BACKGROUND: Avibacterium paragallinarum causes infectious coryza that is an important disease of chickens associated with an acute upper respiratory infection, growth retardation, marked drop in egg production, reduced hatchability, and increased number of culls. Infectious coryza has been reported from all around the world including Iran where chickens are raised. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to isolate Avibacterium paragallinarum from the suspected cases of infectious coryza in the backyard and commercial layer chickens in three provinces of Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin in Iran, to characterize the isolates by molecular methods and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. METHODS: Swab samples from eye secretions and mouth cavity were provided from five commercial laying farms (25 samples) and backyard chickens (20 samples) suspected of infectious coryza in Tehran, Alborz, and Qazvin provinces of Iran. Standard bacteriological and biochemical procedures were performed for the isolation and identification of Av. paragallinarum. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates was determined by the agar disk diffusion method. HPG-2 PCR was used to confirm Av. paragallinarum using the specific primers of N1 and R1, resulting in a 500 bp amplicon. PCR-amplified hmtp210 gene with the amplicon size of 1.6 kb was subjected to sequencing with the standard Sanger sequencing method and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS: Three Av. paragallinarum isolates were obtained from all the cultured samples. Antimicrobial sensi-tivity test revealed that all three isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, and colistin while they were susceptible to cephalexin, ceftriaxone, florfenicol, gentamicin, linco-spectin, neomycin, and doxycycline. In phylogenetic analysis, two different genotypes of Av. paragallinarum were found. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Av. paragallinarum isolates recovered from layer flocks were genotypically closely related to the strains from serovar C while the isolate recovered from backyard chickens was closely related to serovar B strains. Our results showed that the antimicrobial susceptibility is highly variable among the Av. para-gallinarum isolates compared to previous studies. Future studies are required to develop better immunogenic strategies and eventually novel vaccine candidates to control the disease and reduce the risk of infection with multi-drug resistant Av. paragallinarum isolates.

BACKGROUND: The grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), a non-human primate (NHP), has contributed sig-nificantly as an animal model in a variety of biological systems due to its similarities with human. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to establish a detailed procedure for in vitro maturation (IVM) of germi-nal-vesicle stage oocytes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) of grivet monkey. METHODS: The reproductive organs were obtained from10 adult male and 4 adult female grivet monkeys after the proper anesthesia. The ovarian follicles were aspirated by aspiration technique or by the means of oocyte recov-ery with centrifugation (ORC). For the sperm recovery, the epididymides were dissected from the testicles and the tails of the epididymides were minced in the sperm washing medium and incubated for 15 min. At the time of insemination, a portion of the pre-incubated spermatozoa (10 μL) was introduced into 90 μL of fertilization medium containing about 20 matured oocytes. RESULTS: The data on the oocyte recovery rate and IVM showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the COCs recovered via ORC technique (9.8±0.41 and 90.90%) comparedto the recovered COCs using aspiration (4.45±0.32, 80.00%). The results showed similarity in the rate of cleavage in both groups (ORC and aspiration) (71%). The rate of embryo development to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher in the ORC group (43%) compared to the aspiration group (33.33%). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the oocyte recovery technique is of great importance in terms of non-human primates' COCs competence in the in vitro embryo production (IVEP). On the other hand, it is well documented in the current research that the commercial ART medium used in the human infertility clinics is well applicable for the grivet monkey IVEP.

Postmortem examination is an important part in evidence-based medicine to understand deterioration of clinical signs or causes of death in euthanized or deceased individual animals or even populations. The object of postmortem analysis is to improve clinical treatment and therapy, to confirm suspected diagnosis, to manage breeding strategies or to clarify in forensic cases the conditions, which had led to death (neglect, animal abuse). In analogy to virtopsy in human medicine, Diagnostic imaging modalities have been applied in post mortem veterinary medicine, which we call Vetvirtopsy.We hypothesize, that Vetvirtopsy can be used as a method for certain clinical/post mortem questions to improve the reliability of the diagnosis. In some questions, Vetvirtopsy actually can replace conventional necropsy. The aim of this overview study is to compare Vetvirtopsy to conventional necropsy in variable causes of death in animals and to define its possibilities and limitations. Deceased or euthanized pets and wild animals were collected. The methods used are imaging techniques such as postmortem digital radiography, postmortem ultrasound, postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance tomography in combination with image-guided tissue sampling to address the open questions about clinical symptoms or causes of their death. The case series in this project shown that using diagnostic imaging technique is feasible in answering different clinical ante-mortem and post-mortem clinical and forensic questions; however, there is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the diagnostic imaging and sampling under imaging guidance.

BACKGROUND: Ascertainment of fetal sex is important in the equine industry for economic reasons. As a result, various methods have been developed for the sex determination of a fetus in a horse; however, the current techniques have some limitations. Recently, evaluation of maternal testosterone concentration has been suggested as an easy and inexpensive method for diagnosing fetal sex, but the findings are discrepant in different species. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of circulating testosterone in mares carrying male and female fetuses in order to assess the diagnostic value of maternal testosterone concentration for sex determination of equine fetus. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from mares (n=20) at months three, six, and nine of pregnancy. The samples were centrifuged and stored at -20°C until hormonal analysis of testosterone concentration using an ELIZA kit. The gender of foals was determined at birth based on observation of external genitalia. RESULTS: Neither testosterone concentration in the third, sixth and ninth months of pregnancy nor the cumulative concentration of testosterone differ between mares with male and female fetuses (P>0.05). However, testosterone concentration changed during pregnancy in all mares regardless of the gender of their fetus, and it was higher at month six than at months three and nine (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study showed that maternal testosterone concentration could not be used for the sex determination of a fetus in a horse. Yet the current study revealed testosterone concentration dy-namics over various gestation stages in mares.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering is a potential technique for treating bone tissue abnormalities in the short and long terms. Aside from that, the use of 3D printing technology has considerable advantages in the production of bioengineering scaffolds for the treatment of patient-specific bone defects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to fabricate and characterize the 3D printed polycaprolactone/hydroxy-apatite (PCL-HA) scaffolds modified with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF). METHODS: The scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing technology to provide a suitable environment for the bone regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and compression tests were utilized to characterize the scaffold morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties, respectively. The potentials for the cell adhesion, proliferation, biocompatibility, and differentiation were also investigated. RESULTS: The 3D PCL-HA scaffold with linked pores had a moderately rough surface as a result of hydroxyap-atite (HA) nanoparticles incorporation, which resulted in the increased mechanical properties. Increased bone cell proliferation on the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold surface was seen as a result of the enhanced hydrophilicity and porosity of the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold as compared to the PCL scaffold. The MTT assay results showed that the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold was much more cyto-compatible than the PCL and PCL-HA scaffolds, which was a major im-provement. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 3D printed PCL-HA scaffold supplemented with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) may be an effective scaffold for the bone tissue regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the main pathophysiologic conditions of the testis. Although free radical scavenging properties of the tannins are approved, limited information exists on their antiox-idant activities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of quebracho tannin extract (QTE) on testicular I/R injury in rats. METOD: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (n=6). One group was kept as control. In I/R group, rats were subjected to 4 hours I/20 hours R, and the group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with saline 1 hour before R. In groups 3-5, rats were subjected to 4 hours I/20 hours R, and ip injected with QTE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) 1 hour before R. At the end of the study, left testis was removed for histological analysis and antioxidant measurement. RESULTS: I/R resulted in degenerated seminiferous tubules and loss of spermatogenesis. Administration of QTE (200 and 400 mg/kg) to I/R rats showed many normal seminiferous tubules. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in I/R rats (P<0.05) while QTE decreased IR-induced MDA level (P<0.05). Experimental I/R significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (P<0.05). Ad-ministration of QTE significantly increased tissue SOD and GPx activities in I/R rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested treatment with QTE had a benefial effect against I/R.

BACKGROUND: The predisposition of ruminants to indigestible foreign materials is becoming a major global concern in livestock systems in developing countries making gastrointestinal tract impactions severe veterinary emergencies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and types of indigestible foreign material impactions in small ruminants in Gombe state, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 940 goats and 790 sheep were selected through a systematic random sampling technique and antemortem examinations were completed before slaughter at major abattoirs in Gombe state. The gender, age, and body condition score (BCS) of animals were recorded. Post-mortem examination of the rumen and reticulum was performed and foreign materials in the abdominal cavity were removed, identified, and recorded. RESULTS: Out of 1730 examined small ruminants, 1167 (67.46%) were found to have various types of indigestible foreign materials in their gastrointestinal tracts. The frequency was significantly (χ2=58.047, P<0.0001) higher in goats (38%) than sheep (23.7%). Prevalence rates of 13.6%, 12.9%, 12.1%, 11.8%, and 11.4% were recorded in Gombe, Yamaltu Deba, Akko, Funakaye, and Kwami Local Government Areas, respectively. Prevalence was found to be significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=732.87; OR=47.009) higher in adult (59.6%) than young (2.1%) cases, significantly (P<0.0001; χ2=637.61; OR=31.145) higher in females (42.5%) than males (19.2%), higher in goats (χ2=177.03, P<0.0001) and sheep (χ2=191.39, P<0.0001) with poor BCS than those with medium and good BCS. Significantly higher proportions of indigestible foreign materials were recovered in the rumen of goats and sheep, compared to the reticulum. Plastic was the most commonly encountered indigestible foreign material in goats and sheep, followed by seed/nuts, ropes, and clothes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study revealed a prevalence of 67.46% for indigestible foreign materials in goats and sheep. Predisposing factors to indigestible foreign materials in ruminants in the study area included the lack of adequate plastic waste disposal system and management system, as well as the free grazing of livestock. Therefore, it was recommended that collaborative intervention schemes involving governmental agencies and livestock farmers be incorporated to increase public awareness about the proper disposal of domestic waste.

BACKGROUND: Skin is the largest organ of the body and is of particular importance in the beauty as well as economic value of the horse. Equine sarcoid disease (ESD) is the most common skin tumor in horses. So far, various methods have been used to treat equine sarcoidosis though no fully effective treatment has been proposed till now. Larval therapy has been used for the treatment of human diabetic ulcers as well as horse hoof lesions. Reports on the use of larval therapy to treat the complications of tumor lesions have been promising. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of larval therapy on equine sarcoid lesions. METHODS: In this study, 4 horses were diagnosed with equine sarcoid through the clinical examinations and pathological tests, and larval therapy was used to treat the sarcoid lesions. To place the larvae on the lesion, the method of implantation in an artificial nest was used. The number of larvae used per square centimeter was about 10 larvae. RESULTS: The result of treatment was satisfactory in 2 cases of horses and even in one case, the lesion was largely limited but the skin began to renew. By the way, in general no positive result was seen in the other two cases, which was probably due to the extent of the lesion and the instability of the larvae on it. CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, it seems that larval therapy is effective for the treatment of sarcoid necrotic lesions, however more studies are needed.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are induced ovulators with the ovulatory process being triggered by neuro-hormonal impulses gen-erated during natural mating. When applying artificial insemination (AI), an array of biostimulation techniques and/or exogenous hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or its analogues must be used to induce ovulation. However, the effect of biostimulation techniques and exogenous hormones is not always satisfactory and the use of GnRH analogues is asso-ciated with high production costs. Therefore, the development of an alternative inexpensive, efficient, and safe treatment for ovulation induction in artificially inseminated does is urgently needed. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we examined and compared the effects of mated doe serum (MDS) and GnRH analogue (Gonadorelin) administered immediately after AI on the circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and fertility in New Zealand does. METHODS: Forty artificially inseminated does were allocated to four equinumerous groups. The Control G, Treatment G, Control M, and Treatment M groups received 0.2 mL of saline intramuscular (IM), 0.8 μg of Gonadorelin dissolved in 0.2 mL of saline IM, 2.5 mL of mixed-sex normal rabbit serum intravenous (IV),and 2.5 mL of MDS/doe IV, respectively. RESULTS: A peak in systemic LH concentrations occurred earlier in Treatment M, compared to Treatment G does (71 vs. 107 min post-AI, respectively; P≤0.05). Mean LH concentrations did not vary (P≤0.05) from the pre-AI values in neither of the control groups. Serum LH concentrations remained higher (P≤0.05) in the Treatment M group, in comparison with Treatment G does during30-90 min post-AI. However, LH was higher (P≤0.05) in the Treatment G group than the Treatment M group 120 and 160 min post-AI. Gonadorelin and MDS injections both resulted in the same kindling rate of 80% at each of the four con-secutive AIs (initiated 30 days postpartum) and were significantly greater than that recorded in the control animals (20%). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that MDS administration is an effective treatment for inducing ovulation in rabbits with repeatability similar to that achieved with a GnRH analogue

BACKGROUND: The ossicles comprise three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) known as the smallest bones in the body that play an essential role in transmitting sound to the inner ear. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to compare the structure of the middle ear in native sheep and cattle. METHODS: To study the details of middle ear ossicles in Lori sheep (n=5) and native cattle (n=5), bio-anatomical parameters of the malleus, incus, and stapes ossicles were measured. Animals were male and adult. In this study, the ossicles were carefully described by the appropriate devices, and after separation, the ossicles were measured using a caliper and digital scales. Bio-anatomical changes were evaluated under magnification provided by stere-omicroscope. RESULTS: The cow's middle-ear ossicles differed from those of sheep in some details. The results revealed obvi-ous differences in length, width, and thickness of malleus, incus, and stapes in cows compared to sheep. However, further differences were observed in the malleus compared to the other two ossicles when the ossicles of the two species were evaluated. After examining the two studied species, the least difference was observed between the ossicles of the two animals in the stapes. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, this study could compare middle ear ossicles between sheep and native cattle in the Shahrekord province. Anyway, it is conceivable that the biometric sizes of the middle ear ossicles may be af-fected by animal species