BACKGROUND: Honey bee Chalkbrood disease is a fungal disease that is distributed in apiaries in the north provinces of Iran. Chalkbrood causative agent is Ascospaharea apis that can survive in colonies products for many years. Many chemical materials are used for control of Chalkbrood disease in honeybee colonies that can make some problems in honeybee consumer products, so  that survival of safe material and methods for honeybee colonies treatments is a important aim in honeybee research field. OBJECTIVES: In this study antifungal effects of the Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum on the Ascospharea apis causative agent of honey bee Chalkbrood disease is examined. METHODS:  Simultaneous inoculation, Agar spot, Confrontation assay, Overlay assay methods are used. LABs are cultured in MRS and A.apis is cultured in SDA media. RESULTS: L.casei and L.acidophilus had moderate effects on the A.apis growth, but B.bifidum and LABs cell free supernatants(CFS) could not  inhibit growth of  this fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this survey show that LABs have antifungal activities on the honey bee Chalkbrood disease agent in culture medium and may be used as an alternative method for control of this disease in the honeybee colonies.

BACKGROUND: Due to the incomplete microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract in infant animals, the occurrence of any kind of stress causes gastrointestinal microbial imbalance and gastrointestinal disorders in the animal. The use of probiotics in diets of experimental animals improves the production of volatile fatty acids in rumen as the main stimulants of ruminal papillae. In this case the beneficial microbial population promotes in the rumen and its products improve the health and animal performance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of Protexin™ probiotics in milk replacer on digestive tract development and ruminal parameters of suckling Zel lambs. METHODS: To conduct this experiment, 24 male lambs were used at 10 days of age with mean weight (4.2 ± 0.53 kg) in 4 treatments and 6 replicates per each treatment as individual pens for 60 days. Treatments include control (without probiotic) and 3, 6 and 9 g (×109 cfu/g) of probiotic in milk replacer. In day 60 of experiments, pH values were measured by a portable digital device and ammonia nitrogen and number of protozoa in rumen fluid were measured in laboratory. Ruminal morphological results were studied after animal was slaughtered. RESULTS: The results of ruminal parameters showed that adding 9 g probiotic resulted in a significant increase in ammonia nitrogen and number of ruminal fluid protozoa compared to other levels (P<0.05). There were not significant differences in pH and VFA of ruminal fluid indicated no significant difference among treatments. In rumen morphology results, there was a significant difference between treatments in weight of empty whole digestive tract, rumen, omasum and abomasums weight and the volume of reticulum and abomasum (P<0.05) and this difference was significant between treatment of 9 g probiotic and other treatments. Also, the effect of experimental treatments was significant on length and width of the rumen papillae (P<0.05), so that level of 9 g probiotic was higher than other levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the addition of probiotic in milk replacer of experimental lambs significantly increased ruminal VFA and developed the ruminal morphological traits, so that in these traits, amount of 9 g probiotic had better performance than the other levels.

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: 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&amp;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: Using plastic compounds in food packaging industry creates a lot of problems for the environment. Edible coatings are biodegradable and can control the microbiological and chemical properties of foods. Using herbal essential oils improves the properties of coatings due to their antioxidants and antimicrobial specifications. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of potato starch edible coating containing Ziziphora clinopodioides and Thymus daenensis essential oils on chemical and sensory characteristics of refrigerated chicken breast, was evaluated. METHODS: The chicken breast was coated with potato starch containing 0, 0.5 and 1% concentrations of essential oils. Chemical (pH, TVN, TBARs) and sensory tests were performed on days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 on different samples stored at 4 °C. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software 22 using ANOWA and Nonparametric Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: Treatments with different concentrations of essential oil showed lower values of pH, Thiobarbituric Acid (TBARs) and Total Volatile Nitrogen (TVN) compared to the control samples (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coating with potato starch enriched with different amounts of essential oils, has a preventive effect on chemical degradation. Essential oils with the concentration of 0.5% can be an optimal dose for improving the sensorial properties of chicken breast.

BACKGROUND: Lameness is regarded as a serious issue in dairy cattle which can ultimately lead to a drastic reduction in milk production as well as conception, and the possibility of early removal of cattle from the herd. Short claw and thin sole play the chief role in excessive pressure on the heel and lateral grooves, which in turn are the direct consequences of heel erosion and lameness. OBJECTIVES: Current study intended to investigate the simultaneous occurrence of these two events at epidemic proportions in cattle. METHODS: This study was performed in 110 Holstein newborn heifers. Lame cows were chosen based on the fact sheet approved by AABP, (the American Association of Bovine Practitioners). The “Thin sole” criteria included a length of ˂7.5 cm at the posterior wall, along with ˂5 cm in sole (measured by claw check). Existence of dark V-shape lesions in lateral grooves was considered as heel horn erosion. RESULTS: In 50 newborn heifers, thin sole and lateral grooves ulcer which affect rear limb digits almost equally, were diagnosed and clinically approved. The lowest posterior wall (66.54 ± 1.02 mm) and the lowest sole thickness (43.98 ± 1.78 mm) were observed in the left hind limb. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, these two above mentioned conditions are called “New Concrete Disease” and the lameness due to these two lesions was clinically considered.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc. METHODS: This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography. RESULTS: Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.