BACKGROUND: The interdigital pouch is an invagination of the skin which locates between the digits in several species of the artiodactyla. It secretes pheromones that play important biological functions in the conspecific chemical communication. OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out in order to determine the anatomical and radiological structure of the interdigital pouch in native goats. METHODS: Eighty interdigital pouches (40 forefeet and 40 hind feet) of 10 female and 10 male, one to three-years-old, healthy native goats in slaughterhouses of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari were selected. After dissection, topography of each pouch was determined in the feet. For radiologic studies, contrast urografin media were injected into the pouch and then radiographs and photographs were obtained. Different parts of each pouch were identified and measured between the two limbs in both sexes. Data were analyzed by t-test. RESULTS: In native goats, the pouch, which was observed in all feet,  was a primitive type and located in the space between two hooves at the level of pastern joint. The pouch represents an equilateral triangle with an apex next to the first phalanx and the base near the second phalanx. The best radiographic view for pouch in native goats was dorsopalmar or dorsoplantar. Detection of the pouch in the forelimb was more than that of the hindlimb. Except for the base of pouch, the means of the other parts in male were significantly higher than females. It is difficult or impossible to define the exact radiological and topographical limits of the pouch in goat, due to the absence of secretion, excretory duct and orifice and also the dispersion of structure. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it can be concluded that although the interdigital pouch has only been reported in sheep, deer, moufflon and antelope, it was also found in native goats, but it is not common.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases widely occur through bacteria such as Salmonella spp. in different hosts such as domestic animals and human. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to isolate Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria from poultry feces and in vitro assessment of antimicrobial effects of 9 species of Zagros native medicinal plants. METHODS: Ethanol extracts of jooshir, shallots, Iranian eremurus, artichokes, sheng, amaranth, sorrel, oregano and harmel were extracted through rotary vacuum system. Furthermore, 12 strains of Salmonella Typhimurium were isolated from poultry feces in Sistan region. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of plant extracts were determined through micro dilution method. Sensitivity of different strains to antibiotics was tested through standard Kirby-Bauer diffusion disk methods. RESULTS: Salmonella Typhimurium strains are resistant to Penicillin (100%), Ampicillin (100%), Tetracycline (16.6%), Amikacin (8.3%) and Oxacillin (75.0%). Results of the antimicrobial assay have shown that extracts of amaranth, jooshir and artichokes had the highest MIC against Salmonella Typhimurium. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study showed that according to the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from poultry, antibiotic treatment, in particular with penicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin with the bacterium resistance of 75 to 100% would not be effective. In contrast, using plant ethanol extracts especially jooshir, amaranth and artichokes could be recommended as an alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments.

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza is one of the most important diseases both economically and from a public health viewpoint. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of AI-H9N2 in live bird markets, bird gardens, parks and zoos. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2016.  In each unit, 40 blood samples from different bird species and 60 cloacal samples from waterfowl (ducks and geese) were taken. All sera samples were tested by HI for detection of antibodies against H9N2 virus. The birds with sera titer =>4 (log2) and units with at least one positive bird were considered as positive. Swab samples were tested by RT-PCR method using two pairs of primers to detect M and H9 gene of H9N2 virus. RESULTS: 2638 sera samples from birds in 127 units in 22 provinces and 3001 swab samples from duck and goose were taken. 73 units out of 127 (57.48 %; 95 % confidence interval, 66.2 % - 48.4 %) and 720 birds from a total of 2638 birds (27.29 %: 95 % confidence interval, 29.6 % - 25.6 %) were sero-positive. Among the bird species, the highest seroprevalence was 47.6 % and 45.3 % in turkey and chicken, respectively and the lowest seroprevalence was 13.8 % and 16.3 % for ducks and geese, respectively. 39 pooled samples from 18 units (14.75 %) were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed high prevalence and circulation of avian influenza H9N2 viruses among poultry in these markets. Organizing the markets by improving the health and biosecurity of the markets, and it is necessary to educate the people and continuously surveillance the birds that offered in the markets to control the disease.

BACEKGROUND: Toxoplasmosisis one of the most important zoonotic diseases in Iran and the world. OBJCTIVES: Due to the high consumption of lamb meat and the high frequency of Toxoplasma infection in sheep in Iran, the aim of study was to determine frequency of Toxoplasma infection in the slaughtered sheep of Mashhad area. METHODS: In order to do this study, from summer 2015 to spring 2016, 25 blood and 25 heart muscle samples were seasonally collected from Torghabae slaughterhouse in Mashhad area. The samples were transferred to parasitology laboratory. First, the blood samples were centrifuged and the serum samples were isolated, then a portion of the heart muscles sample was taken for PCR examination. The sera and muscles samples were kept at -20 ºC in freezer until examination time. The sera samples were examined to detect antibody against T.gondii by ELISA method. DNA of heart muscle was extracted by commercial extraction kit and was examined to detect Toxoplasma DNA by nested –PCR. RESULTS: In the present study, of 100 sampled sheep, only 1 (1%) of the serum samples was seropositive, while 22 (22%) of the DNA samples were PCR positive. In this study, the highest frequency of Toxoplsma PCR-Positive was seen in spring and the lowest in summer in sheep. Also, the result of this study showed that the agreement between the molecular and EISA method was “fair”. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high frequency of Toxoplasma infection in heart muscle of sheep, it seems that the risk of transmission of Toxoplasma infection from sheep meat is high.

BACKGROUND: The decreases in insulin sensitivity and extensive perinatal lipolysis are common causes of metabolic diseases related to energy metabolism in ewes. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to study the effect of organic zinc on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance indices in early lactating ewes. METHODS: 18 Ghezel ewes were divided into three groups based on organic zinc supplementation, including CTR: (basal diet without Zinc), LZn: (basal diet supplemented with 30 mg Zn/kgDM) and group 3, HZn: (basal diet supplemented with 300 mg Zn/kgDM). RESULTS: The results of this study showed no significant differences between the experimental groups in glucose, NEFAs, BHB, cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of zinc on the insulin to glucose ratio was not significant among the experimental groups (p < /em>>0.05). Supplementation of zinc-methionine significantly increased serum zinc concentration in ewes (p < /em><0.001). The area under the curve (AUC60, AUC120) was the highest for the control group and LZn and the lowest for HZn group (p < /em><0.05). The rate of glucose clearance in zinc-methionine supplement recipients was higher compared to the control group. The time to reach half maximal glucose concentration in zinc treated ewes was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < /em><0.001), indicating an improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that Zinc is effective in improving the NEB and preventing insulin resistance in early lactation. It is possible that in sheep, the tissue responsiveness to insulin is enhanced with dietary Zn supplementation, and present findings suggest that dietary Zn-Met may improve energy balance and insulin resistance in lactating ewes.

BACKGROUND: Tendon repair requires a sequence of medical procedures such as physical modalities, tissue engineering, growth factors, and mechanical stimulation. Previous studies have shown that using of PRP is effective in tendon healing. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differentiation effect of PRCR on mesenchymal stem cells extracted from rabbits’ bone marrow. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) of 10 New Zealand white rabbits. The cells were then examined both flow cytometrically and morphologically. Afterwards, the cells received treatment using PRCR. Finally, the markers indicating tenocytes were analyzed through the method of Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: Investigating the differences between differentiated cells and undifferentiated stem cells (BM-MSCs) regarding the expression of four genes including Scx, Tnmd, Col I, and Tenascin C revealed that the level of expression in all the four genes was significantly enhanced after receiving PRCR- mediated treatment. CONCLUSIONS: BM-MSCs treated with PRCR express high levels of tendon-related genes and undergo differentiation into tenocyte-like cells.

BACKGROUND: Infectious and noninfectious causes of lameness result in economic losses in the dairy industry. Digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital necrobacillosis (IDNB) and heel erosion (HE) are considered as the most important infectious causes of lameness. OBJECTIVES: Current study was done in order to evaluate annual incidence of infectious causes of lameness in four different dairy farms in Charmahal &amp; Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Khorasan Razavi and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. METHODS: Records of 71896 hoof trimming and inspections during 2012-2013 on 10100 dairy cows were recorded and analyzed. All information was recorded by professional hoof trimmers and veterinarians during study. RESULTS: Heel erosions (HE) were recorded between 0-13, DD between 0-145 and IDNB between 0-47 cases in each month in different dairy farms that were significantly different. Digital dermatitis (DD) in spring (8.62 percent), IDNB in winter (2.79 percent) and HE in spring (0.68 percent) show the highest seasonal incidence; however, seasonal incidence of infectious causes of lameness were significantly different. Total incidence of 19.18 and 17.45 percent were recorded in 2012 and 2013 that was significantly different for DD. Distribution of infectious lesions were different among different dairy farms as annual incidence of DD was recorded as 32.97 and 30.1 in farm 3 and 0.93 and 0.68 in farm 2 in 2012 and 2013 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that overall, 20 percent incidence of infectious lesions plays a very important role in financial losses of large dairy farms and needs special attention.

BACKGROUND: Colony Collapse Disorder is a mysterious phenomenon in which worker bees abruptly disappear from a beehive. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CCD and its relation to climate and Nosema spp infections. Methods: This Cross sectional study was done from April to September 2016. With respect to different climatic zones of the country, a total of 183 ‎apiaries were selected. In each apiary, 5 percent of the colonies were ‎randomly sampled. Adult bee samples were then examined for the presence of Nosema infections using PCR. Data were analyzed by Chi-square using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The results showed the prevalence of colony collapse disorder in the studied apiaries at 26.8%. The CCD prevalence was ‎20.5% in ‎humid, ‎16.1% in semi humid‎, ‎22.7% in very humid, 38.2% in arid, ‎43.8% in semi-‎arid and ‎16% in Mediterranean conditions. Comparing CCD phenomenon in different climatic regions, there were significant differences (P<0.05). The prevalence of Nosema ceranae infection was 85 (46.4%), however, infection with Nosema apis was not observed in the samples either in pure form or as ‎associated infection. There was no statistical significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic apiaries with colony collapse disorder in terms of presence or absence of N.ceranea (P>0.05).  Conclusions: The results suggest that climate could influence the prevalence of Colony Collapse Disorder. It may be due to different foraging resources in under studied area. According to findings of this study it seems that N.ceranea alone cannot be the cause for CCD. Further studies are needed to clarify the interactions between climate and other possible causes.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoon with worldwide distribution that infects human and a wide spectrum of warm- blooded animals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to survey the prevalence of T.gondii antibody in slaughtered livestock in slaughterhouse with modified agglutination test in Sanandaj in 2015. Methods: Totally 343 serum samples were collected from 130 cows, 111 sheep and 102 goats from May to July 2015 in Sanandaj slaughterhouse. Sera were examined with modified agglutination test (MAT) for T.gondii antibody and 1.40 titer antibody and above was considered as positive. Results: Antibodies of T.gondii were found in sera of 51 out of 343 (15.45%) samples. From 51 seropositive sera, 13 cows (23.84), 13 goats (12.74%) and 9 sheep (8.1%) were infected. The differences among species were statistically significant (P≥.002). Conclusions: Results indicate that T. gondii in sheep, goats and especially cows is prevalent, so consumption of undercooked meats should be avoided, also the prevention methods of infection should be taught to the people and due to the possibility of limitations in the results of serological tests, repetition of the study using molecular techniques is recommended

BACKGROUND: The consumption of probiotics in aquaculture is constantly growing due to the numerous benefits conferred on the fish health. Degradation of probiotics in gastrointestinal tract is one of the most important challenges in probiotic efficacy. Encapsulating of probiotics within a physical barrier has been found to increase probiotic viability in fish gastrointestinal tract. Objectives: In this study the effect of encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum with alginate/chitosan nano particles in in vitro situation and their effects in Huso huso were evaluated. Methods: Firstly, in vitro probiotic potential including: pH and bile resistance, gastrointestinal juice tolerance was evaluated. Then effects of encapsulated probiotic were evaluated in Huso huso. 480 juvenile H. huso were randomly divided into four treatments in triplicates. Fish in T1 were fed with alginate/chitosan enriched free probiotic diet, T2 received encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum, T3 received bacteria without any encapsulation and T4 received basic diet as a control group. All treatments were fed with experimental diets for 60 days and study lasted for 15 days with control diet in all fish. Fish samples were taken on days 30, 60 and 75 and bio chemically compared among the treatments. Results: Results of first phase of study showed that mostly all probiotic properties of encapsulated bacteria were more appropriate than control treatment (P<0.05). Encapsulation of bacteria in both procedures enhanced almost all immunological parameters compared to control treatment (P<0.05). Higher Ca and Mg of plasma were observed in fish fed with Lactobacillus plantarum nano/microencapsulated and alginate/chitosan at day 30 and 60, whereas decreased TRI of plasma was observed in fish fed with Lactobacillus plantarum nano/microencapsulated at day 30. Conclusions: It can be concluded that nano encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum with alginate/chitosan not only improved in vitro probiotic effects of L. plantarum, but also it can increase Biochemical parameters of H. huso and could improve the positive performance of probiotics activity.