BACKGROUND: Detection of ovulation time using progesterone measurement is important to inseminate or breeding during the optimum time. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was evaluation of bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit for estimation of blood serum progesterone levels in bitch. METHODS: Five healthy intact anestrus bitches were used in the present study. Dogs were treated with cabergolin until onset of proestrus. Vaginal cytology, ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed from the 7th day of proestrus until two days after ovulation. Blood serum samples were divided as follows: one part to measure progesterone level by using RIA, and the other part was investigated by bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit. Ovarian changes were evaluated by ultrasonography and assessment of the estrus cycle was performed by vaginal cytology examination. RESULTS: Following Spearman analysis, significant positive correlation was observed between the semi-quantitative test kit and RIA results (r=0.916; p < /em>=0.00). The results of ROC and Kappa analysis suggested that the highest diagnostic accuracy of progesterone semi-quantitative test kit was observed in the blood serum progesterone levels of 2 and 5 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of the used kit at the level of 5 ng/ml of progesterone were 88.5 and 93.7 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the used kit at the level of 10 ng/ml of progesterone were 82.4 and 96 % and at the level of 10 ng/ml were 82.4 and 96%, respectively. The observed scores during the late proestrus were 2-3 and just one dog showed score 4. During the estrus phase, in two dogs scores 4-5 and in three dogs scores 3-5 were revealed.   CONCLUSIONS: Bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit is useful for estimation of estrus cycles in bitch. Scores of 4 and 5 of semi-quantitative test kit indicate ovulation time and proper breeding time.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella are endemic on most large intensive dairy farms and salmonellosis is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Disease and mortality usually reflect a variety of management events and environmental stressors that contribute to compromised host immunity and increased pathogen exposure. OBJECTIVES: In this study, PCR method was used to identify Salmonella Enteritidis, Infantis, Dublin and serovars isolated from diarrhea samples and aborted fetuses of Tehran and Alborz provinces dairy Farms. Further observation showed that the isolation of S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis is closely related to the consumption of contaminated poultry meat powder in diet of cows. METHODS: Forty-one Salmonella were isolated from diarrhea and aborted fetus samples in Tehran and Alborz provinces Farms and were confirmed by biochemical assays, then the isolates were identified by serological methods by polyvalent and monovalent Salmonella antisera. DNA of samples was extracted by Boiling method and was tested by PCR. Salmonella serovars were identified according to the presence of specificgenes for Salmonella Enteritidis, Infantis and Dublin.  RESULTS: All samples were tested by PCR were positive. 32 samples were identified as Salmonella Enteritidis (78/04 %), 4 samples were identified as Salmonella Infantis (9/77 %) and 5 samples were identified as Salmonella Dublin (12/19 %). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it seems that PCR can be used as a alternative method to the expensive and time consuming biochemical and serological methods for identifying Salmonella serovars. As Salmonella Enteritidis was usually isolated from poultry, isolation from cows may be due to has been used chicken meat powder in diet of the dairy farms.

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: Rotavirus Group A is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis as it is isolated from 30 to 50% of infant diarrhea from humans and other animals. G genotype of the virus is determined by gene sequence of a surface protein of the virus (VP7), one of the most important factors in inducing immunity against the virus which acts very specific to each genotype. OBJECTIVES: In the present study the presence of common bovine rotavirus genotypes A was examined in human rotavirus population. METHODS: A total of 100 stool samples from children under 2 years of age in Tehran and Varamin were collected and to track the presence of rotavirus A, were evaluated using ELISA method. Positive samples were isolated and cultured on the MA-104 cell line after several passages. The positive samples (49 samples) were determined to be the G type using semi-nested RT-PCR and primers specific for bovine common genotype. RESULTS: From 100 samples, 49 were positive in ELISA. Eight samples in the first semi nested RT-PCR showed the desired rotavirus bands and in the second round, the results were positive for the presence of bovine VP7 in two samples taken from Varamin, in one sample, G6, and in another sample, two genotypes of VP7, G6 and G8 were detected, indicating infection with at least two strains of human rotavirus reassortant. Six of the ELISA selected positive samples that were taken to the cell line MA104, showed effects of cell damage (CPE) after 4-5 consecutive passages, demonstrating proliferation of the rotaviruses of this study and so, their viability was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate reassortment between bovine and human rotaviruses and show that in case of occurrence of bovine and human rotavirus infection and the emergence of new human type, due to reassortment strain differences in protein immunogen it is possible to overcome due to lack of maternal immunity in the human population and low efficiency of current vaccines and, ultimately, epidemic and considerable losses may occur. Hence, more research is warranted.

Cardiac thrombosis normally occurs in old Syrian hamsters and according to the research it has a higher incidence rate in females than males. The most frequent site of thrombus formation has been reported to be the left atrium and it usually occurs secondary to degenerative cardiomyopathy and amyloidosis. In this study during a period of 2 years, 22 pet Syrian hamsters aged between 1-3 years-old with signs of cardiovascular disease and referred to the small animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran were examined in order to evaluate for cardiac diseases as well as atrial thrombosis. During the examinations and observations clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia, hyperpnoea, reduced daily activity, tachycardia, cyanosis, and vaginal discharge were observed. Based on the clinical sings, the initial diagnosis of cardiac disease was made and for more accurate evaluation of cardiac disease, the cases were referred to the radiology department. For detection of specific signs of cardiac disease echocardiography was performed on all patients. in some cases, sampling of vaginal discharge was taken as well and transferred to the lab for bacterial culture. Cardiac thrombosis and especially atrial thrombosis in all cases were diagnosed by echocardiography so that 9 cases showed pyometra concurrently.

BACKGROUND: The protozoancryptosporidiumisan important intestinal parasitic infection in domestic ruminants that has the potential for transmission between humans and livestock throughout the world and Iran. OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to determine cryptosporidiuminfection in different age groupsof cattle and water buffaloesin farms of Mahabad suburb, Iran. METHODS: For this purpose, a total number of 248 fresh fecal samples were randomly collected from rectum of cattle and water buffaloesin farms of 4 villages from May2016 to May 2017. The fecal samples were subjected to floatation technique andcryptosporidiumoocysts were collected using Sucrose Gradient and Percole flotation technique and stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of cryptosporidiuminfection was 50% (124/248). The highest rate of infection was significant in female calves (30.65%) less than one year-old. The highest infection rate was significantly found in summer (20.16%). Cryptosporidium parvum and C. andersoni were identified in 40.32% (100/248) and 9.68% (24/248) of examined cattle, respectively. Mixed infection was 8.47%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that C.parvum was prevalent in cattle of the region, therefore, further molecular studies are recommended to determine the genotypes of the parasiteas a potential zoonotic agent.

BACKGROUND: Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL) is one of the most common diseases in oral cavity of adult domestic cats. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of different types of FORL by radiography and computed tomography in order to accurately and early diagnose of disease. METHODS: In this retrospective study during 1 year, among 68 CT scans and 17 radiographs of the head of referral cats to veterinary hospital, University of Tehran, 18 cases of FORL (10 CT scans and 8 radiographs) having different degrees of teeth involvement in accordance with stages of FORL were described and diagnosed. For this purpose, radiographic images of teeth in lateral, oblique and dorsoventral views were prepared and also CT images of 2D in transverse, sagittal and dorsal views and 3D were constructed for evaluation of dental and bones reactions. RESULTS: In radiography and computed tomography, FORLs lesions are classified into five stages. In Stage 1 there is mild cementum and enamel loss but this stage is usually not noted on dental radiographs but may be felt on clinical exploration. In Stage 2 there is moderate cementum and enamel loss with dentinal loss that does not involve the pulp. In Stage 3 there is severe loss involving the pulp cavity with remaining  tooth integrity. In Stage 4 there are extensive dental hard tissue losses and most of the tooth has lost its integrity. In Stage 5 there are remnants of dental hard tissues as irregular opacities. Furthermore, in this study it was proved that FORL occurs in male more than female cats and mandibular premolar teeth are the most affected ones. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that FORL has different stages and consequently has different severity, accurate diagnosis of this disease by radiography and computed tomography can help prevent progression of disease and results in fast and successful treatment.

BACKGROUND: Opioids and nitric oxide (NO) are functionally linked in the regulation of intestinal motility. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of NO in the opium induced bowel dysfunction in mice. METHODS: Sixty-six male mice received incrementally doses of the following treatments in six groups for 5 consecutive days: 1) Opium (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6mg/30g/day), 2) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 5,7.5,10,15 and 20mg/kg/day), 3) L-arginine (5-20mg/kg/day), 4) Opium+L-NAME, 5) Opium+L-arginine and 6) distilled water. At the end of the treatment, the abdomen was opened; some pieces of duodenal and proximal colon were taken to determine NO synthase (NOS) expression and nitrite levels, and some isolated rings from those parts of small and large intestine were prepared and transferred to the organ bath system to study intestinal motility. RT-PCR was used to determine the NOS gene expression. To determine the small intestinal transit, 30 mice in six groups, were used for oral administration of charcoal+gum in vivo. RESULTS: Opium decreased amplitude of the duodenum and ileum contractions, but increased frequency of duodenal and mid colon contractions (P<0.05). While the gene expression of inducible, neuronal and endothelial NOS was increased in colon (P<0.05), a reduced neuronal and endothelial NOS gene expression was shown in duodenum. The charcoal+gum transit was decreased in opium-treated animals compared to the control group (19.9%). However, L-arginine increased this transit while L-NAME decreased it. CONCLUSIONS: Opium induced intestinal smooth muscle spasms, which result in the decreased intestinal movements. The alterations in NOS gene expression may be a compensation mechanism against opium-induced intestinal dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Replenishing fish oil with vegetable oils and using dietary supplements plays an important role in the metabolism of fats in aquatic animals. Corn oil is one of the vegetable oils that can be a good alternative to fish oil. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing fish oil with corn oil and the use of dietary supplements L-carnitine and betaine on the metabolism of fats and blood indices of rainbow trout. METHODS: 450 rainbow trout (9.12±0.26 g) were divided into four treatments (three replicates) and were fed with manual diet containing fish oil (1st treatment), corn oil (2nd treatment), fish oil with 500 mg/kg of food containing L-carnitine and betaine (3rd treatment) and corn oil with 500 mg/kg of food containing L-carnitine and betaine (4th treatment) for eight weeks. At the end of study, fatty acid profiles of the treatments were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and blood indices and their weights were also examined. RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, the weight index did not show a significant difference. In the replacement of fish oil with corn oil, the levels of PUFA n-3, C18:3n3, C20:3n3, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 fatty acids significantly decreased in fish carcasses and the PUFA n-6, C18:2n6, C20:2n6 and C20:4n6 increased significantly, but no significant difference was observed in total SFA and MUFA fatty acids. L-carnitine and betaine increased the EPA accumulation in fish oil and corn oil significantly, and the number of white blood cells in corn oil, L-carnitine and betaine fed fish (fourth treatment) were increased compared to fish oil treatment (first treatment), significantly (p < /em><0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the effect of corn oil, L-carnitine and betaine supplements on increasing the n-6 PUFA fatty acids, essential EPA and white blood cell counts, the use of corn oil and L-carnitine and betaine supplements in rainbow trout diet is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Dactylogyrus is one of the most common external parasites on                the gills of Cyprind fish. These parasites are highly host specific and many species only have a specific host. OBJECTIVES: Since there are reports of silver carp specific Dactylogyrus species isolated from big head carp and vice versa, the investigation of Dactylogyrids have been done in these two fish species. METHODS: 81 silver carp and 82 big head carp were caught from 10 fish farms in Guilan province and after preparing wet mounts of body surface Dactylogyrus parasites divided and fixed by glycerin jelly. In order to perform morphometric assessments on captured images, Image J software was used for 7 point to point distances. Drawing of parasites was done by drawing tube and then compared by identification keys and parasites identified. For molecular investigation the genomic DNA was extracted from one parasite specimen and 28S rDNA region of Dactylogyrus specimens were amplified by related primers in PCR. RESULTS: Sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MG825611 and MG825765 respectively for D. hypophthalmichthys and D. suchengtaii isolated from Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and also MH023397 and MH023399 respectively for D. aristichthys and D. nobilis isolated from Hypophthalmichthys nobilis. The phylogenetic tree shows the genetic affinity of isolated parasites from these two fish. CONCLUSIONS: It seems hybrid fish are sometimes produced accidentally in fish reproduction centers of Iran. Racial impurity of silver carp and big head carp is not only the reason of poorer breeding efficiency in fish farms but also these hybrid fish are hosts of more parasitic species.