The aim of current study was to assess the seroprevalence of Neospora (N.) caninum and Toxoplasma (T.) gondii infections in aborted cattle and subsequent estimation of role of these parasites in cattle abortion in Hamedan province, Iran. Blood samples (n=85) of aborted cattle were collected from different locations of Hamedan province for a period of two years from January, 2010 to December, 2012. All the samples were evaluated for the presence of IgG-antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The results showed that 61.2% (n=52/85), 5.9% (n=5/85) and 3.5% (n=3/85) animals were positive for N. caninum, T. gondii and co-infection of these two, respectively. There was no significant correlation between seroprevalence rates, age groups and breeding (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between T. gondii infection and the type of cattle (p=0.05), unlike to N. caninum (p=0.52). This is the first report of N. caninum and T. gondii co-infection in cattle in Iran. Although the rate of T. gondii infection was lower but this parasite might partly be responsible to be transmitted to humans. Further investigations and appropriate control strategies in management of cattle farms are highly recommended.

The current work was carried out to investigate the gross and microanatomical features of moderator bands (septomarginal trabecula) in camel heart. Ten hearts were collected from healthy mature dromedary camels. Anatomically, the moderator bands were present in both right and left ventricles. In right ventricle, the walls had one muscular moderator band which was extended from the interventricular septum to the opposite ventricular wall especially to the papillary muscle. In left ventricle, there were two bands; one extended from the interventricular septum to the papillary muscles, and the other one was present in various places especially in the apex running as a thin thread-like band across the left ventricular wall. Histological examination revealed that the moderator band consisted of two major layers; the central (core) myocardium and the peripheral endocardium, acting as band capsule. The myocardium had two bundles; the contractile cardiac muscle bundles and the Purkinje fiber bundles. The endocardium consisted of three layers; the endothelial layer of simple squamous epithelium, the subendothelial layer of loose connective tissue and the subendocardial layer, connecting the endocardium with the myocardium.

The in vitro gas technique was used to predict the efficiency of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) bagasse (SSB) based total mixed ration comprising different ratios of roughage and concentrate, with the objective of identifying optimum ratio for feeding buffaloes. Eight rations were prepared with roughage to concentrate ratio of 100:0 to 30:70. Significantly (p<0.01) higher in vitro gas production volume (mL) at 24 h incubation were recorded for the rations with roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio of 60R:40C to 30R:70C as compared to other rations. Whereas, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was significantly (p<0.01) higher for the rations 70R:30C to 30R:70C as compared to other rations. Metabolisable energy (ME) and truly digestible organic matter (TDOM) were significantly (p<0.01) higher for the rations 90R:10C to 30R:70C as compared to sole SSB. The rations from 90R:10C to 30R:70C were significantly (p<0.01) higher in partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMBP) as compared to sole SSB. However, the PF was not significant among rations 50R:50C, 40R:60C and 30R:70C. Therefore, the present study suggested that SSB can be included in total mixed ration of buffaloes at 50-60% for economic ruminant livestock production.

The study was conducted to assess the therapeutic competence of garlic (Allium sativum) in lead (Pb) exposed chickens. The experimental birds (n=350) were grouped into T0 (as control), T1, T2, T3 and T4. The birds of group T1 was provided with lead acetate at 100 mg/kg body weight. Group T2 had lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 1% garlic supplement, whereas group T3 was fed with lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 2% garlic supplement, and group T4 had lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 4% garlic supplement. The mean values (mg/dL) of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and blood glucose in the birds of group T1 were significantly increased (p<0.01) on day 42 of post-treatment. Elevation of these parameters was suggestive for the pathological involvement of different organs like liver, kidney, muscles. Statistical analysis of variance indicated that lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 2% garlic supplement (T3) resulted significant (p<0.01) ameliorative effect on the biochemical parameters as compared to the group T2 and T4. In conclusion, potency of garlic in reversion of the values of the biochemical properties in Pb exposed chickens was close to the normal levels of the values.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity and immunosuppressive effects of GM-97 strain of infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 500 broiler chickens were vaccinated with the virus through oral route at 10 and 17 days of age (102-103 EID50/dose). Chickens were also vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus (Hitchner B1) orally at 14 and 21 days old. Chickens were euthanized (at 12, 14, 16, 20, 23, 26 days of age) after measuring body weight. Bursa of Fabricius was examined for any gross lesion, weighed and processed for histological investigations. Bursa to body weight ratio and bursal lesion scoring were made to evaluate pathogenicity of the virus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibody response to ND vaccine virus using HI test. Results showed that the GM-97 strain of IBDV induced mild to moderate depletion of lymphoid cells in the center of bursal follicles and non-significant difference in bursa to body weight ratio amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. Chickens responded well to ND vaccine by mounting high level of serum NDV specific HI antibody titers. It can be concluded from the present study that GM-97 strain of IBDV has mild pathogenicity but is not immunosuppressive.

In this study, milk samples were collected from 109 dairy cows to detect antibodies against Brucella (B.) using Milk Ring Test (MRT). Overall, 18.35% (n=20/109) of the milk samples were positive by MRT. The cows were divided into three groups based on lactation number viz., 1st, 2nd to 4th and ≥5th lactations; the prevalence of brucellosis in the groups were found to be 0.92% (n=1/109), 15.60% (n=17/109) and 1.83% (n=2/109), respectively. Considering simplicity and cost effectiveness, the MRT can be used for the preliminary screening of B. abortus infection especially in single cow herds.

Many human diseases relating to central nervous system (CNS) are mimicked in animal models to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy. The therapeutic role of stem cells in animal models of CNS diseases include replacement of diseased or degenerated neuron, oligodendrocytes or astrocytes with healthy ones, secretion of neurotrophic factors and delivery of therapeutics/genes. Scaffolds can be utilized for delivering stem cells in brain. Sustained delivery of stem cells, lineage specific differentiation, and enhanced neuronal network integration are the hallmarks of scaffold mediated stem cell delivery in CNS diseases. This review discusses the therapeutic role, challenges and future perspectives of stem cell therapy in animal models of CNS diseases.

Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite which may cause abortion in cattle. This study investigated occurrences of antibodies against N. caninum in Iranian native cattle. From September 2010 to September 2011, blood samples (n=768) of native cows were collected randomly from different rural regions of Hamedan (n=400) and Kurdistan provinces (n=368) located to the western part of Iran. All the samples were evaluated for IgG antibodies against N. caninum using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The IgG antibodies to N. caninum were found in 14.2% (n=109/768) of serum samples (95% CI: 11.74 - 16.66). There was a significant difference between seropositivity and abortion history (p<0.0001, OR=2.9), unlike to age groups (p=0.105). This is the first report of N. caninum infection in Iranian native cattle. In conclusion, N. caninum is an important factor in abortion in Iranian native cattle. Further comprehensive studies and designing control strategies for improving management in cattle farms are highly recommended.

This study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of Neospora infection in cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys, and dogs in Hamedan province, Iran. Blood samples (n=2254) from the animals were collected randomly during 2009 to 2012. Sera were prepared from the collected blood samples, which were then examined for the presence of antibodies against Neospora using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Neospora modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT), and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The seroprevalence rates of Neospora were found as 17.4% (n=245/1406) in cattle, 2.2% (n=8/358) in sheep, 40.8% (n=49/120) in horses, 52% (n=52/100) in donkeys, and 27% (n=73/270) in dogs. In this study, higher levels of Neospora infection were detected in cattle, horses, donkeys, and dogs. This is the first comprehensive study of Neospora infection in domestic animals in Iran. Further researches on molecular and bioassay studies and designing appropriate control strategies against neosporosis in Iran are necessary and strongly recommended.

Regional perfusion with Triple sulpha was used to treat a severe abscess in a 7-year old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) housed at a temple in Tamil Nadu, India. The cow elephant was presented with an acute swelling at left shoulder that persisted despite 4 days of anti-inflammatory therapy. There was a 3-cm-deep, 5-cm-diameter abscess pocket that was subsequently debrided. Regional perfusion was performed by using 7% Tincture iodine for 15 days, and Triple sulpha in the wound pocket. Besides, the elephant received Enrofloxacin (dosed at 10 mg/kg b.wt.) and Meloxicam (dosed at 0.2 mg/kg b.wt.) intramuscularly. Within 2 days of administering the first perfusion, the swelling reduced dramatically. After 7 days of successive treatment, the elephant showed marked improvement. The affected skin area became normal after 60 days post-treatment.