BACKGROUND: The trachea is the main air passages which is important for taxonomic reasons. The structure of trachea varies considerably in different avian species. OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out in order to determine the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostriches. METHODS: Sixteen tracheas of 8 female and 8 male nine-month-old healthy blue-necked African ostriches in slaughterhouse of Isfahan were selected. Each trachea divided into cranial, middle and caudal portions and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues sections were stained with H&E and special stains included Masson’s trichrome, Verhoeff’s, Foot’s, Van Gieson’s, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Alcian blue. RESULTS: The trachea of blue-neck ostriches was composed of tunica mucosa-submucosa, cartilaginous, muscular and serosa. The epithelium was ciliated pseudostratified columnar contained simple alveolar goblet mucous glands. These glands reacted negatively to Periodic acid-Schiff but positively to Alcian blue. The propria-submucosa was composed of dense connective tissue. The muscularis mucosa was absent. Tunica cartilaginous and muscular was made up of sternotrachealis muscle and cartilaginous rings. The rings were only composed of hyaline cartilage. There is no osseous tissue in the tracheal rings. Tunica serosa was composed of loose tissue contained parasympathetic ganglia, adipose tissues, vessels, and all the connective fibers. Three final cartilage rings were shaped tympanum of the syrinx. The histological structure of the trachea showed no significant differences between the male and female ostriches. Except for the decreased number of mucous glands in caudal portion of the trachea, the histological structures of the trachea showed no considerably differences among various portions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it can be concluded that although the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostrich was similar to those of some other species, but that there were also some differences.

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is a protozoanintracellular parasite which is considered as one of the main factors forrecurrent abortions of dairy cattle in various countries such as Iran. Thisparasite leads to negative economic impacts such as decline in reproduction,reduced amount of milk, and long calving intervals. OBJECTIVES: Therehave been numerous tests to determine the cause of abortion. PCR test isconsidered as a suitable method to specify Neospora caninum DNA and itcan determine the DNA in tissue samples and body fluids of the aborted fetus.This study aims to use PCR to evaluate parasites in the tissues of abortedfetuses so as to detect the best tissue for determining the parasite. METHODS:In this study, 82 aborted fetuses in the first six months of 2015 were studied.The tissues were selected from brain, liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys and rennetfluids. The NP21plus primer was used to detect the presence of Neosporacaninum in samples. After conducting the PCR Test, samples with 340bp bandin Gel electrophoresis were considered as positive. Statistical data from thesurvey of Neospora caninum’s presence in selected tissues were evaluatedby SAS (version 9.2) software. RESULTS: Contamination with this parasitewas found in 34 brain samples (41.5%) of aborted fetuses. In 2 (2.4%) and 4(4.9%) of the aborted fetuses, parasite DNA was found in lung and liver tissuesalong with brain tissues, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Due to significantdifference of infection of brain tissues in comparison to other tissues, ourstudy considers brain tissue as the most appropriate sample for detecting Neosporacaninum infection in aborted fetuses in PCR method

BACKGROUND: Barley cultivars contain different anti-nutritional factors that have negative effects on the intestinal ecosystem and reduce blood cholesterol concentration. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of processing barley cultivars on the intestinal morphology, enzyme activity and volatile fatty acids of the small intestine and serum lipid levels of broiler chickens. Methods: The experiment was carried out using a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. Factors were barley cultivars (Fajr, Reyhaneh, and Yosef), diet form (mash or pellet) and enzyme level (0 and 0.05 g/kg dry matter). Around 927 one day of old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned into 12 treatments, 3 replicates and 27 chickens in each replicate. Results: Pancreatic amylase, lipase enzyme activity and digesta pH are affected by main (except for cultivar) and interaction effects (P< 0.05). Feed Processing (pelleting, adding enzyme or combination of pelleting and enzyme) of barley cultivars, especially diets containing Ryhaneh barley cultivar reduced digesta viscosity and increased the concentration of volatile fatty acids and relative percentage of acetic acid and butyric acid (P<0.05). Diets containing Fajr barley cultivars, enzyme or pelleted diets significantly decreased blood glucose, cholesterol and HDL concentration (P<0.05). Conclusions: Due to lower amount of soluble NSP compared with the other barley cultivars, Ryhaneh cultivar resulted in a better response to processing as well as enzyme addition, and improved the morphological characteristics of the small intestine

BACKGROUND: Nowadays essential oils with antioxidant properties are used in order to increase the shelf life of pre-cooked food. Objectives: This study was carried out to compare the effect of Cumin and three methods of cooking, frying, oven baking and steaming on oxidative changes of pre-cooked fillet of rainbow trout. Chemical (DPPH(1,1- Diphenyl- 2- picryl hydrazine) for Cumin and FFA (Free Fatty Acid), PV(Peroxide value), TBARS) ، Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and sensory indicators, were evaluated during  4 months storage at freezing temperatures. Methods: Fillet samples were treated with Cuminum cyminum EOs and BHT. The study was based on application of cooking methods, frying at 180° C for 4 min in sunflower oil, baked in the oven at 200 °C for 22 min and steamed at 200 °C for 22 min and oxidative changes were evaluated during the period of storage as frozen fillets. Results: The FFA formation showed increase in all groups, oven baked rainbow trout fillets gave the highest increase (P<0.05). The highest value of PV was obtained from fried fillets treated with C. cyminum EOs (4.92  ± 0.23 meq/kg). The TBARS values were not significantly different with fresh-raw fillet after cooking (P>0.05), but the treated samples with EOs generally showed slower oxidative changes than those of the untreated samples. Based on the sensory evaluation, fillet fried was found as a preferred cooking method and also, the additions of C. cyminum EOs have positive effect on sensory quality of baked rainbow trout. Conclusions: Differences in cooking methods includin frying, oven baking and steaming showed that rainbow trout fillet treated with C. cyminum EOs under the frying method are more desirable in terms of chemical changes and sensory analysis compared with the other treatments.

BACKGROUND: An experimental study with randomized, double-blind crossover trial in excretory urography with Iodixanol (320 mgI/ml) and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate (760 mgI/ml) in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To compare images quality between Iodixanol and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate after ureteral anastomosis. METHODS: In this study six healthy mongrel dogs weighing between 15-30 kg were used. Before surgery, all dogs randomly received both drugs in 3 day intervals and control excretory radiography with Iodixanol (500 mgI/kg) and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate (850 mgI/kg) were taken in all of them at  1, 5, 10, 15,30 and 45 minutes after contrast media injection. After midline celiotomy, left ureter near trigon area was incised and immediately end to end anastomosis was performed in simple interrupted pattern by using polydiaxanon 6/0. After operation at day 90 the same radiographs were taken in all animals. After completion of the study, the obtained radiographs were evaluated and compared independently by a radiologist who was unaware of the used contrast media. The urograms were scored in four categories from lack of opacity (grade zero) to excellent image quality (grade 3) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Better nephrograms were obtained in right kidneys at 1, 5 and 15 minutes after injection of Iodixanol compared to Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate and in left kidneys the nephrograms were better with Iodixanol injection at  1 minute (P<0.05). With respect to pyelograms in right ureters, Iodixanol had better quality at 1, 10 and 15 minutes (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in pyelograms quality in left ureters. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results about better images quality of iodixanol and with regard to the literature that have reported less nephrotoxicity in non-ionic and isotonic iodinated X-ray contrast medium, it can be concluded, Iodixanol is the better drug for excretory urography after ureteral anastomosis in dogs

BACKGROUND: Fish gill is one of the important organs of fish which in different fish perform a variety of functions including respiratory gas exchange and important physiological processes such as osmoregulation, ion regulation, nitrogen wastes excretion and acid-base balance maintenance. Objectives: The present study was performed to determine and recognize the histological and histometrical in Gills Silver Carp Immature and Mature. Methods: Samples of gills were harvested as 0.5cm in diameter and fixed in Formalin 10% solution, then the routine tissue processing steps were performed and samples were cut into 5 to 6 µm in diameter and finally were stained with hematoxylene &amp; eosin and acid Schiff solutions. Results: This study was conducted on 10 immature silver carps with mean body length and weight about 10.95± 0.36 cm and 12.02 ± 1.08 g and 10 mature silver carps with mean body length and weight about 41.4±1.07 cm and 1.5± 66.6 g, respectively to evaluate the morphology and morphometric measurements of gills in this species. Gills consist of four gill arches within operculum which is located on either side of the pharynx. Freshly this organ appears to be bright red in color. Micrometric studies on the thickness of epithelial tissue covering the primary lamellae and gill rakers at both right and left sides in both mature and immature fishes, does not show significant differences. In mature fishes, the epithelial covering of gill rakers was measured thicker in apical area comparing to other parts. The results also revealed that the number of orifices of gill raker gap decreased with fish’s weight but was larger in diameters in both mature and immature fishes. The number of mucous cells in club-shape of primary lamellae was much greater in number than in the other parts which reflects more mucous secretion in these areas. Conclusions: The covering epithelium of lamella in this specific species, does not show any difference with other fishes in the family. The only difference was in the shape and length of the gill rakers.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining an appropriate anesthetic drug for rapid anesthesia with long term and safe recovery has always been the concern of fisheries science researchers. OBJECTIVES: In this study the anesthetic strength of Lavendula officinalis essence oil on histopathological and blood biochemical factors of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix has been investigated. METHODS: 260 juvenile silver carp were divided into four groups with a mean weight and length of about 23.55±1.5 g and 15.6±1 cm, respectively. Three groups were anesthetized with concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 ppm Lavender essence oil and 4 groups were considered as control group. The time needed to reach different stages of anesthesia was recorded and in two times (0 and 24h after anesthesia), hematology tests were conducted. After removing plasma serum by centrifugation, ALP, AST and ALT amounts were measured, venesection histological (sampling of liver, kidney and gills) and conserved for histology. RESULTS: Lavender essence oil anaesthetizes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in less than 3 minutes and recovery time was also less than 3 minutes. Moreover, anesthesia with different concentrations of lavander had no effect on hematological profile and no significant changes in the AST, ALT and ALP were observed (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis showed the optimum concentration of 300 ppm with no side effects and indicated that the concentration power of essences can be used without fear of damage. CONCLUSIONS: It is advised that Lavender essence oil be used as a standard medicine to anesthetize and supersede prevalent chemicals to create anesthesia and sedation in fish.

Background: Hip dysplasia (HD) is an inherited, non-congenital disease that is particularly prevalent in large and giant breeds of dogs. The vast majority of dogs afflicted with HD show no clinical signs and it can be a highly debilitating condition for dogs. Objective: Aim of this study is a preliminary study on hip dysplasia based on clinical and radiographical examination in referral large breed dogs referred to veterinary teaching hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Methods: Thirty six large breed dogs were examined for HD using Standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, and graded into five categories (A, B, C, D and E) using the FCI scoring system. PennHIP method was performed for measuring Distraction Index (DI). The Ortolani method was done to evaluate hip joint laxity. Results: HD was found in 72.2% of the dog, which included 11.1% unilateral and 61.1% bilateral. 73% of the afflicting cases were male. HD was reported In 11 dogs among 14 dogs with clinical signs and among 22 dogs without clinical signs 15 dogs were affected by HD. Ortolani test represented false negative in 33 cases and false positive in 6 cases. Conclusion: This study revealed the radiological evaluation of hip joint is essential in susceptible breeds for diagnosis and screening program of HD

Backgrounds: In endurance riding, the exercitation ability of horses during long periods and distances wre evaluated. Objectives: investigating the causes of elimination among participated horses in the 2013-2014 national endurance rides. Methods: by being present at four competition courses. Results: out of 176 horses, 74 (%42) were eliminated and the data of 23 horses (%13) as a control group was collected. Lameness was the highest cause of elimination, with 29 (%39.2) horses. High heart rate was in the second stage, by assigning 13 (%17.55) horses. Elimination because of illegal cases had been the next major reason, which allocated up to 12 horses (%16.2). Metabolic disorders, flutter, excessive exhaustion and dehydration, had 7(%9.5), 10(%13.5), 1(%1.35) and 2(%2.7) cases respectively. Significant correlation was found between the gender and the occurrence of flutter, so that 8 of 10 cases (%80) of the flutter cases were among males. As the distance was rising, the number of elimination because of metabolic disorders had increased too, that means there was significant relationship between these recent parameters. There were significant correlations between preservation method and metabolic disorders and dehydration. As the league progressed, the number of total elimination was enhancing too, but the difference between elimination because of illegal reasons and flutter was noticeable; each of them had opposite process. Significantly, both serum calcium concentration (mg/dl) means of all eliminated blood samples (10.10±0.37) and the control group (11.19±0.17) have been higher than serum calcium concentration of the group eliminated due to flutter (9.41±0.34) (P<0.05). Significantly, the mean of serum total protein concentration (g/dl) of the group which was eliminated because of the flutter incidence (7.87±0.11) has been higher than all eliminated samples (7.75±0.11) and the control group (6.61±0.16). Conclusions: The results of the indurance competition in this research in our country are alike with international data in other countries.

BACKGROUND: Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is particularly rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors and antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, maintenance and storage of bovine colostrum has always been considered due to benefits of colostrum for the calf. Microbial contamination of colostrum is a concern because it is thought that bacteria in colostrum may interfere with passive absorption of colostral antibodies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical preservatives and natural fermentation on quality and storage of colostrum. METHODS: Colostrum from the first milking of five Holstein cows was stored separately. Then colostrum samples were studied at days 1, 10, 20, and 30 of storage after treatment. All samples underwent microbiological culture for total plate count and detection of Escherichia coli, Coliforms, mold and yeast. Then whey was provided from untreated and treated samples at the end of 30th day and SRID (single radial immune diffusion) test was performed for assaying IgG antibody. Then the effect of treatments on colostrum antibody level was studied. RESULTS: The results showed that potassium sorbate did not have a role in reducing E.coli and coliforms count. However, it has prevented an increase in E.coli and coliform count during 30 days. Formic acid and propionic acid reduced the number of E. coli and coliform (p<0.05). In addition, the two organic acids promoted the growth of mold and yeasts compared with potassium sorbate. Nonetheless, the mentioned three treatments did not have an important role in reducing total count (p>0.05). The natural fermentation contributed to the decline of E. coli and coliform count while total count increased one day after treatment compared with other treatments, however among the treatments, formic acid and potassium sorbate were more effective than propionic acid and natural fermentation treatment for maintaining hygienic quality of colostrum. The result of measuring IgG antibody indicated that potassium sorbate has had more protective effect than other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results exposed that potassium sorbate and formic acid are better than other treatments to maintain colostrum quality with regard to increasing shelf life of colostrum.