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: The histogenetic study is a useful and practical laboratory method for obtaining basic and effective information in order to reveal the process of histogenesis and development of organs in different stages during the embryonic period. This applied method helps us to understand the formation time of each organ and its tissue structure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to study the histogenesis and histochemistry of the pheasant liver during the embryonic period. METHODS: Sixty fertile eggs were placed in the incubator and sampling was performed from day 5 to the end of incubation period. The liver samples were fixed in 10% Buffered Formalin and the slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson Trichrome (MT). RESULTS: In this study, liver parenchyma, changes in the hepatocytes and their glycogen storage, as well as the appearance time of canaliculi, biliary ducts, central veins and port spaces were investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the time of the formation of the organs and structures in various birds relate to different incubation period or species variations. In this research, as the first study on the liver histogenesis of the pheasant, the formation of this organ from the fifth day to the end of the fetal period was examined and it was observed that the evolution and tissue development of the liver is completed until the eighteenth day of incubation period.

BACKGROUND: Antibacterial drug use in food producing animals, in addition to the very beneficial effects on the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious diseases, can lead to health risks including microbial resistance and drug residues. This survey was conducted due to the lack of information on the status of antibacterial drug use in dairy farms of Qom province. OBJECTIVES: To study the usage pattern of antibacterial drugs and compliance with public health- related measures in dairy cattle farms in Qom province. METHODS: In this study, 100 dairy herds were surveyed in three areas of Qom province including the southern part (Kahak), West (Jafar-abad and Khalajestan) and central part (Qom and the suburbs) using a questionnaire and direct interview. RESULTS: Injectable oxytetracycline, tylosin, penicillin + streptomycin were the most frequently used antibacterial products in dairy farms of Qom province (94%, 89% and 87%, respectively). A range of other antibacterial drugs showed high percentages of usage, as well. Among the 9 intramammary products, Tetranebalon®/Mastijet Forte® and Linconeocin MC® with 50% and 40% of frequency were the most commonly used products. Also, in a significant percentage of dairy farms, the milk collected from livestock treated with antibacterial drugs for mastitis (35%) or other illnesses (41%) was introduced into the milk reservoirs to be used in humans. CONCLUSIONS: In Qom province, there was an overuse of antibacterial drugs and high percentage of dairy farm units that did not follow the principles of rational drug therapy and the withdrawal times of milk and meat. This could be due to inadequate awareness of livestock workers regarding the public health implications of using these drugs and insufficient monitoring of veterinary authority in the province.

BACKGROUND: Yersiniosis or enteric redmouth disease (ERM), caused by Yersinia ruckeri, is a serious bacterial disease in the farmed salmonids that causes economic problems in this industry. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the experimental pathogenicity of Yersinia ruckeri in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). METHODS: Two hundred Rainbow trout weighting 100-120 g, challenged with different strain of Yersinia ruckeri were obtained from affected trout farms using intra peritoneal injection route at a concentration of 108 cells/ml (0.1 mL per fish) to evaluate the virulence of these isolates. Each treatment group included 10 fish in two replicates and control fish received 0.1 mL sterile normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Following the intra peritoneal challenge, macroscopic and microscopic findings were determined. The most virulent strain was then used to determine the lethal concentration (LD50) using both intra peritoneal and bath method at dilutions of 103-1010 cells/mL. RESULTS: Macroscopically, anorexia, lethargy, circular swimming near the surface, blackening of skin, exophthalmia, hyperemia and hemorrhage in different parts of body, anal prolapse, enlarged liver and spleen were observed. Microscopically, hyperemia of hepatic sinusoids and vessels, necrosis and vacuolization of hepatocytes, increase in the abundance of macrophage centers in kidney, dilatation of Bowman’s space, degeneration and necrosis of kidney tubules, severe necrosis and detachment of intestinal villi, hyperplasia and clubbing of epithelial cells of secondary lamellae, spleen cell necrosis, goblet cell hyperplasia and thickening of epidermis layer in the tongue mucosa were observed.  The LD50 of intra peritoneal injection was calculated 1.2×106cells per fish 48 h post challenge. In bath route, LD50 was obtained 5×108 Cells/ml after 96 h. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study show virulence diversity of native strains.

Background: ARDS is a lung disorder that causes death in human and livestock and new therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy are essential because of lack of specific drug therapies for it. Objectives: Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of intrapulmonary transplantation of BM-MSCs to improvement of clinical signs in experimental model of ARDS created by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)E.Coli strains-O55:B5 in sheep is the aim of this study. Methods: In this study, 10 male sheep 3-4 months old Shall were used after random placement into two groups, treatment and control. Of sheep in the treatment group after anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine collected bone marrow samples and in the clean room BM-MSCs isolated, amplified and were identified with the evaluation of surface markers. Then experimental model of ARDS was induced by endotracheal injection of LPS to dose 400μg/kg. Clinical signs and radiograph images performed before and 24 hours after injection of LPS. After confirming inflammation, the sheep were anesthetized and on sternal position 50×106 cells of BM-MSCs third passage were transferred in treatment group as autograft by the catheter lavage in the bifurcation of the trachea and PBS in control group. Then clinical signs were recorded at hours of 3,6and 12 and on days 1,2,3 and 7 in both groups and finally, were analyzed based on the scored system. Results: The data showed transplantation of BM-MSCs caused significant improvement in clinical signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, respiratory sounds, cough, mucosal status, nasal secretions, appetite and physical condition compared with control group. A significant decrease in respiratory rate and body temperature from 12 hours and in heart rate from 24 hours to next be began. Also, changes in breath sounds on the first day after transplantation, physical condition, mucous membranes and appetite on the third day, the occurrence of cough and abnormal discharge from the nose on the seventh day had returned to pre-inflammation (-24 time) and the median of score was zero for them. Conclusions: This study showed that transplantation of BM-MSCs can cause improves and the reduction in the severity of the clinical signs of ARDS, significantly.

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

BACKGROUND: Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, but with a literature review, we did not find report on the field of the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs. METHODS: For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. RESULTS: Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p<0.05). The greatest decrease was related to group D for triglyceride (105.60±17.49), total cholesterol (119.80±11.39) and LDL-C (36.40±7.57). The greatest increase was seen in group D for HDL-C (36.40±7.57) also. In comparison between two drugs and their effects on lipid profiles, atorvastatin showed a significant difference than chitosan (p<0.05). A combination of two drugs, was more effective compared with single administration of the drugs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that although both drugs have hypolipidemic activity in dogs, but the effect of chitosan was lower than atorvastatin, so it is not recommended to use chitosan only. Further experimentation needs to elucidate the possible mechanism of the drugs.

BACKGROUND:A common problem encountered in veterinary medicine is the euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS(,which refers to a state, where nonthyroidal illness(such as heart diseases)causes suppression of serum concentrations of thyroid hormone without true pathology of the thyroid gland. Chronic valve disease (endocardiosis) is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. About a third of small-breed dogs older than10years of age are affected by heart diseases especially endocardiosis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of some acquired heart diseases (endocardiosis , dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure)on thyroid hormones, some serum biochemical and hematological indices in small breed dogs. METHODS:A total of 50small breed dogs‌ were selected.25 dogs were healthy and 15,7 and 3dogs had endocardiosis, congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy respectively which were confirmed by historical, physical examination, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings. Thyroid hormones (T4, fT4andTSH) were determined by using commercial canine Elisa kits. Serum biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the levels of creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase,troponin I, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also Hematological indices (RBC,WBC,PCV,Hb and differential leukocyte count)were measured. RESULTS: One way ANOVA test showed that there were no significant changes in the serum levels of T4and fT4 in patients versus control group (p>0.05) ,only TSH concentration in dilated cardiomyopathy dogs compared to other groups was significant (p<0.05).Observations showed the creatine phosphokinase activity was significantly elevated in endocardiosis and congestive heart failure dogs in comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy and control groups. The serum concentration of protein significantly was decreased in Congestive heart failure dogs compared with endocardiosis and control dogs. Also, in comparison with the control group, serum level of triglycerides was diminished in Congestive heart failure dogs and blood urea nitrogen concentration significantly was increased in endocardiosis dogs compared with control.There were‌ no significant differences in other biochemical and hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS:In our study,euthyroid sick syndrome or hypothyroidism were not seen in small-breed dogs suffering from heart disease. However in dogs with endocardiosis, increasing of serum creatine phosphokinase activity, could be symbol of complexity of heart disease.

BACKGROUNDS: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite, which is widely prevalent in sheep throughout the world. Parasite infection can occur pre- or post-natally. Congenital ovine toxoplasmosis occurs following a primary infection in a pregnant ewe and leads to abortion and stillbirth of the fetus causing important economical losses to sheep industry. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of T. gondii DNA in brain samples from fetuses of slaughtered ewes in Khorramabad, west of Iran. METHODS: In total, 60 brain samples of ovine fetuses were collected. Examined fetuses were categorized in three age groups (4 months). Fifty grams of each sample was homogenized by mortar and pestle. DNA extraction was performed using a DNA isolation kit (MBST, Iran). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which targets the repeated element (RE) of the organism was used for tissue samples. Brain samples were considered T. gondii-positive if the expected band size (529 bp) appeared. RESULTS: T. gondii was detected in 4 out of 60 (6·7%) examined fetuses. No case was recorded in the age group

BACKGROUND: Phytogenic products are considered as nonantibiotic feed additive which may exert their possible appreciate effects on poultry performance and health through stimulated digestive secretions. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary Satureja khuzistanica powder (SKP) on pH of intestine contents, bile secretion and composition, and liver as well as blood lipids in Isfahan native breeder cocks. METHODS: Thirty-six 40-wk-old Isfahan native breeder cocks were individually caged and randomly allotted to three groups of 12 birds each and fed with diets containing 0 (control), 20 or 40 g/kg SKP for 10 weeks. At the end of experimental period all birds were killed and used for data collection on dry weight and pH of intestine segments, liver, bile and blood variables. RESULTS: Mean pH value in ceca contents was lower in the birds received diets containing 40 g/kg SKP compared with control cocks (P>0.05). Addition of SKP in diet at 20 g/kg significantly decreased liver lipids compared with the birds fed on control diet and the diet containing 40 g/ kg (P<0.05). Liver score based on external appraisal of the organ was improved in the cocks fed with SKP-supplemented diets compared with control birds (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that supplementation of diet with SKP could improve liver health and function in breeder cocks through reduced total lipids accumulation in liver. However, SKP does not exert cholinergic effect in cocks.