BACKGROUND: In ovo injection of nutrients as an early feeding method in birds directly supplies the nu- trients to the developing embryo. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of nicotonic acid, panto- thenic acid and folic acid on the performance and immune system of broilers. METHODS: 450 Ross 308 fertile eggs were divided into 5 groups and placed in a hatchery machine. Five experimental groups included in ovo injection of 0.121 mg of nicotonic acid, 0.052 mg of pantothenic acid, 0.007 mg of folic acid on the 14th day of incubation period, positive control or injection control (physiological serum injection) and negative control (non injecting control). RESULTS: At the age of 18 days of the rearing period, injection of pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid in- creased the antibody titre against Newcastle Virus and folic acid and pantothenic acid reduced the SRBC titer. At 35 days of age, nicotinic acid and folic acid had lower SRBC titer than the negative control group. The highest lymphocyte to heterophilia ratio was observed in the pantothenic acid group and the lowest levels were seen in the folic acid group. In ovo injection of nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid caused weight loss in chicks during the first and second weeks of rearing period compared to positive and negative controls groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated a positive effect of in ovo injection of pantothenic acid and nichotinic acid on some immune parameters of broiler chicks. In despite of the negative effect of in ovo injection of nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid on growth rate of chicks during the first and second week of age, there was a compensatory growth for the nicotinic acid group such that this treatment positively influenced the final weight of the broilers.

BACKGROUND: Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is one of the major causes of fatal gastroenteritis in young dogs. After emergence of CPV-2, two new variants were reported and named CPV-2a and CPV-2b. In 2001 the newest variant was reported and named CPV-2c. The difference between CPV strains is related to amino acid changes in viral capsid protein (VP2). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was genetic characterization of common CPV-2 strains which are prevalent in Iran. METHODS: Total of 50 fecal samples were examined by specific PCR primers for VP2 gene which codes virus capsid protein. PCR products were bidirectionally sequenced. RESULTS: Sequence analysis results showed that based on the nucleotides encoding for residue 426 (nt 4062 to 4064) all previously assumed CPV-2b samples were true CPV-2b, except for strain Ir28 which showed substitution of Asp (GAT) with Gly (GGT). The sequence alignment also showed that strains Ir3 and Ir19 are similar to the reference strain M74849.1 (CPV-2b) but other strains differed by exhibiting further synonymous substitutions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel mutation in CPV-2 gene of Ir28 strain may lead to emergence of a new variant. This finding also emphasizes the previous study results which indicate the high evolution rate of CPV.

Backgrounds Many wild-caught reptiles harbor some kind of parasites. Captivity with negative effect of poor sanitary and husbandry management may lead to clinical disease. The increasing trend in keeping non-native reptile species in the last decade emerged a need for the specification of reptile parasites and their hosts. Objectives The study aims to gain data on intestinal parasites of reptiles kept as pets or in small private collections in close contact with people. Methods A combination of native and iodine stained direct smears along with flotation concentration were used to investigate parasites in pet reptiles’ feces. All samples were investigated macroscopically and a smear was prepared and stained by modified Ziehl Neelsen for detection of Cryptosporidium. Results Stool samples from 100 pet or small zoological reptile collections (Lacertilia=36, Serpentes=20, Chelonii=11, Corocodilia=1) were collected. The total occurrence of parasite was 52%. 64.8% of the examined Lacertilia, 35.3% of Serpentes, 45.5% of Chelonii were infected. Eimeria, Isospora, Cryptosporidium, Trichomonas, Balantidium, Strongylid and Oxyurid eggs and amoeba were identified. Cryptosporidium was detected in Lacertilita, Serpentes and Chelonii. In the only sample from a Nile crocodile no parasites were detected. Eimeria was detected in Bearded dragon, Indian python, Albino python and king cobra and Isospora was identified in Bearded dragon and the alien Cheloniid species Red-eared slider. Amoeba was identified in Iguana iguana and Horsfield tortoise. Conclusions Trichomonads, Balantidium, Cryptosporidium, Isospora, Eimeria, amoebae and nematode eggs were identified in the investigated samples. Cryptosporidium were detected by specific stains in 14 samples. Sauria was the most infected suborder (64.8%) while 32.4% of snakes and 45.5% of chelonians were infected. Parasites are common in pet reptiles but the parasite species, the degree of infestation and hygienic management will determine the ultimate clinical outcome of the existing parasite infections. Hence examination for endoparasites should be recommended for checking the health status of all captive or newly entering reptiles.

BACKGROUND: Pre-pubertal nutrition managements are considered essential for animal health, optimizing production and reproductive performance in livestock. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of dietary low and high energy and protein provisions on body growth, blood metabolites and inherent safety index were investigated in pre-pubertal Kurdish female lambs. METHODS: We fed 40 healthy Kurdish female lambs (30±8.6 days old and weighing 10.2±3.4 kg) were randomly divided into one of two experimental diets in pre-weaning period: high energy and protein (HEP, 2.50 Mcal ME/kg dry matter (DM) and 148 g CP/kg DM) or low energy and protein (LEP, 2.02 Mcal ME/kg DM and 87 g CP/kg DM). At the time of weaning, one half of lambs from each group was randomly separated and assigned to HEP or LEP. So there were four treatment groups in post-weaning period: H-H (HEP pre- and post-weaning); H-L (HEP pre-weaning and LEP post-weaning); L-H (LEP pre-weaning and HEP post-weaning) and L-L (LEP pre and post-weaning, control group). Treatment effects on dry matter intake, milk intake, serum metabolite profiles, inherent safety index and growth were examined. RESULTS: Pre-pubertal plane were significantly affected above mention parameters at post- weaning period (P<0.05). In the post-weaning period, dietary treatment did significantly decrease affect all blood metabolites concentration (P<0.05) expect calcium levels. The numbers of white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocytes and monocytes of H-L treatment were higher than other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It has been observed that diet energy and protein and body energy reserves are much important regulators of growth and health indicators in Kurdish female lambs.

BACKGROUND: Chicken meat is susceptible to microbial and chemical contamination and using antimicrobial agents helps to prolong its shelf-life. OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the effect of chitosan-based coating and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on qualitative properties of refrigerated chicken fillet meat. MATERIAL and METHODS: chicken fillets treated with chitosan solution (2 %wv-1) and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (0, 1000, and 2000 ppm) were stored at 4C for 12 days. Microbial (lactic acid bacteria, coliform, and total mesophilic bacteria), chemical (peroxide value and total volatile nitrogen), and sensory (odour, texture, colour, and overall acceptance) analysis were done every 3 days until the end of storage. Results: Total count, lactic acid bacteria, coliform and total mesophilic bacteria showed significant decrease in treatments compared to control. In chemical experiments, chitosan- Trachyspermum ammi essential oil treated fillets had lower peroxide and total volatile nitrogen during storage. Sensory analysis revealed that treatment containing 1000 ppm Trachyspermum ammi essential oil had higher overall acceptance than control and 2000 ppm treated group. Conclusion: Combination of chitosan and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil prolonged shelf-life of fillets. By considering sensory results and cost of analysis, chitosan containing 1000 ppm Trachyspermum ammi essential oil is recommended for industries.

Background: Presynchronization could enhance fertility in timed breeding programs. The best presynchronization method has to justify biological requirements and to provide practical and economic advantages. OBJECTIVES: Present study investigated the effectiveness of presynchronization with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) before ovsynch (eCG-ovsynch) compared to conventional presynch-ovsynch program (2PG-ovsynch) in lactating cows. METHODS: Healthy lactating cyclic Holstein cows (n=110) without any particular pre, peri and post parturient problems were selected for this study. The first insemination following timed breeding program was conducted at 57 days after calving. Ovsynch (timed breeding program) consisted of two GnRH analogue injections, at 7 days before and 56 hours after PG, followed by insemination, 16 hours after the second GnRH. Cows in 2PG-Ovsynch group (n=55) received two PGs, 14 days apart, followed by ovsynch program 12 days later. Cows in eCG-Ovsynch group (n=55) received eCG (500 IU, IM), 84 hours before ovsynch program. Pregnancy was confirmed 40 d after insemination by rectal palpation. Progesterone concentrations were evaluated at presynchronization, at the first GnRH and at PG of ovsynch program. RESULTS: The respective first service conception rates, days open and service per conception were similar between 2PG-ovsynch (45.45%; 94.0±6.30 days; 1.95) and eCG-ovsynch (40%; 90.1±4.58 days; 1.81) groups (p>0.05). The percentage of cows with high progesterone concentrations increased significantly from the first GnRH (38.2%) until PG (85.4%) in eCG-ovsynch group (p<0.05). The percentage of cows with high progesterone concentrations at the time of PG injection of ovsynch program was greater in eCG-ovsynch (85.4%) compared to 2PG-ovsynch (69%). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of eCG (500 IU), 84 hours prior to ovsynch could optimize timed breeding program biologically, practically and economically in lactating dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the main causative agents of neonatal calf diarrhea. Passive transfer of antibodies that is derived from the dams of the calves through their colostrum plays an important role in disease prevention. OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence of natural specific antibodies against K99 antigen in dam’s serum and colostrum as well as in calf’s serum and examined the association between bacteriological and serological aspects for ETEC K99+ and calf diarrhea. METHODS: A specific PCR assay was used to detect K99-positive E. coli in fecal samples from two groups of normal and diarrheic calves. Specific antibodies against K99 fimbriae in dam serum, colostrum and calf serum were studied using indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the antibody titer in normal and diarrheic groups. Significant differences were observed between normal and diarrheic calves in their serum anti-K99 titers (P =0.0005), their dams (P =0.0005) and colostrum (P =0.001), in which anti-K99 titer in dam’s serum and colostrum was higher in diarrheic group, but in calf’s serum was higher in normal group. CONCLUSIONS: Although anti-K99 antibody levels in diarrheic calves was less than normal calves, there is no correlation between the level of these antibodies and disease occurrence. This study suggests that anti-K99 antibodies do not solely promote immunity to ETEC infections.

Background: Fat supplementation in ruminants ration often adversely affect dry matter intake (DMI), rumen fermentation and nutrients digestion. Basal diet ingredients is an undeniable determinant of ruminants responses including performance, chewing behaviour and nutrient digestibility to fat supplementation. Objective: Current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Fish oil (FO) supplementation under different proportion of alfalfa hay (AH) and corn silage (CS) in ration on performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility and chewing behaviour of Holstein young bulls. Methods: Thirty six Holstein young bulls were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with 2 levels of AH proportion (10 and 20 % of AH versus 20 and 10 % of dietary CS) combined with 3 levels of FO supplement (0, 1 and 2.1% of dietary dry matter). Calves were fed TMR consisting of 30 % of forage and 70 % of barley grain-based concentrate mix (dry matter basis). The experiment lasted for 90 days. Results: Dry matter intake was not affected by interaction of AH proportion and FO supplementation. Higher dietary CS proportion caused more DMI regardless of FO supplementation (8.71 versus 8.00 kg/d respectively for treatments with high and low CS proportion; P < 0.01). Highest level of FO reduced DMI regardless of AH proportion (8.65, 8.52 and 7.90 kg/d respectively for 0, 1 and 2.1 % of FO; P < 0.01). Rumen fermentation and nutrients digestibility were not affected by dietary treatments. Rumination times per kg of dry matter (DM) and physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) > 1.18 were increased in response to FO supplementation regardless of AH proportion (P < 0.01). High AH proportion showed lower total chewing activity and total rumination time (P < 0.01), higher chewing activity per kg of peNDF > 1.18 intake and eating times per kg of DM and peNDF > 1.18 intake (P < 0.01) regardless of FO supplementation. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that AH can be replaced by CS to prevent depression in DMI and stimulate chewing activity in the case of fat supplementation.

Background: Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic agents known to infect humans and a wide range of animals, including poultry. Salmonella Infantis has been one of the 15 most frequently isolated serovars throughout the world. Despite its clinical importance, little is known about the molecular characteristics of S. Infantis strains from Iran. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was mainly to type a number of S. Infantis isolates obtained from Iranian poultry flocks in the last decade by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). METHODS: Forty five Salmonella Infantis isolates, mostly from poultry origin, were subjected to PFGE according to protocol of the CDC PulseNet. RESULTS: PFGE revealed 27 pulsotypes and eight clusters among 45 isolates based on the number of observed bands among the pulsotypes. The distribution of 45 isolates among the 27 pulsotypes was variable and included from one to nine isolates. One pulsotype included nine (20%) isolates. The genotypic similarity among 45 isolates was more than 90%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the value of PFGE in determining the genotypic similarity among S. Infantis isolates. The high genotypic similarity shown by PFGE among the S. Infantis isolates of this study suggested that the majority of S. Infantis isolates studied may have descended from a common ancestor that has differed little and is responsible for the contamination of poultry flocks and possibly humans as well

Background: Newborn gender ratio is one of the most important factors in livestock industry. This ratio has affected on economic condition and controls sex-linked genetically transferred diseases. Offspring sex ratio is affected by such various factors. One of these factors is the Y to X bearing sperm ratio in normal semen that is called primary sex ratio, season and individual differences are important factors that can have an effect on primary sex ratio. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate two main effective factors, Individual difference and season, on proportion of sperms containing Y-chromosomes to sperms containing X-chromosomes in bull semen. METHODS: Semens were collected from 16 bulls during summer (Jul-Aug) and winter (Dec. to Jun). After sperm analysis, DNAs were extracted and Real-time PCR performed using three sets of primers to study SRY (Y-chromosome specific sequence), PLP (X-chromosome specific sequence) and PAR (Housekeeping) genes. RESULTS: The results showed that the sex ratio of sperms in normal ejaculation was not equal in different bulls.  Moreover, season can affect primary sex ratio. Y-bearing sperm increase in summer. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the primary sex ratio is affected by individual differences and season. We also suggested using Northern blotting on PCR products to confirm results.