علیقلی رامین

The set of non-specific antioxidant activities is called Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). The aim was to determine the serum TAC level following selenium and Vit.E supplementation in lambs. Thirty two male Macuei lambs under 2 months of age and average weight of 10 kg were selected. Lambs were classified into 8 groups including control, Vit.E, Se nanoparticles (NanoSe), Oral sodium selenite (NaSe), NaSe Injection, NanoSe/Vit.E, Oral NaSe/Vit.E and Se/Vit.E (E/Se) injection and studied for 90 days. Lambs were bled 6 times around 5 ml at days 1, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 and sera were used to assess TAC consentration. In all, the lowest TACs in lambs was observed in the NanoSe group (1.17 μmol/l) and the highest was in the injected E/Se group (1.32 μmol/l) on day 60, but the differences among 8 groups during the 90 days were not significant. During the 90 days of investigation the most stable and lowest changes in TAC concentration was observed in the Vit.E group and the most unstable changes were revealed in the NanoSe and injected NanoSe/Vit.E groups. The mean TAC concentrations on days 14 and 60 were significant among groups, which was mainly predominant in the injected sodium selenite and injected selenium/vitamin E groups, respectively. Comparison of TAC concentration among sampling times revealed the difference in NanoSe and NanoSe/vitamin E in which the lowest concentration belonged to NanoSe. The results of the interaction effect of sampling time and groups on TAC concentration showed a significant time difference, especially on days 14 and 60, with no significant difference between groups. TAC concentration in the first day was correlated with day 60 in the control group, day 7 and 14 in NanoSe/Vit.E, group and day 60 in injected E/Se. In conclusion, selenium and Vit.E supplements had no effect on TAC levels, whereas TAC levels were time-dependent. Therefore, the activity of nonspecific antioxidants (TACs) is not affected by specific antioxidants such as selenium and Vit.E and changes over time.

Pregnancy toxemia, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common metabolic and nutritional disorders that occur at the end of ewes' pregnancy and cause economic losses in animal industries. Their co-occurrence in ewes increases the likelihood of their effectiveness and relevance. One hundred and twenty-seven ewes at the end month of pregnancy were selected and the relationship between serum concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and NEFA, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, Cu and Zn was determined at different BHB thresholds. Following confirmation of pregnancy, 5 ml of Jugular blood was prepared and serum was used to evaluate the parameters. The mean BHB concentration was 0.75 and ranged from 0.13-1.39 mmol/l. Frequency and percentage of ewes with BHB <0.79 mmol/l was 72 (56.7%), 0.8-0.99 mmol/l was 48 (37.8%), 1-1.19 mmol/l was 6 (4.7%) and 1.2-1.39 mmol/l was 1 (0.8%). The mean concentrations of NEFA, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, Cu and Zn were 0.42 mmol/l, 50, 55.9, 29.3 mg/dl, 98.6 and 76.9 μg/dl, respectively. Mean concentrations of NEFA, glucose and Cu were significant among ewes grouped with less than 0.79 mmol/l BHB. This comparison was significant between ewes with a threshold of 0.8 and 1 mmol/l BHB only for NEFA and cholesterol. There were correlations between BHB/NEFA (r=0.31) and Cu (r=0.42) at the threshold of <0.79 mmol/l BHB and at the 0.8-0.99 mmol/l BHB between BHB/glucose (r=-0.55), glucose/Cu (r=0.38), cholesterol/triglyceride (r=0.33), cholesterol/Cu  (r =0.27), cholesterol/Zn (r=0.26) and Cu/Zn (r=0.42) and the same as for 1.2-1.39 mmol/l. In conclusion, the incidence of subclinical ketosis in pregnant ewes at the threshold of 0.8 mmol/l BHB was 37.8% and 1 mmol/l BHB was 4.7%. Serum Cu and Zn concentrations of ewes were in the normal range and no deficiency was observed. BHB was not correlated with Cu and Zn but was effective in NEFA, glucose and cholesterol concentrations. Finally, 4.7% of ewes were suspected to subclinical ketosis and Cu and Zn were not influenced by BHB values.

Body condition and its relationship with inflammatory indicators in the transition period of ewes can be used as a key to prevent the occurrence of metabolic complications in this period.

This study aims to determine the levels of inflammatory markers and their relationship with body condition and energy status in the transitional period in Makuei ewes.

This study was performed on 45 female peri-parturient Makuie ewes aged 3-5 years with 2-4 breeding lambs. Blood samples from the jugular vein were prepared in three periods, 21 days before delivery, baseline (time zero), and 21 days after delivery.

The mean glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between the groups with low, moderate, and high body conditions. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were significantly higher in groups with lower and higher body condition scores (BCS) than in the normal group. There was a significant positive correlation between energy-related indices (NEFA, BHB) and the BCS of the pregnant and lactating ewes. The concentration of fibrinogen, sialic acid, and blood ceruloplasmin increased in the first three weeks and decreased after delivery. These indices significantly increased in relatively obese and lean groups than in the normal group during the study. The correlation of BHB and NEFA with sialic acid, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen was also reported in the study groups in the pre- and post-partum periods.

Ewes with normal BCS (2.75-3.25) have a good energy status. Low levels of NEFA in ewes indicate that the mobility of fats is low, and the inflammation process is lower in the transition period of these animals. Furthermore, low BCS can be a predisposing factor for inflammation in ewes during the pre-partum period. This effect may be due to the increased metabolic requirements and compromised immune function associated with negative energy balance in the transition period of ewes.

Leptospirosis as a zoonotic disease, is characterized by fever, jaundice, abortion and hemoglobinuria. It is widespread and the determination of the dominant serotype in the animal species of each region accelerates the control and prevention program. The 862 blood samples were colected from cows (Holstein and Simmentals), buffaloes, sheep, goats, horses and mules.  Sera were examined by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with six live serotypes. The overall prevalence was 19.54%, with the highest (37%) and the lowest (6.6%) in Holsteins and mules, respectively. Meanwhile, 25.4% of buffaloes, 19.3% of sheep, 13.7% of Simmental, 19.2% of goats, and 12.3% of horses were positive. The highest and lowest frequency was for pomona and canicula, respectively. In all studied species prevalence of infection in male was higher that in female but not significant. In ruminants, the prevalence of infection increased with age. In conclusion, leptosiral infection in ruminants was higher than in equidae and in ruminants, Holstein cattle was higher than the others, therefore vaccination in Holstein cattle is necessary to prevent the more infection in animals and also in human heings.

Based on genetic factors, trace minerals are essential for thyroid function and hormone metabolism. For this purpose, serum levels of thyroid hormones and some blood micronutrient concentrations in lambs were determined, compared and their relationships were investigated. A 176 lambs including 70 males under 2 months old and 106 females aged over 2 months were selected from Ghezel and Makui breeds. The 5 ml Jugular blood was prepared and the sera were evaluated for the concentrations of T3, T4, TSH, copper, iron and zinc. Thyroid hormones were determined by ELISA and trace minerals by autoanalyzer method. Mean T3 and TSH in males were higher than females and T4 in females were higher than in males but only TSH was significant. The mean serum concentrations of copper, iron and zinc in males were less than females in that only copper and zinc were significant and iron was not different. TSH in males was 36.3% higher than in females, copper and zinc in females were 12.6% and 7.3% higher than in males, respectively. The T3/T4 ratio was higher in males than in females and overall the T3/T4 ratio was low. Significant negative relationships were found between T3/TSH (r=-0.36) and T4/copper (r=-0.24) in males but not in females. Significant negative relationship was also found between TSH/T3 (r=-0.16) for all lambs. Significant positive relationships were presented between copper/zinc (r=0.38) and iron/zinc (r=0.44) in males, females and overall (P<0.01). In conclusion, the thyroid hormones and micronutrient concentrations in lambs’ blood were about the standard level. The amount of thyroid hormones and trace minerals with the exception of T3, were higher in females than in males. The T3/T4 ratio was higher in males than in females. Thyroid hormones were not correlated with trace minerals in males and females except between TSH/Zn and T4/copper which were negative. There were positive and significant relationships between copper/zinc and iron/zinc in males, females and overall samples but copper/iron was not correlated. Finally, mares are predisposing to trace minerals and thyroid hormones sufficiency than females.

Pregnancy open days (POD) and its relationship with diet, blood and milk parameters was assessed in high producer dairy cows to determine the indices could be affect on pregnancy rate. Following the estruses recording feed, blood and milk samples were prepared monthly up to the date of pregnancy in dairy cows. The visible estruses was from one to 6 and were 21.3%, 26.2%, 19.7%, 18.1%, 6.6% and 13.1%, respectively. The POD were varied from 2 to 11 months and were 11.5%, 21/3%, 9.8%, 1.6%, 11.5%, 9.8%, 11.5%, 3.3%, 9.8% and 9.8%, respectively. The differences among visible estruses and POD were statistically significant. Most cows revealed pregnancy after 3 months of calving. The overall mean for POD were 6 months. Approximately 50% of estruses were latent and have not been recognized. Mean values of urea, protein, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in diet, blood and milk during the POD were statistically significant difference among the groups . To realize the relationships between POD and biochemical parameters, POD classified into >120 and

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between beta hydroxyl butyrate (BHB) with glutathione peroxidase (GPX), triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, copper, zinc and iron. Based on the reproduction condition, the 230 cows were classified into three groups of 7 to 9 months pregnant cows, 2 months calved cows and from 3 months to the dry period time. Based ob the serum BHB concentration, animals were divided into 4 groups of 1.4 mmol/l. Overall mean BHB was 0.64 mmol/l. BHB in cows calved to 2 months were significantly higher than in pregnant cows. The percentages of unhealthy cows was 17.4 including 10.4% with BHB 0.81-1.2, 2.6% with 1.21-1.39 and 4.4% with >1.4 mmol/l. Mean GPX and zinc was not differed among reproduction and BHB groups but triglyceride and cholesterol were differed. The lowest concentrations of copper, zinc and iron were in pregnant cows. Mean minerals among reproduction groups were significant for copper and iron but among BHB groups were not. BHB in pregnant cows were 0.8 mmol/l. With the exception of glucose, BHB showed correlations with energy parameters in reproduction and BHB groups. BHB showed correlations with GPX and copper in 2 months cow’s calved and pregnant cows and with zinc in subclinical ketosis group. In conclusion, the subclinical ketosis was 4 folds of clinical ketosis. BHB concentration and energy parameters were depended on pregnancy and parturition positions, while GPX and trace minerals were not dependent. BHB with GPX and copper were correlated in reproduction groups. Finally, increase in serum BHB could accompany by low copper concentrations probably affects each other after post parturition in cows.

The effects of selenium supplements were investigated on blood glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX), selenium, copper, zinc, iron and weight gain. Twelve female Makuei breed, aged nearly 2 months old and weighed approximately 20 kg was studied for 63 days in 3 groups of control, nano selenium particles (NanoSe) and sodium selenite (NaSe). Mean concentrations of GPX, Cu and Fe were high in NanoSe but the differences were not significant. Among sampling time, it was significant constantly for GPX and Se, occasionally for Cu and Zn but not for weight gain. The percentages of weight gain based on birth weight in groups control, Nano SE were 34.2%, 38.9% and 36.3%, respectively, all were not different among groups and sampling times. The individual comparison of parameters in 40 lambs among groups showed differences for GPX, Se and Cu (P<0.01). Correlations were found between weight/Fe, weight/GPX weight/Se, Zn/Fe and GPX/Se in NanoSe. In conclusion, Se supplements increases GPX activity and Se in which the increases in NanoSe was regular and continues. Se supplements showed no negative effects on Cu, Zn and Fe but caused partially increase in weight gain. NanoSe revealed the correlations between weight gain, GPX, Fe and Se and was priority to NaSe. Thus, the effects of NanoSe in reduce the oxidative stress and increased weight gain was appropriate and probably reasonable option to NaSe administration in lambs.

Selenium and α-tocopherol are considered as the main antioxidants necessary for growth of lambs (Shi et al 2010). They are responsible for reducing and eliminating body cells and their membranes from peroxides and oxidative stress (El-Shahat et al 2011). Selenium activate the body immunity and nervous system results in the prevention of diseases and low weight gain (Eekeren et al 2011). α-tocopherol eliminates peroxides from cell membrane and protects from oxidative stress (Joshi et al 2013). The administration of selenium components and α-tocopherol as orally or injection, individually or together has shown the acceptable response to growth, diseases control and treatment in lambs (Vignola et al 2007). Despite progress in resolving Se/α-tocopherol deficiency, efforts have been made to introduce new selenium compounds with high efficiency and low side effects to enhance animals’ production (Shi et al 2011). The priorities of nanoselenium are low dose administration, low toxicity and suitable effect on health and growth rate. Nanoselenium is efficient for production, reproduction performances and immunity system (Yang et al 2009). Despite a greater knowledge of NanoSe in animals, there is a lack of unity and intensive study with regard to the main relevant parameters such as age, gender, various selenium compounds with αtocopherol, route of administration and their interrelationships with weight gain in one unit study. The objectives were to find the effect of selenium components and α-tocopherol on blood GPX, selenium and their relationships with weight gain in lambs.
Thirty-two suckling male lambs were classified in 8 groups of 4 lambs including control, oral nanoselenium (ONanoSe), ONanoSe/α-tocopherol, oral sodium selenite (ONaSe), ONaSe/α-tocopherol, sodium selenite injection/α-tocopherol (INaSe/VitE), INaSe and VitE injection. Lambs were weighed and bled days 1, 4, 7, 30, 60 and 90. Recommended dose for NanoSe with no side effects is 0.10 mg kg-1 of live weight (Shi et al 2011). The amount of NanoSe and NaSe was calculated based on the weight of each lamb and was divided into seven parts, administered daily up to seven days. The dose for α-tocopherol is 8 mg kg-1 injected separately or with selenium components. Growth rate was calculated as total (Kg), percentage (%) and daily weight gain (gr/day). Blood GPX activity, blood and milk selenium concentration were measured by spectrophotometer and atomic absorption methods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, repeated measure correlation methods.
Blood GPX activity increased 3.25-fold in lambs receiving selenium components and was consistent with the findings of Xu et al (2005) and Najafnejad et al (2016) in animals. Increase in GPX activity is an indication of organic, inorganic and nano-particles of selenium components in lambs. GPX activity in lambs receiving oral NanoSe was greater than in NaSe groups. This result is supported by Shi et al's findings (2011) which mentioned that the antioxidant and GPX activity of oral NanoSe is more effective than NaSe. Although the antioxidant effects of α-tocopherol are confirmed by scientists, in this study it had the lowest effects on GPX activity in lambs, which means that its effect on GPX was very low and weaker than selenium but together with selenium, it had suitable increase in GPX activity (Bribiesca et al 2005). This finding was not supported by Joshi et al's results (Joshi et al 2013) which mentioned that injection or oral α-tocopherol is necessary to eliminate and prevent the oxidative stress effects in animals. GPX or selenoenzyme plays an important role against oxidative stress (Huang et al 2009, Yang et al 2009). Blood selenium concentration reached to 1.48-fold at the end of study, nearly one and half times less than GPX changes in lambs receiving selenium components. Similar findings were reported by Bribiesca et al (2005) who concluded that blood selenium increased following consumption of oral or selenium injection components. An increase in blood selenium in lambs with NanoSe/αtocopherol was higher than in NaSe/α-tocopherol which is consistent with Shi et al's findings (Shi et al 2010) which referred to high selenium level in blood and tissues following NanoSe consumption. Blood selenium increased rapidly and continuously and reached to the highest level at 90 days but in Bribiescal et al's finding (2005) it was 60 days. An increase in blood selenium in lambs with NanoSe/α-tocopherol was more than other selenium components and/or with α-tocopherol, indicates that permanence and performance of new selenium compounds had priority over the old selenium (organic and inorganic) supplementation. This finding is supported by the reports of Shi et al. (2010) and Chorfi et al (2011) who concluded that NanoSe compounds increase selenium and GPX level more effectively than NaSe and the efficiency of selenium/α-tocopherol together instead of being used separately in animals. The highest daily mean weight gain was in NaSe/α-tocopherol which was greater than that reported by Vignola et al (2007) and indicates the efficiency of NaSe/αtocopherol on weight gain of lambs. The lowest weight gain observed in α-tocopherol group that was even higher than reported by Vignola et al (2007), means that α-tocopherol had an effect on growth rate. This was not in agreement with Horn et al (32) who mentioned that α-tocopherol did not have an effect on calf growth rate. Studies on the effects of selenium on growth and weight gain were controversial and mostly did not have a significant effect on weight gain. Hu et al (2007) reported significant increase in weight gain following selenium/α-tocopherol, but Mohri et al (2011) showed no effect on weight gain. No correlation was observed between lambs receiving selenium compounds and α-tocopherol with blood GPX, selenium and weight gain indices in groups except for total weight gain/GPX which was positive in oral NanoSe group. This was consistent with Yaghmaei et al’s finding (2017) reported for female lambs. However, the rate of correlation in control and α-tocopherol groups was less than selenium groups. This was in agreement with others (Juniper et al 2006, White et al 2007) that mentioned the strong positive correlation between selenium and GPX. The presence of correlation up to 98% in NanoSe lambs and less in NaSe group indicates that GPX activity in NanoSe groups was higher than NaSe groups and this can be considered one of the points to replace it with NaSe in lambs.
Se mainly ONanoSe increased GPX and Se more than α-tocopherol. Weight gain was high in ONaSe but not correlated to Se components. Correlations between Se/GPX were positive. Finally, the effect of ONanose on GPX, Se and weight gain were not higher than ONaSe mainly on increasing of GPX was better than mineral selenium and α-tocopherol, and therefore, could be the appropriate option to NaSe administration in lambs.

Introduction; Evaluation of mineral concentrations in blood (Biricik and Ocal 2005) are assumed as an easy, safe, proper and cheap method to determine the health of animals (Hansen et al 2008). Minerals have vital role in the efficiency of growth, production and reproduction performances. The major duties of Cu and Fe in hematopoiesis and Zn in body tissues health, which means that the health status is directly influenced by the mentioned minerals. Different studies in many aspects of minerals activity and their interrelationships have already been carried out in ruminants though not completely in equines (Radostits et al 2007). Variation and diagnosis of the trace minerals is complex and their blood values are considered as the pathological criteria. Thus, the assessment of the blood mineral concentrations in physiological status assumes the diagnostic criteria in horses of the different geographical areas. The interactions between minerals reveal different aspects on physiological aspects or pathological status (Yousef et al 2012) such as direct correlations between Cu/Fe in hematopoiesis and reverse correlation between Cu/Mo (Blanco et al 2006). Study on the relationships among minerals in horses is not abundant and requires further investigation. The aims are to determine and comparison of the serum mineral concentrations in Urmia equines and mules and finally, the relationships among minerals in equines.
Material and Ten ml blood was collected randomly from 100 horses and mules in 2013. Horses belonged to kurd breed and mules were local indigenous. Sera were separated for mineral analysis. Overall, equines were 78 horses and 22 mules, 43 stallions and 57 mares. Age frequency was 1-6, 7-12 and 13-21 years old (Table 1). Animals were fed forages, dry and wet alfalfa in closed pens or pasture. They did not receive salt, minerals and electrolyte supplementation. Horses were not pregnant, foaled or in lactation period. Serum Cu, Fe and Zn were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry machine using Cu, Fe and Zn in mg/dl. Mean minerals were compared by ANOVA and t-test to determine the species, gender and age variations. Correlations were run to determine the relationships among minerals.
The overall mean serum trace-mineral concentrations were 14.5, 40.2 and 7.48 μg/dl, respectively (Table 2). Serum Cu was normal and consistent with Kavazis et al (2002), but greater than Biricik et al’s (2005) report. The role of Cu in horses is about 7 times less than in cows and important in hematopoiesis and milk yield (Laven et al 2007). Low Cu is responsible cause for anoestrus in mares (Farah et al 2013). Serum Fe concentration in equines was less than that reported by Radostits et al (2007) but higher than Sema et al’s (2010) findings, meaning that Fe deficiency is exists in Urmia equines. The role of Fe in hematopoiesis (Laven et al 2007), health status and milk production is important (Hansen et al 2008). One of the reasons for low Fe in the Urmia equines is perhaps the mineral competition in food and lack of concentrate feeding as mentioned by Farah et al (2013) in pregnant and non pregnant mares. The amount of serum Zn was consistent with Kavazis et al (2002), less than Murase et al (2013) and higher than Massanyi et al’s (2014) findings. No Serum Zn deficiency was expected in Urmia equines. The world findings show low serum Zn in equines which is possibly due to the seasonal variation in Zn food (Biricik and Ocal 2005), mineral competition and lack of concentrate feeding (Norouzi et al 2013). The amounts of minerals in mules were non significantly higher than in horses, which means that species did not affect on mineral values (Murase et al 2013 and Sema et al’s 2010). The age of animals had also no influence on mineral levels but the ages 11 to 14 years old could be critical in trace mineral reduction in horses (Okumura et al’s 1998). Age variations in serum Cu and Fe in Urmia equines was greater than in Zn and indicates that these animals are probably more susceptible to trace mineral deficiency. Trace mineral concentrations vary during the equine diseases. In respiratory disease Fe and Zn reduce but Cu increases, Zn declines following shipping fever, babesiosis and cellulitis (Yousef et al 2012). In babesiosis Fe and Cu increase while in equine herpes virus 1, Cu and Zn reduce and Fe increases (Yörük et al 2007). For this reason serum Zn is assumed as an index in inflammatory diseases in equines (Murase et al 2013). This suggests that during the treatment procedure of diseases Zn supplementation must be considered. None of these disorders were included in the horses and mules of this study. The main advantage of the study was to determine the relationships among minerals and to identify the premier indices existing in the blood of horses which have not been reported before. The interrelationships among minerals in blood, tissues, bones, muscles, urine and CSF require further investigation in horses. The correlations between minerals demonstrate an optimal coordination or contrast among minerals. Similar results have been reported by Bigras and Tremblay (1998) in cows, but not in horses (Massanyi et al 2014). Among minerals, the role of Cu, Fe and Zn are vital in animal survival. The presence of the strong relationship of Zn with Cu and Fe showed that Zn probably be considered as the most important index in equine health (Murase et al 2013).
Trace minerals in Urmia equines were at the normal range, and were not influenced by spices, gender and age parameters, except for serum iron which was low in females and the ages of 14 years old could be considered as probable trace mineral deficiency in horses. The correlations among minerals reveal their close corporations in the equine body. Therefore, Urmia equines did not suffer copper, iron and zinc deficiency, although mares at 14 years old probably susceptible to iron deficit.

Leptospirosis is one of the bacterial zoonotic diseases among human and animals which determines by fever, jaundice and haemoglobinuria. Disease is common in north and southwest of Iran where buffaloes breeding widely called as Khozestan and Azarbyjan buffaloes.
Determination of the percentage of seropositive to leptospira infection in buffaloes. Age and gender relationships in leptospirosis. 3- Determination of serum titer and predominant leptospira antigens in Urmia buffaloes.
130 blood samples were collected in Urmia abattoir in 2011. Sera were separated and serological reaction to leptospira spp was assessed by microscopic agglutination test using live antigens representing leptospira interrogans serogroups: pomona, grippotyphosa, canicola, hardjo, icterrohaemoragia, and ballum. Overall, 25.4% including 26.9% males and 23.8% females with titer of 1:100 had positive reaction to one of the leptospira serovars. Among positive serovars the greatest was pomona (16.2%) and the lowest was icterohaemorrhagiae (1.52%). The most prevalent titer of leptospira was 1:100 included 20% (26 samples) and the highest was 1:200 included 10% (13 samples) of buffaloes. The age distribution in seropositive buffaloes with The seropositive to leptospira in Urmia buffaloes must be considered as an important disease and special attention is necessary due to the probable transmission of disease to other buffaloes and human. Thus, in the lack of vaccination programs for animals, the administration of hygienic methods, rodenticides and preventive procedures must be applied by farmers and veterinary organization.

Macro-minerals in diet and water are the main sources of milk minerals in cows.
1) Determination of macro-mineral concentrations and their local variations 2) Relationships among minerals in cow's milk and water consumption.
A 110 water and milk samples were prepared in north, south, west and east of Urmia, Iran. A 10 ml water and milk from each cow collected and analyzed for minerals. Data were assessed by case summaries, ANOVA and correlation methods.
Milk calcium, magnesium and potassium were higher than in water and water sodium was higher than in milk. The lowest and highest mineral concentrations in water were phosphorus and sodium and in milk were potassium and calcium, respectively. The mean sodium and potassium in water and milk and chloride in water were different among locations (P The concentrations of milk calcium and water sodium were the greatest elements. Milk and water sodium and potassium levels were different among Urmia distinct with the greatest in the east. Water minerals were not correlated with each other but milk calcium, phosphorus and magnesium did. Water and milk calcium and magnesium showed positive correlations with each other, thus, calcium and magnesium could provide the mineral necessities in milk yield.

Frequency, percentage and types of abomasal ulcer in different ages and genders were investigated in 326 cows and 569 sheep in Urmia abattoir in 2011-12. The males and females cows and sheep were 212, 114, 178 and 391, respectively. Overall, 29.2% of cows and 13.3% of sheep showed ulcer in the abomasum (P<0.01). The percentage of age distribution in abomasal ulcers with 1, 2, 3, 4 and >4 years in cows was 35.8%, 11.6%, 17.8%, 25.3%, 9.5% and sheep was 3.5%, 12.8%, 33.9%, 34.1% and 54.1%, respectively. Abomasal ulcers increase significantly by the age of cows and sheep (P<0.01) mainly in females more than in males. Overall, cows and sheep aged at 1 and 3 years old, respectively, revealed the highest ulcer in the abomasum. Female and male cows at 1 and 4, ewes and rams at 3 years old, respectively, have had the greatest ulcers in their abomasums. The abomasal types of ulcer in cows were greater than in sheep mainly by increase in the age of cows (P<0.01). Over 24% of cows showed 2 and 3 types of ulcer but sheep revealed only one type of ulcer. The majority of ulcers were in the fundus and the least in pylorus. The histopathological findings confirmed all macroscopic lesions in the abomasums. Type 1 was accompanied by cystic form of abomasal crypts. In type 2 a slight serofibrinos and destruction of abomasal crypt was observed. In type 3 a copious serofibrin around the ulcer and complete destruction of abomasal crypts was seen. Based on the incidence of over twice abomasal ulcer in cows, age outbreaks and various types of ulcers in comparison with sheep, it is concluded that the subclinical types of abomasal ulcers in cows is more common and serious than in sheep and prophylactic programs are recommended.

Micro and macro-mineral concentrations in serum, milk and diet were investigated in 70 dairy cows, calved up to 4 calving and pregnant less than 7 months to determine the mineral status, their interrelationships and the main indices used in prediction of necessary minerals. Five ml of Jugular blood, 10 ml of milk and 25 gr from each alfalfa and concentrate were prepared and analysed for trace and macro elements in clinical pathology and food analysis laboratories. Mean serum Mn and Fe were low while others in serum, milk and diet were in normal range. With the exception of serum Fe, milk Mn and Cu, mean serum, milk and dietary elements were significantly different among herds. Various relationships were observed among elements with the greatest in serum Mo, Mn, Fe, P, milk Mn, Ca, Na and Ca, P in diet. Correlations among serum elements were greater than in milk and diet. The relationships among serum trace elements were higher than macro-minerals, whereas correlations among macro-minerals were higher in milk than in serum and diet. There were correlations between DMg/SFe, DMg/SP, DMg/MCu, DFe/MCa, DCu/MCu, DK/MMn. Dietary Mg and milk Cu showed the greatest correlations with others in diet and milk. The regression equations were found between serum Mn and Mo with serum Fe, Cu, Ca and P while not be seen in milk and dietary elements. In conclusion, serum Mn, Fe and Cu in Urmia cows were partially low whereas others not. Serum Mn, Mo, Ca and P are more reliable elements due to their relationships with minerals in serum. Serum Mn and Mo showed the equations with the minerals in serum, and are used as indices in prediction of the elements necessary in cows. To increase milk production and avoid any mineral deficiencies, supplementation of Mn and Fe are recommended in cows’ nutrition.

The concentrations of urea, protein and macro-minerals and their interrelationships were investigated in 56 samples including 17 colostrums and 39 whole milks in lactating mares in 2011 in Urmia, Iran. Milk parameters were evaluated by auto-analyzer using commercial kits after separation of the milk casein in 0.1 normal HCl. The overall means for urea, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium concentrations were 26.4mg/dl, 4.66 g/dl, 43.2, 20.2, 7.33, 39.7, and 13.1 mmol/l, respectively. The concentration of urea, calcium, phosphorus and sodium in whole milk were 24.4%, 2.8%, 14.3% and 9% greater than in colostrum and protein, magnesium and potassium in colostrums were 500%, 91% and 9% greater than in whole milk of mares. Mean comparison between colostrum and whole milk parameters revealed significant differences (P<0.01) in the concentrations of urea, protein and magnesium and not for other parameters. The highest concentrations of urea, calcium, phosphorus and sodium were found in whole milk and for protein, magnesium and potassium in colostrums. With the exception of the differences (P<0.05) in colostrum calcium concentrations among 5, 9 and 10 years old, no significant differences were observed among 6 age groups in milk and colostrum parameters. There were significant correlations between urea/protein (r=-.19, P<0.01), urea/calcium (r=.37, P<0.01), urea/phosphorus (r=-.35, P<0.01), urea/magnesium (r=-0.32, P<0.01), calcium/phosphorus (r=0.47, P<0.01), sodium/potassium (r=-0.49, P<0.01) and protein/magnesium (r=-0.72, P<0.01), which the greatest and strongest correlations were seen in urea and protein/magnesium, respectively. It is concluded that the concentrations of protein and magnesium in colostrum of mares were higher and urea was lower than in whole milk. Milk urea revealed the greatest relationships with other milk parameters which can be considered as the useful index in studies related to milk production in lactating mares.

The serological frequency to leptospira serovars was studied in 130 goats in Urmia, Iran, 2012. Blood was collected from goats and sera were separated to evaluate serological reaction to leptospira serovars by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) using live antigens representing Leptospira interrogans serogroups: grippotyphosa, icterrohaemoragia, canicula, hardjo, ballum and pomona. From 130 serum tested to leptospira 25 samples (19.2%) including 17 males (13.1%) and 8 females (6.1%) had positive reaction to one of the Leptospira interrogans serovars. The most leptospira serovars were pomona (50%), grippotyphosa (40.5%), hardjo (4.75%), icterohaemorrhagiae (2.38%) and canicula (2.38%). The most serological titer for 1:100 was found in 13 (30.9%) cases for pomona, 14 (33.3%) grippotyphosa, and titer 1:200 for Pomona was 8 (19.1%), grippotyphosa 3 (7.17%), hardjo 2 (4.75%), and icterohaemorrhagiae and canicula 1 (2.38%) case. Goats with positive reaction showed against one, two and 5 leptospira serovars were 11 (44%), 13 (52%), and 1 (4%) animals, respectively. Age frequency and percentages in seropositive to overall goats with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4< years old were 4 (16%), 8 (32%), 7 (28%), 3 (12%) and 3 (12%), for males were 2 (8%), 7 (28%), 5 (20%), 2 (8%), 1 (4%), and females were 2 (8%), (4%), 2 (8%), 1(4%), 2 (8%), respectively. The age comparison of the serovar's distribution in males and females showed significant differences (X=3.76, df=4, P<0.01) in two and three years old for both genders emphasis on female goats. In this study 23.9% of males and 13.6% of females revealed seropositive to leptospira in which there was not significant different between males and females. The comparison of the serovar's distribution for pomona, grippotyphosa, hardjo, canicula and icterhemorrhagia showed significant differences which pomona and grippotyphosa were the predominant among leptospira serovars. It is concluded that the leptospira serovars are detectable in Urmia goats in that the most ones are pomona and grippotyphosa. The presence of one, two or multi serovars is possible and the most ones is pomona. The most general titer was 1:100 and there was no gender difference but the age distribution was from 2 to 3 years old. Therefore, leptospirosis as a zoonotic disease must be considered as an emerging disease and attempt should be paid to reduce the risk of public health.

Monitoring levels of serum mineral concentrations in cows is important for assessing the effect of contamination on animal health and safety of animal origin products in human nutrition. Thus the concentrations of the serum macro and micro minerals and their interrelationships in 200 Holstein dairy cows including 20 dairy herds were evaluated in Urmia, Iran. Sera were measured to determine the manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), chloride, sodium and potassium concentrations by atomic absorption, auto analyzer and flame photometer machines using appropriate commercial kits. Mean Mn, Mo, Fe and Cu were 15.45, 0.59 ng/ml, 65.6, 40.2 µg/dl and Ca, P, Mg, sodium, potassium and chloride were 1.91, 1.25, 1.22, 134.2, 3.57, 82.4 mmol/l, respectively. Mean concentration of the minerals among the herds, except for sodium, were significantly different (P<0.01). There were significant relationships between Mn/Mo, Mn/Cu, Mn/Ca, Mo/Fe, Mo/Cu, Mo/Ca and Mo/Mg, of which Mo demonstrated the greatest and strongest correlations with the other minerals. The relationships among trace elements and macro-minerals were mostly negative, while Mn and Mo were positive. In conclusion, serum Mn concentration in Urmia dairy cows is likely low but Mo, Cu and Fe are approximately normal. Herd variations in the serum minerals of dairy herds were clear. The presence of negative correlations among minerals indicates their competition effect with each other, while Mn and Mo support each other. Thus, simultaneous studies of elements will improve the production and reproduction performance by supplying Mn or other mineral supplementation according to their competition or supporting characteristics in dairy food with emphasis on Mn, Ca and phosphorus.

The study was designed to determine the level of incidence، titer and various serovars of leptospira in 203 cows and 166 sheep at Urmia abattoir in 2011. Blood samples were collected during the slaughter of animals and sera were separated to evaluate serological reaction to leptospira spp by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using live antigens representing leptospira interrogans serogroups: pomona، grippotyphosa، canicola، hardjo، icterrohaemoragia، and ballum. Overall، 36% of cows and 19. 3% of sheep including 33. 8% of bulls، 40. 5% of female cows، 18. 3% of rams and 25% of ewes had positive reaction to at least one of the leptospira serovars. The most prevalent serovars in cows were pomona (22. 7%)، grippotyphosa (13. 8%)، and hardjo (8. 4%)، and in sheep were grippotyphosa (66. 7%)، pomona (26. 2%) and canicola (7. 1%). Other serovars were not detected in ruminants. The most prevalent serological titers for 1:100 and 1:200 in cows was 18. 2% and 26. 6% and for sheep، were 13. 5% and 8%، respectively، and for 1:400 in sheep it was 2. 3%. Cows with positive reaction to one، two and three serovars were 28. 6%، 5. 9%، and 1. 5% and sheep to one and two serovars were 13. 3% and 6%، respectively. Age comparison in seropositive cows and sheep showed significantly increased infection (P<0. 05) from young to adult ruminants، while no differences were seen between males and females regarding gender. The main mixed serovars were between grippotyphosa/pomona، grippotyphosa/canicola and canicola/pomona. The gender comparison of the serovars'' distribution revealed that the pomona and grippotyphosa were predominant among other leptospiral serovars in cows and sheep، respectively. In conclusion، the rate of leptospirosis in Urmia cows was about 2 fold in sheep. The most current serovars in cows and sheep were pomona and grippotyphosa، respectively. The majority of animals infected with one serovar، but polyserovars، is also possible. The highest titer (1:200) was observed in cows. There was no gender difference، but age was significant between ruminants. Finally، leptospirosis as a zoonotic disease must be seriously considered in Urmia cows rather than in sheep، and therefore، a serious effort must be considered to reduce the rate of disease and the risk of public health as well.

Liver and serum concentrations of manganese (Mn)، molybdenum (Mo)، iron (Fe)، copper (Cu) and blood macro-minerals and their interrelationships were investigated in Holstein cows. Mean liver Mn، Mo، Fe and Cu were 4. 8، 1. 14، 0. 15 and 0. 06 mg/kg DM and serum were 14. 4، 0. 55، 0. 07 and 0. 21ng/dl and serum sodium، potassium، phosphorus and calcium (Ca) were 134، 4. 08، 1. 21 and 1. 92 mmol/l، respectively. Mean liver and serum elements in males and females cows in different ages were not significant different except for serum potassium which was different between gender of animals. Various relationships were observed among liver and serum elements in that the greatest correlations were in Mo and Fe and the lowest in Cu. The most correlations were found between liver Mo/serum Fe (r=0. 91)، liver Mo/Cu (r=0. 85)، serum/liver Mo (r=0. 81)، liver/serum Mn (r=0. 76) and liver Cu/serum Fe (r=0. 73). Serum Ca showed correlations with serum Mo and Fe، liver Mo، Cu and Fe. The strong correlation was between serum Ca/liver Fe (r=0. 81). In conclusion، trace elements in the liver and serum were appropriately correlated with each other while not among serum macro-minerals except in Ca which was correlated with other elements. The elements were more positive than negative correlation and among serum elements were greater than in liver elements. The role of serum and liver Mo، Fe and Ca seems more determinant than Mn and Cu. Thus، supplementation of trace elements in diet will improve the serum elements and liver reserves that directly prevent mineral deficiencies in cows.

Leptospira spp is the cause of leptospirosis in human and livestocks. The global reports on increasing the leptospiral infection indicate the importance of disease among animals. This study demonstrates the seroprovalance of leptospiral antibodies in Urmia equine. The sera from 138 horses and mules were prepared. Microscopic agglutination test was carried out using live antigens representing grippotyphosa, icterrohaemoragia, canicula, hardjo, ballum, pomona and stralis. Overall, 12.3% including 11.1% males and 12.9% females had positive to the leptospiral serovars. Among horses, 16.3% including 16% stallions and 16.4% mares and mules 6.9% including 5% males and 7.9% females had positive to leptospira spp. The differences were not significant. Among seropositives, harjo was 41.2%, grippotyphosa 29.4%, icterohaemorrhagiae 23.5% and canicola 11.8%. The titer of 1:100 for hargo was 27.8%, grippotyphosa 16.7% and icterohaemorrhagiae 22.2% and titer 1:200 for each of harjo, grippotyphosa and canicola was 11.1%. Seropositive animals with one and two serovars were 94.1% and 5.9%, respectively. Age percentages in seropositive animals with 1-6, 7-12 and 13-18 years old were 17.7%, 64.6% and 17.7%, respectively, which were not significantly different. There was no significant difference between serovar's distribution among equines. In conclusion the leptospiral infection is confirmed in Urmia equines in that the most serovars with titer 1/100 are harjo, grippotyphosa and icterhemorrhagia. There was no species, ages and gender difference in leptospiral infection in equine. In order to achieve the optimal public health standard and healthy equines vaccination of equine to leptospiral serovars, control of the rodents and hygienic methods will be considered the emerging practices.

The percentage of fat in liver wet and dry matter، liver moist and dry matter and their relationship were investigated based on species، sex and age of 384 slaughtered animals including 114 cows، 100 buffaloes، 147 sheep and 23 goats from 2008 to 2010 in Urmia، Iran. Mean percentage of fat in liver wet and dry matter، and liver dry matter in cows were 3. 6%، 1. 1%، 29. 7%، buffaloes were 5. 3%، 1. 55%، 29. 2%، sheep were 3%، 0. 83%، 27. 9% and goats were 2. 91%، 1. 55% and 28. 4%، respectively. The highest value for fat in liver wet and dry matter was observed in buffaloes (6. 2%، 20. 5%) and the lowest value for sheep (1. 55%، 5. 14%). The highest and lowest values for liver dry matter were found in cows (38. 2%) and sheep (31. 9%)، respectively. ANOVA analysis showed significant different in liver parameters among ruminants. Variant of sex except for goats did not affect on measured parameters. In individual surveys on measured parameters، 15% of buffaloes and 3. 5% of cows showed over 10% fat in liver، while none of small ruminants appeared over 6% fat in liver. In spite of expected correlations between fat in liver wet and dry matter، liver moist and dry matter، no correlation was observed between fat liver and liver dry matter. Thus، it is concluded that mean value of fat in liver dry matter in small ruminants was less than cows and buffaloes. Maximum mean liver dry matter observed in cows and the minimum in sheep. Mean value of measured parameters among animal species was significant، while age and sex didn’t affect them. It was concluded the occurrence of liver lipidosis in buffaloes is greater than cows and in sheep and goats is so weak. No correlation was expected between fat liver and liver dry matter، and finally، based on liver dry matter، the quality of liver in ruminants sorted from cows to buffaloes، goats and sheep.

The amounts of liver dry matter، liver fat and fat in liver dry matter based on age and sex of animals together with the concentrations of glucose، beta hydroxyl butyrate (BHB)، urea، triglycerides (TG)، calcium، magnesium and phosphorus in order to determination of probable subclinical liver lipidosis were investigated in 114 cows including 41 non-pregnant، 7 pregnant، 18 heifers and 48 bulls. The breed of cows was from Holstein and the body condition scores were average moderate. A 5 ml blood and 10 gram liver were prepared during the slaughtering of cows. The fat content of all the liver samples was estimated by an extraction method (Soxhlet). Blood biochemical parameters were evaluated by the current laboratory methods. Mean percentage of liver dry matter for overall was 29. 7%، liver fat was 1. 1 mg/gram liver and percentage of fat in liver dry matter was 3. 67%. There were no age and sex differences between parameters. Mean blood biochemical values between male and female calves were not significant، thus، by combinations of results the overall mean for glucose، urea، TG، calcium، magnesium، phosphorus، and BHB were 49. 4، 27. 1، 38. 1، 9. 18، 2. 92، 4. 8mg/dl and 0. 53 mmol/l، respectively. The values were all at the recommended references for parameters. Age differences for the fat content of liver and blood parameters were also showed not significant among them. Correlation between liver fat and blood biochemical parameters were also revealed no significant correlations between them، while significant positive correlations were observed among blood macro-minerals and glucose/triglycerides. Thus، it can be concluded that in the absence of subclinical liver lipidosis there is no correlations between liver fat and or blood biochemical parameters in cows.

Abomasal ulcer is one of the main gastrointestinal diseases among ruminants in which characterized clinically by hemorrhagia، melena، acute diffuse peritonitis، death and subclinically by indigestion and mild hemorrhagic form. The subclinical form is diagnosed in autopsy or abattoir and more current than clinical form. To determine the types، age and sex distribution of subclinical abomasal ulcer، 258 buffaloes (113 males، 145 females) were selected in Urmia abattoir. Overall، 89 (34. 5%) buffaloes including 26 from 113 males and 63 from 145 females showed ulcer in that it was not significantly differences. The percentage of age distribution in abomasal ulcers with 1،2،3،4 and over 4 years was 9%، 5. 3%، 30. 3، 25. 8 and 29. 2%، respectively. Abomasal ulcers increase significantly by age of animals (P<0. 01). The number of buffaloes showed more than one type of ulcer was 1، 8 and 8 animals، in that they were 3، 4 and over 4 years old، respectively. The age distribution of ulcers among males were 3. 3%، 2. 3%، 10. 1%،5. 6% and 7. 9% and among females were 5. 6%، 3. 3%، 14. 7%، 20. 2% and 21. 4%، respectively (P<0. 01). The results of different types of ulcer in each animal showed that 72 (80. 9%) with one type، 14 (15. 7%) with two and 3 (3. 4%) buffaloes with three types of ulcer in abomasum. The sex percentages of types 1 to 4 were 31. 1% (13 males، 20 females)، 36. 8% (13 males، 28 females)، 31. 1% (4 males، 30 females) and 0. 94%، respectively. The maturity of ulcers was observed in the body and least was the pyloric form. The histopathological findings confirmed all macroscopic lesions in abomasum. Type 1 was accompanied by cystic form of abomasal crypts. In type 2 a slight serofibrinos and destruction of abomasal crypt was observed. In type 3 a copious serofibrin around the ulcer and complete destruction of abomasal crypts was seen. Type 4 was accompanied by granules in connective tissue، recovered connective tissue، necrosis، new blood vessels formation and thrombosis. In conclusion، nearly 35% or one from 3 bufalloes revealed at least one type of ulcer in abomasum. Sex difference was not found but abomasal ulcers and their different types increase by the age of animal. The subclinical types of abomasal ulcers were exist up to type 3، whilst type 4 was clinical form and rarely appears in the abattoir.

The amount of antibodies produced in colostrum following injection of the trivalent Rota-corona virus and E. coli vaccine was evaluated to undrestand the priventive effects of vaccine against calf diarrhea. Forthy six and 27 pregnant cows were selected from industrial dairy herds as a treatment and control groups، respectively in Urmia Iran. A 5 ml trivalent Rota-corona virus and E. coli vaccine was injected subcutaneousely in over 7 months pregnant treatment group. After parturition a 50 ml colostrum from both groups was colleced and evaluated for antibodies using competetive ELISA method and commercial kits of Rota، corona virus and E. coli Of 46 vaccinated cows، antibodies in colostrum againt E. coli، Rota and corona virus were detected in 71. 7%، 100% and 100% and in control group were 14. 8%، 100% and 100%، respectively. The percentages of cows with +2 positive to antibodies produced in treatment group were 60. 9%، 93. 5% and 73. 9%، respectively. The highest and lowest inhibition rate in vaccinated cows for E. coli antibodies were 85% and 1%، rotavirus were 59% and 20% and corona virus were 61% and 20%، respecrively. Chi-Square tests showed significant differeces (P<0. 05) between vaccinated and control groups for E. coli antibodies (X=8. 31، P<0. 05)، cows with +2 positive antibodies produced for E. coli and control group (X=11. 7، P<0. 05)، cows with positive and negative to antibody produced for E. coli in control group (X=9. 4، P<0. 05) and cows with negative to antibodies produced and control group (X=7، P<0. 05). There were no significant differences between vaccinated group with rota and corona virus and control group. A 2. 2% of calves in treatment group and 7. 5% in control group were appeared diarrhea in which the differences was not significant. Thus، it is concluded that antibodies produced by the injection of E. coli vaccine in pregnant cows was significantly different from control group، while not for rota and corona virus vaccine. It seems that using monovalent E. coli vaccine is more reliable، economics and practicible in the prevention of calf diarrhea than polyvalent vaccine E. coli، rota and corona virus.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conventional cultivation methods were carried out to detect invasion gene A (invA) gene of Salmonella spp. in horses and mule's feces. The rapidity and sensitivity of PCR technique was comparison with microbiological culture were determined. Detection of the carrier rates on the basis of sex, age and animal species for Salmonella in equine feces was done. One hundred fecal samples were taken from equidea family included 76 horses (67 stallions and 9 mares) and 24 mules (16 stallions and 8 mares) from different regions of Urmia, Iran, in 2009. The frequency of age distribution in 2 to 4, 6, 8, 10, and >10 years old were 7, 24, 37, 19 and 13 animals, respectively. Fecal samples were used for Salmonella isolation by current culturing techniques and biochemical testes. Samples were enriched in enrichment broth and DNA were extracted and amplified by PCR method using specific primers for Salmonella invA. PCR products were visualized using 1.2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The bacterial culturing results were negative for all feces, whilst PCR and electrophoresis confirmed the presence of Salmonella in three feces (3%) in which they were stallion, 6 years old horses. These results indicate that the PCR method is highly sensitive and rapid for Salmonella detection in fecal samples than other current methods.