BACKGROUND: Ovine theileriosis is an important hemoprotozoal disease of sheep and goats in tropical and subtropical regions which causes high economic loss in the livestock industry. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the differential detection of Theileria species in sheep using PCR method. METHODS: Two hundred blood samples of sheep were investigated in order to differentially diagnose Theileria species. DNA was extracted from blood samples and DNA samples were amplified using specific primers designed for 18S rRNA, TamS1 and TaSp genes. RESULTS: In this study, from 200 examined samples, 42 samples (21%) were infected by Theileria spp. and none of them were infected by Babesia spp. Moreover, from these 42 positive samples, 24 samples (57.1%) were only infected by T. ovis. 12 samples (28.5%) were only infected by T. lestoquardi, 2 samples (4.7%) were only infected by T. annulata and 4 samples (9.5%) were simultaneously infected by T. lestoquardi and T. ovis. The results of nucleotide sequencing showed that PCR product of 18S rRNA from T. lestoquardi has 99 and 95% similarity with T. annulata and T. ovis respectively. T. lestoquardi and T. annulata showed 86% similarity. Also TaSp gene of T. ovis in comparison with T. annulata and T. lestoquardi showed 96 and 86% similarity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study could be shown that the two genes (TamS1 and TaSp) from examined three genes could be used for Theileria species specific diagnosis by PCR.

BACKGROUND: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are used in many commercial products, including paints, sunscreens and edible products, and can be used directly and indirectly in aquaculture. Due to the widespread application of these nanoparticles, the investigation of their possible effects on aquatic organisms is necessary. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the histopathological effects of waterborne TiO2NPs on the gills, liver and intestine of Caspian trout. METHODS: In this study, 126 fish (27.46±4.3 g) were tested in six concentrations of TiO2NPs (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/L) for 4 days. At the end of the experiment, tissues were evaluated to determine the effects of tissue damage caused by TiO2NPs. RESULTS: The 96-h exposure to TiO2NPs did not cause fish mortality. Accordingly, investigated TiO2NPs are classified as "relatively non-toxic". The most important tissue changes caused by short-term exposure to TiO2NPs were hyperplasia and hypertrophy, lamellar fusion, necrosis in gills; foci of melanomacrophage deposits, aggregation of blood cell, hepatocytes with pycnotic nuclei, vacuolation, necrosis in liver; thickening of lamina propria, erosion of villi and necrosis in intestine. CONCLUSIONS: Although TiO2NPs are relatively non-toxic,  due to the tissue damage observed, these nanoparticles can be harmful to Caspian trout.

BACKGROUND: Estrus synchronization is a valuable tool in ewe reproductive management. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency and determine the best time of eCG injection in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF 2α in Shal ewes during the breeding season. METHODS: One hundred and sixty non-pregnant Shal ewes, aged 2-6 years old were selected and randomly stratified to four equal groups. 25µg Alarelin acetate (GnRH analogue) and 75µg D-cloprostenol (PGF 2α analogue) were injected to all ewes, on days 0 and 5, respectively. The first group (control) did not receive any other treatment. Groups 2 to 4 received 400 IU of eCG, 48 hours before, 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α, respectively. Ewes were exposed to fertile rams during 96 hours post PGF2α injection. Blood serum progesterone concentrations were measured just before PGF2α injection and 10 days later. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the first serum progesterone evaluation among experimental groups (P>0.05). However, progesterone had significantly higher concentrations 10 days after PGF 2α injection in groups 2 and 3 in comparison with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Simultaneous use of eCG with PGF2α led to a higher estrus response in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). During the first day after PGF2α, a higher percentage of ewes in group 2 and 3 exhibited estrus compared with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Conversely, estrus expression was higher 24-48 hours after prostaglandin injection in groups 1 and 4 than the other two (P<0.05). Thus, the interval to estrus was earlier in group 2 and 3 than groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected in terms of conception rate, lambing rate, prolificacy and fecundity among study groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of eCG in different times (48 and 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α) in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF2α during the breeding season can be effective on estrus indices. Regarding the diversity of sheep's masses in Iran, it seems that acceptable results may be achieved when eCG is used concurrently with PGF2α in short-term protocol.

BACKGROUND: Abomasal hypomotility plays an important role in pathogenesis of some abomasal disorders such as abomasal bloat which has the same serious side effects associated with using synthetic drugs for its treatment, such as diarrhea and antibiotic resistance. To decreasing these side effects, administration of herbal medicine is a good way. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of oral administration of turmeric aqueous extract on rate of abomasal emptying rate in neonatal lambs. METHODS: This study was conducted on twelve five-day-old Sangsari-female-lambs (average weight 3 kg). All lambs received five oral treatments, including saline (30 ml), erythromycin (400 mg), turmeric 200 mg/kg, turmeric 250 mg/kg, and turmeric 300 mg/kg, respectively. At 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 240 minutes after each treatment, plasma samples of lambs were taken. The rate of abomasal emptying was determined with acetaminophen absorption test. RESULTS: Treatment with erythromycin and three different doses of aqueous extract of turmeric (200, 250, 300 mg/kg) increased the rate of abomasal emptying in comparison to the negative control treatment, significantly (P<0.05). The stimulatory effect of erythromycin on abomasal emptying was higher than aquatic extract of turmeric, significantly (P<0.05). No clinical side effects were observed following the administration of erythromycin and turmeric in lambs. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that aqueous extract of turmeric has a stimulatory effect on lamb's abomasal emptying but more studies are needed on the effect of this plant’s components on abomasal emptying.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information about Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) infection in water buffaloes and there have not been any reports of clinical anaplasmosis in the buffaloes in Iran. OBJECTIVES: Molecular and hematologic survey on A. marginale infection in apparently healthy buffaloes referring to Ahvaz abattoir. METHODS: Samples of blood and spleen tissue were obtained from 103 healthy buffaloes referring to the slaughterhouse. Blood samples were subjected to microscopic examination and PCR assay while spleen specimens were only analyzed by PCR. In this study, a nested-PCR method was used to amplify a fragment of the groEL gene of the bacterium. RESULTS: According to PCR, 31.1% and 1.9% of examined blood and spleen samples were found positive for A. marginale, respectively. The buffaloes which were positive in spleen tissue PCR test were positive in blood PCR, as well. Microscopically, Anaplasma-like organisms were found in 15.5% of stained blood smears. There was a slight Kappa agreement between stained blood smears and PCR. No significant difference was found in hematologic values between the infected and non-infected buffaloes based on PCR results. CONCLUSIONS: Significant occurrence of infection with A. marginale in the studied buffaloes can indicate the probable role of buffalo as a reservoir of the disease agent and its transmission to the cattle.

BACKGROUND: Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL) is one of the most common diseases in oral cavity of adult domestic cats. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of different types of FORL by radiography and computed tomography in order to accurately and early diagnose of disease. METHODS: In this retrospective study during 1 year, among 68 CT scans and 17 radiographs of the head of referral cats to veterinary hospital, University of Tehran, 18 cases of FORL (10 CT scans and 8 radiographs) having different degrees of teeth involvement in accordance with stages of FORL were described and diagnosed. For this purpose, radiographic images of teeth in lateral, oblique and dorsoventral views were prepared and also CT images of 2D in transverse, sagittal and dorsal views and 3D were constructed for evaluation of dental and bones reactions. RESULTS: In radiography and computed tomography, FORLs lesions are classified into five stages. In Stage 1 there is mild cementum and enamel loss but this stage is usually not noted on dental radiographs but may be felt on clinical exploration. In Stage 2 there is moderate cementum and enamel loss with dentinal loss that does not involve the pulp. In Stage 3 there is severe loss involving the pulp cavity with remaining  tooth integrity. In Stage 4 there are extensive dental hard tissue losses and most of the tooth has lost its integrity. In Stage 5 there are remnants of dental hard tissues as irregular opacities. Furthermore, in this study it was proved that FORL occurs in male more than female cats and mandibular premolar teeth are the most affected ones. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that FORL has different stages and consequently has different severity, accurate diagnosis of this disease by radiography and computed tomography can help prevent progression of disease and results in fast and successful treatment.

BACKGROUND: The importance of digestive accessory glands and spleen in human, domestic animals and birds has been studied for many years. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the structural features of these organs in see-see. METHODS: Regarding the present study, 14 male and female see-see were randomly selected, from which, tissue samples of three males and three females were obtained. After preparation in the usual way, the samples were stained using hematoxylin and eosin methods. RESULTS: Liver involves two lobes, including right and left ones. Posterior border of the left lobe has a short cut which results in division of the left one into two sections. Gallbladder is extended in visceral level of the right lobe, from middle to posterior edge of it. Due to the lack of full penetration of capsule blades into the liver's parenchyma, lobulated tissues are unknown. Epithelium of the gallbladder is of simple cylindrical type; however, some areas there have very few goblet cells. See-see's spleen is red-brownish, pear-shaped, and is located in the posterior part of visceral level of the liver's left lobe. Spleen is embedded by muscle connective capsule. There are no splits of spleen capsule into parenchyma of the gland. Pancreas is an elongated organ in the situation between two arms of duodenum which is divided into three lobes including dorsal, ventral and splenic. Very delicate and short blades of the capsule are penetrated into the gland and it is divided to lobules. The endocrine part of pancreas consists of alpha and beta islets of Langerhans in large and small sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the structure and tissues of the liver, spleen and pancreas, despite the slight differences in morphological aspects, are similar to other birds.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species based on morphological characteristics is very limited and has no taxonomic value alone, and therefore the use of molecular methods removes these limitations to some extent. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the predominant Cryptosporidium genotypes in calves with diarrhea. METHODS: Study were conducted in calves aged less than 3 months for a period of 2 years. During the study period, 160 dung samples were collected from neonatal calves and examined first microscopically and then by molecular techniques. Stools were analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by Sheather's Sugar Flotation Solution followed by Ziel-Neelsen staining method. DNA of parasite was extracted and multiplex nested-PCR protocol basis on the 18srRNA were done to identify three cattle-adapted species (C. andersoni, C. bovis and C. ryanae) plus the zoonotic species C. parvum. RESULTS: 110 fecal samples were collected from livestock in Alborz province and 50 fecal samples were collected from livestock in Shahroud city. Of the 160 animals examined, 90 were female and 70 were male. In total, out of 160 animals examined, 85 cases (53.12%) had diarrhea, of which 55 cases (34.37%) were positive using Ziel-Neelsen staining. Since all positive cases were related to diarrhea samples and related to calves under one month old, a significant relationship was observed between diarrhea status and the presence of this parasite (p < /em><0.05). In terms of seasonal distribution, no difference was observed in the rate of diarrhea and positive parasitic cases. The presence of 305 bp band in all Ziel-Neelsen positive samples confirmed the presence of C. parvum in all samples. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal calves are more likely to be infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, as confirmed by the present study.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the tendency to use food packaging with antimicrobial activity of natural origin has increased. The use of edible and biodegradable films has been considered as an appropriate alternative to non-degradable plastic coatings. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effect of coating with wheat starch and Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium essential oil was investigated on microbial and physicochemical characteristics of rainbow trout fillet in cold conditions. METHODS: For this purpose, different treatments under the influence of starch, starch and Pennyroyal essential oil (1%), starch and Pennyroyal essential oil (2%) were prepared and physicochemical and microbial changes were evaluated at specified intervals (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days). RESULTS: In the microbial test, the count of total bacterial and other bacteria by starch and starch + 1% and 2%, the essential oil was decreased in different days, also the difference between the control group and other treatments was significant (p < /em>≥0.05). The highest effect of pH reduction belonged to starch + 1% and 2% essential oil in different studied days. The level of pH was not different among different treatments on day 0 of storage. However, there was a significant difference between the control group and treatments on the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth days of storage (p < /em>≥0.05). The results of the oxidative test showed that on the 16th day of storage, the lowest level of TBA was related to the treatment with starch + 2% essential oil and the highest value was related to the control group. In fact, the application of the coating layer delayed the oxidation process. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the composition of edible starch and pennyroyal essential oil on the increased shelf-life of Rainbow trout fillet.

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.