BACKGROUND: In nature, there are herbal extracts, while capable of reducing aflatoxin B1 in agricultural product by different mechanisms, may also act as growth promoters. OBJECTIVES: In this study, aqueous extract of T. daenensis was evaluated to detoxify contaminated feed with aflatoxin B1 and to determine the effect of growth promoters in Japanese quail. METHODS: To this purpose, at 24 d of age, quails were separated by sex and 80 male quails were randomly divided into experimental units with equal weight and number. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1. basal diet (B), 2. B + AFB1 (500 mg/kg of feed), 3. B + aqueous extract of T. daenensis (2000 mg/kg of feed), 4. B + AFB1 (500 mg/kg of feed) + aqueous extract of T. daenensis (2000 mg/kg of feed). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and serum total protein were determined at day 45. RESULTS: The results showed that aflatoxin significantly decreased feed intake, body weight gain and total blood protein but increased FCR (p<0.05). The extract significantly increased feed intake and body weight gain, but decreased FCR (p<0.05). The extract did not have any effect on total blood protein. There was an interaction effect between aflatoxin and extract (p<0.05), so that feed intake, body weight gain, FCR and total blood protein were improved in birds offered diet with aflatoxin and extract. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, the extract has improved the performance in birds and the negative effect of aflatoxin on performance was significantly decreased in birds offered diet with the extract.

BACKGROUND: Considering differences in head size and shape of different Equine breeds, biometric parameters can be an attribute to a particular race. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present paper is to give a numerical definition of morphological characteristics of head region of the Darehshori horse. METHODS: Twenty mature Darehshori horses were studied biometrically. The ear length, ears distance, eyes distance, head length, lateral head length, head width, rostrum length, distance between two mandibles and lateral face length were measured and the averages were calculated. RESULTS: The average of the related characters were as follow; ear length 16.89, ears distance 12.12, eyes distance 15.79, head length 55.26, lateral head length 49.33, head width 20.42, rostrum length 23.68, distance between two mandibles 10.82 and lateral face length 39.88 centimeter. CONLUSIONS: The coefficient of variation of these characters showed that the head length, lateral face length and lateral head length are more reliable characters than the other indices in characterizing the Darehshori horse.

BACKGROUND: The hazardous nature of aflatoxins to human and animals necessitate the establishment of control measures. ObjectiveS: The effect of two medicinal plants, Satureja khozistanica and Satureja macrosiphon, was studied on inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and reducing aflatoxin B1-content in the liquid medium. Methods: Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation method, using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Various extracts of plant materials were macerated with various extraction solvents (ethanol, ethanol70% and water extracts). Essential oils (0, 62/5, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg/l) and various extracts (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 6000 mg/l) of S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphon were examined for reducing A. flavus growth and it’s AFB1-content in the liquid medium. Amount of aflatoxinB1 was evaluated by high performance thin layer chromatographymethod. Results: Essential oil of S. khozistanica at the concentration of 375 mg/l as well as its ethanol and ethanol 70% extracts at 4000 and 6000 mg/l  respectively caused complete inhibition of fungus mycelial growth, whereas essential oil and extracts of S. macrosiphon couldn’t inhibit Aspergillus growth completely even at the maximum concentration. Essential oils of S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphonia at the concentration of 250 mg/l reduced AFB1-production 98 and 33.52% respectively. Various Extracts of S. khozistanica exhibited stronger anti-AFB1-biosyntesis activity than those of S. macrosiphon, so that, ethanol, ehanol70% and aqueous extracts of S. khozistanica at 4000 mg/l reduced 100, 96 and 32.37% of AFB1-production, respectively. On the contrary, essential oils, ethanol and ehanol70% extracts of both plants couldn’t significantly degrade AFB1-contamination, whereas aqueous extractsof S. khozistanica and S. macrosiphonia at the concentration of 4000 mg/l resulted in degradation of 25 and 32.16% AFB1-content, respectively. ConclusionS: In general, Essential oil and ethanol extract of S. khozistanica considerably inhibited A. flavus growth as well as AFB1-biosynthesis while aqueous extract of S. macrosiphon showed strong AFB1-degradation activity.

BACKGROUND: Granuloca cells have a key role during estroeidogenesis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of number of culture medium granulosa cells on estradiol concentrations and mRNA codding estrogenic and progestagenic enzyme. METHODS: Briefly, follicles between 2 and 5 mm diameter were dissected from the ovaries of adult cows and were collected by rinsing the follicle walls with Dulbecco Modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12). The number of cells was counted with a haemocytometer and the viable cells were assessed by the dye exclusion method using 0.4% Trypan Blue. Treatments were 1) 500,000 cell/500 ml, 2) 250,000 cell/500 ml, 3) 500,000 cell/200 ml 4) 250,000 cell/ 200 ml.  All data were analyzed by JMP (SAS). RESULTS: Low plating density increased E2 secretion and mRNA encoding LHR, FSHR and estrogenic enzymes (17βHSD, CYP19), whereas decreased mRNA encoding GADD45β. There were no differences among treatments for RNA and protein concentration. Low plating density also decreased protein amount but there was no difference among treatments for RNA amount. In conclusion, decreased cell density cause increase in mRNA encoding codding estrogenic enzyme gene expression and decrease in mRNA encoding progestagenic enzyme gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Protein concentrations did not changed with decreased cell density therefore we can save cells against harmful effect of increasing cell density.

BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in regulation and control of the immune responses to infectious diseases. Due to its polymorphism, individual differences in response to vaccines have been observed in different chicken populations. Studying the association of chicken MHC with immune response to vaccines will help the control of infectious disease and vaccination success. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the MHC polymorphism and its association with antibody response against infectious bursal disease (Gumboro), Newcastle (ND) and Influenza (AI) vaccines in Khorasan native chickens. Methods: Diversity of LEI0258 microsatellite marker (MHC genotyping) was investigated by fragment analysis method. Antibody titer against IBD was measured by ELISA and antibody titers against ND and AI vaccines were measured by Haemaglutination Inhibition (HI) assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21). Univariate regression analysis was performed using weighted least squares with weight number of progeny mean data. Results: Total of 13 LEI0258 microsatellite alleles were identified in Khorasan native chickens which indicated a high genetic diversity in the population. The allele 361 bp had the highest (28.48%) and the allele 350 bp had the lowest (0.69%) frequency, respectively. In evaluating the association of MHC with immune responses, 311 and 313 bp alleles were significantly associated with elevated immune responses to Newcastle vaccine, while allele 266 bp was associated with lower IBDV antibody titers (p<0.05). ConclusionS: According to the important role of MHC in controlling infectious disease resistance or susceptibility and quality of immune responses, these results could be used for selection and improving the populations under selective breeding.

BACKGROUND: Application of different sources of fatty acids and their effect on ovarian performance is a current issue in animal science and research centers. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different fatty acids in close-up period on population and size of follicles and measuring blood parameters related to the energy state of the body after calving of lactating dairy cows. METHODS: In this study 15 Holstein cows were selected by expected date of parturition (around 30 days before calving) and assigned them randomly within treatments diets. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. Cows were fed 1) control (carbohydrate source), 2) Rumen-protected fat (RF) (saturated fatty acids) and 3) Roasted Soybean (RS) (unsaturated fatty acids). Blood sample was collected at 7 day intervals in -21, -14, -7, 1, 7, 14, 21 periods of calving. Also dry matter intake and body condition score cows were recorded. Ovarian activity was monitored by daily transrectal ultrasound scanning from 30 to 40 and 61 to 70 DIM. RESULTS: Average plasma glucose and cholesterol concentration were significantly different among treatment groups. Numerically, follicular classes were higher in cows, fed with fat diet compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this experiment, it seems that application of polyunsaturated fatty acids, to improve the energy and ultimately the function of the ovaries, has more advantage than saturated fatty acids.

Neuroendocrine cells are of the peptide and amine secreting cells and because of endodermal origin, exist in respiratory and gastrointestinal system. The report confirms the presence of a tumor using immunohistochemical methods. A hepatic mass was detected in a 10-year-old male mixed–breed dog which was referred with clinical history of frequent vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and syncope. Biochemical and hematological abnormalities included elevation of ALT and AST levels, leukocytosis and anemia. Radiographically the large hepatic mass and multifocal metastatic nodular areas in the other organs were observed. At necropsy the liver had a multilobulated firm mass involving whole caudate lobe of the liver. On the cut section, the tumor was grey sanguineous with hemorrhagic surface and numerous necrotic foci. Microscopically, there were unencapsulated, highly cellular neoplastic proliferations with few hemorrhagic foci in the liver that had a trabecular pattern to Rosette formation which were separated by a fibrovascularstroma. The neoplastic cells were round to oval, with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei. Metastases were observed in lungs, kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes and even in the arteries of the tunica albuginae of the testes. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for NSE and S100 protein. They were negative for CEA, Chromogranine A, CD34, AE1/AE3, CK20 and Hepatic Antigen (HA). Negative CEA, CK20, CD34 and HA disproved the probability for collangiocarcinoma, metastatic carcinoma, hematopoietic and vascular origin and hepatocellular carcinoma of this tumor respectively. Immunohistochemical demonstration of NSE and S100 protein supported the diagnosis of the Carcinoid like. However, negative reaction for Chromogranine A does not disprove neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite which belongs to apicomplexa phylum. The parasite infects both wild and domesticated animals and human beings as well. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to detect oocyst shedding and diarrhea pattern in experimental cryptosporidiosis and their correlation with weight loss in neonatal calves. METHODS: Twelve Holstein calves of both sexes were obtained at birth from dairy farm and randomly divided into two groups of 6 calves. Six calves were orally infected with 107 C.Parvum oocysts at the 12h post parturition. The control group was not infected. Clinical signs were examined and fecal samples were collected by the rectal examination twice a day. All calves were weighed from day 0 to day 30 with 3 days intervals to determine effects of cryptosporidiosis on weight gain. RESULTS: All infected calves were noticeably depressed and had a decreased appetite from 3 days post inoculation (DPI) while they received colostrum. Subsequently, watery diarrhea with clumps of mucus and yellow or pale changes of feces color were observed. The infected calves have had diarrhea for 5-8 days that remarkably had got dehydrated. The most severity of diarrhea was 4-6 DPI. Oocyst excretion started 4 DPI, peaked at 6 DPI (60.48×106±9.03oocysts/g feces) and continued until 11 DPI. Control calves had no diarrhea and other clinical signs during the whole period of the trial. The mean weight gain of control group was significantly higher than inoculated group during experiment (p<0.001). The Weight of the infected calves was retarded until 9 days old and then risen subsequently. CONCLUSIONS: Present study showed the role of C.Parvum as the primary cause of diarrhea and weight loss among neonatal calves.

BACKGROUND: Eimeria infection is an important part of protozoal infection in ruminants which causes economic lost in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. Therefore it is important to implement effective control programs on the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in livestocks. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine prevalence and Eimeria species diversity in dairy cattle with different age groups under industrial management. METHODS: The present study was carried out in industrial cattle husbandry of Kangavar suburban of Kermanshah province, Iran, from spring 2011 to 2012. A total of 307 fresh fecal samples were randomly collected from the rectum of examined animals. The fecal specimens were subjected for flotation technique and collect Eimeria oocysts. The intensity of infection was determined using McMater method. Eimeria species diversity and frequency was also determined by using oocyst sporulation technique in 2.5% potassium dichromate. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 31.92% (98 out of 307). The highest prevalence was found in dairy cattle (37%) with 1-3 years old. There was no significant difference between prevalence and different age groups. The highest frequency was significantly in spring (41.66%). The intensity was variable in examined animals which ranged from 3.18×103 to 2.71×105. There was no significant difference between the prevalence and intensity in all age groups. Fecal consistency findings revealed that the highest infection was significantly in dairy cattle with normal fecal consistency in all age groups. According to Laboratory identification, a number of seven Eimeria species were detected in all infected animals. The most common specie was E. zuernii (28.25%) in 5% dairy cattle (1-3 years-old) in spring (30%) and summer (30%). There was significant association between frequency of Eimeria infection and each season during the course of the study. All infected cattle had mixed infections with two (42.85%) and three (3.15%) species of Eimeria. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that cattle Eimeria infection was a problem in dairy cattle of industrial farms in the region. Attention should be paid within seasonal infection in young cattle to avoid probable clinical coccidiosis, particularly in farms with poor hygienic conditions and no prophylactic treatments.

CASE HISTORY: Equine coital exanthema caused by Equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3) was reported in 1900. At the present time, it has become epidemic among horses. The virus could be transmitted via insemination, iatrogenic, and it basically infects the squamous epithelium of the epidermis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In the first week of January 2012 two mature male horses and a mare were imported from Netherland and kept in a stable of a horse riding club located around Tehran. In the first week of December, these animals manifested clinical signs of high fever with repeated intermittently for two times. During this period, one of the male horses developed exanthematous lesions on the penis and perinea tissues which depigmented later. Biopsy specimens obtained from the lesion processed for histopathological examination were stained with Harris H α E and nuclear fast Red methods. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: Microscopically, ballooning degeneration of squumous epithelium, acantholysis, epithelial ulcers accompanied by multiple bacterial colonies and the herpes virus intranuclear inclusion bodies with margination of nuclear chromatin were evident. Obviously the horse had EHV3 infection and the stresses resulted from high fever led to the reappearance of genital exanthematous lesions. ASSESSMENTS: In spite of the contagious nature of the infection, the native horses kept in the same stable did not manifest any clinical sings of the infection and therefore the disease could be native. Since the EHV2 infection first affects upper respiratory infection with a high fever course and then induces viremia with another high fever period so it might be speculated that the primary disease of the Netherland horses caused by the EHV2 infection.