فصلنامه محیط زیست جانوری
سال دوازدهم شماره 3 (پاییز 1399)

In recent years, the interference of wildlife natural needs such as water, food, shelter and the place of reproduction supply and human needs in natural lands have lead to the serious conflicts between humans and wildlife. One of the most obvious examples of this conflict is the increase in incidents caused by losses incurred by bears to humans, livestock and gardens in Qazvin province. Drafting and implementing a consistent strategic management plan in agreement with areas socio-economic conditions, can be considered an effective solution to reduce conflicts in these areas. In this study, we looked for the strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats to which environmental management of this province is facing and/or will be faced in future. Then we categorized, weighted and analyzed them, using SWOT analysis. Finally, we applied a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) to prepare an appropriate strategic management plan to remove or reduce the conflicts. The results showed three principal strategies are as the most important strategies for providing a strategic management plan for reducing Brown Bear conflicts including; (i) Complete implementation of the action plan of brown bears protection with attracting the necessary credits by the Department of Environmental Protection of the Qazvin province, (ii) Education of local communities and promote of effective methods for protecting beehives and gardens from bears' attacks, and (iii) Increasing the number of rangers and equipping the Rangers station in order to better protect of the bears' habitats and Permanent presence of Rangers in hot spot areas.

Knowledge of the daily nutrient requirements of grazing animals in rangelands of different climates is essential to calculate grazing capacity in rangeland plans. In this regard, the daily metabolizable energy requirement at the maintenance level for small wild ruminants grazing in Lar National Park rangelands were studied. For this purpose, according to the average values of forage quality indexes of rangeland species and their contribution to rangeland vegetable composition, the among of metabolizable energy was estimated in kg of dry forage rangelands and considering the daily metabolizable energy requirement of small wild ruminants, the amount of feed provided for the daily requirement of livestock was calculated to calculate the separate grazing capacity of these animals in the rangelands of the region. Using the animal unit weight of small wild ruminants, the required daily maintenance metabolizable energy for grazing animals were determined using equation method of MAFF and NRC standard in the studied rangelands. Forage species of grazing animals were identified and collected at flowering stage in the studied rangelands. Results also showed mean of percentage 12.42±0.17, 37.59±0.28, 57.81±0.28 and 7.89±0.07 were respectively for CP, ADF, DMD and ME (MJ) per kg dry forage was estimated. Also Daily metabolizable energy was calculated for grazing wild ruminants such as: male goat, female goat, ram and ewe. The results also showed daily metabolizable energy were 16.32±1.25, 14.07±1.36, 13.67±1.15 and 11.58±1.21 MJ/day and for daily requirement 2.06±0.25, 1.78±0.12, 1.71±0.17 and 1.46±0.25, respectively for male goat, female goat, ram and ewe.  Using the results of this study, we can determine the new and separate grazing capacity for wild ruminants in the study areas. The results also showed that because of the cost of determining the quality of forage, these results can be used to estimate the daily requirement of these livestock in different years.

Nutritional value of Salicornia europaea, Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda aegyptiaca plants was evaluated by chemical composition, in vitro gas production and ruminal degradability with 3 fistulated male sheep. The result showed that the protein content of Halocnemum, Suaeda and Salicornia was 12.8, 9.55 and 5.88%, respectively. The highest levels of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were in Suaeda (40.1% and 27.6%, respectively). Salicornia had the highest sodium content (4.67%). Halocnemum lead content (4.42 mg/kg DM) was higher than Salicornia and Suaeda. Cadmium content of Halocnemum (2.53 mg/kg DM) was more than Suaeda and Salicornia. The amount of tannin in Salicornia (0.64%) was higher than Halocnemum (0.27%) and Suaeda (0.12%). Suaeda produced more cumulative gas than Halocnemum and Salicornia. The amount of short chain fatty acids was between 0.32 and 0.45 mmol and Halocnemum had lowest and Suaeda had highest amount (P<0.0001). The soluble fraction (a) in the dry matter of Salicornia was the highest (38.2%) and in Suaeda (26.8%) was the lowest (P<0.0001). The potentially degradable insoluble fraction (b) in the dry matter of the Suaeda (22.5%) was more than Salicornia (15.1%) and Halocnemum (13.9%) (P=0.001). Halocnemum showed the least degradable protein fraction (P<0.05). Overall, the results showed that these halophytes could be used as feedstock for ruminants in saline and coastal areas.

This study was conducted at nomadic pastoralist system to evaluate the effect of different doses of eCG on reproductive performance of ewes in the autumn season. Seventy-five Lake Ghashghaei ewes with the mean weight of 54±2.3 kg were chosen from the herd. In order to estrous synchronization, progesterone sponges were inserted into the vagina of all the ewes and after 12 days, inserts were removed. One day before sponge withdrawal, ewes were divided randomly into five groups and at the doses of 300 IU in group 1, 400 IU in group 2, 500 IU in group 3 and 600 IU in group 4, eCG hormone were injected intramuscularly. The group 6 serves as control. The reproductive variables such as onset of estrus (hour), estrous response, pregnancy rate, twining rate, fecundity and prolificacy rate were measured in all groups. The results showed that after sponge withdrawals, the onset of estrus in the groups 3 and 4 were significantly earlier than control and groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between six groups with regard to the other reproductive parameters. However, the total number of lambs born and fecundity, as well as twining percentage and prolificacy were higher in group 4 and especially in the group 5 compared to other groups (P≥0.05). In may be concluded that eCG injection at the dose of 500 IU had the greatest effect on increasing reproductive performance of Lake-Ghashghaei ewes on the breading season.

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of wheat grain processing methods on growth performance, rumen microbial population, blood biochemical and immune parameters in fattening lambs. At first, wheat grain samples, according to the treatment group were chemically treated with urea, sodium hydroxide and formaldehyde, then were processed physically by milling and pelleting methods. Chemical composition and experimental diets were determined. The experiment was conducted in March 2017 at the research farm of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Thirty male lambs with an initial body weight of 31.21±3 kg were used in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 5 replications for an 84-day feeding experiment. A similar experimental diet was used for all treatments which differed in the type of processed wheat. Experimental treatments included: 1- The diet contains whole wheat grain, 2- The diet containing milled wheat grain, 3-The diet containing wheat grain processed with urea and sodium hydroxide and milled, 4-The diet containing wheat grain processed with urea, formaldehyde and milled, 5-The diet containing wheat grain processed with urea and sodium hydroxide and pelleted and 6-The diet containing wheat grains processed with urea, formaldehyde and pellets. At the 80 day of the period, ruminal fluid samples were collected to determine Microbial population. On the last day blood sampling was done. The study of the results of blood biochemical and immune parameters showed that none of these parameters were not affected by experimental rations except for blood urea nitrogen. In association with the microbial population, results showed that the processing increased significantly in the total microbial and protozoan populations. The results of this study showed wheat grain consumption compared to unprocessed wheat and milled wheat, without negative effects on biochemical and blood safety parameters and with a positive impact on the rumen microbial population can be used for feeding fattening lambs.

This study was conducted to investigate chemical composition, gas production parameters and digestibility of dominant species of weed plants on in vitro conditions. In this experiment, samples of Echinochola crus-gali, Portulaca oleracea, Sorghum halepense, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album and Cynodon dactylon were collected from the Gonbad Kavoos area before seeding. The mean annual rainfall amount is below 450 mm and means annual temperature is above 20 °C. Plant specimens were dried in an oven at 60 °C until they reached constant weight and milled to pass a 1 and 1.5 mm screen. Their nutritive value was evaluated through determination of chemical compositions and in vitro gas production techniques. Samples were tested in an in vitro gas production method (96 h incubation) and batch rumen culture system (24 h incubation). Results showed that there were differences among treatments on chemical composition (P<0.05). Portulaca oleracea had highest Ash and crude protein and lowest NDF and total phenol. Highest content of NDF and total phenol and lowest Ash was related to Sorghum halepense. There were significantly differences among treatments on gas production parameters and Portulaca oleracea and Chenopodium album had lowest lowest and highest gas productionpotential, respectively. Highest and lowest short chain fatty acid content and OMD were related to Echinochloa crus-galli and Chenopodium album, respectively. Portulaca oleraceaand Sorghum halepense had highest and lowest in vitro DMD and OMD, microbial crude protein and microbial crude protein efficiency, respectively. The obtained results of this study showed that different weed plants have different nutritive value; however, these plants can be regarded as feed resources for animal nutrition. In general, the results showed that the weeds in the fields are nutritionally different, which is due to differences in the chemical composition and their nature.

Habitat loss is the main threat to the endangered populations of wildlife and anthropogenic climate change is expected to exacerbate this. Here, we identify suitable habitats of wild sheep in Lorestan Province and how these habitats are affected by the climate change scenarios, in order to address conservation and management efforts. The ensemble modeling based on six species distribution models (SDMs) was used to predict current and future distributions, in response to the changing climate. Our models predicted that 7.4% of the 28,294 km2 study area is currently suitable habitat for the species. Land cover, temperature seasonality (bio4), distance to spring, human footprint and distance to escape terrain made the highest contribution (80%) to the distribution model performance. Findings show that about 62.14 (RCP4.5) to 76.97% (RCP8.5) of present suitable habitat would be lost by 2050 due to climate change under four future representative concentration pathways within BCC-CSM1-1 general circulation model. In contrast, habitat gains observed for models were 5.89 (RCP8.5) to 17.01% (RCP4.5). Our findings could provide useful information for conservation planning to protect and restore wild sheep populations.

Heat-humidity stress is one of the most important environmental factors affecting the development of the fetus and the health of pregnant maternal., Studies in this area have been limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term exposure to heat-humidity stress in the form of THI on fetal growth and development. For this purpose, animal models were used...  pregnant NMRI mice that were exposed to heat-humidity stress in the chamber during the second period of pregnancy (3, 5, 8, 10 and 15 minutes) daily for short periods Placement courses (GD 14.5-17) is designed in accordance with the growth and development of the human embryo. Exposure to thermal-humidity stresses in the second period (GD6.5-14) during of pregnancy shows an increase in maternal mortality and fetal weight loss, crown-to-rump length (CLR) and placental weight in comparison with the control group. Also, with increasing thresholds of stress at different thresholds of the index, embryonic abnormality (Exohatics, Facial Deformity, C-Shaped Body, Ear structure defects, Hemangioma and Limbic Adhesion) have increased. T-test of two independent samples and ANOVA confirmed the above-mentioned results at the level (p-value<0.01). The results of this study can be effective in the development of care programs, treatment and education of pregnant mothers, and to monitor the thermal stresses and design of warning systems.

Climate change, land use, and human-factor are some of the most important biodiversity changes currently, as many of the surveys through the recent decades have shown the fact. Steppe habitats are one of the most impressed habitats by the mentioned elements. So this study aims to identify the most important climate variables, land cover and human cover on distribution of Clandra Lark in biodiversity hot spot, Iran-Anatoly. Clandra Lark is used as one of the Indicator species of farm land birds in modeling in order to predict how other birds of the same habitat get influenced. We modeled the habitat for the Clandra lark after assembling presence point of this species in study area, and by the use of climatical, environmental, and human elements, and the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) in the Modeling Package (SDM). Analysis and modeling data show that this species is largely dependent on the habitats of west, north and central of Irano-Anatolian region. Also average annual rain and average seasonal rain changes, and human footprint provided about 80 percent of the prediction process respectively. Totally agricultural intensification and changing the rain pattern seem to be one of the most effective elements on choosing the farm land birds’ habitat. Therefore, in order to protect these species we should notice the mentioned elements in land management.

The effects of various sources of selenium supplements on performance, carcass characteristics, population of ileum bacteria, blood parameters, liver enzymes, hormonal activities, and antioxidant activities of blood plasma in broiler chickens were investigated in an experiment based on a complete random design with 500 one-day-old male chickens of Ross 308 commercial line using 10 treatments with 4 replicates (each replicate including 10 chickens). Treatment diets included (1) basal diet (control), and (2), (3), and (4) with 0.5, 0.8, and 1.2 mg nano selenium+basal diet, respectively and (5), (6), and (7) with 0.5, 0.8, and 1.2 mg met selenium+basal diet, respectively, and also (8), (9), and (10) with 65, 80, and 100 mg Vitamin E+selenium and basal diets, respectively. Findings suggested a significant increase in carcass weights, production index and antioxidant activity of the group treated with nano-selenium compared to the control (P≤0.05). Also, total ileum bacteria count in the diets including nano-selenium and met-selenium showed a significant decrease compared to the control (P≤0.05). A significant difference was also observed in Liver enzymes and blood parameters contents of the nano-selenium groups compared with the control (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of T3 and T4 and also the ratio of T3 to T4 in the treatment including 1.2 mg nano-selenium showed a significant difference compared to the control group (P≤0.05). The findings suggest that nano-selenium can result in higher yield of broiler chickens in comparison with met-selenium and Vitamin E + selenium.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of humoral immune responses (antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)) and residual feed intake from 20 to 45 days of age in Japanese quail. For this purpose, a total of 2492 records of residual feed intake traits and 5238 records of immune traits were used. The analyses of Genetic parameters of traits were estimated through single and bivariate animal models via Gibbs sampling method. Heritability estimates of total antibody titer (AbT), titer of immunoglobulin Y (IgY), titer of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and titer of immunoglobulin F (IgF) against SRBC were 0.08, 0.14, 0.02 and 0.24, respectively, however, heritability of antibody titer against NDV was lower than estimated of SRBC antigen (h2= 0.05). heritability of RFI in different ages were in ranges of 0.04 to 0.07. genetic correlations estimate between total antibody and IgY were positive and high and was 0.92. The negative genetic correlations were related to IgM with RFI and genetic correlations estimates between RFI and other immunoglobulins (IgY, AbT, IgF) and NDV were positive. As a conclusion, selection for IgF due to its heritability (0.24) and negative genetic correlation (-0.23) with RFI, cause improve in RFI and reduce costs, related mainly to feeding and selecting of animals with phenotyping. On the other hand, due to moderate to high positive genetic correlations (0.34-0.80) were found between IgF and other immunoglobulins, selection of it didn’t lead to decline of humoral immune responses in quail.

Developmental disturbances in reptiles may lead to asymmetry of morphological characters such as asymmetry in scale numbers and skeletons and change from normal status. Therefore, it was studied morphological disturbances and asymmetry of meristic characters of two non-venomous colubrid snakes, Schmidt's whip snake (Dolichophis schmidti) and large whip snake (Dolichophis jugularis) in north of Iran. In this research, 13 meristic characters of head region of 33 specimens of Dolichophis schmidti (16 males, 6 females, 5 juveniles and 6 unidentified sexes) and 28 specimens of Dolichophis jugularis (15 males, 7 females, 5 juveniles and 1 unidentified sexes) were studied under binocular. Specimens collected from west Azarbaijan, east Azarbaijan, Alburz, Mazandaran, Golestan, Chaharmahal  va Bakhtiari, Lorestan, Khorasan Razavi and Zanjan provinces and belonging to zoology museum of Golestan university (ZMGU), Gonbad Kavoos  university and personal collections. Results revealed that specimens of Dolichophis schmidti were asymmertric in supralabials (3 specimens), infralabials (5 specimens), anterior subocular (1 specimen), postocular (1 specimen), temporal (7specimens), prenasal (2 specimens) and loreal (1 specimen). Also it was asymmetric left and right sides of supralabials (3 specimens), infralabials (7 specimens), anterior subocular (1 specimen), temporal (5 specimens) and loreals (3 specimens) in Dolichophis jugularis. These morphological asymmetric characters in Dolichophis schmidti and Dolichophis jugularis may be the result of embryonic disturbances, dominant homozygote and genetical changes.

In this study, 34 different elements, including toxic and non-toxic heavy metals in the liver, muscle, gonad, kidney and skin of the Alosa braschnikowi were investigated. also, the relationship between aggregation of these elements with growth parameters (age and length) and physiological indices (Condition Factor, relative weight and Hepatosomatic index) were investigated. Some 74 specimens of fish were caught during fishing season (2017-2018) were prepared from three stations Astara, Anzali and Kiashahr on the south-west coastlines of the Caspian Sea. trace elements detection was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The difference between the tissues was significant in terms of concentration of metals, so that the maximum mean of chromium, molybdenum and Strontium metals in muscle, aluminum, arsenic, barium, manganese, vanadium and nickel in skin, cadmium, cobalt, lithium and lead in the kidney, copper and iron were found in liver and zinc metal in gonad tissue. In all five tissues of muscle, skin, kidney, liver and gonad, the highest concentrations of metals were iron and the lowest concentrations of metals were barium, nickel and cadmium. Investigation of the association of metals concentration in tissues with growth parameters (length and age) showed that there is a significant positive correlation between arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, Strontium and zinc metals with the growth parameters, and the strongest positive relationship and significant between copper with age (p<0.05, r = 0.40). also, there was a positive correlation between arsenic, iron, aluminum, barium, chromium, copper, lithium, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, lead and strontium with the physiological indices, which had the strongest positive and significant relation between lithium metal and liver index (p<0.05, r = 0.57).

Due to the direct contact of fish gills with water, these organs are highly vulnerable to environmental pollutants and are an appropriate indicator for assessing the pollutants status in aquatic environments. In this study, histopathological changes of gill tissue were carried out to evaluate the health of Lutjanus johnii and Pomadasys kaakan in the Oman Sea. 18 pieces of Lutjanus johnii and Pomadasys kaakan, with a mean total length of 22.5 ± 3.41 and 35.5 ± 4.35 cm and the average weight of 205.6 ± 22 and 512.6 ± 58.5 grams respectively, were collected by using gillnet from the three stations of Ramin, Haft Tir and Konarak in the Oman Sea. After dissection of the fish, the gill tissue was separated and stabilized in Bouin's solution. After performing the usual histological procedures, transverse sections with five microns thickness by microtome were prepared from gill tissue. Tissue sections were stained by Hematoxylin-eosin and finally examined by light microscope equipped with a digital photographic camera for the diagnosis of tissue lesions. Histopathologic results of gills show tissue lesions such as buckling of the secondary lamellae, increased mucosal secretion, edema, hyperemia, extensive gill destruction (necrosis), lamella degeneration, clubbing, hyperplasia, lamellar fusion. The lowest lesions in the gill tissue of Lutjanus johnii and Pomadasys kaakan belonged to theKonarak and Ramin Stations, respectively. Also, highest lesions of the gills were observed in Haft Tir station for both species. The closeness environment of the Haft Tir station and the proximity to the two traffic harbours of Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti can be due to this reason.

Auxis thazardis one of species of scombridae family in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. In order to come up with the responsible fishing pattern, there was a need to identify some of characteristics and population dynamic parameters. Data were collected randomly from three major artisanal fish-landing sites Bandar Sirik, namely Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh in Hormozgan Province, from April 2016 to March 2017. The average fork length estimated 33.9 cm. The "a" and "b" parameters in Length- Weight relationship were estimated 0.000002 and 3.3 respectively and showed that A. thazardhas allometric growth. The growth parameters of L∞, K and t0 were computed 53.2 (cm), 0.8 (1/year) and -0.17 year respectively. The fork length attained at the end of 1, 2 and 3 years to be 32.3, 433.8 and 48.1 cm respectively. Growth performance index calculated 7.7 which was in agreement with the finding of the other studies. Total mortality, natural mortality and fishing mortality were estimated 2.45, 1.03 and 1.42 (1/year) respectively. The Fopt and Flimit as biological reference point were calculated 0.52 and 0.68 (1/year) respectively. The exploitation ratio was estimated 0.58.

The high toxicity of heavy metals in the environment, the accumulation in aquatic tissues and the transmission to other consumers necessitates their local and temporal monitoring. The aim of this study in winter of 2017 was to risk assessment of heavy metals (Lead, Copper and Cadmium) in muscle tissue and skin of Upeneus sulphureus in Mahshahr port. This study was conducted on 30 samples of upeneus sulphureus from the Mahshahr port in winter (March). These samples after the preparation were determined by atomic absorption Spectra varian 220. The data were analyzed by SPSS22, Excel 2013, Tukey and Kolmogrov-Smirnov tests. The mean concentration of Lead, Copper and Cadmium in skin was 0.017± 0.015, 0.510±0.042 and 0.045±0.037 and in muscle 0.008±0.004, 0.281± 0.025 and 0.016±0.014 (mg/kg). In both studied tissue, the concentration of all metals in muscle tissue and skin of Upeneus sulphureus was lower than the standards. Since the HQ risk index was lower than 1 for all three metals, therefore this fish is not to be risky.but due to the presence of certain amounts of heavy metals, there must be some consideration.

The present study was carried out for providing basic information on the ecophysiological damages (blood indicators) of Mottled Goby in laboratory and environmental conditions of lead contamination and finally the design of blood biomarkers of lead contamination in Gorgan Gulf. In the laboratory studies, 400 piece of fishes with the weight average of 35±7.16 g were lively caughted and the tested fishes were exposed to concentrations of 0, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/L of  lead for 14 days. After the completion of the experiment, the samples of blood and  liver were collected from fishes and the samples surveyed  by the analyses of hematology and toxicology. In the field test, the samples of fish, water and sediment were prepared from 4 areas, Khozeini 1, Khozeini 2, Gharasu, and Gorgan rud. In addition to the measuring lead in water, sediment and liver tissue, the samples of blood  from caughted fishes were similarly analyzed with the laboratory conditions mentioned. According to the results, among the hematologic parameters of  Mottled Goby, monocyte, red blood cell, hemoglobin and MCHC showed a positive and significant correlation and lymphocyte and MCV showed a negative and significant correlation with accumulated lead contamination in the liver of Mottled Goby in laboratory conditions and in environmental conditions, monocyte showed, a positive and significant correlation and eosinophil showed a negative and significant correlation with the contamination of lead in the Mottled Goby liver in environmental conditions. Neutrophil also showed an increasing trend with changes of  lead contamination in liver. In total, among the blood indices of Mottled goby, the monocyte percentage of the blood was proposed as the most effective and efficient blood biomarker of lead contamination in Mottled goby, due to the high correlations and the same trend in both environmental and laboratory conditions (P<0.05).

This study aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of fish otoliths in the waters of Fereydunkenar and. In this study, 12 species of the commercial fishes in the waters of Fereydunkenar were selected and biometric characteristics were done and the sagitta otoliths were extracted. The species were Ctenopharyngodon idella, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio, Rutilus kutum, Abramis brama and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Family: Cyprinidae), Chelon saliens (Family: Mugilidae), Esox lucius (Esocidae), Sander lucioperca (Family: Percidae), Clupeonella engrauliformis, Clupeonella grimmi (Family: Clupeidae), Oncorhynchus mykiss (Family: Salmonidae). Then, the shape, length, width and thickness of left and right otoliths were measured. The results showed the largest otolith (length of 8.27 mm) was from Chelon saliens and the smallest otolith (length of 2.15 mm) was from Hypophthalmichthys species. Since, these fishes were not the biggest and smallest of samples, there is not significant correlation between size of fish and otolith. The shape and size of otoliths were very different in these families and was same in two species of genus Clupeonella (Clupeonella engrauliformis, Clupeonella grimmi). So, the morphology of otolith has an important role for determination of closed species.

Although heavy metals naturally occur in the aquatic environment, but their level elevating by human activities. These contaminants concentrate in the aquatic organisms and their concentrations increase throughout the food chain. The presence of heavy metals in fish is important to humans because of food consumption. Therefore, in this study, 30 Atherina boyeri were collected from Anzali International Wetland in the summer of 2013 and the concentrations of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in their muscle tissues were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed there was a significant difference between the mean concentrations (µg/g) of Cd (0.08± 0.035) and Zn (9.27±1.24) in the muscle tissue of A. boyeri (p < 0.05). Target hazard quotient levels for each metal as well as TTHQ were lower than one, indicating that consumers would not experience health risks. In general, comparing the concentrations of Zn and Cd with international standards indicated that the levels of these metals were lower than the standards. Daily and weekly intake of Zn and Cd by the consumption of A. boyeri were lower than the acceptable intake recommended by the JECFA. In stand of Zn and Cd, adults can consume 2.27 and 0.8 kg/day and children 0.47 and 0.16 kg/day, respectively, without causing any non-carcinogenic health effects. In general, there appears to be little risk of exposure to metals associated with the consumption of A. boyeri for consumers.

The present study aimed to the biodiversity of Chondrichthyes and distribution of this group of aquatic animals in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea using biodiversity indices and finally, the maps were ploted using the GIS software. Data collection was carried out from October to December 2018 using bottom trawler by Ferdows from Sistan and Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces waters in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. A total of 4014 specimens were caught in the study area, of which 245 specimens belonged to 10 species and 4 families of sharks and 3769 specimens belonged to 21 species and 12 families. The results showed that Margalef species richness index varied from zero to 1.82 for sharks and from zero to 2.65 for batoids. Also, the Pielou’s evenness index varied from 0.43 to 1 for sharks and from 0.11 to 1 for the batoids. Also, the Shannon index varied from zero to 1.9 for sharks and zero to 1.86 for batoids. The Shannon Diversity Index distribution for sharks only showed a range of 54 to 56 degrees longitude (range south of Qeshm Island to Bandar-lengeh) as a hotspot compared to the rest of the study area. On the other hand, the distribution of this index showed two points, range from 57 to 59 degrees longitude (Sirik to Meydani) and of 53 to 55 degrees longitude (Kish Island to Qeshm Island) as hotspots for the presence of batoids.

Nowadays, population growth, development of various industries and expansion of agricultural areas have led to high volume of various pollutants, especially heavy metals, into the aquatic environment. Hence, in this study investigated the amount of mercury and zink in fish consumed including Mugil cephalous Linnaeus, Rutilus frisii kutum, Cyprinus carpio and Sander lucioperca from Mahmoud Abad to Noshahr from the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in winter, 2018. 10 samples of each fish were randomly caught and analyzed for metals. Advanced mercury analyzer was used to measure mercury and flame atomic absorption was used to measure zinc. The highest amount of mercury was measured in muscle tissue of Sander lucioperca with 0.68 μg. g dry weight and its lowest with 0.33 μg. g dry weight in Mugil cephalous Linnaeus. In the case of zinc metal, the highest amount was found in 67.66 μg. g dry weight of muscle tissue of Sander lucioperca and 48.68 μg. g dry weight in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio. Also, the results showed that a person with weight in at 70 kilograms, only 10 grams per day, or 1.5 servings per month, could use of Sander lucioperca. In general, the results showed that the metal content in Mugil cephalous Linnaeus, which is a carnivorous species, was higher than that of Cyprinus carpio, which are bento-pelagic species. Based on the amount of mercury in muscle tissue of Mugil cephalous Linnaeus, this restriction was observed.

One of the important and obvious characteristics of macro algae, which is important for their use in aquatic diet, the richness of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, pigments and polysaccharides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary macro algae powder (Gracilaria pygmea) on some blood biochemical indices of Lates calcarifer. At the start of the experiment, 240 juvenile fish were randomly divided into 12 fiberglass tanks of 300 liters. The experimental treatments with three replicates were designed including 0%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% macro algae as additive in diet. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected in order to estimate blood biochemical parameters. There was a significant difference between treatment 2% and the other treatments in the value of glucose. However, there was no significant difference between the other treatments and the control group (P>0.05). A significant difference was only observed between treatment 2% and the other treatments in the value of albumin. There was no significant difference in the level of cholesterol between different treatments and control group (P>0.05). Overall, based on the results of blood biochemical parameters in the present study, the best level of Gracilaria macro algae in treatment 2.5% was found in of Asian seabass diet.

The application of probiotics in aquaculture has been increased in recent years due to the many benefits for fish health. However, the gut environment, especially pH, limits the establishment of dietary probiotics. Encapsulating of probiotics within biodegradable nanoparticles has been found to increase their viability and efficiency in fish gut. In the current study, the effects of encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum with alginate/chitosan Nano particles on growth performance and digestive enzyme activities in Asian sea bass (Lates cacalifer) were evaluated. 480 juvenile L. cacalifer were randomly divided into four treatments in triplicates. Fish in T1 received bacteria without any encapsulation, T2 received Lactobacillus plantarum encapsulated with alginate/chitosan, T3 were fed with alginate/chitosan enriched free probiotic diet and T4 received basic diet as a control group. All treatments were fed with experimental diets for 60 days. Fish were sampled on days 30 and 60 and growth indices and digestive enzyme activities were measured. The result revealed that the highest digestive enzyme activities were detected for α-amylase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and were observed on days 30 and 60 post-treatment in T3 and T1, respectively. However, the best growth performance was achieved on day 60 in T2 group. Apparently, the encapsulation of L. plantarum with alginate/chitosan Nano particles could improve its probiotic efficiency in terms of only the enhancement of growth parameters; however, such an improvement was not detected for digestive enzymes activities.

The present study aimed to isolate and detect essential amino acids (EAAs) in muscle tissue of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish contains the highest protein content. Three pieces of common carp were collected from gillnets found on beaches of the southern Caspian Sea. Biometrics of collected samples were determined. Target tissue (muscle) of the fish was isolated and kept in nitrogen tanks at -196°C. Dissolution/deposition techniques were used to extract protein from the fish flesh at the isoelectric point, proteins were hydrolyzed into amino acids, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to isolate essential amino acids in the laboratory. Commercial TLC silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates (made by Merck, Germany) were used as the stationary phase and butane/acetic acid/water as the mobile phase. Ninhydrin reagent was used to detect amino acids. Quantitative amino acid analysis was carried out and the retention factor (Rf) was calculated. TLC results showed that all EEAs (Arginine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Valine, Leucine, Methionine and Lysine) were present in muscle tissue of common carp. Tryptophan was totally destroyed with acid hydrolysis and not detected in the analysis. Analysis of 17 essential and nonessential amino acids showed that the highest EAA content of fish flesh belonged to Lysine, Glutamic acid and the lowest content belong to Aspartic acid and Methionine. Since human body cannot synthesize EAAs, common carp should be included in human diet because it is a general source of nutritional components that contribute to growth, energy production, muscle building and treatment of many diseases.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of nonylphenol as a monomer of a pollutant on Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) hematological parameters changes. Injections of different treatments of 1.10 and 100 mg/kg body weight of fish nonylphenol were carried out in sample fish with a mean weight of 250 grams and injections repeated three times in three consecutive weeks. After 72 hours of the last injection, taking blood samples, some hematological indices including white and red blood cells, differential white blood cell count, and secondary hematologic factors were analyzed. After counting, the low levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells in the treated group compared to the control group were considered the reason for exposing the animal to the stress, because diminished hemoglobin protein, red blood cell count and hematocrit indicate the condition of anemia under conditions of exposure to the contaminating substance. The total number of white blood cells in the treatments increased compared with the control. The differential count of eosinophil white blood cells in the treatments of 10 and 100 mg nonylphenol per kg body weight of fish showed a significant increase and also neutrophil significantly increased in all treatments. Lymphocyte significantly increased in treatments of 10 and 100 mg nonylphenol per kg body weight of fish, but there was no significant change in monocyte count compared to the control group. Secondary hematologic indices (MEH, MEV and MEHC) have significant changes in direction were observed, consistent with an increase in white blood cells numbers.

In this study, the effects of the prebiotic supplement, Immunowall® was evaluated on growth performance and hematological parameters of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). For this purpose, juvenile Persian sturgeon with an average initial weight 47.78±0.39 were randomly distributed into nine tanks (500 l) with triplicate treatments were fed by basal diets containing 0.5%, 1% prebiotic supplement and a diet without prebiotic supplement as control (0%) during 8 weeks. After the end of experiments, no significant difference was observed in growth and feed utilization parameters in fish which fed by experimental diets comparison to control diet (P>0.05). Assessment of hematological parameters showed that red blood cell and hemoglobin were significantly higher in the fish fed diet containing 1% compared to control (p < 0.05). Also, no significant differences different were observed between other parameters including white blood cell, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte (P>0.05). This study revealed that administration of 0.5 and 1% Immunowall does not have a significant effect on growth parameters and food performance. Also, using a diet containing 1% Immunowall can significantly change some of the hematological parameters of Persian sturgeon. For confirmation of the positive effect of prebiotic, it is needed to study biochemical parameters, immune response and fish survival rate after pathogenic bacterial challenge.

Caspian brown trout is one of the most valuable fishes in the Caspian Sea and has great value due to its marketability, appearance and taste of meat. This study was carried out to determine the effects of oxygen stresses on histopathology of gill and spleen in Caspian brown trout in Shahid Bahonar reproduction and breeding Center of Kelardasht in winter 2016. 210 fish with average weigh 50±10 gr were randomly selected and placed in tanks with aerator and oxygen capsule. Fish were divided into 3 treatments: treatment 1 or hypoxia (2-3 mg/l oxygen), treatment 2 or normoxia (7-8 mg/l oxygen) and treatment 3 or hyperoxia (12-14 mg/l oxygen) and each treatment had three replications. At the end of the experiment, sampling gill and spleen were performed for measuring histological injuries. Gill and spleen specimens were transferred to Inland Waters Aquaculture Research Center for histopathological examination. The results showed symptoms in all treatments, which included hemorrhage, clubbing or torsion of the lamella, epithelial hypertrophy, local and diffuse hyperplasia, necrosis, hyperemia, telangiectasia, lamella adhesion and the separated epithelium from lamella in gill and hyperemia, necrosis, vacuolation in the cytoplasm of cells, hemosiderin and sinusoids in spleen. In general, it can be said that the oxygen level of 7-8 mg/l is the most favorable condition for Caspian brown trout.

Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) is one of the nine subspecies of brown trout in the world and is one of the economically and endangered species of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium diformate as an acidifier on biochemical and antioxidant indices in Caspian salmon. For this purpose, the Caspian brown trout fries (salmo trutta caspius) that weight 13±0.05 gr were recruiting for 60 days by employing four diets consisting of levels of zero (control), 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent with 3 repeats and blood sampling was done at the beginning of the experiment, day 30 and after the end of the test. Biochemical methods were used to determine the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) enzymes, as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, LDH lactate dihydrogenase and glucose levels. The results showed that the amount of glucose in the first day of all treatments significantly differed from the control group. The amount of serum cholesterol on 30 days of the 0.5% treatment and 60 days of the 1% treatment was significantly decreased in contrast with the control. The triglyceride concentration in all of the groups except the 1% treatment was higher than the beginning of the experiment. Besides, there were significant differences between 0 and 30 days and on day 60 of 0.5 and 1.5% treatments. LDH enzyme level was significantly decreased on day 60 of the 1% treatment when compared to control group. Serum catalase level was not significantly different from the control group on day 60. SOD level after 60 days was not significant compared to the control group. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) activity on days 30 and 60 of the 1 and on day 60 of the 1.5% treatment was significantly different from control. The results of this study showed that the acidifier treatments (1% and 1.5%) had a significant effect on the biochemical factor and antioxidant defense of brown trout caspius for the first 30 days but in the second 30 days the results were the opposite.

Habitat selection is an important factor in predicting the distribution and abundance of species in ecology research or fields. In fish, determination of the habitat selection, especially for endangered, rare, native species or species with discontinuous distribution and sensitive to developmental effects, is an important step in biodiversity conservation of fish and planning for land use. Habitat characteristics of Salmo trutta in Karaj River were determined by analyzing the effects of depth, current velocity, Froude number, substrate index, substrate shelter, visual coverage, combined coverage, and pool in 16 sites with data collection during the years 1395 and 1396 using software HABSEL, and the range and habitat used and selected was defined for this species by the amount of access to each variable. Based on the results, the selected habitats of brown trout in the Karaj River were at depth of 46-52, current velocity of 0.40-0.45 m/s, Froude number of 0.26-0.30, substrate index of 3.4-3.8, substrate shelter of 10-20, visual coverage of 56-64, combined coverage of 17.5-21, and pool of 21-28. Among the variables studied in the Karaj River, Froude number, current velocity, and substrate factors were the most favorable for Salmo trutta. Despite the availability of favorable conditions in some parts of the Karaj River for existing of brown trout, the absence of this species must be due to human disturbances on freshwater ecosystems or extreme climatic changes, such as floods

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of Mix oilon growth performance and survival rate of Oncorhynchus mykiss inchallenging with Yersinia ruckeri. For this purpose, four groups of fish with mean initial weight of 31.1±0.1 g were raised for 8 weeks in cement tanks, including 80 fish in each tank and feeding with different levels of Mix oil(with concentrations of 0, 50 ppm, 200 ppm and 400 ppm, 3 replicates for each treatment). At the end of the trial, growth performance, and survival rate of fish inchallenging with Y. ruckeri were determined in different groups. Results showed that O. mykiss fed on diet supplemented with 400 ppm of Mix oil had significantly higher growth factors (body weight increase, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, average daily growth) and survival rate compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Based on the results, using of Mix oil, especially at the level of 400 ppm can improve the growth performance and survival rate of O. mykiss inchallenging with Y. ruckeri.

This research was done to compare length and weight relations in SPF rainbow trout male and female fish of different population in order to choose the best for cross breeding in Tonekabon cold-water fish research center. Collected pre-mature rainbow trout fish from IVO verified propagation centers of West Azarbayjan, Mazandaran, Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad, provinces, divided to seven treatments each with three replications and cultured in cement raceway pond with 10 kg density per cubic meter after tagging for tracing economic growth qualification and bio- securing. Feeding were done based on 2 to 3 percentages of body weight, three times per day, using Skeretting products of 40 to 45 crude protein percent and water exchanged 4-6 times, daily. Biometric indexes of fishes and physico chemical water parameters were measured during different growth stages. Since male and females placed in the same culture condition, so environmental parameter changes and genetic interactions variances were not influenced. Growth equations survey revealed that the highest b index of male broodstock, 3.15 was found in Maroofi propagation center in West Azarbayjan province which is showed growth isometric, the highest b index of female 3 was in Sarshar center (Mazandaran province). Invariability in fish sizes were caused by reduced heterozygosity which made economical performances by harvesting same weight and length fishes during shortages period. The highest correlation index R2 of male fish 87%, were observed in Maroofi center (West Azarbayjan) followed 0.86, 0.84 and 0.82 in Sharshar (Mazandaran), Ghorbani (West Azarbayjan), Fakhari (Mazandaran) and Yasooj (Kohkiloye and Boyerahmad) centers, respectively. Based on obtained data, the best broodstock of rainbow trout fish were selected and made identification certificate for cross breeding.

Present study was conducted to investigate effects of Ajwain extract (Trachyspermum ammi L)on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth and immunity factors. 600 fish with average weight of 58±7 g were divided into four treatments and were fed by diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% Ajwain extract and diet with no supplementation was used for control group. Growth, hematological and immunity factors were measured at the end of the experiment based on standard methods and then were analyzed by Tukey. Fishes fed by two percent Ajwain extract in comparison with control group showed increment and improvement in weight gained, specific growth rate (SGR), final weight and condition factor status index (SI) (p < 0.05). The highest amount of hematocrit and hemoglobin were belonged to those who were fed with 2 % Ajwain extract and showed a significant difference with control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between control group and other treatments in terms of other hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC) (P>0.05). Feeding by 2.5% of Ajwain extract significantly improved lysozyme and Complement activity. No significant difference was found between control group and other treatments in terms of other biochemical parameters of blood (albumin, total protein and Immunoglobulin) (p < 0.05). Therefore, supplementation of Ajwain extract in rainbow trout diet will improve growth factors and some immunity parameters.

In this study effects of Zataria multiflora powdered and Zingiber officinale extract on Oncorhynchus mykiss growth andimmunity system was investigated. 150 juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss fishes with the average weight 31.40±1.43g (±SD) divide in to 3 treatments with triplicate. Each treatment feed with Zataria multiflora powdered and Zingiber officinale extract with 0 (control group) and 1percentage for 30 days. At the end of treatment blood samples were taken and immunological parameters were compared among the groups. To determine the effect of plant extracts in the bacterial challenge with pathogen, at the 30th day 15 fish from each treatment was injected by Yersinia ruckeri intraperitoneallyand mortality daily was recorded in two weeks.Theresults showed not any significant difference on growth factors (P>0.05). At the end of feeding period, most of the total protein, albumin, glucose, lysozyme, catalase, superoxide dismutase and hemolytic activity of complemant serum were observed in control group (p < 0.05). In the second phase of experimental and condition of post challenge with pathogen, most of the Glucose, lysozyme, catalase, superoxide dismutase and hemolytic activity of complemant serum were observed in treatment fed with 1% Zingiber powdered(p < 0.05). The highest time of survival rate of O. mykiss juvenile were observed in treatments fed with Zingiber powdered. Based on the results we can conclude that the use of 1% shirazi thyme andZingibermakes stimulates the immune system and increase resistance in rainbow trout.

Regarding the importance of yersiniosis in the country and the necessity of vaccination of fish, in this study, the effects of Yersinia ruckeri lipopolysaccharide on the efficacy and immunity of Yersinia ruckeri bacterin were evaluate. 480 pieces of fish (7±1.2 g) were randomly divided into 8 equal groups, each group was divided into three replicates (20 fish/ replicate). Group A, B and C were fed with LPS (300μg/kg/Bw), LPS+bacterin (109 cfu/g) and bacterin respectively in the first and third weeks of the study. In the immersion group (D), the fish were immersed in the bacterial suspension (109 cfu/ml) for 2 minutes at 0 and 14 days. The injection groups (E, F and G) were immunized by intraperitoneal route with (1010 cfu/ml), LPS (300 μg /ml) and bacterin+LPS respectively, and on days 0, 30 and 60 blood and serum samples were prepared then blood and immune parameters were compared between immunized fish. The results showed that injection of bacterin+LPS significantly improved the stimulation of nonspecific and specific immunity factors in most groups (p < 0.05) The efficacy of bacterin +LPS in the oral treatment was similar to immersion immunization and was significantly lower than the injection method (p < 0.05). The results of the current study showed that adding LPS to bacterin, in addition to improving the efficacy of the vaccine by injection and oral administration, also increased their immunization. Therefore, after supplementary studies, it can be used as an appropriate and economical candidate for the preparation of the economical vaccine in trout.

Due to the increasing use of nanoparticles and also dietary supplements in aquaculture industry, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation and nanoparticles by investigating polyphenol pre-treatment on the immune indices of common carp skin mucus (Cyprinus carpio) in exposed to silver nanoparticles. 230 fish with mean weight of 15.6±0.4 g were distributed in five treatments without dietary supplementation and no exposure to silver nanoparticles (negative control), without dietary supplementation and exposure to silver nanoparticles (positive control), Fed with 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g of polyphenol/kg of food for 60 days then exposure to 50% lethal concentration of silver nanoparticles for 14 days. The results showed that in treatments fed different concentrations of polyphenol diet during exposure to silver nanoparticles lysozyme activity and soluble protein, total mucosal immunoglobulin level were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In general, silver nanoparticles had adverse effects on common carp. The 0.05 g of dietary polyphenol supplementation had more positive effects on physiological parameters of common carp in exposed to silver nanoparticles.

In this experiment, the effect of dietary administration of betaine and Natozim multi-enzyme on blood biochemical indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated. For this purpose, 180 fish with an average weight of 19.5±0.5 gr, were fed diets supplemented with 3 different levels of 0, 1 and 1.5% in combination with 0, 250 and 500 mg/l for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, biochemical indices, Calcium, Alp, Alb, Glocuse were assessed. Results showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) of glucose with Natozim increase in the diet, a significant increase (P≤0.05) of calcium in highest doses of Natozim and betaine, significant increase of (P≤0.05) alkaline phosphatase in combined treatments of Natozim and betaine and significant increase (P≤0.05) of albumin in highest doses of Natozim and betaine. Generally, the use of betaine and multi-enzyme Natozim improved blood biochemical parameters as immune parameters in carp.

Organic acids are natural crops and produced byo fermentation in plants and have a high potential for the replacement of antibiotics in the aquaculture industry. Hence, in this study, apple vinegar was used as a kind of organic acid in the diet of common carp fingerling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of apple vinegar in different concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 4% of apple vinegar on basal diet) on some non-specific immune parameters of serum of common carp such as albumin (A), globulin (G), A/G ratio, total protein, lysozyme enzyme and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Common carp fingerling with average weight of 15±0.5 g were fed with experimental diet for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, 10 fish pieces were randomly slaughtered in each replicate and anesthetized in clove solution and blood samples were taken. The amount of albumin and globulin measured in nutritional treatments did not show a significant increase compared to the control group (p>0.05). However, total protein increased significantly at 2% level compared with other treatments and control group (p < 0.05); also, in 2% apple vinegar, a significant increase in lysozyme activity was observed (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of alkaline phosphatase between nutritional treatments and control group (p>0.05).

In the present study, the effects of different levels of beet molasses on body composition and liver enzymes in common carp were studied. The experiment consisted of 360 pieces of common carp with an average weight of 28±2.5 gr. The fish in 12 reservoirs were randomly distributed to 30 units per reservoir. After one week of adaptation, it was fed for a period of 8 weeks. The experiment was carried out in the form of 4 treatments and each treatment with 3 replications including: Molasses (treatment 1), diet containing 0.5% molasses (treatment 2), diet containing 1% molasses (treatment 3) and diet containing 2% molasses (treatment 4) And fish were fed daily with 3% body weight and twice daily with experimental diets. The food of the control group, the commercial food of the common carp of the company was enriched with no molasses. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the amount of moisture and carcass ash in the control group compared with other treatments (P>0.05). The carcass fat content was significantly different in treatment with 1% molasses and 2% molasses (p < 0.05). The amount of carcass proteins in the treatment of 1% and 2% molasses had a significant difference with control (p < 0.05). The results showed that there was no significant difference in liver enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase between control and other treatments, but there was a significant difference in alkanin phosphatase levels in control treatment with other treatments (p < 0.05).

Bio-indicators is a method for assessing water quality. The responses of benthic macroinvertebrates to pollution are more reliable. These organisms vary in their sensitivity to environmental pollution. The objectives of the present study were evaluation of health status and pollution of the Ghale Rudkhan River using macro benthos richness, Hilsenhoff biotic index and Shannon- Wiener diversity index. Five sampling sites were selected. Samples were taken from May to November 2017. A Surber sampler (area 900 cm2, 300μ pore size)was used for sampling with three replicates in each site. Samples were preserved in ethanol 96% and transported to the laboratory. Total of 5134 specimens of macroinvertebrates belonging to 35 genera, 30 families, 10 orders, 4 classes and 3 phyla were identified. Aquatic insect larvae dominated the samples. The highest abundance belonged to Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Plecoptera in a descending order. The highest and lowest Shannon diversity index (2.28 and 0.42) were observed in May (site 4) and September (site 3) respectively. Based on Hilsenhoff (HFBI) index the water quality at sampling site 1 (upstream), site 3 (before trout fish farm), site 4 (immediately after fish farm) and site 5 (downstream) was “Good” and at sampling sites 2 (in vicinity of the tourist complex) was “Fair”. Based on monthly assessments of these indexes the water quality state in May and October were Excellent and Fair respectively.

We aimed to investigate diversity and density in zooplankton of the Persian Gulf. To do so, zooplankton samples were collected from 18 stations in summer and winter 2017. In winter 2017, 18 zooplankton species were identified, while the number of species observed in summer was 7. Generally, crustaceans had the most abundance (48%), and then Mollusca and Chordata abundances were 1%. Acrocalanus spp and Centropages spp showed the most abundance in winter (577±458 ind.m-3) and summer (848±487 ind.m-3), respectively.  Shannon diversity index varied in summer among various stations (0.68-1.83). Its highest level was detected in station 1A and its lowest level was seen in station 4D. In winter, the variation of this index was from 1.29 to 3.05. In summer, Shannon diversity index values varied between stations (0.68 to 1.83), with the highest at station A1 and the lowest at station D4. In winter, there was a significant positive correlation between temperature and Margalef's index (p < 0.05) and negative correlation with density (p < 0.05), whereas in summer, diversity indices were not significantly correlated with any environmental parameters (p>0.05).

Constructing cold-water fish farms along Haraz and Tajan rivers is done without any scientific investigations. Little attention has been paid to the distances between farms. Moreover, the farms lack wastewater treatment facilities, and untreated effluents are easily discharged into the surrounding rivers. In the present study, we have investigated the impacts of aquaculture farms on water quality parameters in Haraz and Tajan rivers. We have analyzed quantitative and qualitative effects of farms effluents on water physicochemical parameters of these two rivers. Three different farms in each river were selected. For each farm, samples were collected from before farm inlet (control station), and two other stations, one at 50-100 m (where the farm effluent enters the river) and one at 1.5-2 km (to assess the self-purification potential) downstream of the farm. In total, 9 stations in Haraz river and 5 stations in Tajan river were selected. The results showed that both Haraz and Tajan rivers have the potential of purifying the effluents discharged by aquaculture farms. However, increasing the number of these farms in the future and also releasing untreated effluents may cause important problems for these rivers. It seems, according to the present study, that self-purifying potential at 1.5-2 km downstream of the farms is considerable. Therefore, considering this distance in the construction of aquaculture farms can help in maintaining the health of the river ecosystem. In addition, owners of the farms should be asked to use some facilities for treating the effluents.

Droupht is one the natural phenomena which the most damage of it will be seen in deserts and semi-deserts. Today Urumia lake basin with its high crowded accumulation is one of the most important challenges in Iran Enviornmental discussions.So that in these days because of low water volume enterance and local rainfall shortage the existence of this lake has been threatened seriously.This basin is 52000 km2 and its rain is about 200-900 mm,the water volume is about 22 bilion m3 .because of the deduction of the lake basin area and the expected water enterance to the lake, complete revival of the lake will be far expected.In this research we try to indentify and rank the ways out of crisis by use of Delphi method and hierarchical order,the effect limit of each one of these methods will be determined and obtain managemental priorities for them.according to the results of this research among four recognized original standards and 21 substandards,the rivers' rights ,ponds and aquifers ending to the lake with 32percents effect and use of modern irrigation methods by 10.2 percents effect are the most important ways out of crisis of Urumia lake.

Fouling are highly divers and ubiquitous, and constantly correlate with environmental variables, and one of the largest global problems in cage culture. The present study was conducted to evaluate effects of environmental parameters on abundance of fouling cages fish culture of rainbow trout in Ayush dam of Khorramabad from winter 2016 to autumn 2016. The samples were collected from net panels(0.0625 m2) that attached to the PVC frame, located at a depth of one meter from  the side of the fish culture cages, and wet weight was measured, then it was identified with valid authentication keys. In this study 3 genera of green algae and diatom were identified. The analyses showed that DO, temperature, pH, turvidity and electrical conductivity were positively correlated with the genus Naviculaceae from diatoms and (Tetrasporaceae, Chlamydomonadaceae) from green algae. The temperature and pH were positively and significantly correlated with Tetrasporaceae and Naviculaceae, wet weight and Algae cover percentage. The high level of fouling due to environmental factors, especially temperature and pH  made it necessary to clean the nets once a month in summer.

Longtail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) is one of the most important Commercial and Neritic fish species which are widely distributed throughout neritic tropical and temperate waters of Indo-Pacific. The aim of this study was to determine relative index of abundance of Longtail Tuna from 2007 to 2016, also we evaluated effect of some explanatory variables (Year, Month, Vessel tonnage and net height) of catch per unit effort data in traditional gillnet fishery standardized by general linear model (GLM) in the Oman Sea. Standardized catch per unit effort is an important entrance in stock assessment as an annual abundance index. The results of this study have shown that year and month as explanatory variables influence CPUE significantly in GLM model with lognormal error distribution, but the increasingly effect of vessel tonnage and net height were not significant. Relative index of abundance of Longtail Tuna has shown increasing trend from 2007 to 2016 with the highest pick in 2013, that is shown catch rate can increase by raising catch effort. There is a seasonal trend in standard CPUE of Longtail Tuna with the highest catch rate in warm season. Monthly relative index of abundance has shown highest catch rate occurred in May and June.

Oil pollution is an inevitable consequence of rapid population growth. Increasingly, large scale use of petroleum resources is one of the major causes of pollution. This study investigates contamination of petroleum hydrocarbons and single metals (lead, cadmium) in wastewater of Golestan Oil Company. Three stations were constructed at the effluent outlet of Oil Company. For each station, 20 bivalves were assigned to the net section. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to measure cadmium and lead metals and GC-Mass was used to measure total petroleum hydrocarbons. The results show that the annual mean total hydrocarbon concentration was 2.94 mg/l and the highest oil content in spring was 20.1 mg/l below market saturation which was several times higher. The global standard for the highest concentration of petroleum in the autumn has been measured at 0.01 mg/liter. Average annual heavy metal concentrations in the first station for cadmium in spring, summer, fall and winter were equal to 0.750, 0.556, 0.265 and 0.279, respectively, in the second station for cadmium in spring, summer, autumn and winter. At the third station, the levels of cadmium were 0.317, 0.2284, 0.192 and 0.179 at the third station. Also, the mean concentration of lead in spring, summer, fall and winter were 0.860, 0.721, 0.383 and 0.221, respectively, at the second station of cadmium concentration in spring, summer, fall and winter, respectively. In the third station, the amount of cadmium was 0.392, 0.436, 0.342 and 0.194, respectively. The output effluent of oil depots in Golestan province Petroleum Products Distribution Company is higher than international standards in terms of total petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals distribution.

Diazinon is a commonly used poison in agriculture and can be considered a risk for the reproduction of aquatic animals. This study investigated the effect of sub lethal concentration of diazinon on the expression of aromatase (CYP 19a) gene in zebrafish females (Danio rerio). For this study, 600 fish with average weight of 0.15±0.1 g divided in 4 groups with 3 replicates were exposed to concentrations of 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 mg/ liter of diazinon for 1 month and compared to control group. At the end of trial, samplings were done from gonad tissue and RNA extracted. For cDNA synthesis, the Superscript RTase kit was used and Real Time PCR was done aromatase and beta-actin genes. Evaluation of aromatase gene expression in the diazinon-treated groups, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 mg/l, showed a dose dependent decrease and aromatase genes expression were 0.98, 0.90 and 0.70 respectively, but was not significant. The results showed that diazinon may have a negative effect on sex development in zebrafish females.

Tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important pests of tomato that reduces yield and crop quality. In this research, the influence of some factors on pheromone trap captures were investigated. The experiment was conducted in factorial based on completely randomized design with three replications during 2017 and 2018. In this study the effects of three factors, trap types (delta and wing-shaped), trap colors (blue and white) and the trap heights (20, 50 and 80cm), were evaluated on the catch of adults. The results indicated that interaction effects of trap color and height was significant at 5%error probability level and trap type were significant at 1%error probability level. White traps with a mean of 1355.9 were more efficient than blue traps. The highest capture rate was observed in the traps at 80cm height with mean of 1716.4 captures. Delta traps were more effective than the wing-shaped ones. The three-way interaction between year, color and trap height; color, trap height and trap type were significant at 1% error probability level, while the interaction between trap height and color were significantly more effective than others. Delta traps at 80 and 50 cm height with mean capture of 2863.3 and 1137.8, respectively and wing-shaped traps at 20cm height with mean of 962.8 were showed the most capturing levels. The lowest captured adults were observed in blue traps at 20cm height. The results clearly indicated that white delta-shaped traps in the height of 80cm is the most effective trap for control of tomato leaf miner moths.

The importance of producing aquaculture feeds which is water stable, particularly for crustacean use, feeding efficiency and reducing FCR and obtaining high production, has been mentioned. Since, many different substances chemicals and neutral have been used for increasing the water stability of aquaculture diets. Till now chemical ones such as Poly Sorbate, Carbapol, Poly Methyl Carbamide or Basfin (a kind of polymer of urea formaldohyde), Bentonites and … were used which is not towards on security policy of feeding. In this project, the aim is using Sargassum ilicifolium as a marine brown seaweed which is abundant in coast of Iranian south beaches as binder in zero, 2 and 5% of shrimp feed pellete comparing to chemical binder poly Sorbate used in control feed showed water stability and water absorbtion of pellet with 5% seaweed, higher than poly Sorbate treatment, statistically and made better texture, color, taste and scent feed for shrimp culture.

Although rocky oysters are widespread throughout the world, they are still difficult to identify and classify due to their high levels of plasticity. Unlike morphological classification, molecular methods can help identify and classify species whose morphological characteristics are misleading. In this study, 15 dominant rocky oyster specimens were collected from intertidal areas of northern part of Persian Gulf to investigate the gene sequence. DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using CTAB (Hexade cyl trime thyl ammonium bromide) method. Sequences of unit 1 nucleotides of cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) were examined. The sequences of the studied samples were compared with the sequences of eight other species in the gene bank by phylogenetic tree mapping. The percentage of Bootstrap endemic to Saccostrea mordax is located in a clade, indicating that the COI sequence is suitable for identifying the species of Saccostrea oistre, and this species has also been reported for the first time in this area.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of ozone on increasing shelf life of Rainbow troutfillets at +4℃. Four fresh Rainbow troutsamples (control treatment and 3 ozone treatments at 5, 10 and 15 minutes) with an average weight of 300 g were prepared and Immediately after rinsing with ordinary water, the fillets were then individually packaged, frozen, and refrigerated after ozone treatment by an ozonator (13 watt power, 200 mg/h). After 3 days in these conditions, all samples were immediately transferred to the laboratory in the ice bag (preserving the cold conditions for the samples) and their microbial and chemical and sensory properties were compared with the untreated sample. The results were analyzed by SPSS software. (3 replicates per treatment). The results showed that over time (days 3, 6, 9), 1,2,3 treatments decreased compared to control treatment in water and tissue retention factors (ability: chewing, cohesion, hardness, elasticity). And increased in microbial load factors, total volatile nitrogenous bases, thiobarbituric acid, Pseudomonas counts, colorimetric analysis of light and yellow and blue spectra, and also more favorable in sensory evaluation by Day 3 treatments than in other days accepted.

Cow's milk is the most nutritious drinks and it's an important part of a person’s diet, and it has all the materials the human body needs. Identification of genes related to milk production and composition is a strategy which through can be effectively influenced milk production.A. Another strategy is to identify microRNAs that affect the expression of effective genes. In this study, we were downloaded the microRNAs data related to the mammary gland of dairy cattle with E-GEOD-61227 accession number from the GEO database. After estimating the expression level of microRNAs, target genes for microRNAs were identified using the miRwalk database. In the next step, AgriGO software was used for clustering of genes based on the tree structure of the gene ontology, which includes three sub-ontology of biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. In the present study, based on the clustering of target genes, the results showed that the biological process of gland morphogenesis and epithelial cell proliferation were highly significant. These processes play an important role in the development of the mammary glands and the results based on molecular activity showed that the signaling using transmembrane receptor protein kinase had the highest significant level. Also, the results of the cellular compartment showed that most of the target genes are located in the intracellular membrane-bounded organelle and the plasma membrane. Therefore, the target genes that regulate these significant processes have the potential to play a significant role in finding a targeted solution to improve milk production.

Ducks due to their own curious behavior and diet which includes sludge, materials and objects left on the banks of rivers and swamps. They are prone to chronic forms of lead poisoning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of dipenicillamine and silymarin on lead residue in lead affected duck muscles. To study the effect of dipenicillamine and silymarin on lead residue in lead affected duck muscles, 120 one-day old ducks of Pekin breed into 4 groups of 30 pieces in three replications, including group 1: receiving the basic diet in the whole experimental period, group 2: recievingbasic diet+lead nitrate at a dose of 40 mg/kg (control),group 3: receiving basic diet+lead nitrate at a dose of 40 mg/kg+dipenicillamin at a dose of 20 mg/kg, group 4: receiver of basal diet+lead nitrate at a dose of 40 mg/kg +sage extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg was divided and raised for 60 days. After the end of breeding and slaughter period of ducks according to ethical protocols, sampling of chest and thigh muscles in each slaughtered piece was done. The lead concentration of each sample was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry by furnace method. According to the results, dipenicillamine and silymarin with their antioxidant properties, they were able to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the amount of lead remaining in the thigh and chest muscles.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting social restrictions on changes in nitrogen dioxide levels at five Iranian wildlife refuges, including Heydari, Miankaleh, Qomishlu, Bakhtegan and Shadegan, and five large cities close to them including Mashhad, Sari, Isfahan, Shiraz and Khuzestan, respectively. A comparison between these data was made with similar periodic to the year before the pandemic. The data required for atmospheric monitoring were gained from the NASA database between February 19 and June 1, 2019, as well as from February 19 to June 1, 2020, and were analyzed in Python, MATLAB, and MINITAB softwares. The results of statistical analysis showed that the average levels of pollution in 2019 were significantly different between large cities and between wildlife refuges, while in 2020 there was no significant difference. Also, results showed that covid-19 had a significant effect on reducing the amount of nitrogen dioxide in Sari and Miankaleh wildlife refuge. The amount of this pollutant for Shadegan and Ahvaz city in 2020 was less than 2019, but it was not much different for Shadegan. The social restrictions have had a significant reduction on the levels of nitrogen dioxide in Mashhad, so that the amount of this pollutant has decreased by an average of 44% during the three-month period, but due to lack of information in The Heydari Shelter cannot be judged for the entire three-month period. Nitrogen dioxide in the Bakhtegan has not been changed significantly in the three month of 2019 and 2020. Although in Shiraz until April 13, along with April 15, the amount of nitrogen dioxide due to covid-19 decreased significantly, but from April 13 onwards, the amount of this pollutant has been higher than in the previous year. Further studies will be need to identify the restrictive effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the status of other atmospheric pollutants in Iranian wildlife refuges.

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the development of equestrian tourismin Golestan province. The research method is a mixed type of qualitative and quantitative method. The sampling method was purposeful and available. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviewsidentified the factors affecting the development of equestrian tourism. The research instrument consistedof a researcher-made questionnaire including 6 managerial, infrastructure, economic, cultural, social, politicaland environmental components total 32 questions were collected.  The content validity of the questionnairewas confirmed by a number of sport management professors whose reliability was calculated as 0.82 byCronbach's alpha. after collecting the questionnaire, the data were analyzed by descriptive and inferentialstatistics spss22.The findings of the study showed that the average rank of strategic planning for tourism development in equestrian sport (8.40), recreational and sports facilities for tourist preservation (9.10), Creating different job opportunities (7.58), keeping the long-standing and national traditions alive (9.13), collaborating between domestic and foreign tourism stakeholders (9.16) and protecting natural resources (8.62), in attracting tourists and developing Horse riding has a huge impact. Tourism planningcan lead to economic diversification and prosperity of organized economic activities in the field of tourismand pave the way for tourism development for equestrian sport. Reducing and eliminating restrictions on the motivation and satisfaction of tourist’s results from horse riding.

Algae have a wide variety and diversity, most notably its properties, especially green algae, because of the high antioxidant and antibacterial activity of extracts extracted from them. And the abundance of algae and the use of natural antibacterial alternatives to handmade and synthetic drugs is important. One of the most important causes of this study was the efficacy of these compounds as inhibitors of bacterial growth, especially human pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria. Accordingly, the fractions extracted from Ulva fasciata green algae were evaluated using a gas-soluble gas chromatographic apparatus in Estonia and its effect on the extracted bacteria was, respectively, frequency and concentration of Erucic acid, phytol. The antibacterial activity of the extracts of green algae Ulva fasciata collected by scuba diving from the Persian Gulf was evaluated in vitro. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC in Gram-positive bacteria) of Staphylococcus aureus, (Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherchia coli and Salmonella typhi) were evaluated to have the highest growth inhibitory effect, 50 μg/ml for S. aureus and the highest lethal concentration, 300 μg/ml for B. subtilis. The results of this study showed that the extract of Ulva fasciata green algae has antibacterial properties.

The usage of water resources requires an understanding of water quality, since water resources are the ultimate recipients of pollution from human activities. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the water quality in Choghakhor wetland located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province using field surveys and to measure the chlorophyll A, using satellite images and to calculate the correlation between the amount of chlorophyll A derived from satellite images and field measurements. For this purpose, water quality of wetland was evaluated using laboratory methods and chlorophyll A was measures using NDCI index and laboratory method. Parameters measured using laboratory methods were DO, EC, PH, TDS, TSS, chlorophyll A, nitrates, water depth, water temperature and the ambient temperature. Sampling was done in 4 stations in the wetland and all tests were carried out within 24 hours after sampling in the laboratory. Statistical analysis of data was done by two-way ANOVA and mean comparison was performed based on Duncan's multiple range test at significance level of 5 percent. Chlorophyll A concentration was measured using NDCI index in ArcGIS 10.3 software. The amount of chlorophyll A derived from satellite images were correlated against the amount of chlorophyll A derived from water sampling and results showed a good correlation (R2 =0.92) between the data obtained from remote sensing and data driven from field survey. This showed that satellite imagery could be used as a useful tool to estimate the amount of chlorophyll A.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of iron nanoparticles on algae Dunaliella Salina as one of the valuable aquatic species in some saline lakes of Iran, aiming at changing the production of some photosynthetic products (under constant conditions of light, temperature and pH).Samples were taken from Artemia Production Research Center in Kerman province, and transferred under standard conditions to Caspian Research Group of Fisheries & Water Pollutants, and prepared after separation, purification, and cultivation in an modify Johnson medium for further studies. Three treatments were exposed to different doses of iron nanoparticles (0.075, 0.75, and 7.5 mg/l) for 12 days, each with three replications, and compared with control sample using SPSS-V20 software. Significant changes were observed in the amounts of chlorophyll a and b affected by nanoparticles compared to control sample (P≤0.05). Significant changes were also observed in the amounts Beta-carotene and glycerol (all three treatments) (P≤0.05). It seems that different concentrations of nanoparticles can alter the amounts of some of the photosynthetic products of algae Dunaliella Salina and increase some valuable products such as glycerol and beta-carotene.

Physiological changes due to the hormonal alterations during pregnancy, lead to the changes in chemical properties of urine and facilitate the growth of the microorganisms. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of bacteriuria and its relevance to some demographic parameters of pregnant women referred to Dr. Sehatti laboratory of Abadan city.Sampling was conducted by collected of the middle urine sample and samples were analyzed using biochemical tests, microbial culture and antibiogram. Results showed that 54.4% of examined women had the pyuria and 28.8% had bacteriuria.Study of different parameters showed that there was no significant relation between the bacteriuria and age, education level, diabetes history and taking medicines. Results showed that almost half of the examined pregnant women had the history of urinary tract infection and proteinuria was more significant in such patients. In this study Staphylococcaceae family was the most abundant agent for urinary tract infection and after that; there were Streptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae respectively. Results of the antibiotic resistance showed that the examined bacteria had the most resistance to Clindamycin, Tetracycline, Azithromycin, and Cefoxitin, and the most sensitivity to Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoine, Ampicillin, and Cotrimoxazole. The bacteria isolated from the specimens in a culture medium were tested according to the antibiogram method.According to results of the present study, pregnant women of third trimester were more susceptible to urinary tract infections and demographic parameters had no significant effects on occurrence of urinary tract infection in pregnant women.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is one of the important causes of nosocomial infections. Unfortunately, this bacterium has very high level of antibiotic resistance due to the presence of resistance genes, the efflux pumps and the formation of biofilms. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of magnetite-alginate nanoparticles (M-AlgNPs) on P. aeruginosa biofilm. M-AlgNPs were synthesized utilizing a coprecipitation method. The structural properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial activity was tested by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using microdilution method and biofilm formation was measured using microtiter plate tests. M-AlgNPs at a concentration of 0.256 to 90 µg/ml inhibited biofilm formation in clinical strains of Pseudomonas. The present investigation revealed that application of M-AlgNPs as antibacterial agents may be effective in inhibiting biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa.