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: Tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) is a plant with piscicidal and fertilizing properties. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 and 100mg/l) of hydro-alcoholic extracts of tobacco has been examined on different tissues of Rainbow trout. METHODS: Samples from liver, kidney and gill of Rainbow trout were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and studied under light microscopy. RESULTS: Various histopathological lesions were observed in the liver of Rainbow trout exposed to different concentrations of tobacco. The results showed that with increase in concentrations of tobacco up to 10 and 100mg/l, bloodshed increased and hepatocytes lost their continuity and showed discontinuity mood. Lamellar aneurysm, bleeding and leukocytes infiltration, clubbing at the end of the lamellae, hyperplasia of secondary lamellar epithelium, epithelial lifting of secondary lamellae and creating an edematous space, lamellar shortening, vacuolation and lamellar fusion were the more abundant branchial lesions after exposure to tobacco. Separating the epithelium from basement membrane, hypertrophy, glomerular capillary dilation and tubular degeneration were observed in renal tissues in all treatments. At higher concentrations of tobacco (10 and 100mg/l), renal tubular necrosis was also observed. According to the results liver of rainbow trout showed a few histopathological alteration following exposure to tobacco extracts. Unlike the liver, gills of rainbow trout due to direct contact with pollutants showed more lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco extract has more pathological effects on gills in comparison with liver and kidney of Rainbow trout due to direct contact with the dissolved pollutant.

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: Femoral head osteotomy in cases of fractures or degenerative diseases is as a routine surgical procedure. Less duration of the healing period and the creation of minimal fibrous tissue and its replacement with bone tissue can be effective in return to health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes following administration of platelet-rich plasma at the site of  removed femoral head in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were distributed into two groups including: control (underwent femoral head osteotomy, FHO) and treatment (underwent FHO and planting the platelet-rich plasma on surgical site FHO₊ PRP). In both groups after general anesthesia, femoral head was removed using standard method. In group 2, pre-prepared auto log PRP was used at the site of surgery. After eight weeks all animals were euthanised, femur and its  surrounding healing tissues were cut 2cm  far from the head of femur and removed. Slides were prepared from each sample  through serial sectioning and were stained with H&E and Mason Trichrome. Qualitative changes such as granulation tissues, cartilage and bone formation and their organization and timeliness, thickness of collagen fibers and cellular changes were compared. To quantify the changes, whole surface of the Mason Trichrom stained samples underwent scan with ×50 magnifications and then area of different new formation tissues was measured. Average occupancy levels of each tissue, their ratio to whole surface of sample and to each other in two groups were calculated and compared. RESULTS: In PRP treated group ratio of cartilage tissue to granulation tissue and formation of bone to granulation tissue is significantly more than these parameters in control group. Results indicate faster healing on the damaged area in group 2. Also in group 2, cartilage and bone tissues formation in the healing process was more orderly. CONCLUSIONS: PRP could accelerate healing of bone tissue that is cut at the head of the rabbit’s femur. So it seems that the use of PRP as a treatment protocol in these cases could be suggested.

BACKGROUND: Mineral elements for various activities such as biochemical, productive and reproductive functions of animals are necessary and their concentration in the body of animals, under the influence of soil and plants will be different in each region. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present experiment was determination of concentration of macro and micro minerals in blood of gazing camel in the pastures of Khuzestan. METHODS: Eighty-eight camels under 11 classes, according to age and physiological situation in Hoveyzeh, Jofeir and Abadan-Khoramshahr regions were investigated during the autumn and winter grazing seasons. RESULTS: Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and iron in serum of all class of camels were in the optimal range, compared to the critical level. The concentrations of camels blood Zn and Cu were under critical level, so they were deficient, the P was near the deficiency threshold. Concentration of Mn was low. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, as important roles of minerals in improvement of production and reproductive situations of camels in these regions, the mineral status of feedlot must be improved by proper mineral supplementation, the results of present experiment could be useful.

BACKGROUND: Urea is a non-proteinaceous nitrogen source, often used as a substitute for raw ration protein in order to reduce the feeding cost of livestock. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of substitution of different levels of slow-release urea with soybean  meal on feed intake, milk production and composition, and blood parameters of lactating cows in early lactation. METHODS: Twelve Holstein cows were selected at the third birthday, milk production of more than 30 kg per day, and from 10 to 100 days after birth, with four diets, the treatments included 0, 23, 0.46 and 0.69  % of slow-release urea was replaced by soybean meal. Feed intake was measured daily. The milk sample was taken on the day of the start of the experiment and was taken at intervals of 14 days. To measure glucose, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and low blood levels, were determined  from the start of the test to the end of the test every two weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of feed, milk production and composition did not differ from experimental treatments. Glucose concentration and blood parameters (cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein) did not differ between experimental treatments, but triglyceride and lipoprotein showed a very low density at zero (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that adding slow-release urea to the level of 0.69% had no negative effect on feed consumption, milk production and composition, and blood parameters.

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: 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: One of the important parts of the cardiovascular system is the cardiac vessels. Ultrasonography which is the method of choice for evaluating the heart and vessels in all living animals can also be used in this fish. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to make a full understanding of the anatomic and echocardiographic characteristics of these vessels in beluga and suggest standard methods of ultrasonography for this species. METHODS: In this study, a total of 10 immature belugas were selected. The transducer was placed on the ventral surface of the body, between pectoral fins and transverse and sagittal images were obtained. By moving the anterior and posterior regions the vessels were investigated. After the ultrasound examination, anatomic studies were performed. Length and diameter of the vascular compartment were measured and analyzed by SPSS 16 software and Paired Sample T – method (P>0.05). RESULTS: In ultrasonography, blood flow was visible because of the movement of echoic particles. Two precardiac vessels joining between the liver lobes constituted and common vascular compartment before entering the sinus venosus. In the anatomical study, the ventral aorta was bifurcate near the gills. The right liver adjacent to the vessel was shorter and wider than the left one. Moreover, the common vascular compartment was shorter and wider than the liver adjacent to the vessels. The ventral aorta was longer and wider than the right precardiac vessel and common vascular compartment but was shorter than the left precardiac vessel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to lacing thorough anatomic and ultrasonographic studies concerning the cardiac vessels in this species, this study can be a cornerstone for further researches of this kind. In this study the long left precardiac vessel is named Common cardinal vein and wide right vessel is named Hepatic vein.

BACKGROUND: Chicken major histocompatibility complex region (MHC) is important in the productive traits, immune responses, resistance to infectious diseases and phylogenetic relationships. OBJECTIVES: This study was investigated for single nucleotide polymorphisms of MHC region related to the immune system in commercial broiler and layer chickens. METHODS: One hundred blood samples were taken from commercial broiler and layer chickens and genomic DNA was extracted by salting out method. The allelic polymorphisms were investigated in B-L, B-F and B-G loci using PCR-RFLP and MspI enzyme. RESULTS: For two commercial broiler and laying populations, in the 374 bp locus of B-L, only BB genotype was detected but in the 1048 bp locus of B-F, two genotypes of CG and GG were identified in broiler chickens. The C allele contained four bands of 515, 410, 75 and 47 bp, and the G allele with five bands of 410, 302, 213, 75 and 47 bp. In B-G (401 bp) locus, three genotypes of MM, MN and NN and two alleles of M with one band (401 bp) and N with two bands (350 and 51 bp) were identified. In total populations, the Shannon information index was calculated to be 0.45 and 0.73 in markers loci of B-F and B-G, and the fixation index values were -0.20 and 0.34, respectively. The highest observed heterozygosity index for B-F and B-G loci was 0.34 and 0.23, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the confirmation of the presence of polymorphism in two loci of the B-F (in commercial broiler population) and B-G (in commercial broiler and layer populations), these sites can be used as genetic marker in breeding programs to increase resistance to diseases.