BACKROUND: The use of feed withdrawal method for molt induction can be caused physiological stress and negatively affected the immunological response of hens. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to survey of hormonal changes and immunological response in hens fed by alfalfa molt diet during the molt period. METHODS: In this experiment 108 Hy-line (W36) laying hens aged 74 weeks in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates were used. The using treatments for 12 days molt period were included: 1- control group fed with layer ration (FF), 2- feed withdrawal group (FW), 3- group fed with 90% alfalfa and 10% layer ration (A90). Performance of birds was monitored for 12 weeks after the end of the molting period. RESULTS: Total circulating leukocyte were generally lower in FW hens group compared with the other groups during the initial stage of molt (P<0.05). On d 3 and 6 of molt, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were incresed in molted hens and FW hens had higher levels than other groups. On d 3 of molt, plasma corticosterone was generally incresed in molted hens and FW hen higher level than A90 hens (P<0.05). Plasma T3 was significantly decreased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). Plasma T4 was significantly increased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). On d 6 and 9 of molt, concentrations of T4 were higher in FW hens than in the A90 hens (P<0.05). Date of reentry and days return to 50% and 80% egg production were significantly lower in A90 groups than in the FW groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, A90 diet can limit physiological stress and improve the performance of immunological response that accompany feed withdrawal method during an induced molt.

AbstractBACKGROUND: Beluga (Huso huso) is one of the sturgeons and currently is cultured artificially in Iran with different goals. The cardiovascular system is one of the important systems of the body, and heart is the most important organ in this system. So far, few studies have been done on the heart of sturgeons.OBJECTIVES: This study was done to determine the exact structure of beluga different parts of the heart septum using echocardiographic and histologic techniques. METHODS: Six immature male belugas (2.5 years old) were investigated in this study. For echocardiography, probe was placed on the ventral surface of body, between pectoral fins. At first, macroscopic morphologic studies of different parts of heart were done at the topographic place of them. For histological studies, usual methods of fixation and hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) coloring were used. Prepared slides were studied by light microscope.RESULTS: All parts of the heart including the sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, conus arteriosus and pericardium were clearly visible in different probe moves. The pericardium were covered surround heart`s structures having homogenous echo pattern. Sinus venosus had a very thin septum without any expansion and contraction. Atrium had a completed muscular septum with expansion and contraction. Ventricle muscular septum had two layers: an external compact layer and an internal spongy layer. Conus arteriosus was composed of obvious muscular septum and connective tissue. Histological studies showed three layers in beluga heart including epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. In overall, the histological findings were matched with the results of echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first investigation on echocardiographic feature of different parts of beluga heart. These results were coordinated with histological findings. Normal information and findings of this study can be used for investigation of various anatomic or pathologic changes in beluga heart in different research projects.

BACKGROUND: The study of animal development by a dynamic perspective on gross anatomy often provides amplified pattern to reveal the more complex anatomy of the adult. This is especially helpful in understanding system whose components drastically change their relation positions during developmental growth, such as urogenital organs. OJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to study morphologic and morphometric development of sheep kidneys during fetal period. METHODS: Sixty fetal kidneys obtained from 30 sheep fetuses were divided into three groups (70-100, 100-120, 120-145 days) according to body length. Topography, dimensions, and weight of kidneys were evaluated. RESULTS: The kidneys were located totally in the lumbar region of the sides of the median plane. The position of kidneys relative to the transvers process of lumbar vertebrae was different in the age groups. The fetal kidney was not located at the same level of adult position even at the end of fetal period. The right kidney was consistently slightly cranial to left kidney. The left kidney was in contact with dorsal sac of rumen in all age groups. The right kidney was covered by ventral surface and a small part of the lateral surface of right lobe of liver, but with advancing age, the contact are of right kidney with caudate process of liver showed tangible reduction and such a contact limited eventually to the cranial pole of kidney. Means of dimensions and weight of kidneys increased with gestational age during fetal period. There were no sex and laterality differences in any parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Topography of fetal sheep kidneys relative to the lumbar vertebrate and their contact area of the kidneys with right lobe and caudate process of liver differed extremely from that of adult sheep kidney. It seems that the emergence of positional asymmetry of kidneys and changing contact area of right kidney exhibited an intimate relationship with the cranial shift and grow rate of right lobe and caudate process of liver during fetal development. The morphmetric results of fetal sheep kidneys were in agreement with the morphometric findings of humans and bovine kidneys.

BACKGROUND: Antibacterial drugs have long been used for prevention and treatment of poultry diseases but their misuse or overuse can make adverse effects on public health including occurrence of drug residues in poultry products. OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency and status of antibacterial drug consumption in broiler production farms in Qum province. METHODS: In the present survey, Qum province was divided into six regions (north, west, southwest, south, southeast and east) and in total 138 broiler production units (59%) were studied by direct interview using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The present study showed that the most frequently used antimicrobial drugs in broiler farms were  sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim (93.4%) followed by enrofloxacin (60.0%), colistin (49.7 %), furazolidone (42.0 %), oxytetracycline (17.5 %), and chloramphenicol (14.6 %). Mean antibacterial consumption rate during a 42-48 day production period was 3.0± 0.37 times per farm. A notable finding in this survey was the high percentage of banned drug usage such as furazolidone and chloramphenicol, indicating the ignorance or unawareness of poultrymen regarding the potential hazards of these drugs on public health. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to widespread and frequent usage of antibacterial drugs in broiler farms, all-out actions are needed to be taken in educational, research and administrative fields of veterinary and animal production sectors for rational and responsible use of these drugs in poultry industry.

BACKGROUND: Canine infestation of ectoparasites is of medical and veterinary importance worldwide and in Iran due to transmission of pathogen agents. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to determine prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs of Gilanegharb suburb of Kermanshah province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 138 dogs (93 sheepdogs and 45 watchdogs) were randomly selected and examined from March 2012 to May 2013. The body surface was investigated for ixodid ticks and removed along with the mouthparts. The mites were also removed directly from the skin and/or using skin scraping and then digested. Fleas and lice were collected from body surface of examined dogs and identified. RESULTS: The results indicated that 65 sheepdogs (47.11%) and 43 watchdogs (31.16%) were infested with ectoparasites. There was a significant difference between prevalence and sex in dogs aged less than one-year-old (p≤0.05). The maximum and minimum ixodid ticks infestations were respectively for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (35.36%) and H. marginatum marginatum (3.06%). Tick indices (number of tick per each animal) were 2.13 with the highest body distribution in ear (24.82%) of R. sanguineus (p≤0.05). The frequency of ixodid tick infestation was significantly higher in spring (33.82%) than other seasons. Thirty five dogs (25.14%) out of all examined dogs were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei (15.33%), Demodex canis (9.81%), Ctenocephaloides canis (6.52%), Pulex irritans (3.62%), and Trichodectes canis (4.35%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of the current study, it was concluded that there was species diversity in dogs’ ectoparasites fauna which can be transmitted to humans and served as the carrier for spreading the infective agents in the region.

Background: Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiate from signs of non-infectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea. Object: Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia with Escherichia coli O111:H8. Methods: Colisepticemia were experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24h before septicemia until 48h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was done based on antibiogram from 24h after challenge. Results: Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24h before the challenge to 24h after treatment were significant(P

BACKGROUND: Dew claws of ruminants are rudimentary of 2 and 5 digits and usually do not  have  functional action. Most studies about the dew claws were done on the diseases and shape-abnormality. OBJECTIVES: Because  no comprehensive study has been done on the normal features of dew claws, especially in the water buffalo which is an important animal in  Khouzestan, this study was performed on anatomy and radiology of the dew claws in the water buffalo and cow. METHODS: 136 dew claws from 11 water buffaloes and 6 cows were examined morphologically, morphometrically, and radiologically and their similarities and differences were clarified. RESULTS: Morphologic result showed that the dew claws were prismatic in shape; their bases were attached to skin at the level of the palmar or plantar surfaces of the fetlock joints. They had two bony ossicles in most cases as proximal and distal ones, but the ossicles in lateral dew claws of thoracic limb in the water buffalo were 3 in number. Proximal ossicles of the water buffalo were dumbbell-shaped, and were irregular or drop-shaped in the cow. Distal ossicles were nearly similar to the third phalanges of the main claws which were pyramid-shaped in water buffalo and triangle-shaped in the cow. Morphometrically, the measurements of the hoof and bony structures of the dew claws in the water buffalo were muchgreater than those of the cows. CONCLUSIONS: Although dew claws in both animals morphologically shared some similarities, there were morpho- metrically significant differences between the dew claws of the water buffalo and the cow. Being larger than the structures in the water buffalo may provide better adaption in static and dynamic of the animal in soft and swamp grounds. Radiologically, the best view for examination of dew claws and their elements was oblique view.

BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats, causing considerable losses for herd owners. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a potent exotoxin produced by C. pseudotuberculosis and it has been considered as the major virulence factor for this bacterium, possibly contributing to the spread of the bacteria from the initial site of infection to secondary sites within the host. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important candidates for the development of vaccines because they are usually able to promote both humoral and cellular immune responses in mammals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the cloning and expression of the PLD and HSP60 genes of C. pseudotuberculosis, used subsequently to evaluate the protectivity of these recombinant proteins for vaccine development against this bacterium. METHODS: PLD and HSP60 genes were cloned into pMAL-c2X vector and recombinant plasmids construct was transformed to DH5 strain of E. coli. Expression of the proteins was shown by SDS-PAGE and accuracy of the cloned genes was confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis. RESULTS: The transformed E. coli strain DH5 expressed PLD and HSP60 proteins effectively. The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the soluble form. CONCLUSIONS: In the following studies the immunogenicity and protectivity of these recombinant proteins against C. pseudotuberculosis infections can be assessed.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans that is associated with Gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori is transmitted through food and water and fecal-oral and oral-oral routes and colonized in the stomach and intestines of humans and several animal species including dogs and cats, and therefore the possibility of transmission of infection from animals to humans exists. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in humans, related and unrelated to dogs and cats in Ahvaz, as well as its relationship with host and environmental factors. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 356 volunteers, including 147 related and 209 unrelated individuals with  dogs and cats and evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Apparent and real seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection were 58.4% (95% CI: 53.3 – 63.3 percent) and 44.53% (95% CI: 39.33 – 49.73 percent), respectively. The apparent prevalence in related and unrelated individuals with the dogs and cats were 72.1% (95% CI: 64.8-79.4 percent) and 48.8% (95% CI: 42-55.6 percent), respectively (p<0.001). The risk of infection in related individuals compared with unrelated was 2.71 (95% CI: 1.73 – 4.26) (p<0.001). This study showed that exposure to cats and dogs, education, history of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders and marital status are significantly correlated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that contact with dogs and cats can be a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection in humans and preventive and control measures should be considered by health authorities.

BACKGROUND: The insoluble fiber content of poultry feeds is often considered as an unfavorable factor which reduces the nutritive value of diet. OBJECTIVES: The effects of barley hulls on performance traits of broiler chickens were evaluated. METHODS: The experiment was carried out using 200 Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The experimental diets  consisted of a control hulls-free diet and four diets containing 0.75 or 1.5 percent barley hulls with particle sizes of less than 1 mm or between 1-2 mm. RESULTS: The dietary type did not affect feed intake of the experimental groups. In the whole the experimental period, the weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the broiler chickens feed, the diet that contained 1.5% barley hulls with 1-2 mm particle size improved compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the jejunum, fiber feeding resulted in an increased goblet cell number as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Unexpectedly, barley hulls feeding reduced the villi height compared to the control group (p<0.05). In jejunum the crypt depth in control birds was more than the treatment fed 1.5% barley hulls with less than 1 mm particle size (p<0.05). The ratio of crypt depth to villus height in control group was more than the birds fed the diet that contained 1.5% barley hulls with less than 1 mm particle size (p< 0.05). In ileum the chickens fed the control diet had more lactobacillus and less Escherichia coli than the majority of the treatment fed barley hulls. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of 1.5% barley hulls with particle size of 1-2 mm in diet improved performance traits of broiler chickens. On the other hand, using 1.5% barley hulls as a lignocelluloses source increased lactobacillus growth and reduced Escherichia coli population. This alteration in intestinal micro flora suggests a prebiotic effect for barley hulls in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens.