BACKGROUND: Abomasal ulcer is a disease of digestive system in ruminants. The clinical signs vary widely depending on the type of abomasal ulcer. The economic losses of this disease include decreased milk yield and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the frequency, type of ulcer, pathological, hematological, and electrocardiographic indices in the slaughtered cattle in Sanandaj abattoir. METHODS: A total of 400 cattle were randomly selected with both sexes and 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and ≥4 years of age. They were grouped during three seasons and the abomasal ulcer was evaluated. Blood sample was collected and electrocardiogram was recorded before they were slaughtered. Abomasal lesions were assessed macroscopically and histopathologically in the slaughtered cattle. RESULTS: Out of the 400 abomasom examined, 51 (12.75 %) were affected by abomasal ulcers, all of which were type-1 ulcer. Subtypes 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. 35 cattle (68.7 %) had the types of arrhythmia. The most frequent of them was sinus arrhythmia and sinus tachycardia. Neutrophilia and reduction in MCHC were significantly more than the other hematological indices (p < /em>˂0.05). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of abomasal ulcers and arrhythmia, gender, age, and season (p < /em>˂0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between electrocardiographic and hematological indices in the affected cattle (p < /em>˂0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of abomasal ulcer in the studied area. They also indicated that the electrocardiographic and hematological changes could be helpful in the diagnosis of abomasal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium perfringens is an important animal pathogen that causes severe loses to the livestock and poultry industries. Therefore, bacterial detection is believed to be of particular importance. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify Iranian isolates using conventional and molecular methods and to evaluate their toxicity. METHODS: In this work, 23 Clostridium perfringens type B isolates were examined via microbiological and biochemical tests. Subsequently, they were subjected to PCR technique for the final confirmation. After culturing of the isolates in specific medium, the minimum lethal dose test was performed. The most toxigenic isolate and reference strain was prepared the enterotoxaemia anaculture vaccine. Serum neutralization test was performed on the experimental inactive vaccines. RESULTS: The results revealed that etx and cpb gene could be found in all of the isolates, yet cpb2 gene was found in 65.2 % of the isolates. The minimum lethal dose ranges for these bacteria was less than 1/10 to more than 1/900. The results of serum neutralization in Iranian isolate and reference strains were 5 and 10 IU / ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings herein implied that strain 1795 with high toxicity could be used in vaccine production. Of course, for use in production, further research on target animals is needed.

HISTORY: Suspensory ligament injury associated with avulsion or crescent fracture of third metacarpal or metatarsal bone is a common injury in racehorses. Lameness is known to be the most common clinical sign of these horses. CLINICAL FINDING: The present article investigated two avulsion fractures in the third metacarpal bone in 2.5-year-old mare and stallion, which had chronic lameness with a vague origin and disability of weight bearing in left forelimbs. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: Following radiography and ultrasonography examinations, suspensory ligament injury and subsequently avulsion fracture in the proximal third of metacarpal bones in left forelimb were approved. FINAL EVALUATION: In radiography, radiolucent lines associated with fragmented segments (about 2×6×8 mm) in mare and (about 2×4×6 mm) in stallion  in the proximal part of  the third metacarpal bone were indicative of an avulsion or crescent fracture at the origin of the suspensory ligament. Furthermore, in ultrasonography compatible with radiographic findings, an echogenic-fragmented fracture in the proximal part of the third metacarpal bone and a local area of decreased echogenicity was diagnosed as desmopathy of suspensory ligament.

BACKGROUND: Today, the fight against the bacteria causing foodborne diseases is of particular importance in the packaging of seafood. It is therefore vital to find new compounds with antibacterial properties.OBJECTIVES: In the present study, antibacterial properties of synthetic nanocomposite zinc chromite-zinc aluminate (ZnCr2O4-ZnAl2O4) on E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied.METHODS: After synthesis of nanocomposite, antibacterial activity of nanocomposite zinc chromite-zinc aluminate was evaluated via disk diffusion method, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method.RESULTS: The results of this study revealed a higher sensitivity reaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.6±1.2 mm) compared to E. coli (12.7 ± 1.4 mm). No significant differences were observed between Gentamicin antibiotic and synthetic nanocomposite against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P<0.05). The minimum MIC and MBC concentrations were seen in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.66 mg/ml) and the maximum concentration of MIC belonged to E. coli (5 mg/ml).CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the effects of nanoparticles on these gram-negative bacteria could be attributed to the small diameter of the ions, and hence the greater penetrability of these nanoparticles despite the wall's resistance. Based on the results, zinc chromite-zinc aluminate nanocomposite showed a better performance compared with gram-negative bacteria, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant bacteria, and could be used for further studies in fisheries product packaging.

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: Sex determination is an essential issue in certain fish species, like sturgeons. During the rearing management, distinguishing between male and female fish is an important process for producing meat or caviar.OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to find the feasibility of electric organ discharge (EOD) frequency ‎generating to introduce a novel method of sex determination in three freshwater species, namely the ‎black ghost knife fish (Aptronotus albifrons), goldfish (Carassius auratus), and the Sterlet ‎sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), as non-electric fishes.METHODS: In this regard, following sex detection, EOD frequency ‎of fishes were recorded via an oscilloscope. In addition, knife fish was used as a reference sample on which a lot of work has been done to evaluate the accuracy of the method and the use of the oscilloscope. Furthermore, the EOD frequency of male and female ‎Sterlet sturgeons was recorded and reported for the first time in this study.RESULTS: The frequency ‎magnitude was significantly different in genders of Sterlet (P<0.05) with higher EOD frequency in males ‎than in females. There was no recorded frequency in goldfish ‎male and female. EOD frequencies, which were recorded in male and female of black ghost fish, ‎represented significant differences compared with the other studies (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results achieved ‎in this study revealed that sex differences are one of the effective parameters in terms of EOD ‎frequency inequality; this non-invasive method can be utilized for sex identification of valuable ‎species, like sturgeon. However, it is required to gather advanced equipment and conduct further ‎research in physiology and biology of reproduction for accurate recording of electrical frequencies ‎and detection of their origins.

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: Thyme extract has the antimicrobial and antioxidant components that can be useful for the broilers under heat stress condition. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Thymus vulgaris extract in comparison with some common feed additives on performance, blood biochemical parameters and antibody response in broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. METHODS: This study was conducted using 192 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments in 4 replicates and 6 chicks per replicate. Treatments were as follows: 1) basal diet + standard temperature conditions (positive control); 2) basal diet + heat stress conditions (negative control); 3) negative control + 200 mg virginiamycin; 4) negative control + 150 mg Protoxin probiotic, 5) negative control + 250 mg vitamin C, 6) negative control + 250 mg vitamin E, 7) negative control + 250 mg thyme extract, and 8) negative control +500 mg thyme extract per kg diet. RESULTS: Dietary thyme extract at the rate of 500 mg/kg as well as probiotic and vitamin E increased (P<0.05) body weight gain (2202, 2183 and 2199, respectively) and improved feed conversion (1.65, 1.74 and 1.66, respectively) compared with negative control group (body weight gain 1960 g and feed conversion ratio 1.96). Moreover, 500 mg/kg dietary thyme extract, probiotic and vitamin C reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein during heat stress conditions (P<0.05). All dietary supplements groups significantly increased antibody titers against red blood cells as compared with negative control. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the results of the present study suggest that thyme extract at the level of 500 mg/kg of diet can be recommended as an alternative to the common feed additives to improve growth performance and health benefits of the heat-stressed broilers.

BACKGROUND: Cheese is a dairy product that is popular in the world. Prebiotics and probiotics are increasingly being used to produce potentially symbiotic foods, particularly through dairy products as vehicle. It is well known that both ingredients may offer benefits to improve host health. OBJECTIVES: In this study prebiotic effect of Olive leaf extract or survival of Lactobacillus casei in UF cheese production during 10 weeks storage in cold condition was researched. METHODS: After provision of aqueous extract of olive leaf, probiotic bacteria and starter culture were prepared for inoculation. This extract was added to UF cheese in the presence of the bacteria then, counting of L.Casei on MRS-bile agar with pour plate was done during 10 weeks of storage and sensory evaluation was performed after 10 weeks of cheese storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: The number of L. Casei was affected significantly by the addition of OLE (P<0.05). The bacterial growth had a significant relationship with the increase in OLE concentrations (P< 0.05). After 10 weeks, in all probiotic cheese, the concentration of L. Casei was at the level of 106 - 108 cfu/g. Also, sensory quality was positively affected by the presence of OLE in cheese samples. Cheese sample produced with the addition of 0.5% of OLE was the most desirable. CONCLUSIONS: The number of Lactobacillus casei was significantly increased during the storage weeks due to the addition of different concentrations of olive leaf extract. The number of probiotic was increased with increasing concentrations of the extract (P<0.05). Also, positive effects on the sensory properties of cheese samples affected by olive leaf extract were observed and the most common cheese sample was 0.5% of this extract.