BACKGROUND: Tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) is a plant with piscicidal and fertilizing properties. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 and 100mg/l) of hydro-alcoholic extracts of tobacco has been examined on different tissues of Rainbow trout. METHODS: Samples from liver, kidney and gill of Rainbow trout were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and studied under light microscopy. RESULTS: Various histopathological lesions were observed in the liver of Rainbow trout exposed to different concentrations of tobacco. The results showed that with increase in concentrations of tobacco up to 10 and 100mg/l, bloodshed increased and hepatocytes lost their continuity and showed discontinuity mood. Lamellar aneurysm, bleeding and leukocytes infiltration, clubbing at the end of the lamellae, hyperplasia of secondary lamellar epithelium, epithelial lifting of secondary lamellae and creating an edematous space, lamellar shortening, vacuolation and lamellar fusion were the more abundant branchial lesions after exposure to tobacco. Separating the epithelium from basement membrane, hypertrophy, glomerular capillary dilation and tubular degeneration were observed in renal tissues in all treatments. At higher concentrations of tobacco (10 and 100mg/l), renal tubular necrosis was also observed. According to the results liver of rainbow trout showed a few histopathological alteration following exposure to tobacco extracts. Unlike the liver, gills of rainbow trout due to direct contact with pollutants showed more lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco extract has more pathological effects on gills in comparison with liver and kidney of Rainbow trout due to direct contact with the dissolved pollutant.

BACKGROUND: Femoral head osteotomy in cases of fractures or degenerative diseases is as a routine surgical procedure. Less duration of the healing period and the creation of minimal fibrous tissue and its replacement with bone tissue can be effective in return to health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes following administration of platelet-rich plasma at the site of  removed femoral head in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were distributed into two groups including: control (underwent femoral head osteotomy, FHO) and treatment (underwent FHO and planting the platelet-rich plasma on surgical site FHO₊ PRP). In both groups after general anesthesia, femoral head was removed using standard method. In group 2, pre-prepared auto log PRP was used at the site of surgery. After eight weeks all animals were euthanised, femur and its  surrounding healing tissues were cut 2cm  far from the head of femur and removed. Slides were prepared from each sample  through serial sectioning and were stained with H&E and Mason Trichrome. Qualitative changes such as granulation tissues, cartilage and bone formation and their organization and timeliness, thickness of collagen fibers and cellular changes were compared. To quantify the changes, whole surface of the Mason Trichrom stained samples underwent scan with ×50 magnifications and then area of different new formation tissues was measured. Average occupancy levels of each tissue, their ratio to whole surface of sample and to each other in two groups were calculated and compared. RESULTS: In PRP treated group ratio of cartilage tissue to granulation tissue and formation of bone to granulation tissue is significantly more than these parameters in control group. Results indicate faster healing on the damaged area in group 2. Also in group 2, cartilage and bone tissues formation in the healing process was more orderly. CONCLUSIONS: PRP could accelerate healing of bone tissue that is cut at the head of the rabbit’s femur. So it seems that the use of PRP as a treatment protocol in these cases could be suggested.

BACKGROUND: Mineral elements for various activities such as biochemical, productive and reproductive functions of animals are necessary and their concentration in the body of animals, under the influence of soil and plants will be different in each region. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present experiment was determination of concentration of macro and micro minerals in blood of gazing camel in the pastures of Khuzestan. METHODS: Eighty-eight camels under 11 classes, according to age and physiological situation in Hoveyzeh, Jofeir and Abadan-Khoramshahr regions were investigated during the autumn and winter grazing seasons. RESULTS: Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and iron in serum of all class of camels were in the optimal range, compared to the critical level. The concentrations of camels blood Zn and Cu were under critical level, so they were deficient, the P was near the deficiency threshold. Concentration of Mn was low. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, as important roles of minerals in improvement of production and reproductive situations of camels in these regions, the mineral status of feedlot must be improved by proper mineral supplementation, the results of present experiment could be useful.

BACKGROUND: Urea is a non-proteinaceous nitrogen source, often used as a substitute for raw ration protein in order to reduce the feeding cost of livestock. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of substitution of different levels of slow-release urea with soybean  meal on feed intake, milk production and composition, and blood parameters of lactating cows in early lactation. METHODS: Twelve Holstein cows were selected at the third birthday, milk production of more than 30 kg per day, and from 10 to 100 days after birth, with four diets, the treatments included 0, 23, 0.46 and 0.69  % of slow-release urea was replaced by soybean meal. Feed intake was measured daily. The milk sample was taken on the day of the start of the experiment and was taken at intervals of 14 days. To measure glucose, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and low blood levels, were determined  from the start of the test to the end of the test every two weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of feed, milk production and composition did not differ from experimental treatments. Glucose concentration and blood parameters (cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein) did not differ between experimental treatments, but triglyceride and lipoprotein showed a very low density at zero (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that adding slow-release urea to the level of 0.69% had no negative effect on feed consumption, milk production and composition, and blood parameters.

BACKGROUND: Using plastic compounds in food packaging industry creates a lot of problems for the environment. Edible coatings are biodegradable and can control the microbiological and chemical properties of foods. Using herbal essential oils improves the properties of coatings due to their antioxidants and antimicrobial specifications. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of potato starch edible coating containing Ziziphora clinopodioides and Thymus daenensis essential oils on chemical and sensory characteristics of refrigerated chicken breast, was evaluated. METHODS: The chicken breast was coated with potato starch containing 0, 0.5 and 1% concentrations of essential oils. Chemical (pH, TVN, TBARs) and sensory tests were performed on days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 on different samples stored at 4 °C. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software 22 using ANOWA and Nonparametric Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: Treatments with different concentrations of essential oil showed lower values of pH, Thiobarbituric Acid (TBARs) and Total Volatile Nitrogen (TVN) compared to the control samples (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coating with potato starch enriched with different amounts of essential oils, has a preventive effect on chemical degradation. Essential oils with the concentration of 0.5% can be an optimal dose for improving the sensorial properties of chicken breast.

BACKGROUND: Lameness is regarded as a serious issue in dairy cattle which can ultimately lead to a drastic reduction in milk production as well as conception, and the possibility of early removal of cattle from the herd. Short claw and thin sole play the chief role in excessive pressure on the heel and lateral grooves, which in turn are the direct consequences of heel erosion and lameness. OBJECTIVES: Current study intended to investigate the simultaneous occurrence of these two events at epidemic proportions in cattle. METHODS: This study was performed in 110 Holstein newborn heifers. Lame cows were chosen based on the fact sheet approved by AABP, (the American Association of Bovine Practitioners). The “Thin sole” criteria included a length of ˂7.5 cm at the posterior wall, along with ˂5 cm in sole (measured by claw check). Existence of dark V-shape lesions in lateral grooves was considered as heel horn erosion. RESULTS: In 50 newborn heifers, thin sole and lateral grooves ulcer which affect rear limb digits almost equally, were diagnosed and clinically approved. The lowest posterior wall (66.54 ± 1.02 mm) and the lowest sole thickness (43.98 ± 1.78 mm) were observed in the left hind limb. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, these two above mentioned conditions are called “New Concrete Disease” and the lameness due to these two lesions was clinically considered.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc. METHODS: This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography. RESULTS: Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.

BACKGROUND: Phytase enzyme (EC 3.1.3.8), is used to increase the availability of phosphorus in the feeding of monogastric animals. Increasing public attention to environmental issues, improving livestock nutrition and human health have led to considerable attempts to increase its activity or prevent its inhibition as a food additive. OBJECTIVES: Determination of inhibitory or activating effect of methanolic extract from aerial parts of some herbs, as rich sources of secondary metabolites. METHODS: Phytase was partially purified from wheat barn. After preparation of methanolic extracts from aerial parts of plants, their effects on phytase activity were measured at four concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/ml. Micro plate assays were performed at 405 nm. RESULTS: Among analysed plant samples, extracts from Pedicularis sibthorpii Boiss, Phlomis persica Boiss, Solenanthus Circinatus Ledeb, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl, had appreciable inhibitory effect, while extracts from Astragalus caraganae Hohe, Hypericum scabrum L, Linum album Ky.ex Boiss, Valeriana sisymbriifolia Vahl, Euphorbia denticulate Lam, Rindera lanata (Lam.) Bge, had a considerable activation effect. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this report, plants with positive effect on phytase activity, could be used as food additive along with phytase to improve phosphoros uptake. On the other hand, plants with negative effect on phytase could be viewed as unwanted sources in monogastric animals feeding.

BACKGROUND: The histogenetic study is a useful and practical laboratory method for obtaining basic and effective information in order to reveal the process of histogenesis and development of organs in different stages during the embryonic period. This applied method helps us to understand the formation time of each organ and its tissue structure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to study the histogenesis and histochemistry of the pheasant liver during the embryonic period. METHODS: Sixty fertile eggs were placed in the incubator and sampling was performed from day 5 to the end of incubation period. The liver samples were fixed in 10% Buffered Formalin and the slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&amp;E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson Trichrome (MT). RESULTS: In this study, liver parenchyma, changes in the hepatocytes and their glycogen storage, as well as the appearance time of canaliculi, biliary ducts, central veins and port spaces were investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the time of the formation of the organs and structures in various birds relate to different incubation period or species variations. In this research, as the first study on the liver histogenesis of the pheasant, the formation of this organ from the fifth day to the end of the fetal period was examined and it was observed that the evolution and tissue development of the liver is completed until the eighteenth day of incubation period.

BACKGROUND:  Among infectious diseases, Newcastle disease, due to being highly contagious and its rapid spread among poultry and other bird species, is a deadly viral disease and is considered a global threat to the poultry industry. Objectives: To determine the occurrence of Newcastle disease in poultry broiler farms reported to the Iranian veterinary organization during the study period. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from September 2013 to March 2015. During this study, from 185 farms and a total of 3700 bird sera, cloacal and tracheal swabs were sampled and tested using a haemagglutination inhibition test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction respectively. Results: In this study, of a total of 185 farms reported to the Iranian Veterinary Organization, 115 farms (62.16%, 95%CI: 55.17-69.14) were positive for Newcastle disease viruses and then using specific primers, 69 farms (37.3%, 95%CI: 30.33-44.26) had vaccinal pathotype (non-acute) and 46 farms (25%, 95%CI: 18.76-31.23) had acute pathotype (field virus). The mean±SD age of infected poultry was 24.63±5.38 days and antibodies titer against Newcastle disease virus was 5.97±1.21. The highest mortality rates were observed in the spring (32.34%) and winter (26.9%), respectively. Mazandaran (37%) and Isfahan (22%) province had the highest percentage of farms with Newcastle disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested virulent Newcastle virus strains are circulating in the Iranian commercial broiler farms in the mentioned time and with high occurrence. Therefore, the relevant authorities need to make correct decisions to reduce the risk of Newcastle disease in the Iranian poultry industry and its control.