Background: Co-administration of anesthetics has been employed to decrease potential unpleasant effects associated with single drug. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of co-administration of ketofol with diazepam or midazolam in healthy dogs. METHODS: Six adult mix-breed male dogs were used. After sedation with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg), anesthesia was induced with keteofol (KF; 1 ml contained 5 mg ketamine and 5 mg propofol), ketofol-diazepam (KFD), or ketofol-midazolam (KFM) (1 ml contained 5 mg KF and 2.5 mg diazepam or midazolam) randomly. All the dogs received the three treatments with at least one week interval. RESULTS: The total dose of ketofol used for induction of anesthesia in KF (4.2±0.44 mg/kg) was significantly higher than KFD (2.27±0.6 mg/kg) and KFM (1.68±0.25 mg/kg). The total dose of diazepam and midazolam used in KFD and KFM was 1.00±0.25 and 0.73±0.10 mg/kg, respectively (p>0.05). The time needed for sternal recumbency, standing position and normal walking was longer in KFD and KFM compared to KF (p<0.05). Heart rate (HR) showed significant increase in KF at several time points (p<0.05). Respiratory rate (fr) in KF showed a significant decrease during the anesthesia period compared to the base (p<0.05). HR and fr were more stable in KFD and KFM. Induction and recovery quality in the three treatments were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of ketofol with diazepam and midazolam reduced the required induction dose and prolonged recovery in dogs. Diazepam and midazolam could attenuate the unfavorable effects of ketofol in some cardiorespiratory variables.

Background: There are some reports on the positive effectsof dietary insoluble fiber on the performance of broilers. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine theeffect of inclusion rate and particle size of rice husk in the diet of broilerson the ileal and cecal bacteria populations and small intestine morphology. Methods: The experimental diets  consisted of a control husk-free diet andfour diets containing 7.5 or 15 g/kg rice husk with particle sizes of less than1 mm or between 1-2 mm. Results:The dietary insoluble fiber did not affect feed intake of the experimentalgroups. The best body weight gain and feed conversion ratio was recorded in thebroiler chickens fed the diet containing 15g/kg rice hulls with particle sizeof less than 1 mm (p<0.05). In the duodenum and jejunum, the crypt depth tovilli height ratio in the control group was significantly lower than othergroups (p<0.05). In the ileum, all the birds fed rice husk except the groupfed the diet that contained 15g/kg rice husk with particle size of 1-2 mm,had  higher Lactobacilli and lowerE. coli and coliforms populations than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest thatthe 7.5g/kg dietary inclusion and more coarse particles size of rice husk (1-2mm) were more effective to promote broiler growth performance. The positiveeffects of dietary insoluble fiber on the growth performance of broilers inthis study are probably a result of favorable changes in the bacteria populations of the gastrointestinal tract andnot any improvement in small intestine absorptive capacit

Background: In traditional medicine of some Asian countries it is believed that camphor could act as a sexual depressant. However, limited studies have been published on this issue. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, effects of camphor on testes, sperm and serum factors, and roles of vitamin E as antioxidant in treatment of toxicity of camphor for testes were studied. METHODS: Fifty adult male mice (20-25 g) were categorized into five groups. Control group, two control sham groups received olive oil and combined vitamin E and olive oil respectively, and two treatment groups received camphor and combined camphor and vitamin E, respectively. Camphor with doses of 30 mg/kg/day and vitamin E with doses of 100 mg/kg/day were prepared. All substances were administered using gavage. After 35 days, blood was collected from the animal heart for serology and testosterone assessment. Sperms were collected and tissue samples were removed and fixed in Bouin and liquid nitrogen. Paraffin embedded and freezing sections were stained with H&amp;E and specific stain and studied. RESULTS: Results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, average proportions of  live and mature sperms and major testicular morphometric parameters (p>0.05). Although histochemical changes were seen, no changes were observed in serum testosterone in groups that received camphor. Vitamin E moderated toxicity of camphor in immature sperms, diameter of lumen and TDI index. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that camphor includes adverse effects on parameters of testes and sperm quality. Furthermore, vitamin E, as an antioxidant, can moderate toxicity of camphor.

Background: Avian infectious bronchitis (IB), with avianinfectious bronchitis virus (IBV) as the causing agent, is a ubiquitous endemicdisease of the chicken with devastating effects on its industry. A viralmembrane surface protein called S  notonly induces neutralizing antibodies but also plays an important role in virusbinding and entry to host cells. Technically, S1 protein gene sequencing alsohelps greatly in IBV genotyping. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study wasto characterize Iranian IBV based on S2 gene. METHODS: After RT-PCRamplification, the S2 gene of nine Iranian IBV isolates were sequenced and thencompared with reference strains. RESULTS: The isolates were classifiedinto genotype I as Massachusetts like IB Vs, genotype VII which clustered intotwo branches, VIIa (IS-1494 like IB viruses), and VIIb, and was related to QX-like viruses and Genotype VIII as 793/B like IBVs. CONCLUSIONS: As faras we know, this is the first S2-based classification study on Iranian IBVisolates providing a firm experimental basis to correlate with genotypiccharacterization

Background: Information regarding the metabolic hormones in different metabolic states of high producing dairy cows can aid high producing herds to manage and resolve the metabolic and production problems. Furthermore, it can be considered as a tool to evaluate metabolic status of dairy cows. Herd managers can also evaluate the energy input-output relationships by assessing the metabolic profile to prevent and control  negative energy balance, metabolic disorders and nutritional insufficiencies. OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to clarify the metabolic hormone profile in each metabolic state of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The results of this research can reveal the normal metabolic state of these animals. METHODS: 25 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided to 5 equal groups containing early, mid and late lactations, far-off and close-up dry periods. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were analyzed for concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). RESULTS: Serum T3 concentration in early lactation group was significantly higher than other ones (p<0.05). T4 levels in early and mid lactation dairy cows were lower than other studied groups, significantly. The cows in early lactation and close-up dry periods had the highest and the lowest serum fT3 concentrations, respectively (p<0.05). fT4 in far-off dry cows was significantly higher than others. The highest and the lowest circulating levels of cortisol were detected in mid and late lactation periods, respectively (p<0.05). The lowest concentrations of IGF1 were detected in early lactation period and its highest levels were seen in mid and late lactation and far-off dry cows (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic hormones change in different metabolic states of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The presented metabolic hormone profile can be considered as criteria to monitor the metabolic status of dairy cows at different metabolic states.

Background: Artemisinin is commonly used for the treatment of malaria, but recently has been considered as a potential substance to control poultry coccidiosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the tissue distribution of artemisinin following single or multiple oral administration of different doses in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total number of 390 one day old Ross broiler chicks were divided randomly into two main groups, in the first group 0, 1, 5, 25, 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg artemisinin as a single oral dose was administered on day 44, but the second group were treated with 0, 17, 34, 68 or 136 ppm artemisinin from day 8 to day 44. The HPLC system was used to determine the level of artemisinin in different tissue samples. Data were assessed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Maximum concentrations of artemisinin were found in the liver of chickens in both groups in a dose dependent manner.  While, the minimum level was determined in the brain and the kidney of chickens received multiple artemisinin administration;  in the spleen of those chickens a single oral dose was administered. The concentration of artemisinin in the brain reached a plateau at 68 ppm in multiple administration and 125mg/kg at single dose, no shift was found with dose increment. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that tissue accumulation of artemisinin is time and dose dependent. Moreover, redistribution, saturation effect and tissue selectivity were also observed.

Background: The knowledge of blood parameters is important for assessing the physiological status and health of animals. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of heavy pregnancy on some serum indices of dromedary camels. METHODS: Twenty clinically healthy female dromedary camels aged between 4-5 years were divided into two equal groups: I: pregnant camels in their last trimester; and II: non-pregnant age-matched controls. The concentration of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, total protein, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and the activity of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), was measured. RESULTS: The results of this study show that the concentrations of glucose, calcium and phosphorus remained unchanged in pregnant camels compared to non-pregnant ones. The concentrations of serum BUN and creatinine in pregnant camels were higher, and these aforementioned differences were significant (p=0. 02 and 0.003 respectively). GGT activity was lower in pregnant than in non-pregnant camels (p=0. 04). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in BUN and creatinine levels might be part of the homeorhetic mechanisms for adaptation of camels during heavy pregnancy. The high urea-recycling rate in camels may transfer urea to the gastrointestinal tract as a source of “non-protein nitrogen” instead of being excreted as urine. The reduction of GGT as at the time of heavy pregnancy, may be attributed to its conversion to glutathione, as an antioxidant.

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which is the causative agent of colibacillosis, harbors several putative virulence genes. An important trait of APEC for both poultry and public health is antibiotic resistance. Objectives: In the present study, some potential virulence genes of APECs isolated from Northeast of Iran and their resistance to the quinolones antibiotics were studied. Methods: The conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of four virulence genes, including iss, cvi, iuc, and tsh, in 52 isolates of E. coli from avian colibacillosis and 11 isolates from feces of apparently healthy chicken. Disk diffusion method was used to also determine the resistance of all the isolates against nalidixic acid, norofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin. Results: The presence of iss and tsh virulence genes in isolates from diseased chickens was significantly higher than isolates from healthy chickens. There was no significant difference between APEC and fecal E. coli when it comes to quinolone resistance. However, cvi and iuc genes were significantly higher in susceptible isolates of E. coli from healthy chickens. Conclusions: iss and tsh genes are more prevalent in APEC isolates than in fecal isolates. There is no association between lack of virulence and resistance to quinolones in E. coli isolates from diseased chickens.

Background: Phenol is an estrogenic and toxic compound and people are widely exposed to it, in different ways.  OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine  the  negative effects of phenol on the fertility of male mice, by investigating sperm parameters including viability, motility, fertility rates and daily sperm production (DSP). METHODS: A total of 106 adult NIH mice were divided into four groups, one control and three experimental groups (n=13). The treatment groups were given daily dose of phenol for 35 days through gavage method (30, 75 and 100 mg/kg) while the control group received only normal saline. At day 36, six mice were sacrificed from each group. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), viability, motility and daily sperm production were determined carefully. The remaining 7 mice from each group were used to mate with 2 female mice. On GD10, the female mice were sacrificed and the fertility was verified. RESULTS: Daily sperm production in treatment groups decreased significantly compared to the control group (p≤0.05). Body weight, sperm motility, viability and fertility percentage were significantly decreased in 75 and 100 mg/kg groups in comparison with the control group (p≤0.05). While the testes showed no significant changes in weight in any groups. Gonadosomatic index in the treatment groups compared to the control group, was significantly decreased (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pure phenol could reduce fertility rate through decreasing motility, daily sperm production and sperm viability.

Background: Reports on the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in birds are scarce, even when it is a useful tool in poultry production. OBJECTIVES: Determining marbofloxacin kinetic parameters in plasma and muscle arrangement after intravenous and oral administrations and establishing its withdrawal period. METHODS: Clinical healthy chickens (1.08±0.22‌ kg) were used as experimental subjects, formed in groups of 5. In Group A (n= 45) birds received 2 mg/kg of marbofloxacin intravenously while group B (n= 65) was given the same oral dose after fasting for 12 hours. Blood samples in the groups and 5 g of muscle were obtained at different times, in A group up to 24 hours and in B group until 120 hours after application. Once the samples were obtained and treated, marbofloxacin was quantified by HPLC. RESULTS: Marbofloxacin in fasted chickens is almost completely absorbed (F= 97%), mean residence time is moderate (6.9 hours), with a high volume of distribution. Orally, mean residence time is less in plasma (4.9 hours) and the withdrawal time was calculated 2.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: The kinetic results are consistent with those presented by other fluoroquinolones in poultry and are in line with short production cycles in chickens.