BACKGROUND: Leucine is one of the subgroups of amino acids, which play an important role in the anabolism of muscles, adipose tissue, and the liver by stimulating insulin secretion.OBJECTIVES: Effects of different levels of leucine were investigated on carcass yield, characteristics, and quality, and expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin genes in male broilers.METHODS: Five levels of L-leucine (100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 % of Ross strain requirements) were tested with 250 male one-day-old chicks in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates (containing 10 chicks each). On day 42 of their age, the blood samples of two birds from each replicate (10 birds per treatment) were taken to determine serum IGF-1 gene expression. Subsequently, these birds were slaughtered for analysis of carcass characteristics and quality, and collecting the samples of liver and breast for expression of IGF-1 and insulin genes.RESULTS: Body weight increased by consumption of 140 % of leucine as compared to 100 %. Reduction in feed conversion ratio was observed by feeding 140 % of leucine level. The IGF-1 gene expression of breast and liver increased by 110 % of leucine level. Moreover, feeding 110 % of leucine level caused a higher expression of insulin gene in breast and liver. Consumption of 130 % of leucine improved the meat protein, fat, and ash contents. Furthermore, consumption of 110 % of leucine increased the serum IGF-1 concentration.CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of leucine in broiler diets was found to increase the expression of IGF-1 and insulin genes and consequently, improve the performance and carcass quality. It also decreased the abdominal fat in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: On account of the importance of iodine in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, different levels of dietary iodine can affect the occurrence of ascites syndrome in broilers.OBJECTIVES: The current research aimed to investigate the effects of different sources and levels of iodine on performance, carcass traits, ascites mortality, thyroid hormones, and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens under cold stress condition.METHODS: This experiment was performed using 375 one-day-old male broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications, and 15 birds per replication. To induce ascites, the room temperature was reduced to 15 °C from 14 days and this temperature was maintained until the end of the period. The experimental treatments included: control treatment (basal diet with iodine at the recommended level, 1.25 ppm), basal diet + potassium iodide (KI) with iodine levels (6.25 and 3.75 ppm), and basal diet + calcium iodate [Ca(IO3)2. H2O] with iodine levels (6.25 and 3.75 ppm).RESULTS: The effect of the treatments on the performance indices was not significant throughout the experiment. The lowest percentage of ascites mortality, heart weight, and triiodothyronine (T3) were observed in the treatment (6.25 ppm), which was significantly different from the control treatment (P<0.05). The lowest ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles (RV/TV) was related to potassium iodide treatment (6.25 ppm), which indicated tendency (P<0.10). Chickens receiving higher levels of iodine (6.25 ppm) had higher thyroxine than those receiving lower levels (3.75 ppm) (P<0.05) and showed a lower ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine compared to those (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this experiment implied that the use of higher levels of dietary iodine (6.25 ppm), especially as potassium iodide, reduces broiler’s ascites mortality under cold stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Ammonia accumulation in warm-water fish pond can lead to mortality or reduction in growth and body immune indices.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic sub-lethal unionized ammonia (NH3) on growth indices and gill and kidney histopathology l, after a 30 – day trial in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).METHODS: Herein, 180 fish with an average weight of 4.5±0.5 g were divided into six tanks. Two groups, including one control group and one treatment group (with three replicates for each one), were considered. The treatment fish were exposed to 0.1 mg/l on un-ionized ammonia (NH3) for 30 consecutive days. Following one -month, ammonia exposure growth indices and histological analysis of gill and kidney were investigated.RESULTS: The results showed that exposure to 0.1 mg/l of NH3 led to a significant reduction in growth indices. Additionally, edema and epithelial lifting with hyperplasia in the second lamella were detected in the gill of the treatment group. The kidney was characterized by focal renal tubules degeneration and necrosis, congestion, and increase in the melano-macrophage centers.CONCLUSIONS: Although chronic exposure to 0.1 mg/l of unionized ammonia was not found to cause mortality in common carp, it could have some side effects, such as a decline in growth indices and histopathological effects in kidney and gill tissues. Thus, for higher production, sublethal levels of ammonia should also be taken into account in common carp ponds.

BACKGROUND: During the modification of several races, which has been done on chickens, there have been several changes in the function of neural pathways and receptor density involved in the control of food intake and appetite. Melanocortin system and its receptors are involved in the central regulation of nutritional behaviour and energy balance. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of this system in the central control of food and water intake in birds.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of MCR3 and MCR4 receptors in controlling the food and water intake in birds.METHODS: This work was performed on 48 Ross 308 broiler chicks through two experiments (each experiment in four groups). Primarily, stereotaxic surgical guide cannula was implanted in the chickens. Subsequently, in the first experiment, the chickens were divided into the four following groups: the control solution, 0.2, 2, and 10 nmol/5µl of SHU9119 (Non-selective antagonist of MCR3 and MCR4 receptors) In the second experiment, the chickens were also divided in four groups: the received control solution, 0.2, 2, and 10 nmol/5µl of MCL0020 (Selective MCR4 receptor antagonist) via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. Afterwards, cumulative food and water intake were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after the injection.RESULTS: The results of this study showed that ICV injection of SHU9119 and MCL0020 increased cumulative food intake (P>0.05), but did not affect cumulative water intake (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings herein, central melanocortin system is one of the systems involved in central control of food intake in birds.

BACKGROUND: During the last two decades, anthelmintic drugs have been increasingly applied against gastrointestinal parasites of sheep in Iran. OBJECTIVES: For this purpose, drug resistance to albendazole (Alb) and fenbendazole (Feb) in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep of Saqez multiplicity was assessed. METHODS: In in-vivo experiment, a total number of 90 sheep in three groups (30 sheep/group) with EPG≤150 were examined for nematode resistance to Alb and Feb. They were treated with Alb and Feb or untreated (as a control group). RESULTS: There was significant difference between Alb and Feb treated groups and control group. The EPG in Alb, Feb and control groups was 59.8±1.93, 18.8±1.258 and 204.07±4.81, respectively. There was drug resistance against Alb in compassion with control group (R=71%). There was suspicion drug resistance for Feb in comparison with control group (R=90.66%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of the present study, it was concluded that there was absolute and suspected drug resistance against Alb and Feb in sheep of Saqez municipality, Iran, respectively.

BACKGROUND: Application of different source of minerals and their effect on metabolic performance a current issue in animal science and research centers. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and to investigate its effect compared with other selenium sources on the blood parameters associated with the liver functional index of Holstein dairy cow. METHODS: This study was conducted in two phases: laboratory and farm. Oxidation-reduction chemical reactions were used to synthesize selenium nanoparticles. The formation and non-change of Se nanoparticles size were confirmed by particle size analyzer. In order to perform farm experiment, 6 dairy cows were allocated into three treatments and 2 replicates in a 3×3 Latin square experiment with 28 days change over the period. The animals were distributed to three treatment groups. Treatments (diets) were 1) control (sodium selenite source), 2) colloid sodium selenite and 3) selenium nanoparticles. Blood parameters associated with the liver functional index, including albumin, bilirubin and total cholesterol were measured in the present experiment. Also, dry matter intake of cows was recorded. RESULTS: The blood plasma cholesterol of cows fed the colloidal sodium selenite was higher than cows fed the selenium nanoparticles (P-Value =0.01). The blood serum albumin (P-Value =0.03) and bilirubin levels (P-Value =0.04) were lower in group 3 compared with group 1. Dry matter intake was not affected by treatments. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this experiment it seems selenium nanoparticles supplementation   improves blood parameters associated with the liver functional index, which can better improve immune system of dairy cows than two other sources of selenium.

BACKGROUND: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is widely used as a food flavoring. The essential oil of this plant has antimicrobial effects on some foodborne pathogens. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of basil essence on the microbial and sensory properties of traditional Iranian white cheese during the period. METHODS: Cheese samples were prepared from local producers with concentrations of 0, 150 and 250 ppm of basil essential oil. On day 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90, the cheese samples were tested for the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and also on the 90th ripening day for the sensory characteristics. RESULTS: The results of microbial assays showed that concentrations of 150 and 250 ppm of basil essential oil had a significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on aerobic mesophilic bacteria in the 60 and 90 days of ripening; meanwhile, the significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on the population of coliforms was observed on days 30, 60 and 90. Moreover, the concentration of 150 ppm of basil essential oil on day 90 and the concentration of 250 ppm on days 30, 60 and 90 demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on the population of Staphylococcus aureus. Sensory evaluation revealed that concentrations of the essential oil had no significant effect on the sensory properties of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the above concentrations of basil essential oil can be used as a natural preservative in Iranian traditional White cheese.

BACKGROUND: Parasite effects on biometric characteristics of common carp, C. carpio from Anzali Wetland. OBJECTIVES: Identifying parasites in C. carpio and evaluating their effects on biometric characteristics of fish. METHODS: A total of 78 individuals were collected on the seasonal basis (from spring through winter 2016) from the wetland, transported to the laboratory and after biometry, dissected to recover parasites. Cestodes and trematodes were stained with alum carmine and nematodes were cleared with glycerin alcohol, then their prevalence, abundance and mean intensity were determined. RESULTS: Thirteen parasite species including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Epistilis sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus extensus,  Diplozoon nipponicum, Diplostomum spathaceum, Posthodiplostomum cuticola, Asymphlodora sp., Caryophyllaeus fimbericeps, Raphidascaris acus, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa and Lernea cyprinacea were identified. Epistylis sp., P. cuticola, Asymphlodora sp. and P. tomentosa are reported for the first time from C. carpio in Anzali Wetland. The average weight in healthy and infected fish were recorded to be from 23.68 ± 3.54g to 686.73 ± 100.28 g, and from 32.47 ± 4.51 to 633.62g ± 64.64 g respectively. The condition factor in healthy and infected fish was from 1.09 ± 0.50 to 1.17±0.03, and from 1.24 ± 0.13 through 1.19 ± 0.03 respectively. It was also true for gonadosomatic index which was recorded in healthy and infected fish from 0.45 ± 0.16 through 3.56 ± 3.54, and from 1.78±0.67 through 2.74 ± 0.62. The instantaneous growth rate was 1.25 in healthy  2+ and 1+ year old individuals, and 0.72 in 3+ and 2+ year olds, while it was 0.94 and 0.65 in the same-aged infected fish, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parasites could induce some negative influences on the biometric characteristics of infected fish, decreasing their growth rate. So that, it is necessary to monitor the parasite communities continuously in the native and commercially important fish species in Anzali Wetland to protect them and prevent introducing infected fish into the adjacent fish farms.

BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram negative pathogen of the respiratory tract in dogs, pigs, cats, horses, laboratory animals and human beings. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica in oropharynx region of pet and kenneled dogs by PCR and culture and evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates in Iran. METHODS: The samples were collected by sterile swabs from oropharynx region of 62 pet dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs) and 62 kenneled dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs). Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected by PCR and culture and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the PCR results, Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected in 16.1% of pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 9.6% of pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, 22.5% of kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 16.1% of kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs. On bacterial culture, Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from 3.2% pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 3.2% kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 6.4% kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, none of the pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs was positive on bacterial culture. The isolates tested by the agar dilution method were susceptible to tetracycline, enrofloxacin, co-trimoxazole and doxycycline, moderately susceptible to ceftriaxone and resistant to ampicillin. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the high prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in dogs in Iran. Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect the people who have contact with the affected pet dogs and those kept in overcrowded shelters.

BACKGROUND: Flufenamic acid is a member of the fenamates and is used as an analgesic and NSAID drug. According to the ability of this drug on blocking connexin and preventing leakage of substances such as ATP from cells, it seems to be beneficial in healing diabetic wounds. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the effects of topical flufenamic acid as a connexin-channel blocker on skin wound healing in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: In this study diabetics was induced in 40 male rats by IP injection of 150mg/kg of alloxan and they were divided to 4 groups. After anesthesia, 2×2 cm incision was made on the back of the rats and the skin was separated completely. Three groups were treated by 2, 5 and 10 percent concentration of flufenamic acid ointment separately, and one group was treated by Vaseline and ucerine ointment as control. Bandage and ointment were changed daily and the procedure was carried out for 21 days. The wound surface was measured on odd days. Half of the rats of each group on day five and half of them on day 21 were euthanized to get pathologic slides. RESULTS: Process of healing, fibroblast concentration, epithelialization, angiogenesis, collagen formation and wound closure in 2 percent group were better than other groups and in control, 5 and 10 percent groups had a decreasing trend respectively and had a significant difference. In the last two groups, the healing process was disrupted. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 percent concentration of drug not only did not show potent anti-inflammatory effects, but also improved the process of healing by blocking the connexin 43 and inhibition of ATP release, while in the concentration of 5 and 10 percent, anti-inflammatory effects of the drug predominated and delayed the healing process.