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.

Background: One of the issues that has created much concern about consumption of eggs is cholesterol and saturated fatty acids of that.Objectives:This experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of lipid sources and different levels of zinc on fatty acid composition and cholesterol of egg yolk, antioxidant status and some blood parameters of laying hens in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (3*4) with 12 treatments. Methods: Treatments consisted of 4 percentages of different fat sources, including soybean oil, fish oil, tallow and different zinc levels of 100, 200 and 300 ppm and the control group. Results: The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at tallow diets with the level of 300 ppm zinc (P< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid, linoleic acid and omega-3 long-chain fatty acids in egg yolk was at diets containing tallow, soybean oil and fish, respectively (P< 0/05). The highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 egg yolk was at diet of soybean oil and the lowest proportion was at tallow diet (P< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at the level of 300 ppm of zinc (P< 0/05). The highest glutathione peroxidase activity of blood was observed at diet containing soybean oil and level of 200 ppm of zinc (P< 0/05). Concentration of alkaline phosphatase enzyme was significantly increased at diet containing soybean oil and also at the level of 100 ppm zinc in comparison of other diets. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that in the diets of tallow and soybean oil, oleic acid of egg yolk increased by adding zinc and highest glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in the diet of soybean oil and level of 200 ppm zinc.

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.

BACKGROUND: Replacement of natural materials with syntheticdrugs in order to increase production and safety. OBJECTIVE: The purposeof this study was to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with ginger (Zingiberofficinale) extract on the growth, biochemical and hemato-immunologicalparameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). METHODS: Fishwith an average body weight 14.1±0.2 g were fed diet for 8 weeks with 0.5% and1% ginger extract and with unsupplemented commercial diet as the control. Bloodsamples were collected from caudal vein from apparently healthy fish at the endof trial. Growth (weight gain, specific growth ratio and condition factor),hematological (RBC,WBC, Hb, Hct, monocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil),Biochemical (glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, AST,ALT, LDH and ALP) and immunological (lysozym activity, ACH50,IgM, and SOD)parameters were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that there wereno significant differences (p>0.05) in growth, hematological, biochemicaland metabolic enzymes between fish fed control and ginger extractsupplementation. The lowest level of cortisol was observed in 0.5% gingerextract (p<0.05). Lysozyme activity was significantly increased in 0.5%ginger extract fed fish (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggestthat by using 0.5% ginger extract there will be an improvement in growth andimmune function of rainbow trout

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a common disease in the neonate calf which imposes significant economic burden on cattle industry around the world. During the first week after birth, Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) strains carrying F5 fimbria are one of the most important pathogens causing calf diarrhea. F5 fimbria is involved in early stage of pathogenesis and is responsible for attachment of bacteria to enterocytes; this attachment is mediated by FanC protein of F5 fimbria. Antibodies directed against F5 fimbriae play a significant role in prevention and control of the disease. Objectives: Evaluation and expression of recombinant expression of F5 Fimbriae of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli associated with calf diarrhea. Methods: In the present study,  the fanC region of F5 fimbria was cloned in a pET28a plasmid. Results: The recombinant construct was confirmed by sequencing and protein production in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) was evaluated by western blotting procedure. Conclusions: Based on our findings, the recombinant FanC protein or the BL21 (DE3) strain are suitable candidates to develop an effective vaccine against calf colibacillosis or use in a diagnostic kit for F5+ ETEC.

Abstract Background: Very clinical cases of mineral deficiency, specially associated with copper in sheep of Khuzestan province have been annually seen; whereas the studies on soil and forage related mineral and effects of them on zonal domestic animals are rare. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the copper, sulfur, iron, molybdenum and zinc of soil and pastures forages status in order to see the probable correlation of these elements with copper and zinc serum of sheep in Susngerd town of Khuzestan province. Methods: 5 soil and forage samples and 50 blood samples from sheep that were grazing in the area were taken. All the samples were sent to the institute of radiation at atomic energy organization of Iran for the elements measurement. The soil samples were alkaline digested and read by ICP-OES apparatuses. After acidic digesting, forage samples were read by ICP-MS apparatuses. Serum levels of copper and zinc were also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The averages iron and sulfur content of soil were higher than international standard and critical levels, while the averages copper and molybdenum were within normal range. The mean of soil zinc in comparison to the crisis amounts was in the lower level (p= .05). Comparing the mean values of forage elements with their critical levels showed that sulfur and iron were higher than standard levels. The results revealed that the serum copper and zinc were lower than normal and sheep under this investigation were mostly in a borderline deficiency status. Conclusions: It seem that high levels of sulfur and iron in pastoral forages reduces intestinal absorption and bioavailability of copper and zinc in sheep grazing in the under study areas.

BACKGROUND: The trachea is the main air passages which is important for taxonomic reasons. The structure of trachea varies considerably in different avian species. OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out in order to determine the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostriches. METHODS: Sixteen tracheas of 8 female and 8 male nine-month-old healthy blue-necked African ostriches in slaughterhouse of Isfahan were selected. Each trachea divided into cranial, middle and caudal portions and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues sections were stained with H&amp;E and special stains included Masson’s trichrome, Verhoeff’s, Foot’s, Van Gieson’s, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Alcian blue. RESULTS: The trachea of blue-neck ostriches was composed of tunica mucosa-submucosa, cartilaginous, muscular and serosa. The epithelium was ciliated pseudostratified columnar contained simple alveolar goblet mucous glands. These glands reacted negatively to Periodic acid-Schiff but positively to Alcian blue. The propria-submucosa was composed of dense connective tissue. The muscularis mucosa was absent. Tunica cartilaginous and muscular was made up of sternotrachealis muscle and cartilaginous rings. The rings were only composed of hyaline cartilage. There is no osseous tissue in the tracheal rings. Tunica serosa was composed of loose tissue contained parasympathetic ganglia, adipose tissues, vessels, and all the connective fibers. Three final cartilage rings were shaped tympanum of the syrinx. The histological structure of the trachea showed no significant differences between the male and female ostriches. Except for the decreased number of mucous glands in caudal portion of the trachea, the histological structures of the trachea showed no considerably differences among various portions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it can be concluded that although the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostrich was similar to those of some other species, but that there were also some differences.

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is a protozoanintracellular parasite which is considered as one of the main factors forrecurrent abortions of dairy cattle in various countries such as Iran. Thisparasite leads to negative economic impacts such as decline in reproduction,reduced amount of milk, and long calving intervals. OBJECTIVES: Therehave been numerous tests to determine the cause of abortion. PCR test isconsidered as a suitable method to specify Neospora caninum DNA and itcan determine the DNA in tissue samples and body fluids of the aborted fetus.This study aims to use PCR to evaluate parasites in the tissues of abortedfetuses so as to detect the best tissue for determining the parasite. METHODS:In this study, 82 aborted fetuses in the first six months of 2015 were studied.The tissues were selected from brain, liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys and rennetfluids. The NP21plus primer was used to detect the presence of Neosporacaninum in samples. After conducting the PCR Test, samples with 340bp bandin Gel electrophoresis were considered as positive. Statistical data from thesurvey of Neospora caninum’s presence in selected tissues were evaluatedby SAS (version 9.2) software. RESULTS: Contamination with this parasitewas found in 34 brain samples (41.5%) of aborted fetuses. In 2 (2.4%) and 4(4.9%) of the aborted fetuses, parasite DNA was found in lung and liver tissuesalong with brain tissues, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Due to significantdifference of infection of brain tissues in comparison to other tissues, ourstudy considers brain tissue as the most appropriate sample for detecting Neosporacaninum infection in aborted fetuses in PCR method

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: Nowadays essential oils with antioxidant properties are used in order to increase the shelf life of pre-cooked food. Objectives: This study was carried out to compare the effect of Cumin and three methods of cooking, frying, oven baking and steaming on oxidative changes of pre-cooked fillet of rainbow trout. Chemical (DPPH(1,1- Diphenyl- 2- picryl hydrazine) for Cumin and FFA (Free Fatty Acid), PV(Peroxide value), TBARS) ، Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and sensory indicators, were evaluated during  4 months storage at freezing temperatures. Methods: Fillet samples were treated with Cuminum cyminum EOs and BHT. The study was based on application of cooking methods, frying at 180° C for 4 min in sunflower oil, baked in the oven at 200 °C for 22 min and steamed at 200 °C for 22 min and oxidative changes were evaluated during the period of storage as frozen fillets. Results: The FFA formation showed increase in all groups, oven baked rainbow trout fillets gave the highest increase (P<0.05). The highest value of PV was obtained from fried fillets treated with C. cyminum EOs (4.92  ± 0.23 meq/kg). The TBARS values were not significantly different with fresh-raw fillet after cooking (P>0.05), but the treated samples with EOs generally showed slower oxidative changes than those of the untreated samples. Based on the sensory evaluation, fillet fried was found as a preferred cooking method and also, the additions of C. cyminum EOs have positive effect on sensory quality of baked rainbow trout. Conclusions: Differences in cooking methods includin frying, oven baking and steaming showed that rainbow trout fillet treated with C. cyminum EOs under the frying method are more desirable in terms of chemical changes and sensory analysis compared with the other treatments.