BACKGROUND: Using plastic compounds in food packaging industry creates a lot of problems for the environment. Edible coatings are biodegradable and can control the microbiological and chemical properties of foods. Using herbal essential oils improves the properties of coatings due to their antioxidants and antimicrobial specifications. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of potato starch edible coating containing Ziziphora clinopodioides and Thymus daenensis essential oils on chemical and sensory characteristics of refrigerated chicken breast, was evaluated. METHODS: The chicken breast was coated with potato starch containing 0, 0.5 and 1% concentrations of essential oils. Chemical (pH, TVN, TBARs) and sensory tests were performed on days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 on different samples stored at 4 °C. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software 22 using ANOWA and Nonparametric Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: Treatments with different concentrations of essential oil showed lower values of pH, Thiobarbituric Acid (TBARs) and Total Volatile Nitrogen (TVN) compared to the control samples (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coating with potato starch enriched with different amounts of essential oils, has a preventive effect on chemical degradation. Essential oils with the concentration of 0.5% can be an optimal dose for improving the sensorial properties of chicken breast.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles are now widely used in various industries and consumer products, especially because of their antimicrobial properties. The widespread use of these nanoparticles has increased the likelihood of their release to aquatic ecosystems and their effects on aquatic organisms. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the histopathological effects of waterborne silver nanoparticles on the gills of Caspian brown trout. METHODS: In this study, 84 fish (27.46±4.3 g) were tested in four concentrations of silver nanoparticles (0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 mg/L) for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, gill tissue was evaluated to determine the effects of tissue damage caused by silver nanoparticles. RESULTS: Observed tissue damage included hyperplasia, hypertrophy, curvature of secondary lamellae, shortening of second lamellae, separation of epithelium from lamellae and aneurism. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that colloid silver nanoparticles in water could lead to tissue damage in the gills of Caspian brown trout, and long-term exposure to the sublethal concentrations of these nanoparticles can cause fish death.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining an appropriate anesthetic drug for rapid anesthesia with long term and safe recovery has always been the concern of fisheries science researchers. OBJECTIVES: In this study the anesthetic strength of Lavendula officinalis essence oil on histopathological and blood biochemical factors of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix has been investigated. METHODS: 260 juvenile silver carp were divided into four groups with a mean weight and length of about 23.55±1.5 g and 15.6±1 cm, respectively. Three groups were anesthetized with concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 ppm Lavender essence oil and 4 groups were considered as control group. The time needed to reach different stages of anesthesia was recorded and in two times (0 and 24h after anesthesia), hematology tests were conducted. After removing plasma serum by centrifugation, ALP, AST and ALT amounts were measured, venesection histological (sampling of liver, kidney and gills) and conserved for histology. RESULTS: Lavender essence oil anaesthetizes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in less than 3 minutes and recovery time was also less than 3 minutes. Moreover, anesthesia with different concentrations of lavander had no effect on hematological profile and no significant changes in the AST, ALT and ALP were observed (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis showed the optimum concentration of 300 ppm with no side effects and indicated that the concentration power of essences can be used without fear of damage. CONCLUSIONS: It is advised that Lavender essence oil be used as a standard medicine to anesthetize and supersede prevalent chemicals to create anesthesia and sedation in fish.

BACKGROUND: Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is particularly rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors and antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, maintenance and storage of bovine colostrum has always been considered due to benefits of colostrum for the calf. Microbial contamination of colostrum is a concern because it is thought that bacteria in colostrum may interfere with passive absorption of colostral antibodies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical preservatives and natural fermentation on quality and storage of colostrum. METHODS: Colostrum from the first milking of five Holstein cows was stored separately. Then colostrum samples were studied at days 1, 10, 20, and 30 of storage after treatment. All samples underwent microbiological culture for total plate count and detection of Escherichia coli, Coliforms, mold and yeast. Then whey was provided from untreated and treated samples at the end of 30th day and SRID (single radial immune diffusion) test was performed for assaying IgG antibody. Then the effect of treatments on colostrum antibody level was studied. RESULTS: The results showed that potassium sorbate did not have a role in reducing E.coli and coliforms count. However, it has prevented an increase in E.coli and coliform count during 30 days. Formic acid and propionic acid reduced the number of E. coli and coliform (p<0.05). In addition, the two organic acids promoted the growth of mold and yeasts compared with potassium sorbate. Nonetheless, the mentioned three treatments did not have an important role in reducing total count (p>0.05). The natural fermentation contributed to the decline of E. coli and coliform count while total count increased one day after treatment compared with other treatments, however among the treatments, formic acid and potassium sorbate were more effective than propionic acid and natural fermentation treatment for maintaining hygienic quality of colostrum. The result of measuring IgG antibody indicated that potassium sorbate has had more protective effect than other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results exposed that potassium sorbate and formic acid are better than other treatments to maintain colostrum quality with regard to increasing shelf life of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: The function of molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is to bind antigenic peptides and display them on the cell surface for recognition by T cells. MHC polymorphism is related to suseptibility or resistance to immune-mediated and infectious diseases. High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis is a novel and powerful technique in molecular biology for the detection of genetic polymorphisms and can be used for discrimination of MHC alleles and genotyping. OBJECTIVES: Discrimination of dog MHC alleles (DLA-DRB1) by high-resolution melt analysis. METHODS: Forty blood samples were collected from dogs referred to Small Animal Teaching Hospital of faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Tehran. After DNA extraction and amplification the exon 2 of DLA-DRB1, HRM and Melt Curve analysis was carried out. Direct sequencing was used for checking the HRM patterns. RESULTS: Following the HRM and Melt curve analysis, forty samples could be classified into 8 genotypes (A to H). Most frequent was A (25.00%) and then C and E (each one 15.00%). In total, 82.5% and 17.5% of samples were heterozygote and homozygote, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the HRM technique was used for DLA-DRB1 gene alleles typing for the first time. Confirmation HRM results through sequencing results revealed that HRM can be used for discrimination of DLA-DRB1 alleles.

Background: One of the issues that has created much concern about consumption of eggs is cholesterol and saturated fatty acids of that.Objectives:This experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of lipid sources and different levels of zinc on fatty acid composition and cholesterol of egg yolk, antioxidant status and some blood parameters of laying hens in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (3*4) with 12 treatments. Methods: Treatments consisted of 4 percentages of different fat sources, including soybean oil, fish oil, tallow and different zinc levels of 100, 200 and 300 ppm and the control group. Results: The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at tallow diets with the level of 300 ppm zinc (P< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid, linoleic acid and omega-3 long-chain fatty acids in egg yolk was at diets containing tallow, soybean oil and fish, respectively (P< 0/05). The highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 egg yolk was at diet of soybean oil and the lowest proportion was at tallow diet (P< 0/05). The highest level of oleic acid in egg yolk was observed at the level of 300 ppm of zinc (P< 0/05). The highest glutathione peroxidase activity of blood was observed at diet containing soybean oil and level of 200 ppm of zinc (P< 0/05). Concentration of alkaline phosphatase enzyme was significantly increased at diet containing soybean oil and also at the level of 100 ppm zinc in comparison of other diets. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that in the diets of tallow and soybean oil, oleic acid of egg yolk increased by adding zinc and highest glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in the diet of soybean oil and level of 200 ppm zinc.

BACKGROUND: Replacement of natural materials with syntheticdrugs in order to increase production and safety. OBJECTIVE: The purposeof this study was to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with ginger (Zingiberofficinale) extract on the growth, biochemical and hemato-immunologicalparameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). METHODS: Fishwith an average body weight 14.1±0.2 g were fed diet for 8 weeks with 0.5% and1% ginger extract and with unsupplemented commercial diet as the control. Bloodsamples were collected from caudal vein from apparently healthy fish at the endof trial. Growth (weight gain, specific growth ratio and condition factor),hematological (RBC,WBC, Hb, Hct, monocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil),Biochemical (glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, AST,ALT, LDH and ALP) and immunological (lysozym activity, ACH50,IgM, and SOD)parameters were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that there wereno significant differences (p>0.05) in growth, hematological, biochemicaland metabolic enzymes between fish fed control and ginger extractsupplementation. The lowest level of cortisol was observed in 0.5% gingerextract (p<0.05). Lysozyme activity was significantly increased in 0.5%ginger extract fed fish (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggestthat by using 0.5% ginger extract there will be an improvement in growth andimmune function of rainbow trout

BACKGROUND: Reducing the detrimental effects of freeradicals, in biological and food systems by antioxidants is important, thusproviding antioxidants is necessary in community health and food safety. OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant and antiradicalactivity of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Grape leaves in vitro. METHODS:Grape leaves were extracted using the solvents: distilled water, ethanol andmethanol and the antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH,β-carotene-linoleic acid, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoidcompounds  assays. RESULTS: IC50for DPPH radical-scavenging activity in water, ethanol and methanolextracts  were (71.90±0.714,  37.38±0.318 and 46.66±0.481µg/ml) and alsothe percentage of inhibition free radicals in β-carotene-linoleic acid were (86.51±1.84, 97.08±1.30 and 88.20±1.27).These  parameters for  BHT in DPPH test  and  β-carotene linoleic acid  test are 13.58±0.000 µg/ml  and  94.56±0.62 %. Total phenolic compounds andflavonoid compounds were calculated (158.02±1.39, 201.60±1.55 and 180.19±2.26mg/g) and (37/16±1.64, 54.74±0.83 and 46.07±0.18 mg/g ). According to theresults in this study, the highest radical scavenging effect was observed inethanol, then methanol extract and water extract had the lowest activity. CONCLUSIONS:It seems the ethanolic extract could be considered as a cheap, easilyaccessible and potential source of natural antioxidants for food andpharmaceutical purposes

BACKGROUND: A clean bowel preparation prior to X-ray examination is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to compare the effect of senna and polyethylene glycol on the bowel preparation of dogs before abdominal radiography. METHODS: Six adult healthy mongrel dogs from each sex ranging in age from 18 to 30 months received either 4 or 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol or 20 mg/kg senna through an orogastric tube 3 weeks apart. Food was withheld approximately 12 hours prior to drug administration. Radiography was performed 12 hours after bowel preparation. Only water was given ad libitum to animals during the day before radiography. Radiologist who was unaware of the method of bowel preparation, reviewed the standard radiographs and graded the feces and gas in the colon and rectum, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=inadequate to 3=excellent). Dogs were observed for any drugs side effects up to two weeks after administration of the laxatives. RESULTS: The cleanliness scores of colon for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were similar, 2.17±0.41. Also, the cleanliness scores of rectum for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were 2.50±0.55, 1.83±0.75 and 2.50±0.55, respectively. Both polyethylene glycol dosages and senna significantly improve bowel cleansing score in dogs (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to colon cleansing scores, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs (p≥0.05). 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol significantly reduces feces impaction in rectum versus 4 mg/kg (p<0.05). There were no clinical differences between the two groups for any of the side effects. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol and senna are safe and effective methods of colon cleansing, well tolerated by dogs.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic bone disease is a common disease in the pet reptiles. Early diagnosis of this disease has an important role in the treatment and prevention from complications. Since metabolic bone diseases causes bone density to decrease, it is assumed the CT scan can be used as a suitable method to diagnosis early changes in the bone density. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was providing a range of cortical and trabecular Hounsfield Numbers of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in the healthy green iguana by the aid of computed tomography which can be used as a reference. METHODS: Twelve healthy green iguanas were included in this study and based on the body length were divided into three groups. Complete information about maintenance including maintaining environment and nutrition conditions were recorded in questionnaires designed for this study. Lateral and dorsoventral radiographs were obtained using digital radiology to confirm the health of the skeletal system. To achieve CT plans, the animals were restricted by warping method. After obtaining topogram, with the aid of Osteo Protocol, cross sectional images were acquired from random thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. CT images were subsequently evaluated in Syngo MMWP VE40A Medical Software. The results were analyzed using SPSS statistic software. RESULTS: According to statistic results, the mean Hounsfield Number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were presented due to the body length of the green iguana. Since the cortical bone density of lumbar vertebrae in all three groups  varied meaningfully and  only variable “body length” was considered influential on cortical mineral bone density of lumbar vertebrae. Cortical bone density of lumbar vertebrae can be used as a reference for detecting the early bone density changes in green iguana.             CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography can be an excellent alternative for early detection of the MBD in pet green iguanas.