BACKGROUND: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin that is usually found in animal feed and causes disorder in genital organs activity. Most commercial adsorbents do not have ZEA absorbency and may have side effects on the animal performance. Therefore, the discovery and introduction of natural compounds are necessary to reduce ZEA. OBJECTIVES: The introduction of some medicinal plants to degrade ZEA in rumen fluid is the main objective of this study. METHODS: In the present study, essential oil and different extracts (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl-acetate) of seed of four medicinal plants belonging to Apiaceae family including coriander (Coriandrum sativum),Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Persian hogweed (Heracleum persicum) were investigated to reduce ZEA in rumen fluid (0.4µg ZEA in ml 20% rumen fluid) at the ratio of essential oil/extract to toxin 125:1, 250:1 and 500:1 in 48h.The ZEA-content was extracted by the immunoaffinity column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-FLD). RESULTS: The results showed that essential oil of coriander (contains 76.5% of linalool), n-hexane extract of coriander and methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Persian hogweed exhibit acceptable efficiency (more than 30%) in ZEA degradation. ZEA evaluation in the presence of various concentrations of promising essential oils and extracts exhibited that the essential oil of coriander has the highest effect to remove ZEA from rumen fluid with 79.5% after 48 h. The n-hexane extract of coriander at the rate of 500:1 caused 67.8% and 74.2% reduction in ZEA content after 36 and 48 h incubation time respectively and located at the next statistical level. In addition, methanol and ethyl- acetate extracts of Persian hogweed at the rate of 500:1 reduced 46% and 41.8% ZEA content in rumen fluid respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Coriander and Persian hogweed are introduced as promising botanical additive sources to remove ZEA in animal feed.

BACKGROUND: Poultry meat belongs to perishable foods and the major concern of food industries is the microbial spoilage of poultry meat. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of chitosan (CH) coating enriched with different concentrations of Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZEO) in comparison with control group on some of the sensory and microbial properties of chicken breast fillets during storage at refrigerated temperature for 12 days.   METHODS: Essential oil extraction was done by hydro-distillation method and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the present study, chicken breast fillets separately were dipped in 2% CH solution containing ZEO at concentrations 0, 0.5 and 1% and then stored at refrigerated condition for 12 days. After that chicken fillets were studied at 7 intervals (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 days) regarding microbial (Total mesophilic and Psychrotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae) and sensory (color, odor and taste) examination. RESULTS: The most important compounds of the ZEO were geraniol (20.62%), carvacrol (18.17%), thymol (5.39%), α-terpineol (7.49%) and 4-terpineol (6.83%). Results of this study revealed that in the treatments coated with CH containing ZEO, total viable counts (TVC), Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, Psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae familysignificantly (P<0.05) decreased as compared to control group during the storage period. Based on the results of the present study, coating of chicken fillets with chitosan alone or chitosan containing 0.5 % concentration of ZEO showed better sensory properties. CONCLUSIONS: CH coating enriched with 0.5 % ZEO has potential to extend shelf life of chicken fillets without any unfavorable organoleptic properties.

BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in pigeons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: Fourteen pigeons after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, scapula, clavicle, and coracoid were observed after 7th and sternum at 14th day in all specimens. Bones of the humerus, hadius, hlna, hetacarpus II, hetacarpus III, hetacarpus IV, and proximal phalanx of digit III were observed after the 7th  day and radial carpal bone, ulnar carpal bone, proximal phalanx of digit II, distal phalanx of digit II, and distal phalanx of digit III at the 14th  day and head of humerus, ventral tubercle of humerus, phalanx of digit IV, and dorsal tubercle of humerus at 21st and ventral condyle of humerus and dorsal condyle of humerus at 28th. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in all 1st day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after the 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in all the samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, time taken to complete the ossification process and the formation of all parts of pectoral limb girdle and wing is 28 days after hatching.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogenic microorganisms in meat products, especially those that are repeatedly handled by hand in the production process. Beta-lactam drugs, especially new generations of Cephalosporins, are used for treatment of most infections that are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. But the production of beta-lactamase enzyme by some strains has led to the failure for treating the infections that are associated with this organism. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and comparison of the antimicrobial effect of methanolic extracts of red pepper and red onion on Staphylococcus aureus with beta-lactamase gene that was isolated from minced meat in Semnan city. METHODS: For this reason, sampling from 30 distribution and supply centers of packaged meat in Semnan city was performed in hygienic conditions and all of the samples were tested for presence of Staphylococcus aureus with beta-lactamase gene by biochemical methods and molecular confirmation by PCR assay. Also, the antibacterial effect of red pepper and red onion extracts on these isolates was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), well distribution and bacterial growth curve tests. RESULTS: The results showed that 16.6 percent of samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus with beta-lactamase gene. Red pepper and red onion extracts had good antibacterial effects on these isolates and in all the tests, the red pepper extract was more effective than the red onion extract. CONCLUSIONS: By proving stronger antimicrobial effect of red pepper, it is recommended to use pepper in sufficient amounts along with onion in foods that are made from minced meat like all kinds of Kebab.

BACKGROUND: European chub (Squalius cephalus) is a member of Cyprinidae family and is classified as fresh water fishes which live in a group in roaring rivers. Siahrood runs from the south east to the Caspian Sea. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was determination and identification of parasites of European chub in the Siahrood river. METHODS: In the current study, a total number of 96 fishes with average weight of 42 ± 3 gr and average length of 15 ± 1 cm were collected during winter, spring, summer and autumn 2015. The collected fishes were transported to parasitology lab with oxygenated plastic bags and were kept in aquarium till examination. Sample collection was conducted from skin, gills, fins and eyes and prepared wet mount was studied with optical microscope. Samples which are positive for presence of parasite were fixed and identified at the level of genus or species by biometric characterization and identification keys. RESULTS: In the present study, 6 species of endo parasites and ecto parasites were detected from different organs of Siahrood’s European chubs that included: 2 protozoan species from gills, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis with the highest positive samples in summer; Trichodina sp. with the highest positive samples in spring; 1 Myxozoa species from the intestine, Myxobolus  muelleri with the highest positive samples in winter; 3 Monogenea species, Dactylogyrus vistulae and Diplozoon paradoxum from the gills with highest positive samples at autumn and summer respectively; Gyrodactylus mutabilitas from the gills and the skin with the highest positive samples in summer. CONCLUSIONS: It seems the major factors affecting the variable presence of parasites in different seasons are ecological and environmental variation of the river in different seasons and the effects of these changes on fishes physiology and parasites life cycle.

BACKGROUND: Safflower plant can be used in fish due to its antioxidant properties. In the present study, the side effects of intraperitoneal injection of safflower extract in rainbow trout have been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The effect of the intraperitoneal injection of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) extract on Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase as tissue damage indicators and also the histopathologic analysis of kidney and liver tissues in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been investigated. METHODS: To this end, rainbow trout with an average weight of 100 ±5 gr were supplied and intraperitoneally injected with different levels of Safflower extract. In this regard, one negative control group (with no injection), one positive control group (injected with 0.2 ml normal saline) and three treatment groups (injected with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kgbw of safflower extract, respectively) were considered. Blood samples were taken on the third, seventh and tenth days after injection, in order to isolate blood serums and analyze the ALP, ALATA and ASAT activities. Kidney and liver tissue samples were also taken on the seventh-day post injection. RESULTS: The levels of ALP, ALATA and ASAT activities significantly increased in all treatment groups that received safflower extract compared to control groups in all samples (sig<0.05). In histological analysis typical pathologic effects were recorded in kidney and liver tissue sections. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal injection of Safflower extract at dosages of 50-200 mg/kgbw led to damage in the liver and kidney tissues, so that the concentration of 200 mg / L had severe histological complications in these tissues. Hence some limitations must be taken into account for using this extract as immune-stimulant or vaccine adjuvant.

BACKGROUND: Phytase enzyme (EC 3.1.3.8), is used to increase the availability of phosphorus in the feeding of monogastric animals. Increasing public attention to environmental issues, improving livestock nutrition and human health have led to considerable attempts to increase its activity or prevent its inhibition as a food additive. OBJECTIVES: Determination of inhibitory or activating effect of methanolic extract from aerial parts of some herbs, as rich sources of secondary metabolites. METHODS: Phytase was partially purified from wheat barn. After preparation of methanolic extracts from aerial parts of plants, their effects on phytase activity were measured at four concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/ml. Micro plate assays were performed at 405 nm. RESULTS: Among analysed plant samples, extracts from Pedicularis sibthorpii Boiss, Phlomis persica Boiss, Solenanthus Circinatus Ledeb, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl, had appreciable inhibitory effect, while extracts from Astragalus caraganae Hohe, Hypericum scabrum L, Linum album Ky.ex Boiss, Valeriana sisymbriifolia Vahl, Euphorbia denticulate Lam, Rindera lanata (Lam.) Bge, had a considerable activation effect. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this report, plants with positive effect on phytase activity, could be used as food additive along with phytase to improve phosphoros uptake. On the other hand, plants with negative effect on phytase could be viewed as unwanted sources in monogastric animals feeding.

BACKGROUND: Dicrocoeliasis is one of the commonest parasitic diseases of the bile ducts and gallbladder in a wide range of mammals including ruminants and sometimes human being. The disease is really important in medicine, economy, and veterinary medicine. Annually, slaughter house loses a huge amount because of losing a great deal of valuable proteins in people daily diets. In order to bring the disease under control, morphological and molecular analysis of parasite in endemic districts is essential. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the morphological as well as molecular characterization of cattle, sheep and goats isolated from Dicrocoelium by applying ND1 genetic marker in the Markazi province, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 480 fresh adult worms were collected from livers of 120 cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in abattoirs in Markazi province. To diagnose the species of parasite, morphometric indices of mature worms were calculated based on standard parameters. Then DNA of 60 isolates with different morphometric characteristics was extracted and PCR reaction was performed for a part of ND1 (mtDNA). PCR was purified and its sequence was defined, the percentage of genetic similarity was compared to cases registered by GenBank and the exact species of parasite was recognized. RESULTS: The morphometric analysis in all isolates was as follows: testicles were sequential, the length and the width of the worm for all cattle, sheep and goat isolates were 7994±967µm, 6844±100µm, 6570±110µm (P<0.0001) and 1649±339µm, 1490±221µm and 1430±252µm (P<0.0001) respectively. The proportion of the length to the width was 4.87±0.641, 4.58±0.625, and 4.64±0.622 respectively. All the results mentioned above confirmed Dicrocoelium dendriticum in the hosts of the district under investigation. The analysis of the gel electrophoresis in all isolates showed the existence of band 200pb.The percentage of genetic similarity to the registered items, cases were determined by the Gen bank between 97 and 99 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular identification and morphometric assays clearly showed that D. dendriticum is the only agent of Dicrocoeliasis among cattle, sheep and goats in the Marakazi province, Iran. Molecular diagnosis of parasite by applying genetic marker of the nucleus is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and prebiotics are the most important bioactive compounds for aquatic health. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of prebiotic (immunowall) and probiotic (primalac) were assessed on growth performance, survival, body composition, and blood biochemical parameters in the Caspian Sea common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. METHODS: Juveniles (n = 100 per tank, 21 tanks) were distributed in four inclusion levels (each in three treatments) of 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15% of immunowall and primalac inclusions for a period of 56 days. Growth, body composition, and hematological parameters have been evaluated in different inclusion levels at the end of culture period. RESULTS: The increment of body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio in fish fed with diets containing 0.15% prebiotic and 0.1% probiotic improved considerably compared to other treatments. The survival rate of the juveniles was not significant between treatments, and the group fed with the pre- and probiotics revealed higher survivals. Protein content in the group fed with the pre- and probiotic showed significantly higher contents compared to the control group, and lipid content showed increasing trend in different inclusions. The red blood cells contents showed no differences between treatments; but the white blood cells contents revealed higher performances in the fish-fed probiotics compared to prebiotic and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results recommend the addition of 0.1 % immunowall and 0.15 % primalac in the diets of the juveniles in terms of growth, feeding, and hematological indicators in the Caspian carp.

BACKGROUND: Based on previous studies, aquaculture systems affect on flesh quality in cultured species. In biofloc system, as a modern and new aquaculture system, animals use microbial flocs as feed and it seem such flocs affect on bodycomposition. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate growth and chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of common carp meat cultured in Biofloc system. METHODS: Three hundred healthy fingerlings were randomly distributed in 12 tanks (70 L) at a density of 8.3 kg m-3 and fed experimental treatments: commercial diet as a control and three biofloc treatments including sugar beet molasses biofloc (SBM+BFT), sugar biofloc (S+BFT) and corn starch biofloc (CS+BFT). Fish in BFT treatments were fed at 75% of the daily feeding rate of control. At the end of experiment, growth performance and survival investigated. In addition to evaluate cultured fish meat quality, sensory properties of raw fish (day 0), rigor mortis (3, 6 and 24 h after catch), bacterial count, pH, expressible moisture and TVN were also assessed during 16 days, (every 4 days). RESULTS: The results indicated that the lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) and highest condition factor was observed in fish fed BC which differed significantly from control (P<0.05). No significant difference among treatments was observed in rigor mortis and bacterial count (P>0.05). pH in carp flesh increased gradually during storage time (P<0.05), but at the end of the storage period no significant difference was found between the treatments (P>0.05). The lowest primary TVN was seen in BS treatment (9.0 ± 0.2 mg N/100g flesh) but in other treatments TVN was higher than 20 mg/ 100g flesh (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, based on the results of this study, biofloc cultured fish flesh had acceptable quality in comparison with control fish.