BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) comprises a group of genes, which plays a central role in immune response. The exon 2 of BuLA-DRB3 is part of the MHC class II in buffalo that highly polymorphic, found to be associated with resistance/susceptibility to infections and also with production parameters. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to identify BuLA-DRB3 polymorphism in Khuzestan buffaloes and compare this population with other Iranian and world buffalo populations. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 136 unrelated Khuzestan river buffaloes. After DNA extraction, second exon of BuLA-DRB3 was amplified by the seminested PCR method. Then, the fragments produced by amplifying second exon were cut by RsaI restriction enzyme according to van Eijik method. In the following, allelic frequencies, genotype frequencies, expected and observed homozygosty and heterozygosity were calculated. RESULTS: In restriction fragment analysis 13 and 24 different allelic and genotype patterns were identified for RsaI restriction enzyme, respectively. 10 out of 13 alleles were previously reported. The most frequent genotype was oo)0.1691) and then followed by hh (0.1544) ,ll(0.1103), lw (0.0955), lh (0,0808), ha (0.0661) and lo (0.0514). Also four most frequent alleles were o (0.2721), h (0.2316),l (0.2316)and w (0.1176), respectively. These seven genotypes and four alleles form 72.76% and74.29% overall genotype and allele frequency of population.  In addition, estimation of heterozygosity/homozygosty and deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibriumofcorresponding population revealed observed homozygosty is more than heterozygosity and departure of population from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that exon 2 of the BuLA-DRB3 gene is highly polymorphic among Khuzestan buffaloes and although, there is differences between buffalo’s genetic polymorphism of distinct world regions, Khuzestan buffaloes’ population is similar to Egyptian buffaloes’ population.

BACKGROUND: It is believed that bovine neutrophils contain several peptides and protein which exhibit antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to isolate and purify a potential antibacterial protein from bovine neutrophil and test its anti bacterial activity. Methods: Neutrophils were isolated from bovine blood using dextran sedimentation and centrifugation on Ficoll-Hypaqe. Cell viability is examined by trypan blue dye exclusion method. Protein extract was then dialyzed and applied onto ion exchange chromatography for further purification, and its potential cytostatic activity was examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersinia ruckeri. Results: Viability of isolated neutrophil was over 95%, chromatographic results and SDS-PAGE analysis exhibited that neutrophil cytosolic proteins were fractionated so that the purification of P7/P23 was almost 60% in the first step and purification was completed in the second phase. Using calibration curve according to molecular mass markers, the relative molecular mass of P7 and P23 determined as 7 kDa and 23 kDa, respectively. Also, results showed that this protein has antibacterial activity and has higher bactericidal activity against Y. ruckeri. Conclusions: It could be concluded that purification of P7/P23 sustains its biological activity and has wide range antibacterial activity. Moreover, taking all data into account may suggest that the cytostatic activity of neutrophil, to some extent, results from P7/P23 protein which is abundant in the cytosole.

BACKGROUND: Soybean oil is one of the highly consumed vegetable oil worldwide. Nowadays, usage of genetically modified (GM) soybean seeds for soybean oil production is constantly increasing. The recommended methods for GMO detection are based on analysis of residual DNA in vegetable oil and highly processed food. However, the successful amplification of isolated DNA depends on the efficiency of DNA extraction method. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to apply three different DNA extraction methods for analysis of residual genomic DNA in crude and refined soybean oil to obtain high pure of DNA suitable for DNA amplification. Methods: Extraction methods were developed based on the specific binding of DNA molecules to the silica membrane (column) or resin. The isolated DNA was then analyzed by PCR technique using primer pairs, derived from 18S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA gene and soybean lectin gene. Results: The results showed that amplifiable DNA could not be extracted from crude/refined soybean oil in method 1. In method 2, by pre-treating of oil with PBS and subsequent precipitation with Isopropanol, the amplification was not observed but OD260 was decreased. In method 1 and 2 the DNA was not pure enough to be amplifiable. To remove more effectively contaminant, method 2 was combined with chloroform extraction as method 3. The extracted DNA from all examined oil samples could be amplified. ConclusionS: We believe that the purity of DNA in samples is decisive for amplification and not necessarily the low amount of DNA in samples. Method 3 can be determined as a suitable method for the isolation of the pure DNA.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, use of herbs as dietary irritant growth factors and replacing it with artificial materials in aquaculture is discussed. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil is one of herbal medicines which its antioxidant and antibacterial properties have been proved in humans and animals. So it can be an alternative option in order to achieve artificial growth stimulants properties. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of rosemary oil as a medicinal herb on growth parameters and gut morphology of beluga juveniles (Huso huso). METHODS: Six groups (three replicate/group) of 126 fish with initial mean body weight of 130.94 ± 5.28g were fed with diets containing 0 (control), 0/01, 0/1, 1 and 2 % of rosemary oil and a group of oxytetracyclin (30mg/kg) for 8 week. At the end of the trial, the growth parameters (final weight, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio) were calculated. Then, beluga intestinal biopsy was performed and the mean villi length, width and surface were measured in the treatments. RESULTS: Significant increase were observed in villi length (2/25±0/11mm), width (0/52±0/01mm) and surface (1/17±0/07mm) in fish fed with diets containing 1ml/kg rosemary oil (p<0/05). There were no significant differences in growth parameters between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: According to the significant increase of beluga intestinal absorption area and slight improvement of growth parameters in fish fed with diets containing rosemary extract compared to the control group, it seems that rosemary oil can act as a growth stimulant. So it can be considered as an alternative to artificial growth stimulants in aquaculture industry.

BACKGROUND: Excessive use of antibiotic growth promoters leaded in the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and by consuming animal products, humans are at risk of receiving their residual. Therefore, instead of using antibiotics as growth promoters, some alternatives must be identified and introduced to animal breeders. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of anise seed on performance, digestibility, and infectious microbes in the intestine of suckling calves. Methods: Twenty four female Holstein calves with average weight of39.8±3.8kg from the fourth day after birth to two weeks after weaning were examined in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of anise powder on dry matter intake, weight gain, age and weight of weaning, feed conversion ratio, apparent digestibility of dry matter, NDF and ADF, and intestinal infectious and harmful bacteria. The diets were: 1- Control, 2- 0.25% and 3- 0.5% anise/DM of diets. Results: Dry matter intake of calves did not affected by diets (p>0.05). At 70 days old the final weight of calves that consumed diets containing 0.25% and 0.5% of anise was significantly more than control diets. There was no significant difference between diets for the mean of total weight gain in whole period of experiment. The digestibility of NDF and ADF after weaning for diets contain anise was significantly more than control diet (p<0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not affected before weaning, but after weaning significantly improved compared with the control group for diet contain 0.25% and 0.5% anise (p<0.05). The age and weight of weaning were not affected by treatments. The Ammonia and pH of rumen fluid showed increase for anise diets compared with the control group (p>0.05). The adding of anise to the diets resulted in significantly decrease of E.coli of intestine of calves. Conclusions: Therefore, use of anise seed as a medicinal herb additive improved the performance of calves. Also, with the decline of E.coli population had beneficial effect on animal health and the environment. So it may be taking into account as good alternative for antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have been conducted on finding a suitable replacement for fish meal to supply the needs of aquaculture feed industry. Objectives: The present study was performed to examine the effect of replacing fish meal and fish oil with plant sources on bacterial counts in intestinal contents and mucus and bacterial composition in Beluga sturgeon. Methods: Beluga sturgeons with a mean initial weight of 133±5 g were distributed into 18 (300 L) tanks (30fish/tank) and were fed experimental diets for 60 days. The control diet contained only fish meal and fish oil as the primary source of protein and lipid, while the experimental diets contained 0, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent plant protein sources (wheat gluten, corn gluten and soybean meal) and 20% vegetable oil blend (canola, sunflower, cotton and safflower oils) respectively. Results: Results showed that replacement of 80% fish meal and fish oil with plant sources didn’t have significant effect on final weight (235 ± 17 g) compared to control group (256.1 ± 10 g) in a 60 days trial. Replacement of fish meal with 100% plant proteins in combination with 80% vegetable oils resulted in significantly lower final weight (225.7 ± 11 g), compared to other treatments including control group (p<0.05). Replacing 80% fish oil with vegetable oils resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial count in intestinal contents and a significant increase in percentage of Entrobacteriacea sp. However, no significant differences were detected in bacterial counts of mucus in experimental treatments compared to control (p>0.05). Replacement of 60, 80 and 100% fish meal and 80% fish oil with plant sources significantly decreased bacterial counts in intestinal contents and intestinal mucosa compared to control group (p<0.05). Also this replacement cause significant change in bacterial composition of intestine. Conclusions: The results suggested that using plant sources in juvenile Beluga sturgeon diet decreases the bacterial count in the intestinal contents and mucus and changes the composition of intestinal micro flora.

BACKGROUND: Following the ban on the use of growth stimulant antibiotics in many countries, interest has arisen in finding  a suitable alternative for antibiotics in poultry production. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of two levels of nano-copper (0 and 100 mg/kg) and two levels of mannan oligosaccharide (0 or 1 g/kg) as natural growth stimulants on digestibility of nutrients and performance in broiler chicks. METHODS: At the end of the second week of breeding, 160 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were assigned in four treatment groups. For each treatment, four replicates (10 chicks per replicate) were considered. Experiment was conducted as a 2×2 factorial model in a completely randomized design. Results: No significant differences in digestibility of nutrients and growth performance between birds that ate the supplements with control group were observed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mannan oligosaccharides and nano-copper on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks had no significant effect. At the doses used, concomitant supplementation of copper and mannan oligosaccharide did not have a positive effect on traits that were studied in broilers.

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: Atrazine is one of the most important and effective pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The widest sugar cane farms of the Middle East are located in Khouzestan province, Iran. Large amounts of Atrezine are being used in farming on these farms.                  Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate acute toxicity (LC50 96 h) of atrazine on Barbus grypus and the effects of chronic toxicity with sub-lethal concentration of atrazine on hematological parameters as well. Methods: 180 B grypus were divided into 4 equal groups (5, 10 and 20% of LC50 96 h and control). Blood samples were taken on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of experiment. Hematological parameters including hemoglobin level, hematocrit, and red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and globular indices were measured and compared among the groups. Results: LC50 96 h was measured 65 mg l-1. Hematological parameters were  significantly affected by chronic toxicity of atrazine. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC were decreased at all sampling periods in fish exposed to different levels of atrazine (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in globular indice values among the groups in sampling periods (p>0.05). For all samples, WBC value was decreased significantly on day 21 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that chronic atrazine toxicity adversely affects hematological parameters of B. grypus.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence and side effects of current treatments for urolithiasis confine their application, so other options using traditional herbal therapy are being sought. OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study we have tried to evaluate the antilithiatic effects of herbal extraxt of Tribulus terrestris which is often used to treat different kinds of urinary diseases such as urolithiasis in human on cats. METHODS: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant, the hydro alcoholic extract of T.terrestris was assessed for activity against induced urolithiasis in cats. The extract of such herb was administered at daily oral doses of 200 mg/kg for 30 days. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of urine sediments and ultrasonographic study of kidneys and urinary bladder confirmed inhibition of crystal formation in tested cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate this herbal extract could be a potential candidate for prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise anti-crystallization mechanism of T.terrestris in cats.