BACKGROUND: Vitamin C and Carum copticum with antioxidant activity may eliminate the negative effects of heat stress on broiler performance and immunity.OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding heat-stressed broilers with Carum copticum seed powder (CSP) and vitamin C (VC) on their growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics, and meat quality.METHODS: Herein, we carried out A 2*3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with six treatments, including three levels of CSP (0, 0.75 and 1.5 % of diet), two levels of VC (0 and 250 mg/kg of DM of diet), and four replicates, on 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers. The collected data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS. Treatment means were compared employing the Tukey test.RESULTS: The effect of CSP on their performance was not significant whereas VC treatment improved weight gain significantly (P<0.01). Interaction of CSP and VC on weight gain and feed conversion ratio was significant as broilers fed with 250 mg VC and those fed with 1.5 % CSP had the best WG and FCR (P<0.01). The addition of VC decreased the concentration of alkaline phosphatase in the blood (P<0.05). The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was reduced through the use of VC and 1.5 % CSP (P<0.05). CSP supplementation at the rate of 1.5 % increased the relative weight of bursa of fabricius (P<0.05). Dripping loss percentage was reduced in birds fed with 1.5 % CP and VC (P<0.01). The effect of CSP and their interaction on water holding capacity was significant and the highest amount belonged to the birds fed with 1.5 % CSP (P<0.01). Additionally, VC increased meat ash percentage compared to the control group (P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that addition of 250 mg VC and 1.5 % CSP could be conducive to improving growth performance, blood metabolites, and meat quality of broilers under heat stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring health quality of an agricultural or food product is of significance for consumers and could be a decisive factor in terms of attracting and maintaining the market for manufacturers.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the residues of florfenicol antimicrobial agent in the edible tissue (muscle) of rainbow trout reared in Sepidan County (Fars Province, Iran).METHODS: 50 fresh fish were purchased from 7 farms in Sepidan County. The samples from lateral muscle were taken and kept at -18 °C until the residues drug tests were performed. The florfenicol concentration was measured through the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).RESULTS: The mean of florfenicol residues in fish muscle reared in Sepidan County was significantly less than the drug products evaluation standard value (P<0.05). However, the concentration of this antibiotic sampled from one of the studied farms went beyond from standard value (1.12 µg.g-1). Of course, this difference was not significant (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: It seemed as though the residue levels of florfenicol in the purchased fish reached alarming levels. Meanwhile, it is possible that their average in an area would be within the range of food standards. Thus, it could be suggested that periodic monitoring be carried out continuously by the relevant institutions to ensure that consumer rights are more adequately met.

BACKGROUND: Fresh sausages are classified as one of the most perishable meat products due to the lack of using chemical preservatives.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to increase the refrigeration time of fresh sausages using Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil.METHODS: In this study, samples of fresh sausages, containing different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 %), were prepared and stored under the refrigerated condition for 17 days. Subsequently, they were evaluated for microbial, chemical, and sensory properties at six time intervals (days 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 17).RESULTS: Based on the results of the study, by adding Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil to fresh sausages, the microbial count in the treatments containing high concentrations of essential oil (0.1 and 0.2 %) was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The amount of volatile nitrogen bases at the beginning of the study was 14 mg/ 100 g and after six days, in the control group, it reached 32.1 mg/ 100 g. Meanwhile, in the treated samples, it was less than 25 mg/ 100 g up to day 10. Moreover, at the end of the study, the level of TBARS in the control group reached 1.48 mg malondialdehyde /kg while this level was less than 0.78 mg malondialdehyde / kg for the groups treated with Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil. The results of this study also showed that the addition of essential oil has a non-significant effect (P>0.05) on sensory properties.CONCLUSIONS: Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil was found to have the potential to increase the shelf life of fresh sausages without adverse sensory effects.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic kidney disease is the most prevalent inherited genetic disease in Persian cats, which is caused by mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 genes. Due to the accumulation of fluids inside the cysts and their pressure on the renal parenchym, the patient is prone to developing symptoms of chronic renal failure.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare ultrasonography and molecular tests in diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.METHODS: This study was performed on 97 Persian cats, including 46 male and 51 female cats, with an average age of 6 years (minimum 2 months and maximum 14 years). All the cats were evaluated for the presence of disease using ultrasound and molecular methods.RESULTS: Among 97 females, 32 (33 %) were found to be positive for PKD on the basis of presence of anechoic cysts. In molecular tests, all the cases with cysts in the ultrasonography had mutation in PKD1 gene and 13 cases (13 %) without cysts in ultrasonography were diagnosed to be positive through molecular technique. Among 97 studied cats, 45 (46 %) showed mutated genes. The degree of agreement between the two methods of ultrasonography and PCR was determined by calculating Kapa 0.725 (Cl: 0.592-0.895). The sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasonography were calculated to be 77.11 % and 100 %, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Imaging and molecular methods were utilized to diagnose the disease. The more frequent use of the molecular methods for the diagnosis of the disease compared to the use of ultrasound could be attributed to the higher sensitivity of the molecular technique, the small size of the cysts, the low number of cysts, the low age of the animal, and the presence of cysts in the medula of the kidney. Therefore, the molecular method could be recommended for screening the disease in the early stages. It can also be employed in breeding programs and the removal of cats with this mutated gene.

BACKGROUND: Neosporosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, which is characterized by abortion in cattle and neuromuscular paralysis of various organs, particularly the hind limbs of dogs. The diagnosis of neosporosis is often made by serological molecular tests.OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of N. caninum oocysts in the feces of dogs. METHODS: A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from indoor and outdoor dogs during 2018-2019 around Tabriz. Information about age, location, and history of antiparasitic treatment of the dogs were recorded in a questionnaire. Primarily, fecal samples were examined microscopically for Neospora ocysts. After breaking the collected oocysts through freeze-thaw and sonication, DNA contents of the oocysts were extracted and analyzed via PCR.RESULTS: In a light microscopic study, oocysts were observed in 45 (45 %) of the fecal samples. In the PCR study, 21 of the 45 cases tested positive for Neospora infection (21 %). All the positive cases of infection were observed in molecular examination in dogs older than one year. The positive cases were observed in 2 % of the domestic dogs, 8 % of the stray dogs, 6 % of the kennel dogs, and 5 % of the rural dogs. Furthermore, 19 % of the infected dogs had no history of antiparasitic treatment; only 2% had a history of antiparasitic treatment. The results of statistical analysis showed that the rate of infection in dogs around Tabriz with Neospora caninum was significantly (P<0.05) related to the animal's living environment and history of antiparasitic treatment. However, this rate was found to have no significant relationships with the age of the animals.CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high rate of infection with Neospora caninum in dogs in Tabriz, it is necessary to apply preventive methods in traditional and industrial farms around this city and use rapid diagnosis methods in them.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids can be conducive toreducing the harmful effects of physiological stress through reducing the stimulatory activity of glutamatergic neurons.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on performance, blood parameters, and the profile of fatty acids in the egg yolks of laying hen under stress.METHODS: This study was performed using 96 LSL-Lite laying hens in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment with 2 factors, namely stress (no dexamethasone and 1.5 mg/kg of diet dexamethasone) and omega-3 fatty acids (the levels of 0, 0.24 and 0.48 % of diet), in a completely randomized design for 70 days from 35 to 44 weeks of age.RESULTS: Physiological stress reduced the feed intake, the percentage of egg production, and egg mass in laying hens (P<0.05). Omega-3 fatty acid supplements had no effects on these traits. The groups receiving 0.48 % of omega-3 fatty acids had the lowest heterophil:lymphocytes (P<0.05), and there was no difference between stressed and non-stressed groups. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids was higher in birds previously affected by stress (P<0.05). Feeding with omega-3 fatty acids in birds increased omega-3 fatty acids in egg yolk and reduced the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 in laying hens (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this experiment, physiological stress had a negative effect on performance traits, and the use of omega-3 fatty acids in laying hens under stress had no effect on performance traits. Physiological stress altered the profile of fatty acids and increased the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in egg yolk. The use of omega-3 fatty acids reduced the negative effects of stress and improved the profile of fatty acids in egg yolk.

BACKGROUND: There are different kinds of phytase from different sources used in poultry nutrition.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of addition of 2 sources of 6- phytase to the diet of male broilers in terms of growth performance, Tibia biometric, breacking straight, mineralization, blood biochemical parameters, and carcase yield.METHODS: Herein, we recruited 216 1-d-old male Ross broilers and divided them to three experimental groups and six replications for 42 D. The treatment (T) diets included: T1 (without phytase (control)), T2 (supplemented with 500 FTU/kg diet of Aspergillus niger phytase (fungi phytase)), T3 (supplemented with 500 FTU/kg diet of phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae by doner Citrobacter braakii gene (genetically modified phytase)).RESULTS: Serum P in the birds supplemented by genetically modified phytase was higher compared with that in the control birds (P<0.05). Additionally, Tibia P in this group was higher than that of birds supplemented by fungi phytase (P<0.05). However, Tibia breaking straight in birds supplemented by genetically modified phytase did not differ significantly with those fed with a diet with fungi phytase. Meanwhile, Tibia breaking straight in birds supplemented by genetically modified phytase was higher than control (P<0.05). Growth performance, Tibia length, diameter, ash, Ca, dry weight, average serum HDL, Triglyserid, Cholesterol, Ca, Alkalin phosphatase, Glucose, Total Protein, and Carcase yeild were not significantly different among any of the treatments.CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of male broilers diet with genetically modified phytase (500 FTU/kg), without any differences in terms of performance, could increase P of serum, P of Tibia and breacking straight of Tibia compared to supplementation diet with Aspergillus niger phytase.

BACKGROUND: On account of the importance of iodine in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, different levels of dietary iodine can affect the occurrence of ascites syndrome in broilers.OBJECTIVES: The current research aimed to investigate the effects of different sources and levels of iodine on performance, carcass traits, ascites mortality, thyroid hormones, and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens under cold stress condition.METHODS: This experiment was performed using 375 one-day-old male broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with five treatments, five replications, and 15 birds per replication. To induce ascites, the room temperature was reduced to 15 °C from 14 days and this temperature was maintained until the end of the period. The experimental treatments included: control treatment (basal diet with iodine at the recommended level, 1.25 ppm), basal diet + potassium iodide (KI) with iodine levels (6.25 and 3.75 ppm), and basal diet + calcium iodate [Ca(IO3)2. H2O] with iodine levels (6.25 and 3.75 ppm).RESULTS: The effect of the treatments on the performance indices was not significant throughout the experiment. The lowest percentage of ascites mortality, heart weight, and triiodothyronine (T3) were observed in the treatment (6.25 ppm), which was significantly different from the control treatment (P<0.05). The lowest ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles (RV/TV) was related to potassium iodide treatment (6.25 ppm), which indicated tendency (P<0.10). Chickens receiving higher levels of iodine (6.25 ppm) had higher thyroxine than those receiving lower levels (3.75 ppm) (P<0.05) and showed a lower ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine compared to those (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this experiment implied that the use of higher levels of dietary iodine (6.25 ppm), especially as potassium iodide, reduces broiler’s ascites mortality under cold stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Ammonia accumulation in warm-water fish pond can lead to mortality or reduction in growth and body immune indices.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic sub-lethal unionized ammonia (NH3) on growth indices and gill and kidney histopathology l, after a 30 – day trial in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).METHODS: Herein, 180 fish with an average weight of 4.5±0.5 g were divided into six tanks. Two groups, including one control group and one treatment group (with three replicates for each one), were considered. The treatment fish were exposed to 0.1 mg/l on un-ionized ammonia (NH3) for 30 consecutive days. Following one -month, ammonia exposure growth indices and histological analysis of gill and kidney were investigated.RESULTS: The results showed that exposure to 0.1 mg/l of NH3 led to a significant reduction in growth indices. Additionally, edema and epithelial lifting with hyperplasia in the second lamella were detected in the gill of the treatment group. The kidney was characterized by focal renal tubules degeneration and necrosis, congestion, and increase in the melano-macrophage centers.CONCLUSIONS: Although chronic exposure to 0.1 mg/l of unionized ammonia was not found to cause mortality in common carp, it could have some side effects, such as a decline in growth indices and histopathological effects in kidney and gill tissues. Thus, for higher production, sublethal levels of ammonia should also be taken into account in common carp ponds.

BACKGROUND: During the modification of several races, which has been done on chickens, there have been several changes in the function of neural pathways and receptor density involved in the control of food intake and appetite. Melanocortin system and its receptors are involved in the central regulation of nutritional behaviour and energy balance. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of this system in the central control of food and water intake in birds.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of MCR3 and MCR4 receptors in controlling the food and water intake in birds.METHODS: This work was performed on 48 Ross 308 broiler chicks through two experiments (each experiment in four groups). Primarily, stereotaxic surgical guide cannula was implanted in the chickens. Subsequently, in the first experiment, the chickens were divided into the four following groups: the control solution, 0.2, 2, and 10 nmol/5µl of SHU9119 (Non-selective antagonist of MCR3 and MCR4 receptors) In the second experiment, the chickens were also divided in four groups: the received control solution, 0.2, 2, and 10 nmol/5µl of MCL0020 (Selective MCR4 receptor antagonist) via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. Afterwards, cumulative food and water intake were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after the injection.RESULTS: The results of this study showed that ICV injection of SHU9119 and MCL0020 increased cumulative food intake (P>0.05), but did not affect cumulative water intake (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings herein, central melanocortin system is one of the systems involved in central control of food intake in birds.