BACKGROUND: Sarcocystis infection is one of the most common zoonotic protozoon diseases caused by different Sarcocystis spp. Objectives: Due to the importance of this infection in public health, the infection rate of macroscopic and microscopic cysts in sheep and cattle of abattoir of Shahriar, was investigated. Methods: 138 slaughtered sheep and cattle were selected randomly and their esophagus, diaphragm, heart, tongue, masseter and intercostal muscles were separated. In order to find cysts, the samples were examined by two methods: direct observation for macroscopic cysts and finding microscopics cysts by smear dab, Giemsa staining and microscopic investigation for bradyzoites of parasite. Results: In slaughtered samples, there was no macroscopic cyst but microscopic cysts were positive in 93.48% of cattle and 86.95% of sheep by impression smear method. The results showed the significant difference between different muscles and microscopic cysts (p<0.05) .Heart and esophagus were the most infected and tongue was the least infected part. Infections in males were more than females in both sheep and cattle. There was no significant different in various ages of cattle, however, infection in sheep less than one year old, were higher than the other ages. ConclusionS: Due to the heavy Sarcocystis infection in meat of cattle and sheep and the importance of this parasite in public health, it is suggested to avoid eating raw and undercooked meat and conduct preventive measures such as closer inspection of carcasses and local or total removal of slaughtered in abattoir.

BACKGROUND: Enhancement of the immune system seems to be the most promising method of preventing fish diseases and increasing growth rate. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of dietary administration of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Menthapulegium L extracts on phagocytosis, lysozyme, respiratory burst and total white and red blood cells (WBC/RBC) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Methods: Two hundred and ten fish (100±10 g) were used in a completely randomized design with 7 treatment and 3 replicates in a 2 weeks period (from 0 to 14 d). The basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg food Z. multiflora and M.pulegium extracts. At the end of the experiment (after 14 days), samples from kidney and blood of the fish were collected in order to determine WBC/RBC (by neubauer chamber), serum lysozyme activity (by turbid metric assay, phagocytosic (by number of yeast cells phagocytosed method) and respiratory burst activities (by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium method) of head kidney tissue. Results: The results indicated that the highest ratio of phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity was observed in 50 mg/kg extract concentration of Z. multiflora (p<0.05). The highest WBC lysozyme activities were seen   in 100 mg/ kg extract concentration of Z. multiflora. No significant difference was shown between RBC in treatment groups and control group (p>0.05). The highest ratio of phagocytosis activity was observed in 100 mg/kg extract concentration of M. pulegium (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed between WBC /RBC, lysozyme, respiratory burst means in treatment groups and control group (p>0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that 50 and 100 mg/ kg of the methanol Z. multiflora and 100 mg/ kg M. pulegium have positive effects on stimulating of innate immune system in O.mykiss, but the influence of Z. multiflora extract with100 mg/ kg  concentration is  better than  M. pulegium extract.

BACKGROUND: The repetitive use of antibiotics in different fields (veterinary and medicine) improves the emergence and occurrence of the resistance phenomenon in pathogenic bacteria. Due to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, it is an urgent need to discover new drugs and alternative treatments for the control of bacterial diseases in aquaculture. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate antibacterial effects of methanol and hexane extracts of medicinal plants Rattles (Prosopis farcta), datura (Datura stramunium L) and milkweed (Calotropis procera L), the major pathogenic bacteria of fish, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia ruckeri and Streptococcus iniae. METHODS: Extraction was performed using a rotary evaporator. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the standard microdilution method (Dilution in broth) was used and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on MIC values obtained for each extract. RESULTS: The results showed that the effect of most potent extract, methanol extract obtained from fruit rattle on the three studied bacteria, with MIC and MBC are 25, 50mg/ml, respectively. The most sensitive bacteria to methanol and hexane plant extracts, is bacterium Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersiniaruckeri bacteria were resistant. The studied extracts had stronger antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it seems that the use of methanol extract of Prosopis farcta fruit is effective for treatment of bacterial diseases in aquaculture.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis and Thosis are parasitic tick-borne diseases that cause a lot of economic loss in livestock Industry. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to detect Babesia and Theileria infection in goats and and vector ticks in goats in Mashhad. Methods: One hundred blood samples of goats and 246 ticks were collected from some suspected flocks with history of piroplasmosis. The samples were transported to laboratory under cold condition. Blood smears were prepared and stained by Geimsa method and examined with a light microscope at ×1000 magnitude. The collected ticks were separated into tick pools of five according to their species and sex. The blood, salivary gland and ovaries of tick samples were examined using specific primers of Babesia.spp and Theileria.spp by semi nested-PCR. Results: Piroplasm bodies were not observed in any blood samples of goat in Mashhad. In a total of 246 collected ticks, seven species were identified as follows: R. turanicus 127(51.6%), D. marginatus 67 (27.2%), Hy. marginatum 44 (17.9%), R. sangunincus 4(1.6%), Hy. anatolicum 2(0.8%), Hy. asiaticum 1(0.4%) and Heam. sulcata 1(0.4%). Dominant tick species of goats in Mashhad suburb were R. turanicus and D. marginatus. The results of PCR showed that none of the blood samples were infected with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Also, Theileria infectoin was detected in a sample salivary glands  of Hy. marginatum. ConclusionS: Based on microscopic and molecular results, no  Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. infection were detected in goats. R.turanicus was the dominat tick species and Theileria spp. infection was detected in one sample of Hy.marginatum.

BACKGROUND: No study has been conducted on iron requirements of broiler breeder hens until now. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to determine the iron requirement of broiler breeder hens using nonlinear models. METHODS: Forty eight (Cobb 500) broiler breeder hens were individually placed in galvanized wire cages. In order to depletion of hens iron reserved, hens were offered a semi purified iron deficient diet for 3 weeks. At 62 week of age, Hens  were  randomly  allocated  to  4  dietary  treatments  (37, 52, 67, 82 ppm of diet iron) with 4 replicates. Body weight gain, egg production and egg weight were measured during 6 weeks experimental period. RESULTS: The results showed that the estimated iron requirement for egg production(H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 62, 54, 72, 57, 63, 64 ppm respectively. The logistic model was fitted to iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow, suggested that iron requirement were equal to 66, 53, 129, 58 ppm respectively. Fitted exponential model estimated iron requirement for egg weight, iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow were 62, 96, 70, 73, 111 ppm respectively. Also based on the quadratic equation models, estimated iron requirement for egg production(H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 66, 71, 220, 51, 70, 62 ppm respectively. Among the four models used, the broken line model is more accurate in estimating the required iron than other models due to the low variance between estimated requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that value recommended by primary breeder (Cobb 500 management guide, 55 ppm) is lower than values obtained in present study.

BACKGROUND: Negative energy balance in cow occurs in transitional period, high-yielding dairy cows immediately after calving and feed restriction. In response to energy demand cow mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue causing an increase in the circulation of NEFA. Increased blood NEFA is associated with low glucose, high free fatty acids and ketone bodies as well as lipid and lipoprotein disturbances in the blood. Does buffalo follows the same as cow, is not yet cleared. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of starvation on some lipid parameters in serum and liver of buffalos in Ahwaz. Methods: Five two-year-old male buffalos with average body weight of 200 kg were fattened with a diet containing alpha, barely, wheat, and maze for 8 weeks and then they were fastened for 8 days. During fasting period the animals had free access to barely and water. After fasting period the buffalos were again fattened for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein during the first and second fattening period with 20 days intervals and every day in the fasting period. Plasma samples were obtained, stored, and analyzed for glucose, BHBA and NEFA using standard kits. The liver of each buffalo was sampled at the beginning and end of feed restriction period and sent to the laboratory for the measurement of the liver TG content. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare mean values in fed and fasted periods. Results: The results of present study revealed that there were no significant differences in plasma NEFA ,BHBA and liver TG concentration before and after feed restriction (p>0.05), but there was significant difference in plasma glucose (p|£|0.05). Conclusions: It appears that in the period of food depravation, buffalos are essentially able to cope with these hard conditions probably through control of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis at the aim of preventing metabolic disorders particularly fatty liver. The results of the present research reveal probably for the first time, this inheritance phenomenon with the emphasis of further research.

BACKGROUND: The use of chemical materials such as malachite green to disinfect fish eggs is banned in many countries due to its reversed environmental effects. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of metalonic sumac extract as antifungal agent on eggs of Schizothorax zarudnyi during the incubation period and to compare its effects with malachite green. METHODS: 24 hours after fertilization, eggs were treated with four concentration of Methanolic sumac extrat (500, 750, 1000, 1250 mg/L) using static bath method every 12 h for 20 min and 0.1 mg/L malachite green using the same method every 12 h for 6 min. There was also a control group with no treatment to better analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the maximum and minimum fungal infection was observed respectively in control group with %20.23±0.51 and the samples treated with 1250 mg/L sumac extraction with %0.91±0.51. Furthermore, no significant differences in fungal infection, fertilization and survival rate were found among treated and untreated eggs (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Since no apparent deformities and abnormalities were observed in hatched larvae, suggested sumac extract with 500 mg/L concentration, as an environmental friendly matter, can be used for disinfection of S. zarudnyi eggs during incubation period.

BACKGROUND: The hazardous nature of aflatoxins to human and animals necessitate the establishment of control measures. ObjectiveS: The effect of two medicinal plants, Satureja khozistanica and Satureja macrosiphon, was studied on inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and reducing aflatoxin B1-content in the liquid medium. Methods: Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation method, using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Various extracts of plant materials were macerated with various extraction solvents (ethanol, ethanol70% and water extracts). Essential oils (0, 62/5, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg/l) and various extracts (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 6000 mg/l) of S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphon were examined for reducing A. flavus growth and it’s AFB1-content in the liquid medium. Amount of aflatoxinB1 was evaluated by high performance thin layer chromatographymethod. Results: Essential oil of S. khozistanica at the concentration of 375 mg/l as well as its ethanol and ethanol 70% extracts at 4000 and 6000 mg/l  respectively caused complete inhibition of fungus mycelial growth, whereas essential oil and extracts of S. macrosiphon couldn’t inhibit Aspergillus growth completely even at the maximum concentration. Essential oils of S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphonia at the concentration of 250 mg/l reduced AFB1-production 98 and 33.52% respectively. Various Extracts of S. khozistanica exhibited stronger anti-AFB1-biosyntesis activity than those of S. macrosiphon, so that, ethanol, ehanol70% and aqueous extracts of S. khozistanica at 4000 mg/l reduced 100, 96 and 32.37% of AFB1-production, respectively. On the contrary, essential oils, ethanol and ehanol70% extracts of both plants couldn’t significantly degrade AFB1-contamination, whereas aqueous extractsof S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphonia at the concentration of 4000 mg/l resulted in degradation of 25 and 32.16% AFB1-content, respectively. ConclusionS: In general, Essential oil and ethanol extract of S. khozistanica considerably inhibited A. flavus growth as well as AFB1-biosynthesis while aqueous extract of S. macrosiphon showed strong AFB1-degradation activity.

BACKGROUND: Application of different sources of fatty acids and their effect on ovarian performance is a current issue in animal science and research centers. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different fatty acids in close-up period on population and size of follicles and measuring blood parameters related to the energy state of the body after calving of lactating dairy cows. METHODS: In this study 15 Holstein cows were selected by expected date of parturition (around 30 days before calving) and assigned them randomly within treatments diets. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. Cows were fed 1) control (carbohydrate source), 2) Rumen-protected fat (RF) (saturated fatty acids) and 3) Roasted Soybean (RS) (unsaturated fatty acids). Blood sample was collected at 7 day intervals in -21, -14, -7, 1, 7, 14, 21 periods of calving. Also dry matter intake and body condition score cows were recorded. Ovarian activity was monitored by daily transrectal ultrasound scanning from 30 to 40 and 61 to 70 DIM. RESULTS: Average plasma glucose and cholesterol concentration were significantly different among treatment groups. Numerically, follicular classes were higher in cows, fed with fat diet compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this experiment, it seems that application of polyunsaturated fatty acids, to improve the energy and ultimately the function of the ovaries, has more advantage than saturated fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: Minerals are essential materials in animal reproduction. The determination of these elements is valuable in relation to different conditions in Arabian horses. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on certain macro and micro minerals in Arabian horses. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from one hundred apparently healthy mares from different regions of Ahvaz including 50 pregnant mares (light, medium, heavy) and 50 non-pregnant mares. Macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and micro-minerals (copper, zinc and iron) were measured, using standard common laboratory methods. Methods of O-cresol phetalein, Molybdate reduction, Xylidil blue were used for measurement of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium respectively. Flame photometry was used for measurement of sodium and potassium. Amounts of copper, zinc and iron were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy.  RESULTS: In order to analyze the results, all the data was statistically compared by SPSS-17.0 software. The study of serum calcium levels between the pregnant and non-pregnant mares showed that the differences were not significant. In this study there was significant differences between serum phosphorus levels between pregnant and non-pregnant mares (p<0.05). The serum phosphorus levels during different stages of pregnancy was significantly different (p<0.05), and the level of serum phosphorus during pregnancy declined in total compared to non-pregnant mares. Serum magnesium did not show significant differences between two groups. Serum sodium levels, compared to the other two groups, did not show significant changes. Changes in serum potassium levels showed significant difference between two groups of pregnant and non-pregnant mares (p<0.05). The level of potassium in pregnant mare’s serum was less than non-pregnant, and the least level of this element was seen in medium pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Except phosphorus, potassium and zinc, other minerals did not affected different stages of pregnancy. Although the relationship between these changes and pregnancy can be the result of physiological processes, the other factors such as parity, age, nutrition, season, weather conditions and other factors should not be ignored in the evaluation.