Background: Ascites or pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) is one of the significant problems in the poultry industry. Therefore, various studies have been conducted on its contributing factors. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin E in reducing the mRNA levels of caspase-1 (CASP1), caspase-2 (CASP2), and caspase-3 (CASP3) genes involved in the apoptosis pathway. Methods: Ninety fast-growing 1-day-old chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to three equal groups, including sham (basal diet), control (basal diet+1.5 mg/kg of triiodothyronine [T3]), and treatment group (basal diet+400 mg/kg of vitamin E+1.5 mg/kg of T3). To induce ascites, 1.5 mg/kg of T3 was added to basal diet from the seventh day to the end of the experiment. On the 21st and 49th days after rearing, 15 chicks from each group were randomly selected. The right ventricle/total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) and the expression levels of CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3 genes in the lung and right ventricle of all three groups of broiler chickens were measured and compared. Results: Although there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of the RV/TV ratio on day 21 post-reared (P≥0.05), a significant decrease was detected in the vitamin E-receiving group compared to the control group with respect to the RV/TV ratio on day 49 post-reared (P<0.05). Also, vitamin E reduced the relative expression of CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3 at 49 days of age in the lung and heart tissues of broiler chickens with ascites (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that vitamin E can reduce some apoptosis genes (CASP1, CASP2, and CASP3) associated with pulmonary hypertension in broilers.

Background: Experiments using animal models have indicated that maternal diet during the perinatal period can drastically impact the life-long susceptibility of offspring to chronic disease.Objectives: This study aims to determine the impact of perinatal consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa to feed restriction on offspring heart development. Methods: In this study, we used 25 pregnant rats. They were grouped as follows: group 1 (normal control), group 2 (70% feed restriction), group 3 (70% feed restriction and 5mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), group 4 (70% feed restriction, and 10mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration), and group 5 (70% feed restriction and 20mg/kg body weight of H. sabdariffa administration). Dams were only allowed to nurse 8 pups. Pups were weaned and observed daily for puberty onset. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of creatine kinase, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. The hearts were excised, weighed, and prepared for histological examination. Results: The result showed a significant increase in absolute and relative weights of the heart with alterations in the histology of the heart. There was a significant change in serum levels of creatine kinase and malondialdehyde.Conclusion: Maternal consumption of H. sabdariffa during pregnancy and lactation may increase the development of cardiovascular diseases in offspring during postnatal growth.

Hepatic lipidosis and hernia are problems that can occur in pet birds due to different causes. Aspergillosis is also an important disease of pet birds. This article reports an interesting case which, to our knowledge, is the first one in Iran. A 7-year-old male common mynah was presented to the clinic of avian diseases at the University of Tehran, Tehran City, Iran, with a history of severe dyspnea, anorexia, feeding with a high-energy diet, and recently been in the northern parts of Iran. Unfortunately, the bird died. Necropsy was done to diagnose the cause of death. Tissue samples from abdominal viscera, lungs, and air sacs were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Bacterial cultures from the liver and bone marrow were performed on blood and MacConkey agars. In the external carcass examination, the abdominal swelling, hernia, and yellow discoloration under the skin were obvious. At necropsy, the liver was enlarged with yellowish discoloration. There was also a high amount of fat around the abdominal viscera. Microscopically, fatty change, hepatocellular necrosis, and hemorrhages were seen in the liver. There were also vegetative forms of Aspergillus on the lung’s parenchyma and air sacs. No bacterial growth was observed. Pet birds are usually restricted to a cage by minimal contact with other birds; thus, diseases related to management are common among these birds. So keeping in suitable conditions with an appropriate, balanced diet is important for their health.

Background: Tarantula cubensis (theranekron), obtained from the poison of Cuban Tarantula, is a homeopathic drug frequently used in animal health. Objectives: The effect of theranekron on reproductive parameters in male animals is unknown. In this study, the effect of theranekron on male reproductive parameters was investigated. Methods: Three different groups of rats were created: control (n=8) (no application), theranekron I (n=8) (subcuteneous injection of 0.3 mg/kg on days 0, 5, and 10), and theranekron II (n=8) (subcuteneous injection of 0.3 mg/kg on days 0, 5, and 10). Control and theranekron I groups were sacrificed at the end of the 4 weeks, and the theranekron II group was sacrificed at the end of the 6 weeks. Sperm motility, density, abnormal rate, DNA damage, and testicular histopathology were examined. Results: No statistical difference was observed in the parameters examined between the study groups (P>0.05). It was determined that the theranekron did not change sperm motility, density and spermatozoa ratio, also no histopathological changes, and sperm DNA damage.Conclusion: There is no harm in using theranekron in male animals during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) has limited repair capacity, and any spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause persistent disability in motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. The harmful reactions around the lesion must be stopped to prevent this consequence. Objectives: The present study compares the clinical effects of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) and meloxicam in acute spinal cord injury in an animal model of rats. Methods: We randomly divided 24 male Wistar rats into 4 groups: 1) sham, 2) placebo, 3) SCI+MPSS (30 mg/kg, IV), and 4) SCI+meloxicam (1 mg/kg, SC). We used a Fogarty embolectomy catheter to induce a compression injury to the rats’ T8-T9 spinal cord segment. The drugs were injected one hour after surgery. Neurological evaluation was performed using BBB (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan) test immediately after recovery and then once a week for up to 6 weeks. Results: According to the BBB test results, single-dose administration of MPSS one hour after injury improved motor function significantly compared to placebo. But, there was no significant difference between MPSS and meloxicam groups and between meloxicam and placebo groups (P>0.01). Conclusion: In clinical evaluation, single-dose administration of MPSS one hour after injury improved motor function compared to meloxicam.

Background: Small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), and bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) are among the most important viruses of farm animals. Objectives: This study aimed at the serological detection of SRMV, BVDV, BHV-1, and BEFV in the camel population of Khuzestan Province, located in southwest Iran. Methods: A total of 150 camel blood samples were randomly collected from free-ranging, seemingly healthy camels of both sexes and various ages in 8 different regions of Khuzestan Province, Iran. The sera were tested for SRMV, BVDV, BHV-1, and BEFV with serum neutralization test. Results: The seropositive samples for SRMV, BVDV, and BHV-1 were 1(0.67%), 7(4.67%), and 11(7.33%), respectively. There was no seroconversion against BEFV in the serum samples. Conclusion: The camel population of Khuzestan Province is subclinically infected with SRMV, BVDV, and BHV-1 and could play a significant role in the epizootiology of these viral diseases in this region, which is very important for the control and eradication programs.

Background: Desert plants cannot provide all the animals’ requirements for calcium and mineral deficiency in camels. This condition is mostly aggravated in dry seasons. The present study investigates hypocalcemia in pre-parturient and post-parturient camels.Methods: In a camel herd, 25 out of 96 pregnant animals showed clinical signs of hypocalcemia within a week after parturition. Two camels had abortions, and 9 animals that gave birth died. The blood samples were collected from the animals, and their calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured using a commercial kit.Results: The clinical and necropsy signs resemble a decline in blood calcium, and the level of calcium and phosphorus had fallen below the normal range in all tested blood samples. Most camels recovered after the administration of injectable calcium and adding supplementary nutrition.Conclusion: Paying attention to mineral balance, especially in the last months of pregnancy and in recently parturiated camels, is crucial.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite, a member of the phylum Apicomplexa. Felids are definitive hosts, and all warm-blooded animals and humans are intermediate hosts. The clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis among chickens are mostly subclinical, but the infection of chickens and eggs is important as a source of protein for human consumption. Objectives: This study aimed to detect T. gondii in chicken meat and egg by molecular examination.Methods: In this study, 100 chicken legs, 50 eggs of free-range hens, and 50 eggs of industrial hens were collected from different stores in Semnan City, Iran. The samples were inspected for the Toxoplasma B1 gene after DNA extraction.Results: According to the results, Toxoplasma DNA was detected in 23% of chicken legs, 36% of eggs of free-range hens, and 20% of eggs of industrial hens. The infection rate was not significantly different between eggs of free-range and industrial hens (P>0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, Toxoplasma is present in chicken meats and eggs in Semnan, Iran, and it is recommended that people eat well-cooked chicken meat and eggs for disease control and feed domestic carnivores with cooked meat to prevent the parasite life cycle.

Background: Aflatoxin is one of the most important fungal toxins with documented hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive properties. This mycotoxin is mainly produced by species of the genus Aspergillus in feed. Therefore, the application of compounds, which prevent complications of aflatoxins without losing feed quality, is highly beneficial. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of the Echinacea purpurea L. essential oils on the regulation of the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract and some blood factors of aflatoxin-fed zebrafish. Methods: Zebrafish were divided into four groups of 45 fish in three replicates: control (G1); G2, fish fed with feed containing 500 µg/kg E. purpurea L. essential oils; G3, fish fed with feed containing 500 µg/kg E. purpurea L. essential oil and 3 ppm aflatoxin B1(AFB1); and G4, fish fed with feed containing 3 ppm AFB1. The fish were fed with diets for 60 days. After this period, they were euthanized, blood was collected from the tail vein, and blood smears were prepared. Fish hepatopancreas were used to measure alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes with an auto-analyzer. Also, intestinal contents were cultured to evaluate microbial population. Results: Results showed that liver enzymes increased in the aflatoxin group (P<0.05), and concurrent use of the essential oil along with AFB1 reduced the liver enzymes compared with the AFB1-treated group. Moreover, AFB1 could convert the microbial population to pathogens. Differential blood counts in the G2 and G3 groups showed an increase in the percentages of neutrophils and thrombocytes. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, E. purpurea L. essential oils could reduce the adverse effects of chronic contamination with AFB1 in zebrafish. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to better understand the immunological function of E. purpurea L. in zebrafish and its mechanism of action against AFB1.

Background: The growing consumer interest in healthy food has encouraged the industry to search for products that exhibit additional benefits over nutritional value. Yogurt is the best carrier for beneficial nutrients such as probiotics and antioxidants. Agave tequilana is a plant that contains phytochemicals comprising flavonoids that show antioxidant activity.Objectives: In this work, the effects of incorporating A. tequilana aqueous extract (ATAE) on the antioxidant properties, syneresis, and flavor of probiotic yogurt were investigated.Methods: Radical scavenging ability was evaluated against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Syneresis was determined using the centrifugal technique. The sensory evaluation was carried out using a 5-point hedonic scale.Results: The addition of ATAE in yogurts exhibited a dose-dependent relationship and had significantly (P≤0.05) higher TPC and DPPH scavenging ability than the control yogurts. The TPC and DPPH scavenging properties of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% ATAE-fortified yogurts were 389.9, 629.2 and 905.6 mg GAE/kg yogurt and 283, 480, and 617 mg BHT eq./kg yogurt, respectively. The addition of ATAE increased the syneresis of yogurt samples (P≤0.05). Although the sensory properties of synbiotic yogurt samples were lower than plain and probiotic treatments, their scores were still above the acceptable level.Conclusion: As the results of this study indicated, it is recommended to improve the antioxidant properties of the yogurt by incorporating AEAT and its potential application as a functional food formulation.