BACKGROUND: Improvement of hatchability in aging broilerbreeder has economic justification. OBJECTIVES: The main objective ofthis study was to determine the effect of dietary Anethum graveolensessential oil on egg quality, some plasma metabolites and hatchability inbroiler breeder hens. METHODS: A total number of eighty hens and eightcocks from Ross 308 strain of 105 weeks old were divided into four groups withtwo replicates within each (10hens+ 1cock). The diets were supplemented without essential oil (Control) and with 10, 20 and 40 ml essential oil/100kg dietsfor four weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among thegroups in Haugh unit and yolk index. While, there were significant differencesin egg weight, egg shape index, shell thickness, shell ratio, yolk color andshell weight. Plasma triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)and egg yolk cholesterol concentration were not influenced by dietary essentialoil of Anethum graveolens. Whereas essential oil increased plasmacholesterol significantly, it also significantly decreased plasma glucose.Hatchability and fertility were positively affected by supplementation ofessential oil in the diet. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study showedthat supplementing diet with  Anethumgraveolens essential oil improved hatchability of total eggs set of broilerbreeders.

BACKGROUND: One of the most artificial sweeteners is Aspartame which is commonly  used in a variety of foodstuffs. Objectives: This study has been carried out in order to evaluate the effects of Aspartame on histology and histometry of duodenum. Methods: Forty female Balb/C mice, 21 days of age were selected and initial weight was determined. The treatment groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of Aspartame for 6 weeks, control group received only distilled water. At the end of experiment, the mice were reweighed. Then the duodenal tissue sections were prepared and stained with H&amp;E. Besides the histological study, histometric data were collected by a light microscope equipped with Axiovision software. Results: The body weights in treatment groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were 5.57±1.18, 4.47±0.89 and 5.84±0.57 respectively, which in comparison with the control group (9.38±0.81) showed a significant difference (p<0.05). The histological study showed that the rate of destruction in the cells and mucosal structures, at the dose of 200 mg/kg compared to the dose of 100 and 400 mg/kg has been increased. In histometric aspect, abundance of duodenal villi, height of the villi and thickness of duodenal mucosa, only in the experimental group of 200 mg/kg were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05). Whereas the width of villi (width of the apex, body and the base), in all of the experimental groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (p<0.05). The thickness of musculature of duodenum in experimental groups had no significant differences with the control group. Conclusions: Based on this study, it can be concluded that Aspartame can cause some histological and histometrical changes in duodenum.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) with symptoms such as acute bronchoconstriction occurs in about 10% of asthmatic individuals following ingestion of aspirin or other aspirin-like drugs. The mechanisms involved in AIA are not fully understood but it seems that inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) can play a role in such attacks.               Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of aspirin-like drugs on airway responsiveness in an animal model of allergic asthma. Methods: 42 male guinea pigs (250-300 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control, allergic, ketoprofen, indomethacin, celecoxib, and aspirin (high and low doses). All animals except control group were sensitized by i.p. injections of ovalbumin and Al (OH)3 suspensions and then challenged by inhalation of ovalbumin solution on day 18. The animals received three oral doses of the aforementioned drugs or normal saline in control and allergic groups with 12 hr intervals within 24 hr before ovalbumin challenge. On day 19, animals were euthanized and the responsiveness of isolated tracheas was studied using cumulative doses of histamine and acetyl choline in an organ bath. Results: Indomethacin and ketoprofen significantly increased the trachea responsiveness to acetyl choline and histamine at all concentrations. Emax values for acetyl choline and histamine in indomethacin were respectively (3.5±0.1, 3.5±0.1 g) and ketoprofen (5.1±0.2, 4.3±0.1) groups were greater than those of control (1.5±0.1, 1.5±0.1), allergic, celecoxib, high dose aspirin and low dose aspirin groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that indomethacin and ketoprofen (but not aspirin and celecoxib) can exacerbate the asthmatic conditions in this animal model.

BACKGROUND: Application of green chemistry to the synthesis of nanomaterials is of vital importance in medicinal and technological aspects. Recently, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plants and marine macro algae to adapt this approach to the environment, has become  more popular. Objectives: The purpose of this study is biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seaweed, Sargassum angustifolium, and determining its toxicity in common carp. Methods: First, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Sargassum algae was conducted and then acute toxicity of these silver nanoparticles was investigated at static renewal condition during 96 hours in common carp according to standard methods (1998) OECD. Results: TEM analysis showed that the average size of the bionanoparticles was found to be 32.54 nm and spherical in shape. The toxicity results showed that the LC50 at 24, 48, 72 and 96-h after exposure was 79.54 ± 0.007, 52.17 ± 0.006, 30.62 ± 0.008 and 11.34 ± 0.016 mg/l respectively. Conclusions: Analysis related to the characterization of the properties of silver nanoparticles proves bioreduction of silver ions by sargassum seaweed extract. According to the results the mortality rates of common carp showed an increasing trend with increasing concentration and exposure time, which indicates the toxicity of this substance in high concentration for common carp.

BACKGROUND: Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) are the only stem cells in adults that can transfer genetic information to future generations. Considering that a single SSC gives rise to a vast number of spermatozoa, genetic manipulation of these cells is a potential novel technology with practical application to various animal species. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) gene transfection into bovine spermatogonial colonies via liposome carrier and assess the best incubation day in uptake exogenous gene by spermatogonial colonies. METHODS: Transfection efficiency EGFP gene through lipofection was determined different in three days (day 4, 6 and 8) after the beginning of the culture by fluorescent microscope. Immunofluorescent staining against OCT4 and vimentin led to the confirmation of the nature of both SSCs and sertoli cells. RESULTS: Results showed that the transfected colonies through lipofection increased significantly (p<0.05) in each three days of transfection in comparison with those of the control groups. The transfection colonies were higher (significant) in comparision with those of the free exogenous gene carrier groups. The rate of infected colonies was higher when transfection proceed day 4. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that lipofectamine can be used safely for direct loading of exogenous DNA to spermatogonila colony, particularly during the fourth day of culture.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry is one of the main causes of illness that can be controlled effectively by some plant compounds, antibiotics and probiotics. OBJECTIVES: This study compares the effect of rosemary, thyme, propolis, antibiotic and probiotic on the immune system and blood parameters of broilers challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis.  Methods: Four hundred and twenty 1-day- old male broiler chicks Cobb strain were divided into seven groups: including rosemary ethanol extract, ethanol extract of propolis, ethanol extract of thyme, and probiotics, virginiamycin (10%) and positive and negative controls, and were reared for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment chickens were sampled and slaughtered. RESULTS: The results showed that plant extracts with probiotics can improve the immune system, reduce serum lipids, reduce harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli and increase the beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the herbal extracts and probiotics can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets.

BACKGROUND: The correct usage of  wastes in animal nutrition causes  decrease in environmental pollution. Apple pomace as an energetic matter and source of digestible fibers for ruminants is a proper alternative for forage. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of diets containing dried apple pomace on digestibility, rumination, microbial fermentation and blood glucose and urea of Arabi sheep. METHODS: In the first step, 0, 10, 20 and 30% dried apple pomace replaced with alfalfa were used in the experimental diets. According to the result, gas production and digestibility of diet containing 30% dried apple pomace was higher than the other diets (p<0.05). Therefore, in the second step, 8 Arabi sheep were fed with diet without apple pomace (control) and diet containing 30% apple pomace for 45 days. RESULTS: The result showed that nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, NDF and ADF) were not significantly affected by the diets (p>0.05), but rumination activity of diet containing apple pomace decreased (p<0.05). Blood metabolites (glucose and urea) showed no significant differences between experimental diets, but blood glucose was higher in control treatment. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration was 14.48 and 17.49 mg/dl (p>0.05), and pH was 6.30 and 6.16 for control and apple pomace treatment, respectively (p<0.05). The rumen protozoa numbers increased with apple pomace (p<0.05). Diet containing apple pomace increased gas production potential and digestibility of wheat straw by rumen microorganism and bacteria (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that alfalfa replaced with 30% dried apple pomace in Arabi sheep’s diet can improve digestive activity of rumen microbes and nutrient fermentation and digestibility.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridge (MB) is generally defined as a superfacial muscular band that forms sporadic or multiple across the coronary artery in dog, cat, sheep, and human. OBJECTIVES: From the view of embryology MB is a preformatted structure with coronary artery during  forming. The type of study in human is during sonography and angiography examination, but in veterinary science the study on MB is  done after death examination. METHODS: This study was performed on over 50 sheep hearts that were prepared from slaughterhouse of Shahr e kord. First, pericardium was opened and the heart brought out of the pericardial cavity and then the hearts were studied with concentrated light and lens on both sides. After the M B recognition,  their length and width were measured by a ruler. In both sides of the heart,the MB was  divided into 1/3 proximal, 1/3 middle and 1/3 distal. In all of the studied hearts, only 10 samples (20%) had M B. RESULTS: The average length of recognised MBs was 1.55±1.17 (SD) cm and  with width of 1.09±.092 (SD) cm. The positive samples were transferred to histology laboratory for preparation of cross section of heart and were stained with  H&amp;E staining.CONCLUSIONS: The longitudinal section showed the long fibers of myocardium with continual narrow fibers and intercalated discs were located between them.

BACKGROUND: Lactococcus lactis is one of the lactic acid bacteria that can be considered as a probiotic in Persian sturgeon. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to increase the resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila after feeding the L. lactis JF831150. METHODS: In the present study, first 60 fish were fed different doses of L.lactis JF831150 for 56 days. The bacterial flora were counted with  TSA and MRS. Resistance of fish against A. hydrophila were considered after feeding. RESULTS: The use of L. lactis JF831150 for 56 days in P. sturgeon showed significant improvement in decreasing heterotrophic aerobic bacteria flora and increasing the lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. In the face of fish against A. hydrophila in third treatment (108 CFU/g), the survival rate was shown to be significantly higher than the control and other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that consumption of L. lactis JF831150 (108 CFU/g) could improve the intestinal flora and increase resistance to A. hydrophila, and therefore has  potential for use  with P. sturgeon.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics have more functional effects and less survival  under hard acidic-bile circumstances of digestive system, and foodstuff products situation has persuaded investigators to find techniques to resolve this problem. Microencapsulation as a useful method has a perceptible effect in this regard. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the protective role of double coated beads of calcium alginate-chitosan-eudragit S100 achieved from microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a predominant flora of human and animals gut. Methods: Following activation of starter culture of L.acidophilus in MRS-broth medium,  centrifuge (at aspeed of 5000 rpm for 10 minutes) was used to purify bacteria. Extrusion technique was used for Microencapsulation of probiotic bacterium. The survey of beads solidity was carried out for 12 hours and the study of survival of microencapsulated bacteria was done for 120 minutes inside hydrochloric acid, phosphate buffer and digestive powder solution.  MRS-Salicin-agar and pour plate method and incubation at 37oC for 48 h was done for cultivation. Data were analyzed by means of an independent t-test. Results: Shape and size of beads were shown by optical microscope. The consequences demonstrated that survivability of microencapsulated bacteria in the mentioned conditions, in both situation with and without mechanical tensions, is significantly more than free bacteria (p<0/05). Conclusions: Microencapsulation with calcium alginate- chitosan-eudragit S100 plays a significant role  in increasing the rate of L. acidophilus viability.