BACKGROUND: It is necessary to potentiate the immune system of fishes against stresses in farms. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to address the potential effect of Levamisole on immune system of rainbow trout against density stress. METHODS: 1500 fish (average weight of 50 g) were divided into 5 test groups, in which each test group was repeated three times with average density of 33 kg/m3. They were fed with commercial diet supplemented with Levamisole at concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg for a period of 45 days. The fishes of all groups were then fed with Levamisole free diet and exposed to 2 and 3-fold density stress for the following 15 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 to evaluate the serum compliment and lysozyme activity as well as total immunoglobulins. RESULTS: The results showed that all used concentrations of Levamisole just had significant effect on compliment activity after 45 days feeding period (p<0.05). Higher levels of lysozyme and complement activity as well as total immunoglobulin were observed in 1000 mg/kg Levamisole treated group when exposed to density stresses 2 and 3-fold at the end of trial (day 60) (p<0.05). The highest overall survival was found in group which was treated with 1000 mg/kg of Levamisole. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that using 0/1% Levamisole as an immunostimulator in commercial diet could potentiate rainbow trout against outbreak of high density stresses and increase its overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Using commercial antioxidants in the diet of chicken may cause cancer, liver swelling and changes in the activity of enzymes, hence their use is limited. Alternative herbal materials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can increase palatability, improve gastrointestinal function, improve the immune system and the performance of birds. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to a soybean oil diet on broiler performance and other related parameters. METHODS: This research was conducted as completely randomized design arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial experiment using pomegranate peel extract (PPE), antioxidant Nutriad® (AN) and soybean oil (SO). Three hundred and twenty 11 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments of four replicates each (ten chicks per replicate). Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of the SAS software, and the LSM of groups compared at 5% significance level. RESULTS: Soybean oil increased growing and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) and harmful gastric micro flora. The overall ADG and feed intake were increased by PPE. Inclusion of PPE in the diet had no effect on FCR. Inclusion of PPE in the diet increased nutrient digestibility, beneficial gastric micro flora, lactobacillus, and the antibody titer in 39-day broilers, whereas AN had no effect on any of the performance parameters and decreased the beneficial gastric micro flora. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results showed that PPE in fat and non-fat containing diets might have the potential to increase the daily gain by enhancing feed intake, nutrient digestibility, beneficial gastric micro flora and immune system of broilers with  no deleterious effect on overall FCR.

BACKGROUND: Heat stress reduces the poultry performance through physiologic changes. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of tryptophane on performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates (pen), 10 birds in each replicate. The chickens of experimental treatments were fed basal diet (control group) and the diets plus the different levels of 100, 120 and 130 and 140% of the Ross strain tryptophane requirements. The experimental diets were used during the finisher period (day 25 to 42 of age) and under heat stress (32±1 ºC as cyclic from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM). RESULTS: The results showed that the weight gain was  increased linearly by increasing the tryptophane level to 110% of Ross requirements but increasing the tryptophane level to 120, 130 and 140% caused the deteriorated weight gain (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was linearly decreased during the finisher and whole the period by supplementation of tryptophane to 110 and 120% but the higher tryptophane levels (130 and 140%) increased the feed conversion ratio during these two periods (p<0.05). Increasing the tryptophane level to 130% of Ross requirements caused a linear increase in the amount of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05). Dietary supplementation of tryptophane had no effect on the blood urea, protein, creatinine, albumin, glucose and cholesterol at day 42 of age but triglyceride (p>0.05). Increasing the tryptophane level to 140% caused the lower blood triglyceride content (p<0.05). CONLUSIONS: Totally, the results of recent experiment show that consumption of 110 and 120% tryptophane of Ross requirements is the best level for performance improvements in broiler chickens under heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Heat treatment of colostrum has been suggested as a control measure to eliminate or reduce the transfer of colostrum-borne pathogens to dairy calves.Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of on-farm heat treatment of bovine colostrum on colostral bacterial counts and IgG concentration and evaluation of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves. Methods: Ninety-six L of first milking colostrum was collected from Holstein cows and pooled to create a uniform batch. Twenty-four calves were enrolled in 4 treatment groups before suckling occurred and fed raw colostrum (n=6), heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 30 min (n=6), heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 60 min (n=6) and heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 90 min (n=6). Colostrum samples were collected before and after heat treatment and cultured for total bacterial count and analyzed for total IgG concentration. For the first and second feeding 2 L of colostrum was bottle fed by 2 and 12 h of age respectively. Serum samples were collected from calves at 0 h (precolostrum) and 6, 24, 48, 72 h (postcolostrum) and analyzed for serum total protein and IgG concentrations. Results: Heat treatment of colostrum at 60 ºC for 30 and 60 min reduced total bacterial count, yet maintained colostrul IgG concentration compared to the control. There was no difference between treatment groups when examining serum total protein and IgG concentrations, but apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was significantly greater at 6 h in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum compared to calves fed raw colostrum. ConclusionS: There was no effect of on-farm batch heat treatment of colostrum at 60 ºC till 90 min on serum concentration of IgG.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine biosynthesis needs methionine and lysine amino acids, vitamins niacin and ascorbic acid. So the usage of both L-carnitine and vitamin C may  improve the effects of only L-carnitine. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of L-carnitine and vitamin C on the growth performance‚ body composition; blood serum parameters in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. METHODS: For this purpose, 540 fingerlings with the average weight 40±2 g were arranged in treatments including 3 vitamin C levels: zero, 500, 1000 and 2 L-carnitine levels: zero, 800 (mg/kg diet), with 3 replicates. RESULTS: Results showed weight gain, special growth rate and feed conversion ratio in the level of 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine had a significant increase compared to control (p<0.05). The highest and the lowest lipid content were observed in control and 1000/800vitamin C/ L-carnitine, respectively (p<0.05). The highest protein content was observed in 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine (p<0.05). Cholesterol and glucose showed a significant decrease in 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine. It was observed that 1000/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine caused significant decrease in blood triglycerides (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Finally, it was determined that using vitamin C 500 and L-carnitine 800 mg/kg diet caused some improvement in growth performance with no  negative effects on blood parameters.

BACKGROUND: The application of natural compounds including green tea extract (GTE) in food preparation and pharmaceutical industries is limited. Nowadays, encapsulation in nanoliposomes could be used as a delivery system to protect compounds during processing and storage. Objectives: In this study, physicochemical characterization of green tea extract encapsulated in nanoliposomes and its prebiotic activities on two probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis were evaluated in media and ice cream. Methods: At first, GTE encapsulated in liposomes by thin film layer method and with sonication liposomes reached to nanoscale. For evaluation of the prebiotic activity of nanoliposomal GTE on probiotics, 1% of nanoliposomal GTE in the presence of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis was added to MRS broth and ice cream. Results: The mean diameter of nanoliposomes was about 44/7± 1/9 nm and had 0/203 ±0/014 polydispersity index. Entrapment eficiency of nanoliposomal GTE under the optimum conditions was 97%. Moreover, addition of 1% nanoliposomal GTE significantly increased the growth rate of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis in culture media (p<0.05). The lowest reduction of Lactobacillus casei count during storage period was recorded in ice cream containing 1% of nanoliposomal GTE, while the control group showed the reduction of 4/16 log in Lactobacillus casei count. Similarly, addition of 1% of nanoliposomal GTE was most effective on survival of Bifidobacterium lactis in ice cream, since the bacterial count lowered only 0/84 log during the storage compared to 4/4 log reduction in control group. Conclusions:  The considerable effect of nanoliposomal GTE on growth and survival rate probiotics in media and ice cream has been presented in this study and  the use of nanoliposome encapsulation can be proposed as a new method to increase stability of natural compounds, during different processes.

BACKGROUND: Goldfish (Carassius auratus), a carp fish of Cyprinidae family, is one of the most popular aquarium fishes in Iran and also in the world. Ornamental fish trade, especially Goldfish, is aged over a hundred years. If we believe that any aquatic species or country has its own specific and unknown fauna of pathogens, the risks of transmission of these pathogens by importing ornamental fishes (whether at national, provincial or municipal level) will become more obvious. However, few researches have been done about parasitic infections in ornamental fishes. Objectives: Identification and investigation of fish pathogens, especially parasites, prior to transportation to new place is considerably important in the preventing and restricting the transmission of these pathogens.                      Methods: In this study, skin and gills of 100 goldfish were examined by wet mount in order to investigate monogenean parasites. Results: Nine species of parasites from 3 families (Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae and Ancylodiscoididae) were isolated and identified in fishes, including 4 species of Gyrodactylus (Gyrodactylus kobayashii, Gyrodactylus Gurleyi, Gyrodactylus longoacuminatus and Gyrodactylus sp.), 4 species of Dactylogyrus (Dactylogyrus vastator, Dactylogyrus formosus, Dactylogyrus baeri and Dactylogyrus sp.) and 1 species of Ancylodiscoides. Gyrodactylus kobayashii (10%) were the most common parasites found, followed by Dactylogyrus vastator (9%). ConclusionS: Although these fishes are quite resistant against such pathogens, transporting them to a new aquatic ecosystem could transfer these parasites and cause infestation of healthy fishes, which brings about financial losses and casualties.

BACKGROUND: Caspian miniature horse is an Iranian breed of the horse. Some anatomical studies such as topography of the heart have been conducted in recent years. Objectives: Regarding the importance of SA node in regulating the rhythmic contraction of heart, the present study was performed to demonstrate the position of the SA node and its arterial supply. Methods: 4 excised hearts of Caspian miniature horse were used for this study.  The coronary arteries in two horses were injected with a mixture of gelatin and choromopaque and the other two with colored rodopas. The gelatin injected specimens were used for contrast radiography and the rodopas injected specimens were macerated in HCl and the cast  studied for arterial branches. Terminal sulcus and location of SA node was macroscopically detected and separated for histological investigation. Results: Our study showed that the SA node is a small mass of transformed cardiac muscle. It is situated under the epicardium of the right ventricle between the cranial vena cava and the right auricle. The blood is supplied by a few branches separated from the right auricular branch of the proximal branch of left atrial artery. The latter itself is a branch of the left circumflex artery of the left coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves approximately 1% of the population older than 50 years. Classically, PD is considered a motor system disease, and its diagnosis is based on the presence of a set of cardinal motoric signs (e.g. rigidity, bradykinesia, motor and postural reflex disturbance). ObjectiveS: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) on motor disorders of pseudo PD rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=7). PD signs were induced by intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of reserpine (5mg/kg) prior to administration of the lavender extract. Three goups of rats received different doses (200, 300, 400 mg/kg, P.O) of the lavender extract and sham group received distilled water at the same volume for six days and two times per day. At the seventh day, Catalepsy and  other signs of PD were measured in the bar test, rotarod and open field. Results: In this study, improvement in signs of Parkinson disease were not observed by applying lavender hydro-alcoholic extract and  motor disorders were not reduced in comparison with sham group. Conclusions: The lavender hydro-alcoholic extract does not have any effect on motor disorders of Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND: Annexins (including annexin A1 and annexin A2) are important proteins which have some roles in organisms such as intracellular signal conduction, membrane cellular skeletal connection, cellular proliferation and differentiation, especially inhibitory function in inflammation processing. Pasteurella multocida is the most common bacterial pathogen and has high prevalence in pneumonia. Objectives: This study was aimed to determine experimentally annexin A1 and annexin A2 in the serum of calves affected by Pasteurella multocida pneumonia. Methods: In this research, 10 male calves (2 - 4 months) were allocated to two equal groups, one group as the case: 300 ml in dilution 2×109 CFU Pasteurella multocida bacteria and the other as control group: 300 ml normal saline inoculated by special lavage catheter through oral to trachea. Clinical scores were recorded based on available tables. In treatment group, about 18 to 24 hours after inoculation and synchronous with observation clinical signs changes, bronchoalveolar lavage for cytology and bacteriology examination were done of fluids results from washing. Blood sampling was taken from calves jugular vein in both groups then blood serums were examined by using ELISA kits. Results: The rates of annexin A1 and annexin A2  in blood serum of treatment group showed significant increase (using independent t test) compared to control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: It seems these annexins (annexin A1 and annexin A2) can be used as important biomarkers in blood serum to diagnose inflammation processes such as pneumonia.