BACKGROUND: Antioxidant compounds and unsaturated fatty acids play an important role in improving the immune response and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different sources of antioxidant and soybean and rapeseed oils on humoral immune responses, intestinal microflora and some of the blood parameters of broiler chicken. Methods: A total of 480 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated in a factorial arrangement (2×5) based on a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 4 replicates during 42 days of age. Experimental factors consisted of different sources of antioxidant (rosemary, thymus and satureja essential oils at level of 300 ppm and vitamin E at concentration 200 mg/kg and without antioxidant) and vegetable oils (soybean and rapeseed oils at concentration of 4 percent of diet). Immune characteristics and intestinal microflora population were evaluated. Results: The use of different soybean and rapeseed oils had no significant effect on antibody titer (P>0.05) but the use of antioxidants improved immune responses against Newcastle disease (P<0.01). Also, the use of rosemary, thymus and satureja essential oils increased serum level of blood high density lipoprotein and reduced blood low density lipoprotein (P<0.001).  Furthermore, the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride increased in without  antioxidant treatment (P<0.001).Also, use of antioxidant treatments caused significant decrease of heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P<0.05), then these result are consistent with the immune response against Newcastle disease. Furthermore, escherichia coli to lactic acid bacteria ratio increased in rosemary and thymus essential oils treatments compared with without antioxidant treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions:The use of dietary soybean and rapeseed oils did not have a significant effect on different traits of broiler chicken, but adding dietary antioxidants improved immune responses and intestinal microflora and in between different antioxidants, the use of essential oils compared with vitamin E  induced significant improvement of traits.

BACKGROUND: As regards the role of the hind limb in propulsion, it is obvious that the tarsus forms a powerful center movement, it begins upon the point of the hock that the powerful extensor muscles which propel the body exert much of their energy. Tarsus injuries of water buffalo are the commonest limb joint disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to an access accurate detailed osteology and radiology of tarsus Khuzestan river buffaloes. METHODS: Ten joints of the five water buffaloes aged approximately two to three years were obtained from Ahvaz abattoir. In addition, the ten normal tarsal joints of five water buffaloes referred to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine were examined radiographically. Radiographic examination was performed in dorsoplantar, lateromedial, dorsolateral-plantaromedial oblique and plantarolateral-dorsomedial oblique, and flexed lateral projections. RESULTS: Unlike the dromedary camel, the general configuration of river buffalo tarsal bones and cow shares many similarities; however, there are concrete differences between buffalo and ox on the shape and extension of articular surfaces of tarsal bones. Unlike the ox, the metatarsal sesamoid bone was not noted radiographically in water buffalo, similar to that in horse and dromedary camel. The dorsoplantar view was optimal for the evaluation of articular surfaces and joint spaces of tarsocrural as well as the intratarsal joints. The dorsoplantar view was the best for evaluation of joint spaces of tarsocrural as well as the intratarsal joints, the lateromedial view for talocalcaneal joint, the dorsolateral-plantaromedial view for medial aspect of the tarsocrural joint, and the plantarolateral-dorsomedial view for the plantar aspect of the sustentaculum tali and the lateral trochlea of the talus. CONCLUSIONS: The normal appearance of bony structures of tarsus described in this study provided basic reference data for radiographic investigations of the water buffalo tarsal disorders. ___________________________________

Different species of Panicum have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. P. miliaceum grows across different regions of Iran. This plant may contain toxic levels of hepatotoxic steroidal sapogenins. Sapogenins are metabolized in animals to glucuronide conjugates of epsimilagenin which are crystallized in bile, leading to biliary blockage, cholangitis and secondary photosensitization. An outbreak of poisoning was observed in a flock of 170 fat-tailed sheep grazing on pasture of proso millet (P. miliaceum) in Birjand, South Khorasan province of Iran. Affected animals showed tachycardia and tachypnea. Anorexia, reduced rate and amplitude of ruminal movements up to ruminal stasis were observed. Severe head swelling and marked icterus in mucous membranes were observed. Seven affected sheep died. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Marked elevation of BUN, total bilirubin, and the activities of GGT and high level of Ca2+ were observed in comparison with normal ranges. High levels of GGT activity indicates biliary lesions and BUN elevation in serum is probably due to renal failure and both are consistent with exposure to P. miliaceum

Nowadays, with the development of new technologies, improved and progressed methods have been taken to diagnose, treat and prevent cancers. Pathologic study and some molecular methods have been helpful in diagnosing and predicting cancer but these methods are not enough in many cases. Omics technology investigates many parts of cells such as genes, proteins, transcripts, and metabolites simultaneously. This procedure provides a more real and general feature of cellular processes, especially in cancer cells.    In human, Omics technology is widely used to diagnose and treat various cancers and predict  prognosis of tumors and survival of patients. In parallel to the studies of cancers in human, similar investigations were conducted in the canine cancers. Regarding the importance of Omics method in oncology, we described various Omics techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteoimcs. In addition, corresponding studies carried out in different canine cancers were summarized in the next step.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are important ectoparasites in ruminants which cause economic losses in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine geographic distribution, frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in domestic ruminants in Ilam province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 445 domestic ruminants (139 cattle, 162 sheep, 144 goats) from 120 flocks of 30 villages in north and south parts of Ilam province were randomly selected and examined in summer 2015. The ixodid ticks were collected from body surface of examined animals and identified. RESULTS: Of all examined ruminants, 44.6% cattle, 51.23% sheep, and 52.08% goats were infested with a total number of 1209 unfed ixodid ticks. The highest prevalence of hard ticks was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (15.55%), 1-2 year-old female sheep (19.75%) and less than 1 year-old female goats (17.36%) in the region. The highest prevalence was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (37.1%), 1-2 year-old ewes (38.55%) and less than 1 year-old kids (33.33%). There was significant difference between prevalence and different age groups of infested sheep and cattle. Of 1209 collected ixodid ticks, tick indices (tick number per animal) were 6.1, 5.9 and 4.5 in cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. The highest infestation in cattle (17 flocks, 14.1%), sheep (13 flocks, 10.8%) and goats (14 flocks, 11.6%) was respectively found in north, south and southern parts of the region. The highest tick aggregation was found for ears in cattle (31.13%), sheep (34.41%) and goats (28.9%). Of all examined ticks (1209), two genera including Hyalomma (37.62%) and Rhipicephalus (62.38%) with seven, seven, and six species in cattle, sheep, and goats were respectively identified. The predominant infesting ticks were R. sanguineus (22.16% in cattle) from north (11.31%) and H. anatolicum anatulicum (21.8% in sheep and 24.77% in goats) from south (15.49% and 13.42%) part of the province. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that species diversity and frequency of ixodid ticks were prevalent in domestic ruminants of different parts of Ilam province.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic helminthic diseases are one of the most common diseases of humans and animals that threaten the health of human societies. Nowadays, different methods are used for recovery of eggs parasites from soil samples. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of mistakes caused by the artifacts (waste and disposable materials for diagnostic purposes), it is necessary to design and use a special device to collect more accurately the eggs of helminthic parasites. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to design and use a rapid method for collecting different Toxocara spp. eggs in order to determine the prevalence of soil contamination. METHODS: In this study, for recovery of Toxocara parasite eggs from collected soil samples, a sieve screen was used with plastic body (polyvinyl chloride compressed plastics) in a cylindrical shape with a mesh of 150 µm (can be changed), as well as the cap and holder,for the use of modified sucrose flotation method to isolate and identify Toxocara species eggs. RESULTS: In the current study, single cell, multicellular, and infective Toxocara eggs were recovered from collected soil samples. The results of prevalence of Toxocara eggs in collected soil specimens showed that 38.5% (CI: 95%, 32.03-45.40%) were recovered using vertical sieve screening and using the traditional technique and flotation method 21.5% (CI: 95%, 16.37-27.70%) were recovered, which showed a significant difference between the two groups (P˂0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the conventional and standard sucrose flotation method, using the sieve screen in addition to recovery of Toxocara parasite, it can be used in epidemiological studies to investigate the presence of eggs of nematode parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichocephalus, as well as other eggs of zoonotic helminths in soil samples, and the percentage of true egg parasites in the soil samples in epidemiological studies.

BACKGROUND: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin that is usually found in animal feed and causes disorder in genital organs activity. Most commercial adsorbents do not have ZEA absorbency and may have side effects on the animal performance. Therefore, the discovery and introduction of natural compounds are necessary to reduce ZEA. OBJECTIVES: The introduction of some medicinal plants to degrade ZEA in rumen fluid is the main objective of this study. METHODS: In the present study, essential oil and different extracts (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl-acetate) of seed of four medicinal plants belonging to Apiaceae family including coriander (Coriandrum sativum),Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum) were investigated to reduce ZEA in rumen fluid (0.4µg ZEA in ml 20% rumen fluid) at the ratio of essential oil/extract to toxin 125:1, 250:1 and 500:1 in 48h.The ZEA-content was extracted by the immunoaffinity column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-FLD). RESULTS: The results showed that essential oil of coriander (contains 76.5% of linalool), n-hexane extract of coriander and methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Persian hogweed exhibit acceptable efficiency (more than 30%) in ZEA degradation. ZEA evaluation in the presence of various concentrations of promising essential oils and extracts exhibited that the essential oil of coriander has the highest effect to remove ZEA from rumen fluid with 79.5% after 48 h. The n-hexane extract of coriander at the rate of 500:1 caused 67.8% and 74.2% reduction in ZEA content after 36 and 48 h incubation time respectively and located at the next statistical level. In addition, methanol and ethyl- acetate extracts of Persian hogweed at the rate of 500:1 reduced 46% and 41.8% ZEA content in rumen fluid respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Coriander and Persian hogweed are introduced as promising botanical additive sources to remove ZEA in animal feed.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) is a plant with piscicidal and fertilizing properties. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 and 100mg/l) of hydro-alcoholic extracts of tobacco has been examined on different tissues of Rainbow trout. METHODS: Samples from liver, kidney and gill of Rainbow trout were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and studied under light microscopy. RESULTS: Various histopathological lesions were observed in the liver of Rainbow trout exposed to different concentrations of tobacco. The results showed that with increase in concentrations of tobacco up to 10 and 100mg/l, bloodshed increased and hepatocytes lost their continuity and showed discontinuity mood. Lamellar aneurysm, bleeding and leukocytes infiltration, clubbing at the end of the lamellae, hyperplasia of secondary lamellar epithelium, epithelial lifting of secondary lamellae and creating an edematous space, lamellar shortening, vacuolation and lamellar fusion were the more abundant branchial lesions after exposure to tobacco. Separating the epithelium from basement membrane, hypertrophy, glomerular capillary dilation and tubular degeneration were observed in renal tissues in all treatments. At higher concentrations of tobacco (10 and 100mg/l), renal tubular necrosis was also observed. According to the results liver of rainbow trout showed a few histopathological alteration following exposure to tobacco extracts. Unlike the liver, gills of rainbow trout due to direct contact with pollutants showed more lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco extract has more pathological effects on gills in comparison with liver and kidney of Rainbow trout due to direct contact with the dissolved pollutant.

BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in pigeons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: Fourteen pigeons after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, scapula, clavicle, and coracoid were observed after 7th and sternum at 14th day in all specimens. Bones of the humerus, hadius, hlna, hetacarpus II, hetacarpus III, hetacarpus IV, and proximal phalanx of digit III were observed after the 7th  day and radial carpal bone, ulnar carpal bone, proximal phalanx of digit II, distal phalanx of digit II, and distal phalanx of digit III at the 14th  day and head of humerus, ventral tubercle of humerus, phalanx of digit IV, and dorsal tubercle of humerus at 21st and ventral condyle of humerus and dorsal condyle of humerus at 28th. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in all 1st day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after the 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in all the samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, time taken to complete the ossification process and the formation of all parts of pectoral limb girdle and wing is 28 days after hatching.

BACKGROUND: Femoral head osteotomy in cases of fractures or degenerative diseases is as a routine surgical procedure. Less duration of the healing period and the creation of minimal fibrous tissue and its replacement with bone tissue can be effective in return to health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes following administration of platelet-rich plasma at the site of  removed femoral head in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were distributed into two groups including: control (underwent femoral head osteotomy, FHO) and treatment (underwent FHO and planting the platelet-rich plasma on surgical site FHO₊ PRP). In both groups after general anesthesia, femoral head was removed using standard method. In group 2, pre-prepared auto log PRP was used at the site of surgery. After eight weeks all animals were euthanised, femur and its  surrounding healing tissues were cut 2cm  far from the head of femur and removed. Slides were prepared from each sample  through serial sectioning and were stained with H&amp;E and Mason Trichrome. Qualitative changes such as granulation tissues, cartilage and bone formation and their organization and timeliness, thickness of collagen fibers and cellular changes were compared. To quantify the changes, whole surface of the Mason Trichrom stained samples underwent scan with ×50 magnifications and then area of different new formation tissues was measured. Average occupancy levels of each tissue, their ratio to whole surface of sample and to each other in two groups were calculated and compared. RESULTS: In PRP treated group ratio of cartilage tissue to granulation tissue and formation of bone to granulation tissue is significantly more than these parameters in control group. Results indicate faster healing on the damaged area in group 2. Also in group 2, cartilage and bone tissues formation in the healing process was more orderly. CONCLUSIONS: PRP could accelerate healing of bone tissue that is cut at the head of the rabbit’s femur. So it seems that the use of PRP as a treatment protocol in these cases could be suggested.