BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is one of the most important pathogenic protozoan parasites causing bovine abortion around the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Neospora caninum in the brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of aborted fetuses in cattle in Arak by means of molecular method. Methods: 38 samples of brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata from aborted fetuses in dairy cattle of Arak were tested for the presence of Neospora with nested-PCR. Results: Survey findings indicated the presence of DNA in 26.3 % of aborted fetal brains. In the cerebellum and medulla oblongata samples no Neospora caninum  DNA was detected. There was a significant relationship between neosporosis and maternal age (number of calvings), abortion history and the presence of dogs in the herd. Conclusions: The results showed a significant association between the infection and the number of abortions in the examined cows; As a result it seems that neosporosis could be an important factor in epidemic abortions in Arak city’s dairy farms which requires continuous monitoring and implementation of prevention programs in the dairy industry.

The placenta of llamas is epitheliochorial, with patchy areas of dense folded papillation serving as the placentome. The amnion of the full-term placenta is closely adhered to either the allantois or the chorion and remains with these structures at the time of parturition. Llamas and alpacas, like dromedaries, have an extra fetal membrane that is derived from the epidermis of the fetus. In association with the watery amniotic fluid of llamas, the epidermal membrane is slippery, facilitating delivery of the fetus.

The measurement was investigated with 18 heads of fetus (60, 90, 120 days of gestation) and neonate in Korean native goats. The crown-rump length of fetuses at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 8.71, 20.83, 31.10 and 34.93 cm, respectively. The length of small intestine at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 32.28, 157.10, 303.52 and 475.06 cm, respectively. The length of large intestine at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 9.20, 37.70, 82.06 and 94.46 cm, respectively. The head length at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 2.93+-0.07, 6.67+-0.13, 8.84+-0.51 and 9.76+-0.44 cm, respectively. The width of the head at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 2.20+-0.13, 4.45+-0.11, 5.33+-0.20 and 5.51+-0.32 cm, respectively.