in other treatments (P<0.05). At the end of the experiment, results showed that shrimp growth and survival were higher in B25 (301.23± 32.20 g and 81.56%, respectively) than in other treatments (P<0.05). The concentration of TSS tended to increase in the treatments during the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that replacement of 25% biofloc (B25) with food concentrate can improve growth performance and water quality of the cultured shrimp.

BACKGROUND: Barley cultivars contain different anti-nutritional factors that have negative effects on the intestinal ecosystem and reduce blood cholesterol concentration. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of processing barley cultivars on the intestinal morphology, enzyme activity and volatile fatty acids of the small intestine and serum lipid levels of broiler chickens. Methods: The experiment was carried out using a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. Factors were barley cultivars (Fajr, Reyhaneh, and Yosef), diet form (mash or pellet) and enzyme level (0 and 0.05 g/kg dry matter). Around 927 one day of old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned into 12 treatments, 3 replicates and 27 chickens in each replicate. Results: Pancreatic amylase, lipase enzyme activity and digesta pH are affected by main (except for cultivar) and interaction effects (P< 0.05). Feed Processing (pelleting, adding enzyme or combination of pelleting and enzyme) of barley cultivars, especially diets containing Ryhaneh barley cultivar reduced digesta viscosity and increased the concentration of volatile fatty acids and relative percentage of acetic acid and butyric acid (P<0.05). Diets containing Fajr barley cultivars, enzyme or pelleted diets significantly decreased blood glucose, cholesterol and HDL concentration (P<0.05). Conclusions: Due to lower amount of soluble NSP compared with the other barley cultivars, Ryhaneh cultivar resulted in a better response to processing as well as enzyme addition, and improved the morphological characteristics of the small intestine

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is one of the most important pathogenic protozoan parasites causing bovine abortion around the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Neospora caninum in the brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of aborted fetuses in cattle in Arak by means of molecular method. Methods: 38 samples of brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata from aborted fetuses in dairy cattle of Arak were tested for the presence of Neospora with nested-PCR. Results: Survey findings indicated the presence of DNA in 26.3 % of aborted fetal brains. In the cerebellum and medulla oblongata samples no Neospora caninum  DNA was detected. There was a significant relationship between neosporosis and maternal age (number of calvings), abortion history and the presence of dogs in the herd. Conclusions: The results showed a significant association between the infection and the number of abortions in the examined cows; As a result it seems that neosporosis could be an important factor in epidemic abortions in Arak city’s dairy farms which requires continuous monitoring and implementation of prevention programs in the dairy industry.

BACKGROUND: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute and highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants that is characterized by high fever, ocular and nasal discharge, pneumonia, necrosis, ulceration of the mucous membranes and inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract leading to severe diarrhea. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus infection in sheep and cattle in Ahvaz. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 100 cattle and 100 sheep that were kept together from different parts of Ahvaz. Blood samples were also taken from 16 vaccinated sheep   against PPR for positive control. The sera were separated by centrifuge at 3000 ×g for 10 minutes and 3 mL of serum was harvested and stored at -20 °C until determination of antibody against PPR using VN method. RESULTS: The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) antibody seroprevalence was 23% in cattle and 58% in sheep and all the sheep samples collected for control were positive for PPR antibody. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates serological evidence for the natural transmission of PPRV from sheep to cattle under natural conditions and provides baseline information on prevalence of PPRV antibodies in cattle and sheep population in Ahvaz.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining an appropriate anesthetic drug for rapid anesthesia with long term and safe recovery has always been the concern of fisheries science researchers. OBJECTIVES: In this study the anesthetic strength of Lavendula officinalis essence oil on histopathological and blood biochemical factors of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix has been investigated. METHODS: 260 juvenile silver carp were divided into four groups with a mean weight and length of about 23.55±1.5 g and 15.6±1 cm, respectively. Three groups were anesthetized with concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 ppm Lavender essence oil and 4 groups were considered as control group. The time needed to reach different stages of anesthesia was recorded and in two times (0 and 24h after anesthesia), hematology tests were conducted. After removing plasma serum by centrifugation, ALP, AST and ALT amounts were measured, venesection histological (sampling of liver, kidney and gills) and conserved for histology. RESULTS: Lavender essence oil anaesthetizes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in less than 3 minutes and recovery time was also less than 3 minutes. Moreover, anesthesia with different concentrations of lavander had no effect on hematological profile and no significant changes in the AST, ALT and ALP were observed (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis showed the optimum concentration of 300 ppm with no side effects and indicated that the concentration power of essences can be used without fear of damage. CONCLUSIONS: It is advised that Lavender essence oil be used as a standard medicine to anesthetize and supersede prevalent chemicals to create anesthesia and sedation in fish.

Backgrounds: Avian Influenza is viruses from the Orthomyxovirida family. This disease, in poultry, turkey, and many other birds caused by different subtypes of type A influenza virus.Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate probability infections of H5 and H7 subtypes of AI viruses in commercial and backyard poultry in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Iran’s commercial and domestic poultry from September to December in 2013. The samples were examined with the HI test to differentiate H5&amp; H7. A total of 1315 premises and 29058 birds were sampled. Results: All premises were negative for H7 subtype and five premises (3 broiler breeders and 2 villages) out of 1315 were positive in HI test. All the collected swab samples from H5 seropositive premises were PCR negative for detection of H5. The results of our study showed that existing live bird marketing with OR=19.68(CI 95% 2.18-177.38) and existing duck farm within up to a 3 km radius with OR=11.33 (CI 95% 1.30-96.68) were risk factors for H5 sub type. Conclusions: Based on live bird marketing role in transmission and spreading of Influenza viruses specially at the time of migration season in country and the probability of hunting and selling of them at these markets, continuous monitoring of these markets for early detection of probable infections and preventing the spread of infection to other poultry is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary toxic metabolite produced by some Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and A. parasiticus that contaminate feedstuffs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of the concentrate and corn silage samples to toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin B1 in cattle farms of Yazd province in Iran. METHODS: A total of 80 samples of concentrated feeds and 80 samples of silage feeds were collected from cattle breeding farms of 4 cities in Yazd province in winter and spring seasons (40 samples in each season and one sample from each cattle farm). The samples were cultured on mycological media in order to isolate and determine the amount of the toxigenic fungi. Concurrently, the content of AFB1 was measured in feedstuff samples using ELISA technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that the most frequent fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp. (49.3%), Penicillium spp. (23%), Mucor spp. (22.3%) and Fusarium spp. (4.8%) in winter and Aspergillus spp. (46.9%), Penicillium spp. (21.8%), Mucor spp. (28.5%) and Fusarium spp. (2.8%) in spring from all understudy feedstuffs. The mean of AFB1 in feedstuffs were 0.25 and 0.21 µg/kg in winter and spring, respectively. According to statistical analysis of the results, significant differences were observed between the frequency of Aspergillus isolates and other fungal species (p<0.05) and also between toxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, with other isolated fungi (p<0.05). Among toxigenic fungi, significant differences were observed between Aspergillus and Penicillium species, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and Penicillium and Fusarium species (p<0.05). Significant relationship was observed between the amount of toxigenic fungi and AFB1 in feedstuffs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained by this study show that rapid and specific detection of aflatoxigenic fungi is essential to ensure the mycological safety of animal feedstuffs.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia and resultant hypoxia can cause a dysfunction in the body functions. Iron delivered from hemolysis of erythrocytes can also stimulate oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of crocin on renal quality in animals that were exposed against hemolytic anemia induced by phenilhydrazine. METHODS: Forty-nine male and adult mice (20 – 25 g) were grouped within 7 groups. First group was control and treated with normal saline, and test groups were nominated as 2, 3, and 4 and were treated with phenyl hydrazine 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h (i.p.). Animals in groups 5, 6, and 7 were treated with crocin (200 mg/k/day, i.p.) in addition of 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h phenyl hydrazine. After 35 days, the blood samples were collected directly from the heart and after centrifugation (5 min and 3000 rpm), the serum samples were subjected to evaluate the Malondialehyde (MAD) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and renal were fixed in 10% formal saline for Paraffin sections. After tissue processing sample staining with H&amp;E method. RESULTS: This study showed that hemolytic anemia effects in proximal tubule of renal cortex, elso showed that the phenylhydrazine administration resulted in a dose-dependent declining of TAC and the crocin administration slightly was able to protect from TAC reduction. Moreover, PHN increased MDA level in serum in a dose-dependent manner, while co-administration of crocin with PHN significantly (P<0.05) reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation.while those groups which were treated with crocin showed a remarkable improvement in testis parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a protective effect of Crocin against the anemia-related hypoxia on renal parameters. The protective capacity of Crocin might relate to its known antioxidant power.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, but with a literature review, we did not find report on the field of the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs. METHODS: For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. RESULTS: Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p<0.05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride (105.60±17.49), total cholesterol (119.80±11.39) and LDL-C (36.40±7.57). The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C (36.40±7.57) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profiles, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than chitosan (p<0.05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that although both drugs have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, but the effect of chitosan was lower than atorvastatin, so it is not recommended to use chitosan only. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible mechanism of the drugs.

BACKGROUND:A common problem encountered in veterinary medicine is the euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS(,which refers to a state, where nonthyroidal illness(such as heart diseases)causes suppression of serum concentrations of thyroid hormone without true pathology of the thyroid gland. Chronic valve disease (endocardiosis) is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. About a third of small-breed dogs older than10years of age are affected by heart diseases especially endocardiosis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of some acquired heart diseases (endocardiosis , dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure)on thyroid hormones, some serum biochemical and hematological indices in small breed dogs. METHODS:A total of 50small breed dogs‌ were selected.25 dogs were healthy and 15,7 and 3dogs had endocardiosis, congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy respectively which were confirmed by historical, physical examination, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings. Thyroid hormones (T4, fT4andTSH) were determined by using commercial canine Elisa kits. Serum biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the levels of creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase,troponin I, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also Hematological indices (RBC,WBC,PCV,Hb and differential leukocyte count)were measured. RESULTS: One way ANOVA test showed that there were no significant changes in the serum levels of T4and fT4 in patients versus control group (p>0.05) ,only TSH concentration in dilated cardiomyopathy dogs compared to other groups was significant (p<0.05).Observations showed the creatine phosphokinase activity was significantly elevated in endocardiosis and congestive heart failure dogs in comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy and control groups. The serum concentration of protein significantly was decreased in Congestive heart failure dogs compared with endocardiosis and control dogs. Also, in comparison with the control group, serum level of triglycerides was diminished in Congestive heart failure dogs and blood urea nitrogen concentration significantly was increased in endocardiosis dogs compared with control.There were‌ no significant differences in other biochemical and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS:In our study,euthyroid sick syndrome or hypothyroidism were not seen in small-breed dogs suffering from heart disease. However in dogs with endocardiosis, increasing of serum creatine phosphokinase activity, could be symbol of complexity of heart disease.