BACKGROUND: Faba bean (Vicia faba) is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates that is used as a vegetable ingredient in diet of livestock, poultry and fish, in many countries. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the effects of different levels of faba bean on the serum lipid levels and liver function of farmed beluga sturgeon (Huso huso). Methods: 144 juvenile beluga (82.38 ± 0.83 g) were located into 18 oval tanks (300 L) and triplicate groups were fed by experimental diets inclusion 6 levels of faba bean (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) for 50 days. At the end of the trial, blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of 54 beluga juveniles and some of biochemical parameters (cholesterol and triglycerides) and liver enzymes such as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were investigated. Then nine fish per treatment were sampled to measure Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and liver composition per each treatment. Results: The results showed that by increasing the levels of faba bean in diets ALP, AST and LDH contents were significantly decreased compared to the control treatment (p<0.05). However, the lowest level of ALT (0.76±0.2 U/l) was measured in fish fed with 10% faba bean meal (p<0.05). The moisture and fat contents of liver showed significant difference by increasing the levels of faba bean in diet (p<0.05). No significant differences were shown in cholesterol, triglyceride, HSI, liver protein and liver ash contents (p>0.05). Highly significant positive correlation were observed between total protein, cholesterol, AST, LDH, ALP and liver fat (p<0.01).  Conclusions:  Use of lower levels of faba bean (up to 25%) had no significant effect on serum lipids and no adverse effect on liver function of juvenile beluga.

BACKGROUND: Today the use of natural substances plays a major role in improving the growth and immunity of aquatic organisms. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Iron nanoparticles with Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic on growth parameters and probiotic counts in rainbow trout intestine. METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty fish with 12±0.49 g initial weight were prepared and after acclimatized to the laboratory conditions divided randomly into six groups. First group was selected as control, other groups were fed with a commercial diet supplemented with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 2), 50 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 3), 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 4), 50 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 5) and 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 6), respectively. Biometry and intestine bacteriologic examination were carried out at days 0 and 60. RESULTS: Results showed that growth parameters (weight gain, body weight gain, specific growth rate, daily growth rate, and condition factor and food conversion rate) were significantly higher in group 5 compared with the other groups. Also, intestine bacterial counts increased by using Iron nanoparticles in combination with Lactobacillus casei. The fish that received 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles and probiotic had significantly higher bacterial counts in their intestine compared with the other groups. CONCLUSSIONS: Based on the obtained results we conclude that diet supplementation with Iron nanoparticles and Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic could significantly improve growth parameters in rainbow trout. However, these results would warrant further study on the clinical application of these agents.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is one of the important nutrients in fish culture and as a potent anti-oxidant, is of great importance in preserving cells against oxidation and boosting resistance in stress conditions and against pathogens. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to add high level of vitamin C supplementation to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet reared at high density and analysis of growth indices, survival and carcass composition at two different stocking densities. METHODS: Rainbow trout juveniles with initial body weight of 9.6 ± 0.69 g at two densities of 50 and 100 pieces in 50 liters of water were fed two diets containing the same level of protein and fat. Experimental diets were diet 1 without adding vitamin and diet 2 with adding 1500 mg/kg of vitamin C. A total number of 900 rainbow trout juveniles in four treatments each with three replicates as T50 (0) (with the density of 50 and fed with diet 1), T100 (0) (with the density of 100 and fed with diet 1), T50 (C) (with the density of 50 and fed with diet 2) and T100 (C) (with the density of 100 and fed with diet 2) were randomly distributed in incubators. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of feeding, growth indices, feed conversion ratio and viability were significantly different between treatments (p<0.05). T50 (0) and T50(C) treatments had higher weight gain, specific growth rate and viability than T100 (0) and T100(C) (p<0.05). In the case of feed conversion ratio, it was higher in T100 (0) and T100(C) treatments compared to T50 (0) and T50(C) ones (p<0.05). Carcass composition was not significantly different between treatments (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that vitamin C supplementation in the diet of rainbow trout juveniles did not have significant effects on growth indices, feed conversion ratio, survival and carcass composition but density was a key factor in growth, feed conversion ratio and survival in this species.

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: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in chicken has profound influence on resistance/susceptibility to disease, and production and reproduction traits. Microsatellite marker LEI0258 is a genetic indicator for MHC haplotypes. Recognizing diversity of MHC haplotypes in selectively bred populations will be helpful for selecting population resistant to disease and development of effective vaccines. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate polymorphism at MHC in two populations of Khorasan indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn breed using microsatellite marker LEI0258 and to investigate its segregation and heredity. Methods: A total of 335 blood samples from Khorasan Razavi indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn population including parents (P) and offspring (F1), were analyzed. The MHC genotypes were determined using LEI0258 microsatellite. The study of allele heredity from P to F1 and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were conducted using Chi-square and Likelihood Ratio tests. Results: In Khorasan indigenous chickens 20 different alleles were identified for LEI0258 microsatellite. The allele 321 bp had the highest (22.88%) and the allele 182 bp had the lowest (0.16%) frequency. In the commercial population (Leghorn breed) 3 alleles were found for this marker of which the allele 261 bp had the highest (50%) and alleles 487 bp had the lowest (6 %) frequency. In allele heredity analysis and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of Khorasan population, no significant differences were observed between P and F1 progenies. ConclusionS: These results indicate a higher genetic variation in indigenous chickens compared to commercial breed. There was no preference for a particular allele in indigenous chickens. The higher frequency of some alleles in F1 population is due to the high frequency of the same alleles in parent population which their gametes make the population gene pool.

BACKGROUND: Vibrio paraheamoloyticus is one the causative agents of vibriosis with high mortality in farmed fish and shrimp and under predisposing conditions.                                  OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the effect of gamma irradiation on the inactivation of V.  paraheamoloyticus under fresh and freeze-dried conditions. METHODS: Vials of 0.5 ml fresh culture of the bacterial suspensions at  1.5*1010 cfu/ml were subjected to 1, 1.5,2, 2.5, 3 and 4 KGy. Also, vials of 0.5 ml freeze-dried culture of the bacterial suspensions at  1.5 x 1010 cfu/ml were subjected to 2, 4, 7 and 8 KGy. The bacterial growth behavior was then evaluated on fresh medium. RESULTS: The obtained results showed that the minimum doses of 4 and 10 KGy were sufficient for the inactivation of fresh and freeze-dried bacteria, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study shows that inactivation of V. paraheamolyicus in fresh culture condition requires below half- dosage of gamma ray required for  the inactivation of the freeze- dried of bacterial cells.

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: Identifying the potential of livestock and forage plants of each region is a way to compensate the lack of forage, and efficient use of edible resources of the country. Milk Thistle is a medicinal plant which may be used as fodder for native livestock of Khuzestan Province. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to study  the effects of different levels of Milk Thistle on rumen fungi and whole rumen microorganisms (WRM) of Khuzestan buffalo, with diets containing grains with different degradation rate (barley and maize). METHODS: The impact of diets containing different levels of Milk Thistle (0, 100 and 200 g per kg DM) on rumen fungi and WRM of buffalo was measured by different techniques. RESULTS: Potential and rate of gas production from experimental diets by WRM were not significantly different. This parameters by buffalo rumen fungi were significantly differed and increased in diets containing Milk Thistle (p<0.05). Adding Milk Thistle in the barley-based diet increased dry matter and NDF digestibility numerically while in the corn-based diet dry matter and NDF digestibility was slightly reduced. In the SRFCM, NDF digestibility, in both basal diets in 9 days and during total period was affected by diets containing Milk Thistle and decreased NDF digestibility with increasing levels of Milk Thistle (p<0.05). Regardless of the type of basal diet, digestibility of NDF (p<0.05) and dry matter (p>0.05) for day 6, were increased with increasing the amount of Milk Thistle. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the use of Milk Thistle did not have negative effect on microorganisms and digestion of nutrients by them. Therefore, results suggest that Milk Thistle could be used up to 20 percentage in buffalo diet without any negative effect on digestion and fermentation characteristics by total microorganisms and fungi.

BACKGROUND: Inclusion of antioxidant sources in feed or water reduces the detrimental effects of free radicals and increases the antioxidative potential and stability of lipids in heat stressed broiler chicken. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the effect of Satureja khuzistanica essential oils (SkEO) on early postmortem and ultimate pH as well as antioxidative potential of breast muscle in broiler chicken. METHODS: A total number of 720,1-d-old Arian broiler chicks were used in a 42-d trial to examine the effects of six experimental treatments consisting inclusion of 0 (control-), 200, 300, 400, 500 mg/L SkEO and 500 mg/L Polysorbate-80 (control+) in drinking water in six replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized blocks design. Catalase enzyme activity (by kinetic method) and glutathione peroxidase as well as superoxide dismutase activities (via Randox® kits) were measured spectrophotometerically. Lipid peroxidation also was measured in breast muscle by a chemical method with thiobarbituric acid. RESULTS: The breast percentage and early as well as ultimate pH of breast muscle was not differ for the birds received SkEO-treated water compared to the control birds (p>0.05). Addition of SkEO in drinking water at doses greater than 200 mg/L significantly decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values in breast muscle of the birds in comparison with the control birds (p<0.05). Catalase activity was significantly higher in breast muscle of the SkEO-treated groups than the control groups (p<0.05). Activity of glutathione peroxidase was significantly greater in the birds given 400 and 500 mg/L SkEO. Addition of SkEO into water up to 400 mg/L increased superoxide dismutase activity in breast muscle of the treated birds compared to the control birds. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that supplementation of drinking water with SkEO elevates the antioxidative potential and increases the lipid stability of breast muscle in heat stressed male broiler chicken.