BACKROUND: The use of feed withdrawal method for molt induction can be caused physiological stress and negatively affected the immunological response of hens. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to survey of hormonal changes and immunological response in hens fed by alfalfa molt diet during the molt period. METHODS: In this experiment 108 Hy-line (W36) laying hens aged 74 weeks in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates were used. The using treatments for 12 days molt period were included: 1- control group fed with layer ration (FF), 2- feed withdrawal group (FW), 3- group fed with 90% alfalfa and 10% layer ration (A90). Performance of birds was monitored for 12 weeks after the end of the molting period. RESULTS: Total circulating leukocyte were generally lower in FW hens group compared with the other groups during the initial stage of molt (P<0.05). On d 3 and 6 of molt, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were incresed in molted hens and FW hens had higher levels than other groups. On d 3 of molt, plasma corticosterone was generally incresed in molted hens and FW hen higher level than A90 hens (P<0.05). Plasma T3 was significantly decreased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). Plasma T4 was significantly increased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). On d 6 and 9 of molt, concentrations of T4 were higher in FW hens than in the A90 hens (P<0.05). Date of reentry and days return to 50% and 80% egg production were significantly lower in A90 groups than in the FW groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, A90 diet can limit physiological stress and improve the performance of immunological response that accompany feed withdrawal method during an induced molt.

AbstractBACKGROUND: Beluga (Huso huso) is one of the sturgeons and currently is cultured artificially in Iran with different goals. The cardiovascular system is one of the important systems of the body, and heart is the most important organ in this system. So far, few studies have been done on the heart of sturgeons.OBJECTIVES: This study was done to determine the exact structure of beluga different parts of the heart septum using echocardiographic and histologic techniques. METHODS: Six immature male belugas (2.5 years old) were investigated in this study. For echocardiography, probe was placed on the ventral surface of body, between pectoral fins. At first, macroscopic morphologic studies of different parts of heart were done at the topographic place of them. For histological studies, usual methods of fixation and hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) coloring were used. Prepared slides were studied by light microscope.RESULTS: All parts of the heart including the sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, conus arteriosus and pericardium were clearly visible in different probe moves. The pericardium were covered surround heart`s structures having homogenous echo pattern. Sinus venosus had a very thin septum without any expansion and contraction. Atrium had a completed muscular septum with expansion and contraction. Ventricle muscular septum had two layers: an external compact layer and an internal spongy layer. Conus arteriosus was composed of obvious muscular septum and connective tissue. Histological studies showed three layers in beluga heart including epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. In overall, the histological findings were matched with the results of echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first investigation on echocardiographic feature of different parts of beluga heart. These results were coordinated with histological findings. Normal information and findings of this study can be used for investigation of various anatomic or pathologic changes in beluga heart in different research projects.

BACKGROUND: The study of animal development by a dynamic perspective on gross anatomy often provides amplified pattern to reveal the more complex anatomy of the adult. This is especially helpful in understanding system whose components drastically change their relation positions during developmental growth, such as urogenital organs. OJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to study morphologic and morphometric development of sheep kidneys during fetal period. METHODS: Sixty fetal kidneys obtained from 30 sheep fetuses were divided into three groups (70-100, 100-120, 120-145 days) according to body length. Topography, dimensions, and weight of kidneys were evaluated. RESULTS: The kidneys were located totally in the lumbar region of the sides of the median plane. The position of kidneys relative to the transvers process of lumbar vertebrae was different in the age groups. The fetal kidney was not located at the same level of adult position even at the end of fetal period. The right kidney was consistently slightly cranial to left kidney. The left kidney was in contact with dorsal sac of rumen in all age groups. The right kidney was covered by ventral surface and a small part of the lateral surface of right lobe of liver, but with advancing age, the contact are of right kidney with caudate process of liver showed tangible reduction and such a contact limited eventually to the cranial pole of kidney. Means of dimensions and weight of kidneys increased with gestational age during fetal period. There were no sex and laterality differences in any parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Topography of fetal sheep kidneys relative to the lumbar vertebrate and their contact area of the kidneys with right lobe and caudate process of liver differed extremely from that of adult sheep kidney. It seems that the emergence of positional asymmetry of kidneys and changing contact area of right kidney exhibited an intimate relationship with the cranial shift and grow rate of right lobe and caudate process of liver during fetal development. The morphmetric results of fetal sheep kidneys were in agreement with the morphometric findings of humans and bovine kidneys.

BACKGROUND: Strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of strangles and association of this infection with host age and geographical determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: Serum samples from 184 horses were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Also, 85 swab samples were randomly taken from nasal swab of horse and evaluated for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi by bacterial culture. RESULTS: Seroprevalence rate of strangle was 37.5% (95% CI: 30.5-44.5%). Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection between the age based on year and disease was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04-1.17) (p<0.001), and with increase of 1 year-old, odds of infection increase 10%. Relative frequency of infection in male and female horses was 32.73 and 39.53%, respectively (p>0.05) and odds of infection in female compared with male horses was 1.34 (95% CI: 0.69-2.61). Prevalence rate in horses with and without history of respiratory disease was 94.1% and 31.74%, respectively (p<0.001). The odds of infection in horses with history of respiratory disease compared with  healthy horses was 34.42 (95%CI: 4.45-266.37). Prevalence rate in  Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool  was 33.3%, 34.62%, 5.26%, 69.23%, 13.04, 22.22% and 75%,  respectively (p<0.001). Geographical location explained 29.6% of infection’s fluctuations. No isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was obtained in culture of nasal swab samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that seroprevalence of strangles should be deleted in khuzestan province is high and Prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations  have identified anthelminitic effects of many medicinal plants particularly from condensed tannin sources. In addition, gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants have a negative effect on the farming industry worldwide. Objectives: The aim of the present study was  to determine the potential anthelmintic effects of Quercus robur extract on alimentary canal nematodes in naturally infected sheep by faecal egg count reduction test (EPGRT). Methods: The crude aqueous extract was prepared from Quercus robur as tannin extract. The nature and intensity of helminth infection was determined by coprological examination. The faecal samples of 600 sheep were collected from different regions of Kurdistan province. The samples were examined by flotation method (Clyton-Lane technique). Fifteen sheep with the most count in egg per gram (include Marshallagia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylids) were divided into three groups of five animals: First group (test group) were drenched with Quercus robur extract at 3.75g/kg, second group (positive control group) received Albendazole 2.5%, orally at 5mg/kg and third group (negative control) without treatment. Results: The results of faecal examination  3 days after administration indicated significant reduction of EPG in both group’s treatment and positive control groups, 90.76% and 90.83% respectively, whereas there was no effect in the third group. Results were evaluated by Chi-square analysis and showed significant differences between treatment and negative control groups (p≤0.05). Nosignificant differences were observed between treatment group and positive control group (p≥0.05). Conclusions: Results reveal that aquatic extract of Quercus robur has anthelminitic activity and further large scale studies are suggested to confirm pharmacologic effects of this herbal extract.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection is one of the most important diseases in healthcare facilities and community. Ribotypes 027 and 078 are known as hyper-virulent strain of C. difficile in molecular study. PCR-ribotyping is a suitable method to interpret the relation of C. difficile isolated from food and hospital. Objectives: In the present study, the clostridim difficile binary toxin (cdtB) and ribotype pattern evaluated in toxigenic C. difficle isolated from beef. Methods: Detection of cdtB in 12 toxigenic C. difficile (encoding tcdA and tcdB gene) isolated from 100 beef samples was determined through PCR. Afterwards, PCR-ribotyping was performed to examine the ribotype patterns of C. difficile. Results: cdtB gene was not detected in any positive isolate. Ten different patterns were observed in 12 toxigenic isolates. No similarity existed in the ribotypes of our study with ribotypes 027 and 078. Conclusions: Albeit  ribotyp 027 and 078 were not found in our study, the isolation of toxigenic C. difficile with new ribotypes in Iran may indicate the probable hazard of this bacterium in public health. Comprehensive research about C. difficile in different food sources is recommended on a national level.

BACKGROUND: The term ‘‘marinated fish’’ is used to define semi-preserved fish made by immersion in a solution of organic acids or vinegar and salt. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare  nutritional value (Lipid, Protein, Moisture, Ash, pH), chemical (TVB-N, PV, TBA, FFA) and sensory attributes, microbial communities (TC, Mold) and fatty acids profile of cooked and fried marinades and 30 days storage at 4°C. Methods: The marinades were produced using formulas from Silver carp fresh fillets. Then the products were stored at 4°C and sampling was done to determine of quality indexes during storage, every 10 days. Results: The results showed that there were no differences in moisture, protein and lipid contents between two products (p>0.05). Also, there were no differences with regard to  PV, TBA and FFA between two marinades (p>0.05), but TVB-N in cooked and fried products (with 16.46 and 18.91 mg/100g) showed significant  changes (p<0.05). In addition, total  bacteria count was 4.19 and 4.89 and total mold-yeast was 2.47 and 2.60 Logcfu/g at day 30 in cooked and fried marinades, respectively (p<0.05). As sensory aspect, appearance, color, texture and odour attributes showed  better points in fried marinade,  cooked product had more acceptable  taste (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in overall acceptance. Omega-3, omega-6 and EPA+DHA fatty acids had higher amounts in fried marinade (p<0.05). Cooking reduced the UFA amount, but conversely, frying increased it. Conclusions: Quality of both marinades was acceptable during 30 days storage refrigerator, but fried marinade showed a preferred quality as sensory attribute.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) induced oxidative stress is known to suppress growth performance in broiler chickens. The current study was carried out in an attempt to describe the specific underlying mechanisms of such phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Pb-induced oxidative stress on performance, antioxidant status and behavioral responses of broiler chicken. METHODS: Eighty day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatment groups of 4 pen replicates, namely i) basal diet containing no lead supplement (control) and ii) basal diet containing 200 mg Pb/kg of diet. RESULTS: The results showed that addition of lead decreased body weight gain (p<0.01) and feed conversion ratio (p<0.01). Also, consumption of contaminated diet significantly increased MDA and H/L Ratio and significantly decreased SOD and GPx activity (p<0.01). Moreover, addition of 200 mg/kg diet significantly increased sitting pasture and aggression behavior and decreased feeding behavior (p<0.01).               CONCLUSIONS: Our data conclude that Pb-induced oxidative stress adversely suppressed feed conversion ratio and growth performance. The proposed underlying mechanism for such phenomenon is Pb-induced oxidative stress by impaired antioxidant status and feeding behavior decreased the growth performance.

BACKGROUND: Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide which is widely used in paddy fields located in northern parts of Iran, though it is prohibited to be used in many countries. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate sublethal effects of diazinon on blood parameters of common bream Abramis brama. METHODS: In sublethal toxicity test, fish were exposed to diazinon concentrations of 0.04, 0.36, 0.73 and 1.46 mg/l for 14 days and their hematological parameters including WBCs, white cell differential count, RBCs, Hct, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC were studied.  RESULTS: The results of sublethal toxicity indicated that by increase of toxicant concentration a significant decrease was appeared in WBCs, RBCs, Hct, Hb and MCH both after 7 and 14 days (p<0.05). After 7 days a significant decrease was observed in lymphocytes count which accounted for about %81 of the control group. The neutrophils count was also face the same reduction so that after 14 days of diazinon exposure, the neutrophils counted decreased to about %85 of control group. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the toxicity of diazinon on various hematological parameters and the diazinon concentration in Iranian waters and considering the fish habitat in the waters which are connected to the Caspian Sea it suggests that the pesticide diazinon affect the fish survival.

BACKGROUND: Increase of people’s awareness about side effects of chemical food preservatives has raised public interest to consume products with natural preservatives such as essential oils. Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) is one of the medicinal plants in traditional medicine of Iran and it is necessary to evaluate its antimicrobial effects on some food borne bacteria such as E.coli O157:H7. This bacteria has low infectious dose and causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate inhibitory effect of garlic essential oil (Allium Sativum L.) on growth of E. coli O157:H7 and shiga-toxin 2 (Stx2) production. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of garlic essential oil was evaluated by broth microdilution method and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Effect of subinhibitory concentrations (subMICs) of garlic essential oil on bacterial  growth over 72 h (at 35 °C) evaluated by surface plate counting and production of Stx2 were evaluated by kit (VTEC-RPLA). RESULTS: MIC and MBC of garlic essential oil were estimated 0/02% and 0/04%, respectively. Concentrations of 0.005%, 0/01% and 0.015% of garlic essential oil reduced the bacterial growth. Concentration 0/015% after 72 h reduced 2 log10 (cfu/ml) growth rate and was the most effective concentration. Concentration 0/005% reduced Stx2 production and higher concentrations inhibited Stx2 production. It was found that the effect of different concentrations of essential oil on growth and production of Stx2 by E. coli O157:H7 were statistically significant (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Garlic essential oil showed to be effective against bacterial growth and production of Stx2. This study indicated that garlic essential oil can be used as natural preservative in food system.