BACKGROUND: This study was initiated to improve our understanding  of the health and environmental impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag-np). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is application and direct effects of silver nanoparticles on Zebra fish (Danio rerio). METHODS: After characterizing the AgNPs using TEM, EDX, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, XRF and SEM methods, their effects on some vital tissues have been tested successfully in vitro. In this study, 540 fish (2±0.05 g) were randomly divided into 9 groups in triplicate for acute tests (0,10, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kgfood). After short term (96h), chronic toxicity tests were evaluated using under lethal concentration (100, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kgfood) fed with experimental diet for 8 weeks. Fish in groups 1 to 4 were fed by food supplemented with 100, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg food, respectively. Group 5 was fed with basal food without supplementation. After histopathology, heavy metals were measured by spectrum photometry reveal. RESULTS: According to the results of acute tests, the 96h LC50 values in 24, 48, 72 and 96h were 804.601, 486.637, 323.696 and 195.208 mg/kgfood AgNPs for the Zebra fishes respectively. According to the results of chronic toxicity tests, fed via oral administration of AgNPs produced significant histopathological effects. Also, the most important histopathological effects of AgNPs were observed in the liver (vasculature and exposure, degeneration of some hepatocytes), intestine (increase in the submucosa layer, narrowing of the intestinal lumen  and reduced intestinal absorption), gills (clubbing of gill secondary lamaleas, hyperplasia, hyperemia and shortening of the primary lamaleas gills) and kidney (degeneration, high increase in interstitial cells and dilatation of Bowman’s space of glomeruli), respectively. The greatest bioaccumulation of silver occurred in the liver, gills and muscle of fish respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The release of untreated nanoparticle waste to the environment should be restricted for the well-being of human and aquatic species.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that immune responses, influenced by dietary nutrients but feed formulation is mainly based on the productive responses, so the immunity indexes were ignored. OBJECTIVES: This was carpeted out study to determine the effects of diets formulation based on different expression systems of energy and amino acids of feeds and requirements on performance and immune responses of Arian chicks. METHODS: A total of 1440 Arian chicks were fed Eight diets that arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial design with 2 systems of energy expression (AMEn and TMEn), 2 methods of amino acids content of feeds (TAAF and DAAF) and 2 methods of amino acids requirement (TAAR and DAAR) from 1 to 42 days of age. Each treatment was replicated six times with each replicate consisting of 15 males and 15 females. RESULTS: The results showed that when the Feed formulation was based on TMEn and DAA, the productive parameters increased compared with AMEn and TAA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Selection for increase the growth rate in poultry, improve metabolic and physiological processes in order to the use of the feed. Therefore lower proportions of nutrients will be allocated to other vital systems. However the most suitable of immune responses were belonging to treatments were fed diets which were set based on AMEn and received high level of amino acids. There is a negative correlation between immune responses and productive parameters. It is recommended that in normal conditions use of TMEn and DAA system and in stress conditions of AMEn and DAAF×TAAR to feed formulation.

BACKGROUND: Honey is recognized as having different biological properties including antioxidant effects. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are the main antioxidant in this apiary product. OBJECTIVES: In this study eight samples of Sabalan honey were screened to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content. METHODS: Antioxidant activity of honey samples was determined by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) method and β-carotene bleaching assay, total phenolic and flavonoid by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride methods, in addition, in all samples, some physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, diastase activity, existence or nonexistence of HMF) were measured according to Iranian National Standardization N92. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (one-way). RESULTS: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of honeys ranged respectively from 15.71- 41.58 (mg GAE/100g honey) and 3.80-13.20 (mg QE/100g honey). Antioxidant activity was between 23.19%-94.25%, β-carotene bleaching inhibition 69.54%-85.69%, pH ranged from 3.63-3.83, Acidity 11.99-20.50 mEq/kg , diastase activity of all samples was negative except sample No.1. All samples had positive HMF results. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the above results, it could be concluded that the honey samples have significant antioxidant activity. All parameters of physicochemical test were according to the international specifications except diastase and HMF tests, which may be due to improper processing and storage condition, heating treatment, old honey,etc.

BACKGROUND: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies. RESULTS: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index (TDI), Repopulation index (RI), number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.

BACKGROUND: Microorganisms are responsible for development of many diseases, which directly or indirectly affect reproductive performance in mares, like various animal species. Fungi are present at mucous membranes of reproductive tract as mycoflora in warm blooded animals. ObjectiveS: The aim of this study was isolation and identification of molds of external reproductive tract in mares. Methods: Samples were collected from genital tract of 151 mares in different ages from horse breeding farms and clubs suburb of Tehran from April to December, 2014. Age, pregnancy, insemination and mating were recorded. Samples were taken by sterile cotton swabs from 3 different sites, (1) vestibule, (2) clitoral fossa and (3) vagina and transferred under cold condition to the laboratory of Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran,Iran. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with antibiotic (chloramphenicol; 0.005) and kept at 30°C for 10-15 days before being considered negative. Fungal identification relied on morphologic and physiologic features. SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Totally, 666 filamentous fungi colonies were isolated. Maximum colony (CFUs) were 20 and 37 colonies for each site and horse, respectively. In total, 81.5 percent of mares and 48.3 percent of different sites were positive. The most predominant isolates were Aspergillus spp 362(54.35%), Scopulariopsis 93(13.96%), Cladosporium 35(5.25%), Penicillium 31(4.65%), Alternaria 26(3.90%), Fusarium 20(3.03%). Aspergillus took high occurrence with 362 and A. fumigatus with 156 colonies followed by Scopulariopsis 93, Cladosporium 35 and Pencillium 31. A. fumigatus had significant difference among other fungi pConclusionS: Isolated filamentous fungi could be resident flora of external reproductive tract of mares. These saprophytic pathogen fungi in predisposing conditions could be causative agents of endometritis and infertility in mares.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to potentiate the immune system of fishes against stresses in farms. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to address the potential effect of Levamisole on immune system of rainbow trout against density stress. METHODS: 1500 fish (average weight of 50 g) were divided into 5 test groups, in which each test group was repeated three times with average density of 33 kg/m3. They were fed with commercial diet supplemented with Levamisole at concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg for a period of 45 days. The fishes of all groups were then fed with Levamisole free diet and exposed to 2 and 3-fold density stress for the following 15 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 to evaluate the serum compliment and lysozyme activity as well as total immunoglobulins. RESULTS: The results showed that all used concentrations of Levamisole just had significant effect on compliment activity after 45 days feeding period (p<0.05). Higher levels of lysozyme and complement activity as well as total immunoglobulin were observed in 1000 mg/kg Levamisole treated group when exposed to density stresses 2 and 3-fold at the end of trial (day 60) (p<0.05). The highest overall survival was found in group which was treated with 1000 mg/kg of Levamisole. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that using 0/1% Levamisole as an immunostimulator in commercial diet could potentiate rainbow trout against outbreak of high density stresses and increase its overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Using commercial antioxidants in the diet of chicken may cause cancer, liver swelling and changes in the activity of enzymes, hence their use is limited. Alternative herbal materials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can increase palatability, improve gastrointestinal function, improve the immune system and the performance of birds. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to a soybean oil diet on broiler performance and other related parameters. METHODS: This research was conducted as completely randomized design arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial experiment using pomegranate peel extract (PPE), antioxidant Nutriad® (AN) and soybean oil (SO). Three hundred and twenty 11 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments of four replicates each (ten chicks per replicate). Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of the SAS software, and the LSM of groups compared at 5% significance level. RESULTS: Soybean oil increased growing and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) and harmful gastric micro flora. The overall ADG and feed intake were increased by PPE. Inclusion of PPE in the diet had no effect on FCR. Inclusion of PPE in the diet increased nutrient digestibility, beneficial gastric micro flora, lactobacillus, and the antibody titer in 39-day broilers, whereas AN had no effect on any of the performance parameters and decreased the beneficial gastric micro flora. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results showed that PPE in fat and non-fat containing diets might have the potential to increase the daily gain by enhancing feed intake, nutrient digestibility, beneficial gastric micro flora and immune system of broilers with  no deleterious effect on overall FCR.

BACKGROUND: Heat stress reduces the poultry performance through physiologic changes. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of tryptophane on performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates (pen), 10 birds in each replicate. The chickens of experimental treatments were fed basal diet (control group) and the diets plus the different levels of 100, 120 and 130 and 140% of the Ross strain tryptophane requirements. The experimental diets were used during the finisher period (day 25 to 42 of age) and under heat stress (32±1 ºC as cyclic from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM). RESULTS: The results showed that the weight gain was  increased linearly by increasing the tryptophane level to 110% of Ross requirements but increasing the tryptophane level to 120, 130 and 140% caused the deteriorated weight gain (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was linearly decreased during the finisher and whole the period by supplementation of tryptophane to 110 and 120% but the higher tryptophane levels (130 and 140%) increased the feed conversion ratio during these two periods (p<0.05). Increasing the tryptophane level to 130% of Ross requirements caused a linear increase in the amount of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05). Dietary supplementation of tryptophane had no effect on the blood urea, protein, creatinine, albumin, glucose and cholesterol at day 42 of age but triglyceride (p>0.05). Increasing the tryptophane level to 140% caused the lower blood triglyceride content (p<0.05). CONLUSIONS: Totally, the results of recent experiment show that consumption of 110 and 120% tryptophane of Ross requirements is the best level for performance improvements in broiler chickens under heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Heat treatment of colostrum has been suggested as a control measure to eliminate or reduce the transfer of colostrum-borne pathogens to dairy calves.Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of on-farm heat treatment of bovine colostrum on colostral bacterial counts and IgG concentration and evaluation of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves. Methods: Ninety-six L of first milking colostrum was collected from Holstein cows and pooled to create a uniform batch. Twenty-four calves were enrolled in 4 treatment groups before suckling occurred and fed raw colostrum (n=6), heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 30 min (n=6), heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 60 min (n=6) and heat-treated colostrum at 60 ºC for 90 min (n=6). Colostrum samples were collected before and after heat treatment and cultured for total bacterial count and analyzed for total IgG concentration. For the first and second feeding 2 L of colostrum was bottle fed by 2 and 12 h of age respectively. Serum samples were collected from calves at 0 h (precolostrum) and 6, 24, 48, 72 h (postcolostrum) and analyzed for serum total protein and IgG concentrations. Results: Heat treatment of colostrum at 60 ºC for 30 and 60 min reduced total bacterial count, yet maintained colostrul IgG concentration compared to the control. There was no difference between treatment groups when examining serum total protein and IgG concentrations, but apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was significantly greater at 6 h in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum compared to calves fed raw colostrum. ConclusionS: There was no effect of on-farm batch heat treatment of colostrum at 60 ºC till 90 min on serum concentration of IgG.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine biosynthesis needs methionine and lysine amino acids, vitamins niacin and ascorbic acid. So the usage of both L-carnitine and vitamin C may  improve the effects of only L-carnitine. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of L-carnitine and vitamin C on the growth performance‚ body composition; blood serum parameters in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. METHODS: For this purpose, 540 fingerlings with the average weight 40±2 g were arranged in treatments including 3 vitamin C levels: zero, 500, 1000 and 2 L-carnitine levels: zero, 800 (mg/kg diet), with 3 replicates. RESULTS: Results showed weight gain, special growth rate and feed conversion ratio in the level of 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine had a significant increase compared to control (p<0.05). The highest and the lowest lipid content were observed in control and 1000/800vitamin C/ L-carnitine, respectively (p<0.05). The highest protein content was observed in 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine (p<0.05). Cholesterol and glucose showed a significant decrease in 500/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine. It was observed that 1000/800 vitamin C/L-carnitine caused significant decrease in blood triglycerides (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Finally, it was determined that using vitamin C 500 and L-carnitine 800 mg/kg diet caused some improvement in growth performance with no  negative effects on blood parameters.