BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in pigeons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: Fourteen pigeons after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, scapula, clavicle, and coracoid were observed after 7th and sternum at 14th day in all specimens. Bones of the humerus, hadius, hlna, hetacarpus II, hetacarpus III, hetacarpus IV, and proximal phalanx of digit III were observed after the 7th  day and radial carpal bone, ulnar carpal bone, proximal phalanx of digit II, distal phalanx of digit II, and distal phalanx of digit III at the 14th  day and head of humerus, ventral tubercle of humerus, phalanx of digit IV, and dorsal tubercle of humerus at 21st and ventral condyle of humerus and dorsal condyle of humerus at 28th. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in all 1st day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after the 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in all the samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, time taken to complete the ossification process and the formation of all parts of pectoral limb girdle and wing is 28 days after hatching.

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: Safflower plant can be used in fish due to its antioxidant properties. In the present study, the side effects of intraperitoneal injection of safflower extract in rainbow trout have been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The effect of the intraperitoneal injection of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) extract on Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase as tissue damage indicators and also the histopathologic analysis of kidney and liver tissues in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been investigated. METHODS: To this end, rainbow trout with an average weight of 100 ±5 gr were supplied and intraperitoneally injected with different levels of Safflower extract. In this regard, one negative control group (with no injection), one positive control group (injected with 0.2 ml normal saline) and three treatment groups (injected with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kgbw of safflower extract, respectively) were considered. Blood samples were taken on the third, seventh and tenth days after injection, in order to isolate blood serums and analyze the ALP, ALATA and ASAT activities. Kidney and liver tissue samples were also taken on the seventh-day post injection. RESULTS: The levels of ALP, ALATA and ASAT activities significantly increased in all treatment groups that received safflower extract compared to control groups in all samples (sig<0.05). In histological analysis typical pathologic effects were recorded in kidney and liver tissue sections. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal injection of Safflower extract at dosages of 50-200 mg/kgbw led to damage in the liver and kidney tissues, so that the concentration of 200 mg / L had severe histological complications in these tissues. Hence some limitations must be taken into account for using this extract as immune-stimulant or vaccine adjuvant.

BACKGROUND: In order to compensate for the elimination of antibiotics from the poultry industry, finding suitable alternatives to improve the productive traits and the health of the birds is essential. Among them, naturally occurring compounds and additives are one of the best options in this regard. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium humate and probiotic application and their interactions on feeding broiler chicks on biochemical, immunological and blood metabolites of broiler chicks. METHODS: 336 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used from 1 to 42 days old. A 3×2 factorial experiment on the basis of completely randomized design was done with four replications. Experimental factors were: three sodium humate levels (0, 0.35 and 0.45% of diet) and two probiotic levels (0 and 0.02% of diet). RESULTS: The best feed conversion ratio was obtained at the finisher 1 and 2 and the whole period at the use of 0.35% of diet (P ≤0.05). The highest live weight of the last course was obtained in the treatment of 0.35% sodium humate in diet (P ≤0.05). The production index improved at a level of 0.35% of sodium humate compared to other treatments (P ≤0.05). The percentage of carcass was higher in the group receiving probiotic and sodium humate than the control group. The abdominal fat pad percentage was lower in the probiotic and humate sodium group than in the control group (P<0.05). In terms of interactions, villi length was highest in treatments receiving 0.35 of sodium humate and 0.02% of probiotic in  diet, as well as 0.45%  of sodium humate and 0.02%  probiotic in  diet (P<0.05). The highest levels of SRBC and G-type immunoglobulin were obtained in groups receiving 0.45% sodium humate and 0.02% probiotic in diet. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, use of sodium humate about 0.35% and probiotic 0.02% in diet of broiler chicks improves the growth performance, carcass traits  and morphological characteristics of the intestine.

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.

Backgrounds: Avian Influenza is viruses from the Orthomyxovirida family. This disease, in poultry, turkey, and many other birds caused by different subtypes of type A influenza virus.Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate probability infections of H5 and H7 subtypes of AI viruses in commercial and backyard poultry in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Iran’s commercial and domestic poultry from September to December in 2013. The samples were examined with the HI test to differentiate H5&amp; H7. A total of 1315 premises and 29058 birds were sampled. Results: All premises were negative for H7 subtype and five premises (3 broiler breeders and 2 villages) out of 1315 were positive in HI test. All the collected swab samples from H5 seropositive premises were PCR negative for detection of H5. The results of our study showed that existing live bird marketing with OR=19.68(CI 95% 2.18-177.38) and existing duck farm within up to a 3 km radius with OR=11.33 (CI 95% 1.30-96.68) were risk factors for H5 sub type. Conclusions: Based on live bird marketing role in transmission and spreading of Influenza viruses specially at the time of migration season in country and the probability of hunting and selling of them at these markets, continuous monitoring of these markets for early detection of probable infections and preventing the spread of infection to other poultry is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary toxic metabolite produced by some Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and A. parasiticus that contaminate feedstuffs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of the concentrate and corn silage samples to toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin B1 in cattle farms of Yazd province in Iran. METHODS: A total of 80 samples of concentrated feeds and 80 samples of silage feeds were collected from cattle breeding farms of 4 cities in Yazd province in winter and spring seasons (40 samples in each season and one sample from each cattle farm). The samples were cultured on mycological media in order to isolate and determine the amount of the toxigenic fungi. Concurrently, the content of AFB1 was measured in feedstuff samples using ELISA technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that the most frequent fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp. (49.3%), Penicillium spp. (23%), Mucor spp. (22.3%) and Fusarium spp. (4.8%) in winter and Aspergillus spp. (46.9%), Penicillium spp. (21.8%), Mucor spp. (28.5%) and Fusarium spp. (2.8%) in spring from all understudy feedstuffs. The mean of AFB1 in feedstuffs were 0.25 and 0.21 µg/kg in winter and spring, respectively. According to statistical analysis of the results, significant differences were observed between the frequency of Aspergillus isolates and other fungal species (p<0.05) and also between toxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, with other isolated fungi (p<0.05). Among toxigenic fungi, significant differences were observed between Aspergillus and Penicillium species, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and Penicillium and Fusarium species (p<0.05). Significant relationship was observed between the amount of toxigenic fungi and AFB1 in feedstuffs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained by this study show that rapid and specific detection of aflatoxigenic fungi is essential to ensure the mycological safety of animal feedstuffs.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia and resultant hypoxia can cause a dysfunction in the body functions. Iron delivered from hemolysis of erythrocytes can also stimulate oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of crocin on renal quality in animals that were exposed against hemolytic anemia induced by phenilhydrazine. METHODS: Forty-nine male and adult mice (20 – 25 g) were grouped within 7 groups. First group was control and treated with normal saline, and test groups were nominated as 2, 3, and 4 and were treated with phenyl hydrazine 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h (i.p.). Animals in groups 5, 6, and 7 were treated with crocin (200 mg/k/day, i.p.) in addition of 2, 4, and 6 mg/100g/48 h phenyl hydrazine. After 35 days, the blood samples were collected directly from the heart and after centrifugation (5 min and 3000 rpm), the serum samples were subjected to evaluate the Malondialehyde (MAD) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and renal were fixed in 10% formal saline for Paraffin sections. After tissue processing sample staining with H&amp;E method. RESULTS: This study showed that hemolytic anemia effects in proximal tubule of renal cortex, elso showed that the phenylhydrazine administration resulted in a dose-dependent declining of TAC and the crocin administration slightly was able to protect from TAC reduction. Moreover, PHN increased MDA level in serum in a dose-dependent manner, while co-administration of crocin with PHN significantly (P<0.05) reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation.while those groups which were treated with crocin showed a remarkable improvement in testis parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a protective effect of Crocin against the anemia-related hypoxia on renal parameters. The protective capacity of Crocin might relate to its known antioxidant power.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, but with a literature review, we did not find report on the field of the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs. METHODS: For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. RESULTS: Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p<0.05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride (105.60±17.49), total cholesterol (119.80±11.39) and LDL-C (36.40±7.57). The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C (36.40±7.57) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profiles, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than chitosan (p<0.05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that although both drugs have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, but the effect of chitosan was lower than atorvastatin, so it is not recommended to use chitosan only. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible mechanism of the drugs.

BACKGROUND:A common problem encountered in veterinary medicine is the euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS(,which refers to a state, where nonthyroidal illness(such as heart diseases)causes suppression of serum concentrations of thyroid hormone without true pathology of the thyroid gland. Chronic valve disease (endocardiosis) is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. About a third of small-breed dogs older than10years of age are affected by heart diseases especially endocardiosis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of some acquired heart diseases (endocardiosis , dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure)on thyroid hormones, some serum biochemical and hematological indices in small breed dogs. METHODS:A total of 50small breed dogs‌ were selected.25 dogs were healthy and 15,7 and 3dogs had endocardiosis, congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy respectively which were confirmed by historical, physical examination, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings. Thyroid hormones (T4, fT4andTSH) were determined by using commercial canine Elisa kits. Serum biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the levels of creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase,troponin I, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also Hematological indices (RBC,WBC,PCV,Hb and differential leukocyte count)were measured. RESULTS: One way ANOVA test showed that there were no significant changes in the serum levels of T4and fT4 in patients versus control group (p>0.05) ,only TSH concentration in dilated cardiomyopathy dogs compared to other groups was significant (p<0.05).Observations showed the creatine phosphokinase activity was significantly elevated in endocardiosis and congestive heart failure dogs in comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy and control groups. The serum concentration of protein significantly was decreased in Congestive heart failure dogs compared with endocardiosis and control dogs. Also, in comparison with the control group, serum level of triglycerides was diminished in Congestive heart failure dogs and blood urea nitrogen concentration significantly was increased in endocardiosis dogs compared with control.There were‌ no significant differences in other biochemical and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS:In our study,euthyroid sick syndrome or hypothyroidism were not seen in small-breed dogs suffering from heart disease. However in dogs with endocardiosis, increasing of serum creatine phosphokinase activity, could be symbol of complexity of heart disease.