BACKGROUND Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a remarkable pathogen in the world poultry industry. The vaccine against this agent is used in poultry farms to prevent infection and reduce the incidence of disease. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the efficacy of the first Iranian inactivated ORT vaccine produced by the Razi Vac-cine and Serum Research Institute was evaluated using the experimental challenge system . METHODS: Ninety day-old specific-pathogen-free White leghorn chickens were divided randomly into five groups of 18 chickens. The birds were housed in separate specific cages in isolation rooms. At the age of 14 days, the birds of two groups were vaccinated. Afterwards, at the age of 42 days, two groups of unvaccinated chickens and all of the vaccinated subjects were challenged with the LaSota strain of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and ORT. One group of unvaccinated birds was maintained as the negative control. Blood samples were taken from chickens on days 14 (before vaccination) and 42 (before challenge) of the experiment. In addition, blood samples were collected on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after the challenge (AC). On days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after challenging with ORT, the isolation and molecular detection of the bacteria were performed on samples from the trachea, lungs, air sacs, liver, and spleen. RESULTS: Following vaccination with the Razi ORT vaccine, the titers of antibody in vaccinated chickens were shown to be significantly higher than those of unvaccinated birds. In vaccinated groups, the ORT was not recovered in cultures from lungs, trachea, and air sacs. In the unvaccinated birds challenged with ORT, bacteria were isolated from lungs, tra-chea, and air sacs. Using the polymerase chain reaction method, ORT was only detected from samples of lungs, trachea, and air sacs 2 days after challenge (DAC) in vaccinated groups. Meanwhile, ORT was detected in lungs, trachea, and air sacs until 4 days after challenge in unvaccinated birds. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the Razi ORT vaccine was effective in protecting layer chickens against infection with serotype A of the ORT.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli (E.coli) is one of the most common and important causative bacterium of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both dogs and humans. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify virulence genes and a phylogenetic group of E. coli isolated from the urine of dogs suffering from UTIs. METHODS: E. coli were isolated from urine of dogs suffering from UTIs and tested for the presence of the virulence genes using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing method. On day 60 after immunization, half of the fish in each treatment was challenged intraperitoneally and the re- maining half of fish in the oral receiving bacterin groups were challenged by bath method with 1 LD50 and 1 LC50 of a Y. ruckeri local virulent isolate respectively. RESULTS: Out of a total of 103 samples, 25 were found to be positive for E. coli, of these 20 (80.0%) were identified as aer, 14(56.0%) as pap , 12(48.0%) as sfa, 8(32.0%) as afa, 5(20.0%) as hly and 5(20.0%) as cnf1 genes. None of the isolates carried cnf2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a high occurrence of virulence genes. The phylogenetic compar- isons of these gene sequences detected in uropathogenic E. coli isolated from dogs showed high similarity to those present in the urine of humans with urinary tract infection. Phylogenetic comparisons of the virulence genes revealed that hly, sfa , cnf1 and pap matched to group B2, afa to group A and aer to group B2 and D.

BACKGROUND: Mesobuthus eupeus is an indigenous scorpion species in Southwest Iran which is respon- sible for the majority of scorpion sting cases in Khuzestan province. OBJECTIVES: The effects of M. eupeus venom were investigated on the chief metabolic hormones in rats. METHODS: A total of 45 Albino male rats were divided into 3 equal groups: group 1 (control): 0.5 ml normal saline was administered intraperitoneally (IP); group 2 and 3: M. eupeus venom was administered with a dose of 1 and 2 mg/kg IP, respectively. Sampling was performed at 8, 24, and 48 hours after venom/ saline injection. RESULTS: The levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were significantly lower in both venom receiving groups (groups 2 and 3) than in the control group, dose-dependently, at all sampling times. There was a significant decrease in insulin level in both intoxicated groups compared to the control group at all sampling times. Glucagon, cortisol and subsequently glucose concentrations were significantly increased in both groups receiving the venom (groups 2 and 3) compared to the control group at 8 and 24 hours following envenomation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that M. eupeus venom can suppress the secretion of essential metabolic hormones including T3, T4, and insulin and stimulate the release of glucagon, and cor- tisol, leading to hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Neurotransmitters (NTS) are endogenous chemicals secreted from neural terminals into the synaptic cleft of the chemical neurons in order to affect their receptors. NTS play vital physiological role as stimulatory, inhibitory or modulatory compounds. OBJECTIVES: This review was aimed to summarize the roles of the most important NTS which regulate food intake in the avian species. RESULTS: Over 40 neurotransmitters are known as regulatory agents that control ingestion behavior in mammals and birds. Acetylcholine (Ach), epinephrine (EP), norepinephrine (NEP), histamine, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), glycine, serotonin and glutamate have been identified as the mediatory agents about regulation of feeding behavior in birds. Based on the molecular weight and the type of efficacy, NTS have been categorized into the two main groups including “the small molecular weight fast-effective NTS and the large molecular wieght slow-effective neuropeptides. Various physiological functions have been presented for NTS and it seems many other unknown effects and even possible interactions among them are still questionable. Appetite control, mediatory role of ingestion behavior and regulation of food intake have recently been highlighted among various roles of NTS in chicken. CONCLUSIONS: Food intake regulation is a complex physiologic process that is under the control of the central and environmental signals. Considering of the involvement of feeding behavior in other major physiological processes such as the growth, immunity and production, it is necessary to realize the role of different mediators which are affecting and modulating food intake in avian species.

BACKGROUND:Due to the large proportion of iodine present in milk and dairy products, they have been one of the important sources of nutritional iodine in several countries. Information about variation in milk iodine concentration in Iran is limited. OBJECTIVES:The present study was conducted to determine the iodine concentration in Iranian milk and dairy milk products. METHODS: In the first step, 10 commercial dairy farms (five located in tropical and other located in cold region) were included in the study. In the second step, the iodine concentration of six samples of different milk products from the retail market was determined by Sandell-Kolthoff (acid-digestion) reaction. RESULTS: The average iodine concentration of milk samples from cold region was significantly lower (50.7 ± 24.3 %) than the iodine concentration of milk samples from the tropical region (P<0.05). Sterilized milk (282.0 ± 111.0 µg/l) had higher and raw milk (224.3 ± 116.9 µg/l) had lower iodine concentration  (P<0.05). There was no effect of milk fat class (whole and semi-skimmed) on milk iodine concentration (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on Iranian dairy product intake, raw, pasteurized and sterilized milk provides on average, 74.6, 84.6, 96.0 µg of iodine, approximately 29.8, 33.8, 37.6 % of the adult recommended dietary allowance for this nutrient, respectively.

BACKGROUND: A limited number of studies have investigated the inclusion of amino acids in calf starter. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to evaluate different levels of crude protein in starter and supplement- ing some protected amino acids on efficiency, health status and blood metabolites of dairy calves and to com- pare it with unprotected amino acids. METHODS: Forty-eight 3-day-old Holstein calves were randomly allocated to four treatments in a complete- ly randomized design. Dietary treatments were (1) 18% Crude Protein starter without Amino Acid, (2) 18% Crude Protein with 0.0340% protected lysine and 0.016% protected methionine, (3) 18% Crude Protein starter with 0.215% un-protected lysine and 0.012% un-protected methionine, (4) 22% Crude Protein without Amino Acid. All calves received the same amount of whole milk, weaned on day 56; the study was finished on day 70. RESULTS: Calves in treatment 4 had the greatest starter intake, weaning weight and final weight (P<0.05) but their feed efficiency was not different among treatments. There were no significant differences in Immu- noglobulin G, total protein and Lysine and Methionine concentration in blood (P>0.05). Health score (eye, ear, nose and respiratory score), was not different among treatments but the fecal score revealed a significant difference (P<0.05). Starter diet with 22% Crude Protein resulted in higher serum urea concentration (P< 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study indicate that, the performance of calves received protected or un-protected amino acid in starter was not different. Also, higher Crude Protein levels in diet did not lead to a better gain to feed ratio.

BACKGROUND: Buffalo is one of the most important animals for the source of milk and meat, and it is also used for draught purposes in Bangladesh. Gastrointestinal parasites in the buffalo calves lead to reduced growth and hinder the development of buffalo industry in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to identify the gastrointestinal parasitic load in the buffalo calves at Sylhet district, Bangladesh. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from one hundred seventy (170) buffalo calves from different areas of Sylhet district and samples were examined using sedimentation, and floatation techniques. A morphological examination of parasitic eggs was performed to identify the parasitic species. RESULTS: Among the 170 calves examined in the present study, 62 (36.47%) were found positive with different parasites. Two species of gastro-intestinal parasites were identified, among them 26.47% positive with Neoascarisvitulorum, 5.88% with Strongyloides sp .and 4.12% with Strongyle type. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites in males (44.12%) was lower than in female (55.88%) calves. A relatively higher worm load was observed in summer (58.82%) than rainy (41.18%) season. The prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasitic infections was significantly higher (p ≤0.05) in calves aged 6 months of age (44.12%) than calves of 6-12 months of age (32.35%) followed by 13-18 months of age (23.53%). EPG (egg per gr of feces) ranged from 50-1950. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo calves in Sylhet is relatively higher regardless of age, sex, and seasons. Data generated through this study will help to adopt necessary measures to control the GI parasitic infections in buffalo calves in developing countries like Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in human societies and ani- mal populations, particularly pregnant women and domestic animals. This life-threatening infection may cause severe consequences in the fetus. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of anti-parasite antibodies in pregnant wom- en and sheep and goat populations of Zabol city, Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Southeast Iran. METHODS: Ninety serum samples of pregnant women and 184 serum samples of sheep and goats were collected and anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were examined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Subsequently, the correlation between the seroprevalence of infection and socio-de- mographic data was statistically calculated. RESULTS: Among pregnant women, 13/90 (14%) samples were IgG positive and seroprevalence was signifi- cantly correlated to history of abortion (p <0.05). Among examined sheep and goats, 34 sheep (24.6%) and 3 goats (6.5%) out of 184 (138 sheep and 46 goats) serum samples were positive for parasite-specific IgG. Also, the seroprevalence of infection was significantly associated with animal species (p <0.05), history of abortion (p <0.05) and parity (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, despite the relatively low prevalence of infection in pregnant women in Sistan, given the high prevalence of infection in the small ruminant population of the region, more careful monitoring and control of transmission of infection from small ruminants along with other common vectors of the disease are essential. However, more precise investigations are needed to reveal the epidemiological aspects of the parasite in Sistan.

BACKGROUND: Microbial quality of drinking water is very important in animal health. OBJECTIVES: The present survey was conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of cows' drinking water in dairy farms in Mashhad suburb, Iran, to find out defects in this field. METHODS: Water samples were taken from 30 farms and 4 sites including: Water tanks,  inlet and outlet  of bovine drinking troughs and calves’ water buckets in fall, 2018. The samples were put in sterile falcons, with keeping of the cold chain and immediately sent to the microbiological laboratory. Counting of fecal Streptococcus and Coliform in the specimens were performed by using pour plate and most probable number (MPN) methods, respectively.The contamination frequency of the samples to fecal Coliform and Escherichia coli were determined by using specific biochemical tests. The positive specimens in terms of E. coli were also detected for the presence of serotype O157: H7 by using PCR technique. RESULTS: According to the sampling sites, the contamination frequency with fecal Coliform and Strepto- coccus were recorded 30-100% and 20- 96.67%, respectively. The most frequency of contamination were observed in outlet of bovine drinking troughs. In 3.33% of samples, serotype O157 : H7 and in 6.67% of samples, undefined H7 serotype were diagnosed. There was no statistical significant difference in the level of bacterial contamination of drinking water due to the geographical location of farms (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:It was concluded that except for a limited number of farms, water tanks are relatively safe, while it is necessary to pay particular attention to the high contamination of outlet of bovine drinking troughs and water buckets of calves.

BACKGROUND:Post-partum depression is the most prevalent form of mental illness and herbal therapies are potential alternatives and adjuncts for its treatment. Hesperidin is the major flavonoid isolated from cit- rus fruits which has neuroprotective, antioxidant and antidepressant activity. OBJECTIVES: We studied the effect of exposure to Hesperidin during pregnancy on postpartum antide- pressant-like effects in mice. METHODS: Twelve male and 40 female mice (28-30 gr) were randomly selected and after determina- tion of the pregnancy using vaginal plaque, allocated into 4 experimental groups. Group 1 was kept as control and groups 2-4 were i.p. injected with 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of hesperidin on days of 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 of pregnancy. The control group received i.p. injection of the saline on the same days. Following postpartum, forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and open field tests were used to eval- uate depressive-like antidepressant activity of hesperidin. At the end of the study, serum Malondialde- hyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. RESULTS: According to the results, administration of the different levels of the hesperidin (0.5 and 1 mg/ kg) at GD 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 significantly decreased immobility time (S) in TST and FST on postpartum mice compared to control group (p ≤0.05). Pre-partum administration of hesperidin (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) had no significant effect on OFT of control group (p >0.05). Administration of the hesperidin (0.5 and 1 mg/ kg) during the GD significantly decreased MDA levels on postpartum compared to control group (p ≤0.05). Also, pre-partum administration of the hesperidin (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) significantly increased SOD and GPx levels on postpartum mice compared to control group (p ≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested pre-partum administration of hesperidin has antidepressant and antioxidant effect in postpartum mice.