BACKGROUND: Based on the information no research has been done on the identification and isolation of anaerobic fungi in the Baloochi sheep’s rumen in the dry climate up to now. Objectives: The purpose of this research was the separation and study of the appearance morphology of anaerobic fungi in the Baloochi sheep’s rumen in Sistan region. Methods: The semi-defined medium environment was used in this research for cultivation, separation and purification of anaerobic fungi. Sampling from the solid and liquid contents of 50 Baloochi sheep was done randomly in Zabol slaughterhouse and these samples were used as the source of fungus to inoculation to culture. The roll bottle method was used for purification of rumen fungi. The antibiotic solutions (ampicillin, penicillin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol) were used for inhibiting growth of bacteria. Samples of pure fungi were transferred to culture and were observed after growth in glass slide with light microscope. The separated fungi were all monocentric and had rhizoid. Results: With regard to morphologic characteristics the genera of Neocallimastix and Piromyces and species of Piromyces communis, Piromyces minutus, Piromyces rhizinflata, Caecomyces communis was isolated in rumen of Baloochi sheep. Conclusions: With identification of these fungi species in rumen of Baloochi sheep, it is recommended to perform molecular test and enzyme extraction for further survey of characteristics in future research.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous chickens could serve as precious genetic resources that should be considered in conservation and breeding programs. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) has a strong association to disease resistance/susceptibility, production and reproduction traits in chicken. Therefore, identifying its polymorphism in populations under selective breeding could be used for selection of disease resistant and higher productive breeds. MHC association with quantitative traits could be  a result of its linkage with causative genes controlling these traits. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a candidate marker for phenotypic traits in chicken which are associated with important production and reproduction features. Objectives: Based on this hypothesis, MHC polymorphism and its association to IGF1 gene (as a marker for production traits) were investigated in Khorasan indigenous chicken. Methods: In total, 313 DNA samples that belonged to the Khorasan indigenous chicken were analyzed. LEI0258 microsatellite marker and fragment analysis method was used for MHC genotyping. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the IGF1 5’-UTR was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and PstI restriction endonuclease enzyme. Linkage disequilibrium between MHC and IGF1 loci were also determined using SAS/Genetics software and likelihood ratio test. Results: Collectively, 25 different alleles (185-493 bp) and 76 genotypes of LEI0258 microsatellite were identified in Khorasan population. Two alleles, A (PstI -) and B (PstI +) and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were identified for IGF1 gene. Significant linkage disequilibrium (p=0.0083) was observed between LEI0258 and IGF1 loci in this population. Conclusions: These results indicate a high MHC genetic diversity in Khorasan indigenous chicken as a valuable genetic resource. Results from MHC/IGF1 linkage study confirm the hypothesis that MHC association with production traits could be as a result of MHC linkage with causative genes controlling the traits.

BACKGROUND: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a biological product that has shown significant therapeutic results compared to synthetic drugs and some traditional methods. The advantages of this method include: PRP, compared to other biological materials, is easily prepared in clinic and the safety is high as well. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the evaluation of histomorphometric properties after injection of plasma. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group (normal saline), PRP and PPP (Platelet-Poor Plasma) groups. In order to prepare PRP and PPP, blood samples (1cc) were collected through cardiac puncture and were centrifuged. The upper layer consisted of PPP and lower layer consisted of PRP. The 2% calcium gluconate solution (100 µl) was added to platelet-rich plasma (200 µl) layer to activate platelet. After seven days, the dorsal skin samples were collected. They are cut into 5 to 6 μm thickness sections using paraffin embedding method and were stained by hematoxylin, eosin and Masson’s trichrome. The epidermis, dermis and hypodermis layers of skin, the epithelial thickness of hair root sheath, maximum depth of hair follicles, the thickness of the whole skin, the number of sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the specified scale, finally the number of fibroblast cells and the percent distribution of connective tissue fibers were investigated in histometric structure of the skin and skin appendages. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that systematic and controlled PRP may have beneficial effects on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the skin and its appendages. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that growth factors in plasma especially PRP, could be stimulated connective tissue fibroblast of dermal layer in the skin.

BACKGROUND: The most common metal used in the body is iron and since it may produce ROS, it could potentially be a dangerous substance. OBJECTIVES: Regarding the side effects of nanomaterials such as nano iron particles and possibility of environmental contamination including air pollution with nanoscale iron particle, this study was designed to compare the effects of conventional iron oxide with iron oxide nanoparticles, on certain indexes of ovarian tissue in a rat experimental model. METHODS: This animal model was carried out in 5 groups of female rats, including control, iron oxide (15 mg) and iron oxide nanoparticles (5, 15 and 30 mg). The drugs were intraperitoneally injected daily for 16 days. On the seventeenth day the rats were euthanized by chloroform. Ovarian tissue was removed, and histological changes and iron accumulation were assessed by special staining and light microscopy. RESULTS: According to our findings, folliculogenesis was decreased in all groups receiving iron. The number of corpus luteum in the groups receiving different doses of nanoparticle was reduced and the number of atretic follicles was significantly increased in all groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, probably iron nanoparticles with impaired cellular oxidative pathways, reduces the number of follicles and corpus luteum and increase atretic follicles by producing oxygen free radicals and destructing microfilaments. This can cause a negative effect on the fertility of female rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of melatonin on semen quality and quantity changes and increase of reproductive efficiency in Lori-Bakhtiari ram in the non-reproductive season. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on testicular size and semen qualitative and quantitative changes in the non-breeding season is Lori-Bakhtiari rams. METHODS: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on the quantity and quality of semen and testicular diameter in 8 Lori- Bakhtiari rams (4 control rams and 4 treatment rams) for 10 weeks during spring 2013. Each ram in the treatment group was received three tablets of 18 mg implantable melatonin subcutaneously at the base of ear after 5 weeks from the start of the trial. RESULTS: Semen parameters and testicular diameter measurements were evaluated on a weekly basis. No significant differences were observed between 2 groups before melatonin implanting. A significant difference was observed after melatonin implanting between 2 groups in the mean of testicular diameter (treatment: 33.5±0.25 and control: 30.67±0.07 cm), in semen volume (treatment: 1.34±0.03 and control: 0.87± 0.04 ml) and in sperm concentration (treatment: 1.76±0.05 and control: 1.37±0.04 109/ml) (p<0.05). However, other parameters including average of lives sperm percentage, total sperm motility, sperm progressive movement and percentage of abnormal sperm were not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this experiment showed that the use of melatonin in the non-reproductive season resulted in increase of testicular size, semen volume and sperm concentration in Lori-Bakhtiari ram. However, the rest of the semen parameters have not been affected.

BACKGROUND: Glutamine supplementation to the pre-starter diet of broiler chicks could improve their performance during the first week of post-hatch. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of glutamine levels in the pre-starter diet on intestinal mucosa morphology and performance of broiler chicks. METHOD: A total of 160 Ross 308, one-day old broilers were used in a complete randomized block design with 3 treatments of 5 replicates. Diets were formulated to contain different levels of glutamine (0, 0.5 and 1%). Body weight and feed intake were measured at 6 and 13d. On d 0, 3, 6 and 13 post hatch, 2 birds per each replicate were weighted and killed, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were taken subsequently. RESULTS: Supplementation of diets with 1% glutamine improved growth performance and feed efficiency at 6 and 13 day post hatch (p<0.05). On d 3 and 6, glutamine supplementation increased villi height and width in the small intestinal significantly (p<0.05). On d 13, chicks fed glutamine added diet had a longer villi height and width than those fed the basal diet (p<0.05). Glutamine supplementation has also decreased crypt depth of jejunum and ileum at 3, 6 and 13, but increased crypt depth in duodenum at 3 and 6 d of age (p<0.05). Increase in glutamine levels of pre-starter diet increased villi height relative crypt depth of jejunum and ileum at 3 and 6 d of age. On d 13, chicks fed diet contain 1% glutamine had a higher villi height relative crypt depth than those fed the basal diet. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of 1% glutamine to the pre-starter diets improved broiler growth performance and resulted in better development of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks.

BACKGROUND: The modern dairy cows, due to intensive selection for higher milk production during past decades, have become more resistant to insulin. Accompanied with DMI depression in per parturient dairy cow, insulin resistance may lead to a massive release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) to bloodstream which might act as a start point for development of other diseases. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate potentiality of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) of marine or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of plant origin to correct the insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids in cultured bovine adipocytes. METHODS: Fatty acids from different oils were isolated using KOH and were mixed together with different proportions to obtain the following profiles: 1) saturated fatty acids (SFA); 2); saturated fatty acids+n-6/n-3 PUFA (medium chain) at ratio of 1:1 (SFA-MC1:1)and3) saturated fatty acids + n-6/n-3 PUFA (long chain) at ratio of 1:1 (SFA-LC 1:1). Adipocytes were cultured for 48 in the presence of treatments and after the incubation period an epinephrine challenge was applied to stimulate lipolysis. In the adjacent culture plates for each treatment insulin was added along with epinephrine challenge in different concentrations to test sensitivity of adipocytes to insulin. After conducting insulin sensitivity test, a sample was taken from culture media and analyzed for glycerol concentration as an index of lipolysis. RESULTS: Results indicated that saturated fatty acids effectively induced insulin resistance in adipocytes. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil had a significant preventive effect on insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids so that increasing insulin concentration linearly increased the response of adipocytes to insulin in treatment LC-SFA 1:1. Shorter chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of plant origin did not show such effects on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. ConclusionS: n-3 fatty acids from fish oil improved bovine adipocyte sensitivity to insulin but shorter chain n-3 fatty acids did not show this ability.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of electrolytes levels and water in fish is very important because of its vast permeable surfaces that are in contact with the environment. Therefore, for homeostasis and osmoregulation, various adaptation mechanisms at different biological levels have  been developed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the changes and adaptations of mitochondria-rich cells as an important cellular response to these changes.This was influenced by different environmental salinities in fish Sparidentex hasta which are very important economic species in the southern region of the country. METHODS: 180 fish, aged three months, 20 - 25 cm in length and weighing about 150 gr were exposed  directly to different concentrations of salt (5, 20, 40 and 60 ppt) for 1 week. Localization of the Na +, K +-ATPase in mitochondria-rich cells in gill epithelial were studied in different environmental salinities during the adaptation period.  was performed by using IgGα5 as immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: NKA localization showed that the mitochondria-rich cells are in the filament and rarely in lamellar epithelium. Intensity reactive of the antibody used during the period showed an increase  in 5 and 60 ppt and decrease  in 40 ppt. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, tolerance and compatibility of Sparidentex hasta to salinity changes are due to rapid changes in mitochondria-rich cells to regulate the entry and exit of water and electrolytes. So to adapt with the new condition of environment some changes in the apical openings appear that regulate the amount of the carrier electrolyte enzymes in basolateral membrane. It also causes adaption of mitochondria activity to the new condition.

BACKGROUND: Strepotococcosis caused by Streptococcus iniae is one of the important emerging bacterial diseases in aquaculture sector worldwide. ObjectiveS: In this study, the genetic diversity of S. iniae strains was assessed in some rainbow trout farms in Iran. Methods: Gram positive and catalase negative bacterial isolates were first obtained from 100 trout fish farms in 8 states using routine bacteriological and molecular (PCR) works. The genetic diversity of these bacterial isolates was then assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Results: Seventy-seven strains of Gram positive and catalase negative cocci were isolated from diseased trout. PCR analysis resulted in identification of 27 strains as S. iniae. RFLP analysis of these strains using 9 digestive enzymes resulted in production of 29 bands with different molecular weight (62-940bp).  Phylogenetic relationship of these strains grouped them in two distinct clusters. Twenty-six strains from Tehran, Mazandaran, Gilan, Lorstan, Fars and Charmaha-va-Bakhtiary provinces showed high homogeneous similarity above 99%, while one strain from Mazandaran province showed some differences with other strains. ConclusionS: S. iniae isolates in trout aquaculture in Iran possess  low genetic diversity.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is a lipid soluble vitamin which can be stored in the body organs (especially in liver) and its supply is only through ration. Objectives: The present study has been conducted to evaluate vitamin A status of feedlot cattle in the city of Garmsar and impact of season and nutritional management on it. Methods: During the study 100 blood samples were taken from feedlot cattle of 6 farms in cold seasons of one year and 100 samples from 5 farms in warm seasons of the same year. Also, 50 blood and liver samples of slaughtered feedlot cattle were taken from Garmsar slaughter house in each of the mentioned seasons. Serum and hepatic tissue concentrations of vitamin A and beta carotene were measured by using standard biochemical methods. Student’s t-test and Tukey’s HSD tests were used for analysis  of the results and  pResults: The results of present study showed that mean serum and hepatic concentration of vitamin A in feedlot cattle in the city of Garmsar was in defined normal range for cattle and these animals did not show any vitamin A deficiency, but mean serum beta carotene concentration was at a very low level and lower than defined normal range for this species. Mean serum vitamin A concentration of feedlot cattle in cold seasons was significantly higher than that in warm seasons (p<0.05), conversely serum beta carotene concentration of feedlot cattle during warm seasons was significantly higher than that in cold seasons (p<0.05). However, comparing vitamin A concentration of liver tissues of feedlot cattle in cold and warm seasons did not show any significant difference (p>0.05).  ConclusionS: From the results of the present study it can be concluded that serum and hepatic concentration of vitamin A in feedlot cattle of the city of Garmsar was in normal reference range of cattle, and in spite of very low concentration of serum beta carotene concentration, due to supplementation of this vitamin in feed, vitamin A deficiency did not occur in these cattle.