مجله تحقیقات دامپزشکی
سال شصت و نهم شماره 2 (بهار 1393)

Healing of Critical-Sized Defects (CSDs) is one of the major challenges facing orthopedic surgeons. To assess the bone healing process usually plain radiography is used. Serial radiography results in certain side effects and recent findings are indicating the early detection of bone healing via ultrasonography. The purpose of current study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of radiography and ultrasonography in healing process of radial CSDs in rabbit. Sixteen New Zealand White Rabbits were used in this study. The radial CSDs of 15 mm size were created in a routine surgical procedure described previously and the two diagnostic tools were compared 12 weeks post-surgery. In case of obtaining different results from radiology and ultrasonography, to determine which diagnostic imaging method is of more accuracy, the histopathologic results of samples from the same day were used. In 15 cases of 16, ultrasonography findings were confirmed by radiography and only in one case they were in contradiction, in which radiographs showed an Atrophic Nonunion while Ultrasound detected an outstanding filled defect with a reverberation artifact underneath. In histopathology, the defect was filled with an osteoid matrix of high cellularity and calcification was obvious in some regions, confirming the ultrasound results. This study indicates that in diagnostic imaging of CSDs, the ultrasonography and radiography are usually consonant and even ultrasound is more accurate than radiology. In addition, in case of detection of a reverberation artifact and lack of any healing-related finding in radiography, this artifact may be an indication of osteoid matrix formation.

Coccidian infection in poultry is the most common infection in the world and is the cause of mortality and great economic losses in poultry production. This study was aimed to determine the frequency and Eimeria species diversity in broiler farms of Hamadan suburb, Iran. A total of 16 broiler farms were randomly selected with different production age in 2012. The information about poultry production and hygienic management of the farms was recorded. During the course of the study, litter sampling was carried out two times per week for each two farms with the same production status. The litter samples were subjected to flotation technique for collecting Eimeria oocysts. The intensity of infection was determined on the basis of oocyst per gram of litter (OPG) using Clayton-Lane and McMater methods. Eimeria species diversity and frequency was also determined by using oocyst sporulation in 2.5% potassium dichromate and micrometry. A total of 12 (75%) broiler-chicken litters were positive for Eimeria oocysts. The intensity was significantly variable in the farms ranged from 2.2×102 and 1.45×105. According to Laboratory identification, four Eimeria species were detected in litter of all infected farms. The species frequency was E. tenella in 11 farms (69%), E. maxima in 10 farms (62.5%), E. acervulina in 8 farms (50%), and E. necatrix in 7 farms (44%). The frequency and Eimeria species diversity in litter of industrial broiler-chicken of Hamadan suburb indicated a need to improve the hygiene and management principals of the farms in the region.

Streptococcosis caused by Streptococcus iniae is one the most important bacterial diseases in aquaculture industry worldwide. This study was aimed to assess the experimental pathogenicity of Streptococcus iniae in Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fingerling. A number of 400 Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fingerling weighting 17±3 g were used. Fish were challenged with a virulent strain of Streptococcus iniae via both intraperitoneal and intramuscular injections at dosage of 4.7×106, 4.7×105, 4.7×104, 4.7×103, 4.7×102 cells/fish. Each treatment group included 12 fish in two replicates. Control fish received 0.1 mL per fish sterile normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Clinically mortality started after 24 hours post-challenge and the affected fish showed listless, spiral swimming, spot haemorrhages on different parts of bodies particularly at the base of fins, the lateral line around the bone columns, on the base of barbells, mouth and around anal area. Also signs of abdominal distention, hyperemia of intestine, accumulation of bloody fluid in abdominal cavity, lordosis and scoliosis as well as hemorrhages in eyes were seen. The lethal concentration (LD50) of intraperitoneal injection was calculated 1.1×103, 8×103, 3.7×106 cells/fish after 48, 72 and 96 hours post-challenge, respectively. The LD50 of intramuscular injection was 4.8×102, 1.8×103 and 6.4×105 cells/fish at 48, 72 and 96 hours post-challenge, respectively (p<0.05). No mortality or abnormal signs was seen in control fish up to 14 days post-experiment. The results of this study showed that Parisian sturgeon fingerling is highly susceptible to Streptococcosis.

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases that results in devastating economic effect on dairy herds. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) is an udder health parameter. This study conducted to investigate the factor affecting milk somatic cell count of cows with and without clinical mastitis in previous lactations. Multiparous Holstein cows from a farm in Shiraz, southern Iran were used. The study was carried out in July and December 2010 and May 2011. Milk samples (n = 222; 20 mL) were taken from all quarters of lactating cows after the first three squirts of milk from each quarter were discarded. Milk SCC was measured using an electronic cell counting method (Fossomatic, Foss Electric, and Denmark). SPSS software (Mann-Whitney test; Spearman's rank correlation and Univariate of General Linear Model) was used for the analyses of factors affecting the milk SCC including lactation number, postpartum period or days in milk, month of sampling, milk yield, and clinical mastitis in previous lactation. Cows with mastitis in previous lactation had a greater mean milk yield and SCC compared to that of cow without mastitis. There was significant correlation between SCC and days in milk of cow without mastitis (r=0.4; p<0.05), and lactation number of cow with mastitis (r=0.2; p=0.05). Results of the present study showed that milk yield and days in milk were considerable factors for interpreting of SCC in cows without the historical information of clinical mastitis detection in previous lactation. While in cows with the clinical mastitis in previous lactation, in addition to milk yield, lactation number and month of sampling are more significant. It could be concluded that the history of clinical mastitis could be important for interpreting SCC, used as a tool to select mastitis resistance in dairy cow.

Use of different estrus synchronization protocols and artificial insemination methods made variations in fecundity of Iranian Zell ewes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate pregnancy and lambing rates in Zell breed ewes following diverse progesterone treatment durations, eCG treatment doses and artificial insemination by transvaginal and/or laparoscopy methods. 180 cyclic, multiparous Iranian Zell ewes 45.5±2.5kg, were used in this experiment. The ewes were allocated randomly to 3 different groups (n = 60). Estrus was synchronized using CIDR for 10 (A group), 12 (B group) and 14 (C group) days. At CIDR removal time, the ewes in each group was assigned into 3 subgroups (n = 20 and received eCG (0, 400 and 500 IU), respectively. 54 hours after CIDR removal, the ewes in each subgroup was randomly divided into 2 equal groups (n=10) and inseminated by transvaginal and laparoscopy, respectively. While combination of eCG treatment and CIDR removal increased pregnancy rate in all groups, the number of estrus have been augmented only in A and B groups. The artificial insemination by laparoscopy method made higher pregnancy and lambing rate compared to transvaginal technique. 500 IU eCG administration simultaneous with CIDR removal and artificial insemination by laparoscopy exhibited the best performance for pregnancy and lambing rate in Iranian Zell ewes.

Safflower is one of those herbal medicines that many studies rely on its use for the treatment of menstrual problems and diseases of the circulatory system. The flowers of this plant have long been used as a sexual stimulant medication. Furthermore there is evidence about its effects on the infertility and sexual disorders. Considering the effect of this plant on infertility, this study was designed to investigate the role of the aqueous extract of Safflower on the histomorphometric structure of female genital system in mice. 30 female balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. In group one, Safflower extract was given orally for 45 consecutive days at the dose of 40mg/kg. Safflower extract (80 mg/kg) was given orally to mice in group two for 45 days. Mice in group three (Control group) received water in the same volume, way and time. Results from present study were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Tukey's test. The results showed that long term use of Safflower extract increased ovarian weight of mice (group one: 0.8±0.04, group two: 1.1±0.07) compared to control group (0.4±0.06), significantly (p<0.05). Histomorphological studies revealed that use of Safflower increased the number and diameter of secondary follicles (group one: 3±0.57; 9±0.66, group two: 3.25±0.25; 9.08±0.3), graafian follicles (group one: 1.1±0.17; 7.66±0.54, group two: 1.2±0.13; 8±0.75) and corpus luteum (group one: 4.75±0.75; 5.27±0.29, group two: 4.75±0.47; 5.4±0.31) significantly (p<0.05). However, the number of atretic follicles were decreased in experimental groups (group one: 2.5±0.0.28, group two: 2.25±0.62) significantly (p<0.05). Furthermore, the diameter of granulosa layer (group one: 4.58±0.3, group two: 3.25±0. 3) and colosum oophorus (group one: 2.5±0.18, group two: 2.58±0. 15) in experimental groups were changed compared to control group (4.66±0.33, 1.87±0.15,) significantly (p<0.05). Safflower had no significant effects on the histomorphological structure of uterus (p>0.05). It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of Safflower is more effective on ovaries compared to uterus and may have positive effects on fertility in female mice.

The differences of anatomical features between animal species matter in conducting research. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the external carotid artery branches in Sangesari sheep. Five mature Sangesar sheep head were obtained from the slaughterhouse. All of the cases were injected with red rodopas prior to fixation. The heads were fixed in 10 % formaline and the branches of the common carotid artery dissected subsequently. The lingual artery is the first branch of the external carotid artery which is divided into deep lingual artery and sublingual artery. The caudal and rostral deep temporal arteries and caudal branch of rete mirabile had a common trunk which was separated from maxillary artery. The terminal part of the maxillary artery was divided into two branches: one branch is a common trunk with infraorbital artery and malar artery; another branch is descending palatine artery. The primary branches of the external carotid artery in sangsari sheep are like sheep and other ruminanats. But the descending palatine is continuation of the maxillary artery which this distribution pattern is like equine.

Barbus sharpeyi (Cyprinidae), locally known as benny is one of the most economically and nutritionally valuable fish species of Khuzestan Rivers. Due to the problems of artificial breeding of benny and different responses to induced spawning in different weight, acquiring knowledge of benny reproductive biology and determining the seasonal sex steroid hormones seem necessary. In this study, season samples of Barbus sharpeyi were examined during 4 seasons of 1390 (10 samples each season) in Center for Native Fishes in Khuzestan of Iran. A serum was separated from the blood samples and used for measurement of steroid hormones (T, p, E2) by ELISA method. The results indicated that highest level of steroid hormones was in winter as the levels of T, P, E2 were 20.16±0.738, 3.70±0.788 (ng/mL) and 2025.8±93.56 (pg/mL) respectively. According to the results of this research, it seems that the period of spawning in benny fish is in middle winter synchronize with ovarian development and the aquaculture procedure of this species could be performed in the above mentioned periods.

The thyroid gland, as one of the important endogenous glands of the body, controls the physiological function of other organs by secretion of T3 and T4. Alteration in thyroid hormone concentrations may influence the function of different organs and express various clinical symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of different environmental and physiological parameters on serum thyroid hormones (T4, T3, FT4 and FT3) concentrations of Arab horses in Khuzestan province. Blood samples were collected from 240 horses during four different seasons. The ELISA method was used for hormone assay. The results were analyzed using SAS software. The results indicate that the serum concentrations (Least square means±standard error of mean) of T4, T3, FT4 and FT3 were 45.1±1.4 (nmol/L), 1.5±0.03(nmol/L), 13.6±0.31(pmol/L) and 5.5±0.12 (pmol/L), respectively. The serum levels of the hormones were higher in winter (cold season) than summer (warm season). There was no significant difference between female and male. Foals had higher serum levels of the hormones than other age groups (p<0.05). The environmental and physiological conditions significantly influenced the serum concentration of hormones as in pregnant horses it was less than non-pregnant females.

Numerous abnormalities and clinical syndromes have been associated with vitamin A and zinc deficiency in large animals. In addition, zinc status influences several aspects of vitamin A metabolism including its mobilization from liver to other tissues. The purpose of the present study is to determine the vitamin A and zinc status and their relationship in cattle. Vitamin A and zinc concentrations in blood plasma and liver samples of 114 to 130 male slaughtered cattle (under 18 months old) in Urmia were assessed and their status and correlations were analyzed. In 15.6, 25.4, 5.4 and 3.8% of samples, the concentrations of vitamin A and zinc in plasma and liver were less than minimum recommended concentration, respectively. In 24.8% of samples vitamin A in liver was more than maximum recommended concentration. The mean concentrations (±standard error) of vitamin A and zinc in plasma and vitamin A and zinc in liver were 59.7±4.5 µg/dL, 99.1±4.7 µg/dL, 161.9±6.2 µg/g wet weight and 103.2±4.7 µg/g wet weight, respectively. In cattle with zinc levels lower than minimum reference value, vitamin A in plasma and zinc concentration in liver were significantly (p<0.0005) less than those of cattle with normal plasma zinc levels. In cattle with inadequate zinc status a direct significant correlation (p<0.01, r=0.481) between plasma and liver vitamin A levels was observed. However, in cattle with adequate zinc status, the plasma zinc had a positive significant correlation with plasma vitamin A (p<0.01, r=0.466), liver vitamin A (p<0.01, r=0.411) and liver zinc (p<0.01, r=372). Deficiency of vitamin A and zinc are relatively common in Urmia and the deficiency probably leads to subclinical and clinical abnormalities. Furthermore, zinc had significant effects on plasma and liver vitamin A status.

The current definition of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is based on the pH of the ruminal fluid in dairy cattle and ration physically effective fiber could be used as a non-invasive method for prediction of ruminal pH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ration physically effective fiber, measured using old and modified Penn-state particle separator and ruminal pH. METHODES: The physically effective fiber measured in the ration of 17 rational group (7 fresh and 10 mid lactation cow groups). Ruminal fluid obtiained by rumenocentesis and SARA affected cows were detected. The physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had a correlation with mean ruminal pH of cows (r= 0.595, p= 0.012) and the ratio of subacute ruminal acidosis affected cows in rational groups (r= -0.533, p= 0.027). The ration of SARA affected mid lactation groups had less physically effective fiber than non affected groups (p= 0.041). According to our results, the physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had more correlation with ruminal pH in dairy cattle and can be used as a predictive index for ruminal pH.

Mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystem, due to its bioaccumul-ation, persistence, high risk and poisoning has become a concern in recent years. Consumption of shrimp as a rich source of protein, peptides, amino acid and minerals (Cu, Mg, Zn, I) is growing up. The purpose of the present study is to determine the mercury content of shrimp in Tehran market and compare this with international limits. For this purpose, 19 samples were collected randomly from different retail markets in different parts of Tehran and their mercury content was measured by Mercury Analyzer DMA-80 with standard method ASTM D6722. The results were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was found that, the mean level of mercury in muscles of all examined samples was 76.44±8.59 ppb, that is in agreement with the existing data and lower than the WHO and FAO guideline (500 ppb). Shrimp consumption considering its mercury content is permitted in Tehran and has no serious risk to human health.

Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in central nervous system and plays a certain role in food intake in mammalian. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of glycine in central regulation of feed intake of broiler cockerels (Ross 308) during six sequential phases. At 1, 2 and 3 phases, glycine (50, 100 and 200 nmol), NFPS (inhibitor of glycine transporter at 25, 50 and 100 nmol) and hydrochloride strychnine (competitive antagonist of presynaptic of glycine at 10, 50 and 250 nmol) were injected intracerebroventriculary (ICV). At 4, 5 and 6 phases, the effect of pretreatment of NFPS (100 nmol), strychnine (250 nmol) and DL-AP5 (antagonist of glutamate NMDA receptors, 5 nmol) on cumulative feed intake induced by glycine was evaluated. During this study, the control group was injected ICV by sterile physiological serum. Thereafter, Cumulative feed intake was measured at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after injection. According to the results, ICV injection of 200 nmol glycine significantly reduced the feed intake (p<0.05). Moreover, the injection of NFPS at 50 and 100 nmol, significantly increased the feed intake (p<0.05), while strychnine had no effect. Additionally, pretreatment with NFPS and DL-AP5 significantly attenuated the feed intake induced by glycine (p<0.05), whereas strychnine had no effect (p>0.05). These results showed that the inhibitory effect of glycine on feed intake is not associated with neurotransmitory function of glycine, but is due to its neuromodulatory effect which is probably mediated via NMDA glutamate receptors in birds.