Back grounds: Thyroid hormons have an important role in regulation of metabolism of protein and energy metabolism in animals , particularly in ruminents.Objectives: In this study it was investigated the histopathology of thyroid glands and hormonal changes of T3 and T4 in water buffalo in Ahvaz, IRAN.Methods: The thyroid gland tissues and blood samples were collected from 89 slaughtered buffaloes ( 66 females, 23 males). thyroid glands were selected and cut in to small pieces for standard histological processing, then the samples were stained with ( H &amp; E) procedure and microscopically evaluated. Serum T3 and T4 concentration were measured by elisa methods. The data analyzed by the use of T- test. Results: The results showed that) 31% (of thyroid glands have pathological lesions. The lesions respectively includes; focal hyperplasia ( 31.5 %), metaplasia ( 2.2 %), and chronic thyroiditis ( 1.1%). Also the results showed that) 30.3%( female and )52.2 %( male buffaloes have pathological lesions.We found that T4 concentration of normal buffaloes without thyroid gland lesions was significantly higher than the other buffaloes ( P= 0.02).Conclusions: This study showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between T3,T4 concenterations in buffaloes with thyroid gland lesions ( r = 0.4 , P<0.05), while this correlation was weak between normal buffaloes ( r = 0.1, P>0.05).

BACKGROUND: The rearing of large body size and high ability to twinning by genetic selection and nutritional strategies is expanding. However, lambs’ performance and decreased losses related to the multiple-bearing around lambing can affect the efficiency of multi-bearing. Recognition and control of changes in metabolic factors priparturient have vital importance. Pre-lambing and immediately after lambing could be considered as the most important and critical period of ewe life which affects heath and performance of ewes and lambs. Objectives: This experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of protected methionine supplementation during pre-lambing period on metabolic factors of twin-bearing ewes through priparturient period and their lambs as well. Methods: Sixteen pregnant Afshari ewes weighting 91.5 ± 5.3 kg and  117 ± 1.5 days of pregnancy were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments containing no methionine supplementation and 3gr/kg DM of protected methionine. They were individually fed total mixed ration twice a day. Dry matter intake was recorded daily; the blood samples were drawn on days -30, -15, +1 and +30 related to lambing; ewes’ BWs were measured on days -40, -20, -10, +1, +10 and +20 related to lambing; lambs were weighted on days of birth, +15, +30 and +60. Results: The BW of lambs of ewes supplemented with protected methionine was greater than the control group (p<0.05), protected methionine affected pre-lambing blood urea and albumin concentration (p<0.05), plasma cholesterol was higher in control group (p<0.05) and total protein and albumin tended to be significant (p<0.1) and other blood factors were not influenced by treatments. Conclusions: These results show that blood metabolites are influenced as animals approach  the lambing time. In addition, rumen protected methionine resulted in improved birth weight of multi-bearing ewes’ lambs and caused improved blood metabolites related to N, considering the interaction between time and treatment.

Backgrounds: Unhygienic poultry feedstuffs can lead to nutrient losses and detrimental effect on poultry production and public health. Objectives: This study was to investigate the fungal contamination of poultry feed and its ingredients in broiler farms in Torbat Heydarieh, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Methods: A total of 240 poultry feed samples comprising three different feeds were collected and examined using dilution plating technique. Preparations of all samples from successive dilutions were prepared; and then 0.1 ml of each dilution was cultured on the surface of Potato Dextrose Agar supplemented with Chloramphenicol and was incubated at 27 °C for 7 days. Fungal colony counting was performed based on CFU/gr. The fungi were identified by gross and microscopic features. Statistical analysis of the data were done using SPSS software version 21. Results: In examined samples, fungal contamination was detected in 205 samples (85/14 %) out of 240 samples. The corn (32/5%) was most contaminated feed, followed by soybean (29/16%) and finished feed (23/75%). The predominant fungi isolated were Fusarium spp. (41/3 %), Penicillium spp. (37/9%), Cladosporium spp. (21.3 %), Paecilomyces spp. (17.1%), Aspergillus fumigatus (13/3 %), Aspergillus niger (12.9%) and Yeast spp. (12.9 %). Frequency of toxin -forming fungi was significantly higher than the non- toxin -forming fungi (P<0/001). The mean total count of fungi was estimated 2/9 × 105 CFU/gr.Conclusions: The findings of this research showed the high prevalence of fungal contamination as well as high frequency of toxin -forming fungi. Therefore, the feed raw materials are important vehicles for introduction of fungal organisms into poultry feed and fungal growth reduces the nutritional value of feeds. It should be considered to plan a program in order to control, limit and delete of the fungi from feeds.

BACKROUND: The use of feed withdrawal method for molt induction can be caused physiological stress and negatively affected the immunological response of hens. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to survey of hormonal changes and immunological response in hens fed by alfalfa molt diet during the molt period. METHODS: In this experiment 108 Hy-line (W36) laying hens aged 74 weeks in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates were used. The using treatments for 12 days molt period were included: 1- control group fed with layer ration (FF), 2- feed withdrawal group (FW), 3- group fed with 90% alfalfa and 10% layer ration (A90). Performance of birds was monitored for 12 weeks after the end of the molting period. RESULTS: Total circulating leukocyte were generally lower in FW hens group compared with the other groups during the initial stage of molt (P<0.05). On d 3 and 6 of molt, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were incresed in molted hens and FW hens had higher levels than other groups. On d 3 of molt, plasma corticosterone was generally incresed in molted hens and FW hen higher level than A90 hens (P<0.05). Plasma T3 was significantly decreased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). Plasma T4 was significantly increased in molted hens than nonmolted hens during the molt period (P<0.05). On d 6 and 9 of molt, concentrations of T4 were higher in FW hens than in the A90 hens (P<0.05). Date of reentry and days return to 50% and 80% egg production were significantly lower in A90 groups than in the FW groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, A90 diet can limit physiological stress and improve the performance of immunological response that accompany feed withdrawal method during an induced molt.

Background: Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is often caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and in a few cases caused by other Candida species. Infection of gastrointestinal tracts including mouth, esophagus and stomach, as well as enteritis and diarrhea are the most common form of the disease in cattle. Clinical findings: In January 2015 reduction in milk production and severe watery diarrhea were observed in a dairy farm located in Varamin city Tehran, Iran. So that 57.1% of cows with high milk production efficiency and 40% of cows with low milk production efficiency involved severe watery diarrhea. Laboratory tests: in clinical examination of affected animals vital signs such as number of breathing, heart rate, as well as the quality and number of ruminal movements were quite normal. No unusual sings were seen in CBC pattern of affected animals. In stool samples of affected animals no viruses or bacteria were detected while specimens were positive for yeast contamination RapID commercial kits used to identify the genus and species of yeast and C. famata was diagnosed as the cause of diarrhea. Final evaluation: Reports of diarrhea caused by fungal pathogens in animals is very low and Candida species, especially C. albicans and C. glabrata are known as the main causes of fungal diarrhea in animals .This study is the first repot about occurrence of C. famata diarrhea in adult cattle. So that C.famata could be considered as one of the potential causes of diarrhea in cattle.

BACKGROUND: Increase of people’s awareness about side effects of chemical food preservatives has raised public interest to consume products with natural preservatives such as essential oils. Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) is one of the medicinal plants in traditional medicine of Iran and it is necessary to evaluate its antimicrobial effects on some food borne bacteria such as E.coli O157:H7. This bacteria has low infectious dose and causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate inhibitory effect of garlic essential oil (Allium Sativum L.) on growth of E. coli O157:H7 and shiga-toxin 2 (Stx2) production. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of garlic essential oil was evaluated by broth microdilution method and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Effect of subinhibitory concentrations (subMICs) of garlic essential oil on bacterial  growth over 72 h (at 35 °C) evaluated by surface plate counting and production of Stx2 were evaluated by kit (VTEC-RPLA). RESULTS: MIC and MBC of garlic essential oil were estimated 0/02% and 0/04%, respectively. Concentrations of 0.005%, 0/01% and 0.015% of garlic essential oil reduced the bacterial growth. Concentration 0/015% after 72 h reduced 2 log10 (cfu/ml) growth rate and was the most effective concentration. Concentration 0/005% reduced Stx2 production and higher concentrations inhibited Stx2 production. It was found that the effect of different concentrations of essential oil on growth and production of Stx2 by E. coli O157:H7 were statistically significant (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Garlic essential oil showed to be effective against bacterial growth and production of Stx2. This study indicated that garlic essential oil can be used as natural preservative in food system.

BACKGROUND: Glutamine supplementation to the pre-starter diet of broiler chicks could improve their performance during the first week of post-hatch. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of glutamine levels in the pre-starter diet on intestinal mucosa morphology and performance of broiler chicks. METHOD: A total of 160 Ross 308, one-day old broilers were used in a complete randomized block design with 3 treatments of 5 replicates. Diets were formulated to contain different levels of glutamine (0, 0.5 and 1%). Body weight and feed intake were measured at 6 and 13d. On d 0, 3, 6 and 13 post hatch, 2 birds per each replicate were weighted and killed, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were taken subsequently. RESULTS: Supplementation of diets with 1% glutamine improved growth performance and feed efficiency at 6 and 13 day post hatch (p<0.05). On d 3 and 6, glutamine supplementation increased villi height and width in the small intestinal significantly (p<0.05). On d 13, chicks fed glutamine added diet had a longer villi height and width than those fed the basal diet (p<0.05). Glutamine supplementation has also decreased crypt depth of jejunum and ileum at 3, 6 and 13, but increased crypt depth in duodenum at 3 and 6 d of age (p<0.05). Increase in glutamine levels of pre-starter diet increased villi height relative crypt depth of jejunum and ileum at 3 and 6 d of age. On d 13, chicks fed diet contain 1% glutamine had a higher villi height relative crypt depth than those fed the basal diet. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of 1% glutamine to the pre-starter diets improved broiler growth performance and resulted in better development of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks.

BACKGROUND: Soybean oil is one of the highly consumed vegetable oil worldwide. Nowadays, usage of genetically modified (GM) soybean seeds for soybean oil production is constantly increasing. The recommended methods for GMO detection are based on analysis of residual DNA in vegetable oil and highly processed food. However, the successful amplification of isolated DNA depends on the efficiency of DNA extraction method. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to apply three different DNA extraction methods for analysis of residual genomic DNA in crude and refined soybean oil to obtain high pure of DNA suitable for DNA amplification. Methods: Extraction methods were developed based on the specific binding of DNA molecules to the silica membrane (column) or resin. The isolated DNA was then analyzed by PCR technique using primer pairs, derived from 18S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA gene and soybean lectin gene. Results: The results showed that amplifiable DNA could not be extracted from crude/refined soybean oil in method 1. In method 2, by pre-treating of oil with PBS and subsequent precipitation with Isopropanol, the amplification was not observed but OD260 was decreased. In method 1 and 2 the DNA was not pure enough to be amplifiable. To remove more effectively contaminant, method 2 was combined with chloroform extraction as method 3. The extracted DNA from all examined oil samples could be amplified. ConclusionS: We believe that the purity of DNA in samples is decisive for amplification and not necessarily the low amount of DNA in samples. Method 3 can be determined as a suitable method for the isolation of the pure DNA.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of electrolytes levels and water in fish is very important because of its vast permeable surfaces that are in contact with the environment. Therefore, for homeostasis and osmoregulation, various adaptation mechanisms at different biological levels have  been developed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the changes and adaptations of mitochondria-rich cells as an important cellular response to these changes.This was influenced by different environmental salinities in fish Sparidentex hasta which are very important economic species in the southern region of the country. METHODS: 180 fish, aged three months, 20 - 25 cm in length and weighing about 150 gr were exposed  directly to different concentrations of salt (5, 20, 40 and 60 ppt) for 1 week. Localization of the Na +, K +-ATPase in mitochondria-rich cells in gill epithelial were studied in different environmental salinities during the adaptation period.  was performed by using IgGα5 as immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: NKA localization showed that the mitochondria-rich cells are in the filament and rarely in lamellar epithelium. Intensity reactive of the antibody used during the period showed an increase  in 5 and 60 ppt and decrease  in 40 ppt. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, tolerance and compatibility of Sparidentex hasta to salinity changes are due to rapid changes in mitochondria-rich cells to regulate the entry and exit of water and electrolytes. So to adapt with the new condition of environment some changes in the apical openings appear that regulate the amount of the carrier electrolyte enzymes in basolateral membrane. It also causes adaption of mitochondria activity to the new condition.

BACKGROUND: Following the ban on the use of growth stimulant antibiotics in many countries, interest has arisen in finding  a suitable alternative for antibiotics in poultry production. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of two levels of nano-copper (0 and 100 mg/kg) and two levels of mannan oligosaccharide (0 or 1 g/kg) as natural growth stimulants on digestibility of nutrients and performance in broiler chicks. METHODS: At the end of the second week of breeding, 160 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were assigned in four treatment groups. For each treatment, four replicates (10 chicks per replicate) were considered. Experiment was conducted as a 2×2 factorial model in a completely randomized design. Results: No significant differences in digestibility of nutrients and growth performance between birds that ate the supplements with control group were observed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mannan oligosaccharides and nano-copper on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks had no significant effect. At the doses used, concomitant supplementation of copper and mannan oligosaccharide did not have a positive effect on traits that were studied in broilers.