BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) comprises a group of genes, which plays a central role in immune response. The exon 2 of BuLA-DRB3 is part of the MHC class II in buffalo that highly polymorphic, found to be associated with resistance/susceptibility to infections and also with production parameters. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to identify BuLA-DRB3 polymorphism in Khuzestan buffaloes and compare this population with other Iranian and world buffalo populations. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 136 unrelated Khuzestan river buffaloes. After DNA extraction, second exon of BuLA-DRB3 was amplified by the seminested PCR method. Then, the fragments produced by amplifying second exon were cut by RsaI restriction enzyme according to van Eijik method. In the following, allelic frequencies, genotype frequencies, expected and observed homozygosty and heterozygosity were calculated. RESULTS: In restriction fragment analysis 13 and 24 different allelic and genotype patterns were identified for RsaI restriction enzyme, respectively. 10 out of 13 alleles were previously reported. The most frequent genotype was oo)0.1691) and then followed by hh (0.1544) ,ll(0.1103), lw (0.0955), lh (0,0808), ha (0.0661) and lo (0.0514). Also four most frequent alleles were o (0.2721), h (0.2316),l (0.2316)and w (0.1176), respectively. These seven genotypes and four alleles form 72.76% and74.29% overall genotype and allele frequency of population.  In addition, estimation of heterozygosity/homozygosty and deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibriumofcorresponding population revealed observed homozygosty is more than heterozygosity and departure of population from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that exon 2 of the BuLA-DRB3 gene is highly polymorphic among Khuzestan buffaloes and although, there is differences between buffalo’s genetic polymorphism of distinct world regions, Khuzestan buffaloes’ population is similar to Egyptian buffaloes’ population.

BACKGROUND: It is believed that bovine neutrophils contain several peptides and protein which exhibit antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to isolate and purify a potential antibacterial protein from bovine neutrophil and test its anti bacterial activity. Methods: Neutrophils were isolated from bovine blood using dextran sedimentation and centrifugation on Ficoll-Hypaqe. Cell viability is examined by trypan blue dye exclusion method. Protein extract was then dialyzed and applied onto ion exchange chromatography for further purification, and its potential cytostatic activity was examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersinia ruckeri. Results: Viability of isolated neutrophil was over 95%, chromatographic results and SDS-PAGE analysis exhibited that neutrophil cytosolic proteins were fractionated so that the purification of P7/P23 was almost 60% in the first step and purification was completed in the second phase. Using calibration curve according to molecular mass markers, the relative molecular mass of P7 and P23 determined as 7 kDa and 23 kDa, respectively. Also, results showed that this protein has antibacterial activity and has higher bactericidal activity against Y. ruckeri. Conclusions: It could be concluded that purification of P7/P23 sustains its biological activity and has wide range antibacterial activity. Moreover, taking all data into account may suggest that the cytostatic activity of neutrophil, to some extent, results from P7/P23 protein which is abundant in the cytosole.

BACKGROUND: Vitamins are considered an essential part in diet of aquatic animals. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to assay the effect of different levels of vitamin E on growth performance, carcass compositions and blood parameters of common carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio). METHODS: Total number of 96 common carp fingerlings weighing 15.49 ± 3.64 g were randomly distributed into 12 fiberglass tanks in four treatments group including control (without added vitamin), 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg vitamin E in three replicates and kept at a density of 8 fish per tank for 10 weeks. RESULTS: Results showed that the highest weight gain, percentage of body weight increase, mean daily growth, specific growth rate, condition factor and the lowest food conversation ratio were observed in fish fed with 200mg/kg vitamin E but no significant differences were seen compared to other treatments (p>0.05). Fish fed with 200mg/kg vitamin E had the highest (p>0.05) contents of protein and ash compared to control group. There was an increase in values of RBC, Hct and Hb in fish fed with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg vitamin E in comparison with control group. Significant differences were observed in MCHC in fish fed with 100 mg/kg vitamin E compared to control and fish fed with 400 mg/kg, also treatment 200 mg/kg with treatment 400 mg/kg vitamin E (p<0.05). Fish fed vitamin E in 200 and 100 mg/kg had the highest WBC count. Fish fed with different levels of vitamin E had higher lymphocyte in comparison with control group and fish fed with 100 mg/kg had significant difference with control in lymphocyte (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E in level of 200 mg/kg can play an important role to enhance growth performance, nutrition efficiency and improving blood indices and support cell immunity in common carp fingerlings.

BACKGROUND: The modern dairy cows, due to intensive selection for higher milk production during past decades, have become more resistant to insulin. Accompanied with DMI depression in per parturient dairy cow, insulin resistance may lead to a massive release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) to bloodstream which might act as a start point for development of other diseases. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate potentiality of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) of marine or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of plant origin to correct the insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids in cultured bovine adipocytes. METHODS: Fatty acids from different oils were isolated using KOH and were mixed together with different proportions to obtain the following profiles: 1) saturated fatty acids (SFA); 2); saturated fatty acids+n-6/n-3 PUFA (medium chain) at ratio of 1:1 (SFA-MC1:1)and3) saturated fatty acids + n-6/n-3 PUFA (long chain) at ratio of 1:1 (SFA-LC 1:1). Adipocytes were cultured for 48 in the presence of treatments and after the incubation period an epinephrine challenge was applied to stimulate lipolysis. In the adjacent culture plates for each treatment insulin was added along with epinephrine challenge in different concentrations to test sensitivity of adipocytes to insulin. After conducting insulin sensitivity test, a sample was taken from culture media and analyzed for glycerol concentration as an index of lipolysis. RESULTS: Results indicated that saturated fatty acids effectively induced insulin resistance in adipocytes. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil had a significant preventive effect on insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids so that increasing insulin concentration linearly increased the response of adipocytes to insulin in treatment LC-SFA 1:1. Shorter chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of plant origin did not show such effects on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. ConclusionS: n-3 fatty acids from fish oil improved bovine adipocyte sensitivity to insulin but shorter chain n-3 fatty acids did not show this ability.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have been conducted on finding a suitable replacement for fish meal to supply the needs of aquaculture feed industry. Objectives: The present study was performed to examine the effect of replacing fish meal and fish oil with plant sources on bacterial counts in intestinal contents and mucus and bacterial composition in Beluga sturgeon. Methods: Beluga sturgeons with a mean initial weight of 133±5 g were distributed into 18 (300 L) tanks (30fish/tank) and were fed experimental diets for 60 days. The control diet contained only fish meal and fish oil as the primary source of protein and lipid, while the experimental diets contained 0, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent plant protein sources (wheat gluten, corn gluten and soybean meal) and 20% vegetable oil blend (canola, sunflower, cotton and safflower oils) respectively. Results: Results showed that replacement of 80% fish meal and fish oil with plant sources didn’t have significant effect on final weight (235 ± 17 g) compared to control group (256.1 ± 10 g) in a 60 days trial. Replacement of fish meal with 100% plant proteins in combination with 80% vegetable oils resulted in significantly lower final weight (225.7 ± 11 g), compared to other treatments including control group (p<0.05). Replacing 80% fish oil with vegetable oils resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial count in intestinal contents and a significant increase in percentage of Entrobacteriacea sp. However, no significant differences were detected in bacterial counts of mucus in experimental treatments compared to control (p>0.05). Replacement of 60, 80 and 100% fish meal and 80% fish oil with plant sources significantly decreased bacterial counts in intestinal contents and intestinal mucosa compared to control group (p<0.05). Also this replacement cause significant change in bacterial composition of intestine. Conclusions: The results suggested that using plant sources in juvenile Beluga sturgeon diet decreases the bacterial count in the intestinal contents and mucus and changes the composition of intestinal micro flora.

BACKGROUND: Dietary nucleotide has been shown to improve growth indices, nutritional function and higher vertebrates in fish. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of different levels of dietary nucleotide on growth parameters, whole-body composition and fluctuations of cortisol and glucose due to acute stress in Snow trout (Schizothorax zarudnyi). METHODS: One-hundred-twenty Snow trout fingerlings with average weight 7.58±0.05g, were fed with four levels of dietary nucleotides including 0 (control), 0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 percent for 8 weeks. Ten fingerlings were stocked into each 300l tank with triplicate in four treatments and fed three times daily at 3-5% body weight rate. At the end of feeding trial, weight gain, Weight gain rate, feed efficiency, Food efficiency ratio and survival were computed. Also, the numbers of fish that were exposed to acute stress (temperature and pH). RESULTS: The results showed that none of the nucleotide-supplemented diets had any significant effect on growth indices (p>0.05). None of the dietary treatments resulted in any significant changes to dry matter, ash and protein. The only significant difference was observed in the fat (p>0.05). The fish fed 0.25% nucleotide showed higher whole lipid compared to other dietary treatments. Stress test results showed no significant difference at the beginning of the experiment, whereas after, acute stress cortisol levels were significantly higher in trials. The lowest response was observed in trial with 0.50% nucleotide and the highest was in control groups. Glucose levels were not significantly different, neither before nor after acute stress. CONCLUSIONS: The nucleotide composition used in the present study failed to provide significant effects on growth of Snow trout juveniles but could improve response to acute stress.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is a lipid soluble vitamin which can be stored in the body organs (especially in liver) and its supply is only through ration. Objectives: The present study has been conducted to evaluate vitamin A status of feedlot cattle in the city of Garmsar and impact of season and nutritional management on it. Methods: During the study 100 blood samples were taken from feedlot cattle of 6 farms in cold seasons of one year and 100 samples from 5 farms in warm seasons of the same year. Also, 50 blood and liver samples of slaughtered feedlot cattle were taken from Garmsar slaughter house in each of the mentioned seasons. Serum and hepatic tissue concentrations of vitamin A and beta carotene were measured by using standard biochemical methods. Student’s t-test and Tukey’s HSD tests were used for analysis  of the results and  pResults: The results of present study showed that mean serum and hepatic concentration of vitamin A in feedlot cattle in the city of Garmsar was in defined normal range for cattle and these animals did not show any vitamin A deficiency, but mean serum beta carotene concentration was at a very low level and lower than defined normal range for this species. Mean serum vitamin A concentration of feedlot cattle in cold seasons was significantly higher than that in warm seasons (p<0.05), conversely serum beta carotene concentration of feedlot cattle during warm seasons was significantly higher than that in cold seasons (p<0.05). However, comparing vitamin A concentration of liver tissues of feedlot cattle in cold and warm seasons did not show any significant difference (p>0.05).  ConclusionS: From the results of the present study it can be concluded that serum and hepatic concentration of vitamin A in feedlot cattle of the city of Garmsar was in normal reference range of cattle, and in spite of very low concentration of serum beta carotene concentration, due to supplementation of this vitamin in feed, vitamin A deficiency did not occur in these cattle.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis is an important health disorder in dairy herds which affects milk production, animal reproduction and production. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of mastitis in dairy herds in Tehran province.  METHODS: From 679 dairy herds in Tehran province that have more than 50 animals, 32 dairy herds were selected randomly and animals that had calved from March 2007 to March 2008 were followed until the next calving or culling. In total 10506 animals were included in the study. The information on number, parity, occurrence of mastitis was gathered from registry forms. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of mastitis in this study was calculated 35.8% (95% Confidence interval (34.9-36.8), 3764 animals of 10506). Incidence of mastitis was increased by the increasing parity of animals, and animals in fifth parity have the most incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed the incidence of mastitis in this area is very high and it is necessary to control it.

BACKGROUND: Atrazine is one of the most important and effective pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The widest sugar cane farms of the Middle East are located in Khouzestan province, Iran. Large amounts of Atrezine are being used in farming on these farms.                  Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate acute toxicity (LC50 96 h) of atrazine on Barbus grypus and the effects of chronic toxicity with sub-lethal concentration of atrazine on hematological parameters as well. Methods: 180 B grypus were divided into 4 equal groups (5, 10 and 20% of LC50 96 h and control). Blood samples were taken on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of experiment. Hematological parameters including hemoglobin level, hematocrit, and red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and globular indices were measured and compared among the groups. Results: LC50 96 h was measured 65 mg l-1. Hematological parameters were  significantly affected by chronic toxicity of atrazine. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC were decreased at all sampling periods in fish exposed to different levels of atrazine (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in globular indice values among the groups in sampling periods (p>0.05). For all samples, WBC value was decreased significantly on day 21 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that chronic atrazine toxicity adversely affects hematological parameters of B. grypus.

BACKGROUND: Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme of the oxidoreductase family. Lactoperoxidase is an important antimicrobial agent. Applications of lactoperoxidase are being found as a preservative in food and cosmetics. Immobilized LPO provides several significant benefits such as: easily separated from the reaction products, reducing production costs by efficient recycling and control of the process. Objectives: Purification and immobilization of lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk using sodium alginate polymer. Methods: The lactoperoxidase was purified from camel milk by using sephadex G-100 gel filtration CM and sephadex C-50 ion-exchange chromatography. Encapsulation was carried out by using LPO, sodium alginate, glycerol and Tween 80. Afterward, the microcapsules were stablized by calcium ion (1%). Efficiency of encapsulation was calculated. The particle size and distribution were measured with particle size analyzer. Morphology and formation of the particles were studied  using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Stability of encapsulated and uncapsulated  LPO was studied at 4 °C during 70 days. Results: After purification and purity measurement by SD-SPAGE, concentration of 0/28 micrograms per liter for each of the fractions was obtained. Microencapsulation efficiency was 84% and microcapsules  less than 200 nm were formed. Observation by SEM confirmed the formation of microparticles. Microcapsules have a relatively smooth surface, spherical with low tenacity as well. Stability of encapsulated enzyme at 70 days was obtained 81%. Conclusions: Immobilization of Lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk  using sodium alginate is a good method to increase performance of the enzyme.