Backgrounds: Avian Influenza is viruses from the Orthomyxovirida family. This disease, in poultry, turkey, and many other birds caused by different subtypes of type A influenza virus.Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate probability infections of H5 and H7 subtypes of AI viruses in commercial and backyard poultry in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Iran’s commercial and domestic poultry from September to December in 2013. The samples were examined with the HI test to differentiate H5& H7. A total of 1315 premises and 29058 birds were sampled. Results: All premises were negative for H7 subtype and five premises (3 broiler breeders and 2 villages) out of 1315 were positive in HI test. All the collected swab samples from H5 seropositive premises were PCR negative for detection of H5. The results of our study showed that existing live bird marketing with OR=19.68(CI 95% 2.18-177.38) and existing duck farm within up to a 3 km radius with OR=11.33 (CI 95% 1.30-96.68) were risk factors for H5 sub type. Conclusions: Based on live bird marketing role in transmission and spreading of Influenza viruses specially at the time of migration season in country and the probability of hunting and selling of them at these markets, continuous monitoring of these markets for early detection of probable infections and preventing the spread of infection to other poultry is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary toxic metabolite produced by some Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and A. parasiticus that contaminate feedstuffs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of the concentrate and corn silage samples to toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin B1 in cattle farms of Yazd province in Iran. METHODS: A total of 80 samples of concentrated feeds and 80 samples of silage feeds were collected from cattle breeding farms of 4 cities in Yazd province in winter and spring seasons (40 samples in each season and one sample from each cattle farm). The samples were cultured on mycological media in order to isolate and determine the amount of the toxigenic fungi. Concurrently, the content of AFB1 was measured in feedstuff samples using ELISA technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that the most frequent fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp. (49.3%), Penicillium spp. (23%), Mucor spp. (22.3%) and Fusarium spp. (4.8%) in winter and Aspergillus spp. (46.9%), Penicillium spp. (21.8%), Mucor spp. (28.5%) and Fusarium spp. (2.8%) in spring from all understudy feedstuffs. The mean of AFB1 in feedstuffs were 0.25 and 0.21 µg/kg in winter and spring, respectively. According to statistical analysis of the results, significant differences were observed between the frequency of Aspergillus isolates and other fungal species (p<0.05) and also between toxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, with other isolated fungi (p<0.05). Among toxigenic fungi, significant differences were observed between Aspergillus and Penicillium species, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and Penicillium and Fusarium species (p<0.05). Significant relationship was observed between the amount of toxigenic fungi and AFB1 in feedstuffs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained by this study show that rapid and specific detection of aflatoxigenic fungi is essential to ensure the mycological safety of animal feedstuffs.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia and resultant hypoxia can cause a dysfunction in the body functions. Iron delivered from hemolysis of erythrocytes can also stimulate oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of crocin on renal quality in animals that were exposed against hemolytic anemia induced by phenilhydrazine. METHODS: Forty-nine male and adult mice (20 – 25 g) were grouped within 7 groups. First group was control and treated with normal saline, and test groups were nominated as 2, 3, and 4 and were treated with phenyl hydrazine 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h (i.p.). Animals in groups 5, 6, and 7 were treated with crocin (200 mg/k/day, i.p.) in addition of 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h phenyl hydrazine. After 35 days, the blood samples were collected directly from the heart and after centrifugation (5 min and 3000 rpm), the serum samples were subjected to evaluate the Malondialehyde (MAD) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and renal were fixed in 10% formal saline for Paraffin sections. After tissue processing sample staining with H&amp;E method. RESULTS: This study showed that hemolytic anemia effects in proximal tubule of renal cortex, elso showed that the phenylhydrazine administration resulted in a dose-dependent declining of TAC and the crocin administration slightly was able to protect from TAC reduction. Moreover, PHN increased MDA level in serum in a dose-dependent manner, while co-administration of crocin with PHN significantly (P<0.05) reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation.while those groups which were treated with crocin showed a remarkable improvement in testis parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a protective effect of Crocin against the anemia-related hypoxia on renal parameters. The protective capacity of Crocin might relate to its known antioxidant power.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, but with a literature review, we did not find report on the field of the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs. METHODS: For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. RESULTS: Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p<0.05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride (105.60±17.49), total cholesterol (119.80±11.39) and LDL-C (36.40±7.57). The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C (36.40±7.57) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profiles, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than chitosan (p<0.05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that although both drugs have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, but the effect of chitosan was lower than atorvastatin, so it is not recommended to use chitosan only. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible mechanism of the drugs.

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: Today ticks usually develop resistance to pesticides, it is therefore necessary to search for alternatives to those currently available. In the meantime the active principles of plants with acaricidal properties are a promising alternative for the control of ticks and other arthropods. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this work was evaluation of the effect of Matricaria Chamommila extract on larval and adult stages and mortality rate of Argas persicus and determination of the tick sensitivity to this plant extract. METHODS: In this study immersion method was used in order to determine of efficacy of extract on larval stage and mortality of ticks. To determine the lethal concentration, 3 suspensions 8%,2%,0.5% and 60% ethanol as control group was used from this extract. Tick immobility after turning them on their back was used as a viable or non-viable criterion. RESULTS: This extract showed considerable pesticide effects in comparison with control group (p<0.05%). Mentioned extract showed 60% mortality in 0.5 % concentration and 100% mortality in other used concentrations while the effect of extract was 0% in adult ticks. CONCLUSIONS: Our result showed that extract of Chamomile has considerable pesticide effect on larval stage of Argas, while against adult tick has no effect.

BACKGROUND: Reducing the detrimental effects of freeradicals, in biological and food systems by antioxidants is important, thusproviding antioxidants is necessary in community health and food safety. OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant and antiradicalactivity of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Grape leaves in vitro. METHODS:Grape leaves were extracted using the solvents: distilled water, ethanol andmethanol and the antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH,β-carotene-linoleic acid, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoidcompounds  assays. RESULTS: IC50for DPPH radical-scavenging activity in water, ethanol and methanolextracts  were (71.90±0.714,  37.38±0.318 and 46.66±0.481µg/ml) and alsothe percentage of inhibition free radicals in β-carotene-linoleic acid were (86.51±1.84, 97.08±1.30 and 88.20±1.27).These  parameters for  BHT in DPPH test  and  β-carotene linoleic acid  test are 13.58±0.000 µg/ml  and  94.56±0.62 %. Total phenolic compounds andflavonoid compounds were calculated (158.02±1.39, 201.60±1.55 and 180.19±2.26mg/g) and (37/16±1.64, 54.74±0.83 and 46.07±0.18 mg/g ). According to theresults in this study, the highest radical scavenging effect was observed inethanol, then methanol extract and water extract had the lowest activity. CONCLUSIONS:It seems the ethanolic extract could be considered as a cheap, easilyaccessible and potential source of natural antioxidants for food andpharmaceutical purposes

BACKGROUND: The induction of triploidy is an effective strategy for the production of sterile fish for aquaculture and has usually been reported to be accompanied by modifications in physiological characteristics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of triploidy induction on growth performance and amino acid profiles in rainbow trout. METHODS: Eight female (total weight 1600 ± 246 g) and six male (total weight 1393 ± 186 g) four-year-old healthy rainbow trout were used in this study. Triploidy was inducted through the application of heat shock of 28 ºC for 10 min to eggs 10 min post fertilization in an aquarium equipped with a heater. During the 38 days of rearing period, the fish were fed a rainbow trout commercial diet (BioMar, France) 12 times a day at the rate of 7% of their body weight. Fish ploidy level was determined by erythrocyte size measurement. RESULTS: Based on red blood cell analysis, the overall triploidization success level was 87.1%. Growth performance was significantly higher in diploids as compared to triploids (p<0.05). The levels of non essential amino acids increased and the levels of essential amino acids decreased as an effect of triploidy induction. CONCLUSIONS: Triploidy induction in rainbow trout affects growth performance and amino acid profiles in 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.