فصلنامه محیط زیست جانوری
سال دوازدهم شماره 4 (زمستان 1399)

Since determining the suitability of wildlife habitats have a great importance in wildlife conservation and management programs and considering the importance of the role of hyena specie in nature Cleaning (eating dead animals) and to prevent the spread of pollution and disease, the aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of hyena habitat in Yazd province, Bagh-e Shadi natural protected area, using maximum entropy algorithm. According to studies, variables such as altitude, slope, direction, distance from water sources, vegetation communities, distance from village, geography, soil, and hypsometry were identified as effective environmental factors in determining habitat suitability of species. Then Maxnet software was used to evaluate the habitat suitability of the hyena species with the species presence points. According to done the modeling and based on the obtained, results, according to the Jackknife test, Area under the curve for vegetation variable was higher than the other variables and It was identified as the most important variable affecting the suitability of hyena habitat. According to the table the relative contribution The obtained variables from the model, the water resource variable had the highest relative share (84.4%) and permutation importance (61.6%) and it was identified as the most important non-living parameter affecting species distribution and prediction mapping. Also the area under curve (AUC) results for the training data (0.870) showed the efficiency and predictive power of the model for the distribution of hyena species is in the highest level. Therefore, the results of this study, in addition to predicting the spatial distribution of hyena and finding new favorable areas of presence, can contribute to the management measures of conservation of this species.

Habitat fragmentation is the most important dynamic process that changes the habitat pattern in landscape. Today, the greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide is the destruction of parts of the habitat. The creation of corridors for communication between landscapes of fragmented lands for animal movement is emphasized that is important to prevent biodiversity loss. In this study, the Maxent methods was used to create a habitat suitability map and The least cost path analysis was used to identify and design the corridors. Eight habitat factors were selected based on studies, as well as behavioral and ecological characteristics of the species and study area, to investigate the impact of biological and non-biological variables on Armenian wild sheep habitat. Including slope, elevation, distance from main road, distance from wolf, distance from village, distance from water sources and aspect. According to MaxEnt analysis and the results of the Jack-Knife test 4 variables of distance from wolf, altitude, distance from village and distance from water sources have the most influence or role and direction variable has the least role. Finally, according to the surveys on the maps and field studies, three output routes were selected. The first route is not suitable because of the long distance and being in the middle of the village and having less height and being close to the main roads. The second and third paths are suitable because they eventually lead to one path and can be considered as the main corridor.

Species distribution model is important to protect and to manage the roe deer as an elusive and national protected herbivore species in Iran. In this study habitat modeling was carried out via Biomod2 package in R software environment using 91 presence points of the spices as well as environmental and human factors. Ensemble model of habitat suitability was prepared based on six species distribution model algorithms for a study area of 74000 km2. AUC for ensemble model was 0.97 which showed an excellent performance. Suitable habitat for roe deer covered an area about 15 percent of the studied area. Also, the results showed that altitude (29%) and land-use (29%) then, maximum temperature in the warmest month and slope variables were the most influential factors on species distribution. Also, the results indicate that anthropogenic factors were not much effective on the species presence. Roe deer prefers the denser forests since this habitat can reduce its visibility and provide sufficient cover and food for the species.

The study of museum specimens' DNA, is so important today because of the useful information it provides researchers. In addition, because of the genetic content for these samples is very fragile over time and sometimes low in their concentration, they need to more efficient methods with higher yields for optimal quantitative and qualitative extraction needed from the past. Therefore, depending on the target species or tissues, researchers often search to find a suitable way to achieve their goals by modifying and optimizing extraction protocols. In this study, by changing some parameters in the phenol chloroform method, the genetic content of 22 Caspian Seal samples containing fresh tissues and museum specimens was extracted. Also, the average of DNA concentration of fresh tissues and museum specimens according to the mean and standard error (M±SE) was 632.90±75.62 and 222.87±182.91 respectively and the mean of 260/280 wavelength ratio was closer to 1.8 nm in fresh tissue samples, then the DNA product of fresh muscle tissue samples had significantly higher concentration (P-value<0.05). The extracted DNA was amplified using two specific non-universal primers (Hg6.3 and Hg8.9) by polymerase chain reaction upon achievement to suitable temperature gradient. The results of molecular band documentation on 8% acrylamide gel indicated that all specimens, both fresh tissue and museum specimens with at least two decades, were successfully amplified. Given the ability of a successful genotype for population genetic studies, preservation of museum specimens under any circumstances is recommended.

Protection of habitat connectivity is a major goal of the protection project, especially for large predators. Habitat patches are desirable zones with different distribution in landscape. These patches with various dimensions and sizes include high-performance segments for presence and establishment. Therefore, investigation of the identification process and changes in the patches for different species of wildlife will provide a correct and accurate picture of their distribution status. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of habitat patches of brown bear on the landscape scale of Sefidkoh area in Lorestan province. In this regard, habitat suitability was first calculated by maximum entropy method using 10 replicates. After validation of the model using the AUC, different thresholds of logistic output were applied to continuous habitat suitability map. NP, PD, ED, LPI, LSI, SHDI and CONTAG metrics were used to evaluate the continuity. The trend of changes in different metrics showed that by decreasing and increasing the threshold value applied to the continuous map, the suitability of the values related to landscape metrics would be affected. High threshold values represent the key habitat and low threshold values give an optimistic view of the distribution of patches. The results showed that the identification of the appropriate threshold for hot spots analysis is prior to analysis of landscape metrics since this threshold depending on the purpose of the study, the number of presence points, model types, and species conditions will be of different utility.

Camel is a resistant species to drought and cold weather and produces milk and meat in harshest environmental condition. Camel population has been decreasing during last decades in Iran, and genetic studies are quite necessary for considering the conservation and productivity of this species. The aim of this study was to bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial sequence of 16sr RNA gene in Iranian camelus dromedaries and Camelus bactrianus.In the present study, the blood samples were collected from 10 Bactrian and 10 dromedary camels, and DNA was extracted; the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene with 1512 bp was amplified using specific primers. Sequencing was performed by automated Sanger method. Then complete nucleotide sequencing of Iranian two-humped and one-humped camels was performed by Sangar automatic method and then the obtained sequences were compared with the sequences obtained from other studies. The results showed that the nucleotide similarity of 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene with the complete sequence of other camels in the World Bank of the gene was calculated to be 93.98 to 100%. Comparison of nucleotide sequence, construct of the genetic distance matrix and drawing of phylogenetic tree, the complete sequence obtained genetic distance analysis showed that Iranian one-humped camels are most similar to Arabian one-humped camels and Iranian double-humped camels are most similar to western two-humped camels. The drawing of this tree also showed that the population of Iranian camels is a monophyletic group.

The Arabian horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. This race has performed well in endurance races and in general athletic performance and has been instrumental in the formation of some of the world's leading races. In this case, polymorphism was investigated in two Arab (original and non-authentic) Khuzestan regions using RFLP method. For this purpose, blood samples were taken from 20 Iranian Arabian horses (the first 10 samples of the original Arabian horse and the next 10 samples of the non-native Arabian horse). DNA was extracted from blood samples and then the polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the myostatin gene. The PCR product is affected by the enzyme in the PCR-RFLP reaction. Samples were analyzed for genotyping. The results showed that the average heterozygosity observed was 0.477 and the expected heterozygosity average was 0.477 in the genuine Arabian horse population. The effective allele number was 1.918 in the genuine Arabian horse population and 1.934 in the non-native Arabian horse population. The highest and lowest values ​​of Shannon index in genuine Arabian horse population were 0.693 and 0.500, respectively. The present study showed that there are polymorphisms in myostatin gene loci in both populations. Polymorphisms of this gene can be used as a candidate to identify differences in the genetic potential of different Arabian horse populations.

in the breeding system, often one livestock is more valuable than the other the purpose of the present study was to use specific nucleotide variants between the amelogenin genes for sex determination in wild and domestic herbivores (sheep, goat, cattle and deer). For this purpose, whole blood and dung were about 59 studied animals were prepared and genomic DNA was extracted by commercial kit according to its supplementary instructions. The primers studied were selected and synthesized based on conserved regions in the phylogenetic gene sequence in the Gene Bank. The polymerase chain reaction was optimized according to existing standard protocols. The results clearly showed the existence of a bond pattern difference between males and females. The amplified band size of these identical primers varied depending on the species and the breed within each species. In some species, the electrophoretic patterns were inevitably coupled to a false band, which fortunately did not interfere with the sex determination process (Usually depending on race and age of deer is 4 (male) to 12 (female)). According to the observations obtained in this study, differences in specific nucleotide variants between Amelogenin genes can be considered as a suitable tool for pre-selection and sex identification in animal species.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of date palm wastes on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen and blood parameters and fiberlitic enzymes activity in fattening camels. Three male camels from Turkmen breed with an initial body weight of 335±15 kg and 24 months old were used in a rotate design for 3 periods of 21-day feeding experiment with a 14-day adaptation period and 7-days sampling. Experimental treatments included: 1) control diet (chopped Alfalfa+concentrate), 2) control diet with 10 % date palm waste and 3) control diet with 20 % date palm waste. Feed intake weighed for the last 7 days of period and faeces samples were collected for the last 3 days of period to determination of nutrient digestibility with acid insoluble ash method after drying. The results of current study showed that the experimental diets had significant effect on daily weight gain of male camels (p < 0.05). Inclusion of date palm waste in diet up to 10% increased daily weight gain (p < 0.05). There was not difference amongst treatments concerning dry matter intake and feed ratio. Date palm wastes effectively enhanced digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and fat (p < 0.05). Glucose, Cholesterol, High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Blood Urea-N (BUN) were not altered, in the male camels fed with Date palm wastes. Date palm wastes of in the diets did not significant effect on carboxy methyl-cellulase (CMM) and microcrystalline-cellulase activity in the particulate material (PM), extra cellular (EC), cellular (C) and total activity fraction, but microcrystalline-cellulase activity in the extra cellular (EC), and total activity fraction ternd to significant. There was not difference amongst treatments ruminal pH. The results showed that (DMI) and (DWG) of camels using ration 2 and nutrient digestibility of camels using ration 3 was higher than others. In conclusion, barely in fattening camels ration can be replaced at up to 20 percent without negative effects.

111543 records of first calving test day milk production with three milking times during the years 1983 to 2016 were used for 62 herds in the Breeding Center data file. The dairy cows under study had 10 test day records. Variables from the herd-year-calving combination as random effect and herd-test-month-age combination at the time of record as fixed effects were created for each animal. Average milk yield in hot and dry climate was higher than hot and wet climate. The average traits of milk fat and milk protein percentage in hot and dry climates were higher than hot and wet climates, but somatic cell traits were higher in hot and wet climates. The phenotypic variance of milk yield was higher in hot and dry regions in all ten test day records. The phenotypic variance of milk fat percent was higher in hot and dry area on the first, second, fifth and sixth test days. The average genetic variance of milk fat percentage in hot and wet region at 9 test day records was higher than in hot and dry region. Phenotypic variance of milk protein percentage in hot and dry area was higher than in hot and wet regions in all test days. In countries where calving occurs throughout the year, mastitis is dependent to the pattern of growth of pathogens in different seasons and years. Changes in animal physiological conditions (calving and changes in breast status) increase the number of somatic cells in milk, which has a physiological effect. As a result, the interaction of genotype and environment changes the ranking of male cows in high-yield, medium-yielding and low-yielding herds. In other words, male cows that have a high corrective value in high-yielding herds may not have the expected yield in low-yielding herds.

Lawsonia inermis is one of the drought-resistant plants in the southern of Iran and contains a large number of antibiotic-like compounds and phenolic compounds such as tannins. This study was conducted to determine nutrients composition, Total phenolic and tannin contents and some fermentation parameters of Lawsonia inermis leaves via in vitro gas production technique. The leaves samples were randomly collected from six farms, air-dried and ground. Nutrients composition, total phenolic and tannin contents of samples was measured. The degradability kinetic of samples was determined via in vitro gas production method. The gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 72 and 96h of incubation. The results showed that crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude ash, calcium and phosphorous concentrations of samples were respectively 13.97, 0.18, 15.98, 3.17, 0.98, 0.08 and 0.01 percent. Additionally, total phenolic and tannin contents of the samples were 33.49 and 13 percent respectively. The amount of gas production was 55.3 ml. The fractional rate of gas production was 0.078/h. The organic matter digestibility of lawsonia inermis leaves was 61.83%. Totally, it can be concluded that due to its low neutral and acid detergent fiber and appropriate crude protein and organic matter digestibility, lawsonia inermis leaves can be fed to ruminant animals.

This study was aimed to evaluate whether high ambient temperature (heat stress, HS) can affect sperm quality parameters in Belgian blue bulls. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from three healthy mature Belgian blue bulls which were located in a breeding company under uniform feeding and management conditions. After semen collection, and the primary evaluations, the ejaculates with more than 60 percent total motility were subjected to the freezing process. After thawing the samples were used to assess the motion parameters, morphological abnormalities, acrosome integrity, chromatin condensation, viability, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl ion production. The results indicated that total and progressive motility and straight-line velocity were lower in the HS group compared to the control (P≤0.05), moreover, the generation of H2O2, hydroxyl ions, percentage of aberrant chromatin condensation, total morphological abnormal sperm cells, spermatozoa with bent tails and proximal protoplasmic droplets were higher in the HS compared to the control (P≤0.05) while the percentage pf damaged acrosome was not differ between HS and control (P≥0.05). In conclusion, these findings show that elevated ambient temperature can decrease the quality of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa may leading to a lower fertility rate.

Storage of semen in the liquid form rather than cryopreservation is becoming popular as preparing and transportation is less expensive in this method. While maintaining the optimal osmolarity in all Tris-Egg yolk based extenders (TEY), the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of sugar type (glucose and fructose) and sugar concentration modifications on ram semen kinetics during incubation at body temperature. The semen diluents with different Sugar: Tris ratios (30 mM: 300 mM and 210 mM: 100 mM) were made with two different monosaccharide (glucose and fructose) and were compared with a standard extender used for freezing ram semen. The results showed that regardless of the diluent medium, the mobility parameters of sperm significantly decreased after incubation for two hours at 37°C. There was no significant interaction between storage time and type of extender. Also, the percentage of total motility and progressive motility were not significantly influenced by treatments. However, some of the motility parameters of incubated semen samples, including linearity, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and straight-line velocity (VSL) were improved by enhancing concentration of sugars in diluents. It is concluded that an increase in sugar: Tris ratio in TEY extenders, may improve the kinematic parameters of ram semen at body temperature. Thermoresistance of spermatozoids at body temperature can be considered as an indicator of male gametes fertility inside the female reproductive tract.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of source and level of non-protein nitrogen, as well as the level of molasses added to high concentrate diets on gas production parameters. A completely randomized design with factorial (2×2×3) arrangement of 12 treatments with 5 replications was used. Factors were two types of non-protein nitrogen sources, common urea and slow-release urea (Nitroza) each in two levels (0.8 and 1.6%) and (0.9 and 1.8%) on dry matter basis of ration respectively, and molasses at three levels (0, 10 and 20%). With increasing of molasses, the amounts of cumulative gas production up to 24 hours of incubation, metabolisable energy, truly organic matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility and short chain fatty acids, increased (p < 0.05). Cumulative gas production was not affected by non-protein nitrogen source and its levels. Truly organic matter digestibility was higher in diets containing slow-release urea than conventional urea, but in other parameters there was no difference between the two non-protein nitrogen sources. In general, the results showed that the rate of ammonia release from conventional and slow release urea in the culture medium does not have a significant effect on in vitro fermentation, but adding 20% molasses on dry matter basis of ration, improved the gas production parameters.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of addition alcoholic extract of propolis and organic acid (acetic acid) on chemical composition, fermentation characteristic and gas production parameters of barley silage in a complete randomized design. Whole crop barley was harvested and chopped with a conventional forage harvester under farm condition to length of 2-3 cm. Representative of barley forage samples were packed manually, in triplicate into plastic bags and were stored at ambient temperature and allowed to ensile for 1, 3, 7, 21 and 45 days. The following treatments were applied to the forage samples: 1) barley silage without any additives (control), 2) control + alcoholic extract of propolis (500 µl/kg of fresh forage) and 3) control + acetic acid (1% of DM).Results showed that there were differences among treatments on DM content and pH (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest pH was related to barley silage treated with organic acid and control treatment, respectively. Compared with control treatment, barley silage treated with acetic acid and alcoholic extract of propolis improved (40 and 18 h, respectively) aerobic stability (p < 0.05). The fungi count was lowest in organic acid treatment on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). However, the fungi population was not observed on days 21 and 45 after ensiling in all treatments. Organic acid treated barley silage had highest gas production potential and in contrast, using alcoholic extract of propolis increased ME, OMD and SCFA content. Generally, obtained results showed that although organic acid and alcoholic extract of propolis as additives had not considerably effect on nutritive value of barley silage, but they improved aerobic stability (p < 0.05).

This experiment was coducted in order to investigate the inclusion of Konar (Ziziphus mauritiana) leaves containing tannins and sunflower oil as a source of poly unsaturated fatty acids (full of linoleic acid) in high concentrate diets on gas production and degradability. In this experiment the degradability and fermentation parameters by were compared by using in situ and gas production techniques. Gas production and degradation rate were measured at 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement of treatments. Dietary treatments were control, 20% Konar leaves, 2.5 % sunflower oil and, 2.5 % sunflower oil +20% Konar leaves. The results showed that dry matter soluble fraction (a), 37.72 (p < 0.09), potentially degradable insoluble fraction (b), 49.41 (p < 0.06) and constant degragation rate (c), 0.0573 (p < 0.08) tended to decrease using Konar leaf. Effective dry matter degradability at different passage rates (74.07, 66.52 and 61.60 for effective degradability of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06, respectively) decreased in diets containing Konar leaf (P <0.02). Effective degradability of crude protein significantly decreased (93.80, 90.32 and 87.60, respectively) at the passage rates of 0.02 (p < 0.01), 0.04 (p < 0.01) and 0.06 (p < 0.02). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed between treatments in terms of cumulative gas production at all incubation hours (2 to 96) between treatments due to addition of sunflower oil. Gas production potential, 105.04 (p < 0.01) and gas production rate, 0.110 (p < 0.06) were significantly increased by addition of sunflower oil. An increase in true organic matter digestibility (TOMD) and microbial mass production (MB) (p < 0.01) observed using Konar leaves in the diet. Totally, the results of this study showed that addition of Konar leaves and sunflower oil to the diet could affect fermentative and degradability parameters of diets with little interaction. This means that the effect of each of factors in the diet is independent. On the other hand, separate or mixed using of konar leaves containing tannins and sunflower oil had no adverse effect on ruminal function in vitro.

The present experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of feeding ewes with two different feeding levels during mid- and late pregnancy on the performance and behavior of ewes and lambs during 24 hours after birth.In order to test 112 ewes of Zandi singleton breed that were pregnant, they were randomly divided into 4 feeding levels in mid and late pregnancy in 4 treatments and 4 replications (7 repetitions per head).Experimental treatments include: 1- Feeding with 4 cm forage in mid-pregnancy and feeding with 4 cm forage in late pregnancy (4-4), 2- Feeding with 4 cm forage in mid-pregnancy and feeding with 2 cm forage in Late pregnancy (4-2), 3- Forage feeding 2 cm in mid-pregnancy and forage feeding 4 cm in late pregnancy (2-4), 4- Forage feeding 2 cm in mid-pregnancy and forage feeding Were 2 cm in late pregnancy (2-2).According to the results, the weight of ewes and the birth weight of their lambs that used 4 cm forage in mid and late pregnancy had a significant increase compared to other groups (p < 0.05).Lambs born from 4-4 group ewes moved less towards their mother to communicate (p < 0.05).In general, the results of the present experiment showed that feeding ewes in late gestation with four cm of forage could have better performance on ewes and lambs born.

The main goal of proper scientific management is to achieve maximum profitability and productivity. It is necessary to identify the role of management factors on the performance of livestock units. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the role of social, environmental, genetic factors in goat breeding through analysis of questionnaire data and phenotypic traits. At first, the number of breeders and participants in the "World Goat Day Conference" of the Institute of Animal Science Research of Iran was obtained and the questionnaire was filled up through interview on virtual channels and through face-to-face interviews with 82 active growers from different provinces. In the second step, all row data collected from farmers from including technical and breeding information management statue, pest contamination medicinal usage, Nutrition and formulation of data (forage and concentration), marketing place, number of kids and input and equipment and the main problems of breeding has been instigated, then a statistical index of all collected records was analyzed in all groups. Result of present study show number of kidding and mortality is two important factor in this specific raising, kidding number also effect result of survivability in goat raising due to Nutritional condition of does in third step analysis of data collected from two Research station of South Khorasan and Sagez analyzed using cfc, SAS and Result of study shows sex of kid, year of birth and interaction between year and type of birth show significant effect of different live weight in different stage of life(p < 0.05) in both station. The use of livestock experts in livestock farms can provide university educators with livestock breeders, which brings about a bridge between science and the introduction of theory into a practical step to maximize livestock production potential.

Currently, conflict with wildlife is one of the most important problems of farmers and stockbreeders in Mazandaran province which leads to damaging human life and property (destruction of livestock and crops). Conflict with wildlife can lead to farmers' refusal and discouragement of farming and livestock rising. It will result in an increase in the rate of migration from village to city, and the risk of wildlife extinction due to the destruction of wildlife by farmers. The correct and practical management of the conflict in the first step requires the identification of its actual presence, type, magnitude and severity. In this research, 200 questionnaires, was done by personal and face to face interviews with farmers and livestock breeders of Mazandaran province within seven sub-districts (including Kojour, Hezar jarib, Dodange, Chahar bagh, Tonekabon, Amol and Babol). The results showed that 181 interviewees (90.5%) had experience of wildlife conflict and 19 people (9.5%) had no conflict with wildlife. According to the findings, wild boar (Sus scrofa) was responsible for the greatest destruction of agricultural products (91% rice, 95.9% cereal, 52.9% fruit tree and 86% vegetables), and the wolf (Canis lupus) was responsible for the most attacks on cattle (cow 56.8%, sheep 84.34% and goat 66.08%). The information obtained from this study about identifying conflicting species can help in preventative measures to better manage these conflicts by focusing on the type of species and products that are most vulnerable to destruction in the area.

To study the genetic diversity of the Yellow ground squirrel (Spermophilus fulvus) in Iran, 79 tissue samples were collected from seven provinces (Razavi Khorasan, North Khorasan, Zanjan, Qazvin, Alborz, Hamedan and Kurdistan). Following DNAisolationandpolymerase chain reaction (PCR), genetic variation was investigated using the complete sequencingof the mitochondrial Cytochrome b (cyt b) (1140 bp). Results of Bayesian and maximum likelihood trees based on cyt b using 79 individuals showed that the Yellow ground squirrel was divided into three main mtDNA clades from eastern to western Iran. Clade IR1 included populations from eastern and northeastern Iran, along with individuals from Iran-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan borderline. Clade IR2 included populations from northeastern and western provinces of Iran (North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, Zanjan, and Kurdistan provinces), whereas Clade IR3 included populations from western Iran (Hamedan, Qazvin, and Alborz provinces). Our study reveals Iranian populations of the Yellow ground squirrel have undergone sudden range expansions. Based on the genetic diversity analyses, 26 unique haplotypes and 35 informative sites were detected, implying high levels of genetic and haplotype diversity. Additionally, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and fixation index (FST) confirmed a significant genetic structure among the main groups and populations. Finally, our results, based on the mitochondrial genealogy, recommend that the distinct clades of S. fulvus should be recognized as ESUs and be the focus of conservation efforts in the hope of securing the long-term persistence of the Yellow ground squirrel in Iran.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and morphometric characteristics of brown rats in Tehran and Mashhad. To investigate these characteristics, 75 brown rats from Tehran and Mashhad were rehabilitated using trapping and compared based on morphological and morphometric studies and the characteristics of each index were identified. The results of this research showed that the dorsal and ventral colors of Mashhad rats were brighter than Tehran rats. Also, the ratio of body length to ear length of males was higher in population of Mashhad rats. However, the ratio of body length to ear length of females was higher in population of Tehran rats. Univariate analysis of variance showed that among 49 measured cranial morphometric traits, maxillary frontal width, terminal skull length, upper first premolar width, lower second premolar length, had good differentiation power for the two populations of Tehran and Mashhad and the other traits had a weak differentiation power. Also, most of the differentiation powers were related to the second premolar tooth length. No differences were observed between the five populations for the five morphometric traits. There was also a gender bias between males and females.

Stress is one of the most important internal destabilizing factors and has significant negative effects on cognitive functions. Stress induction using the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model has been extensively studied in several animal models to investigate the effect of stress exposure, including exposure to stressors randomly, intermittently and unpredictably. CUS has probably been shown to induce memory dysfunction of the chronic stress response. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of learning and spatial memory impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM) test after induction of CUS for 6 consecutive days. Adult male rats were randomly divided into control groups (without CUS) and stress (induction of CUS for 6 consecutive days). Animal stress, learning, and spatial memory were assessed by the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the MWM, respectively. CUS reduced performance in spatial learning and memory. The time and distance spent to reach the hidden platform in the stress group compared to the control group in a total of four training days showed an increasing trend. So that in the fourth days, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in both parameters. Also, induction of stress led to a significant reduction in the percentage of time in the target quadrant compared with the control group (p < 0.01). In the EPM, the stress group showed a significant decrease in the percentage of time spent in the open arm compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The present study, by exposing male mice to unpredictable stress for 6 days, stated that, due to the ineffectiveness of the stress induction strategies used, achieving a hidden platform location in the MWM over time and distance more has been done.

Bakhtegan wetland including Kamjan, Tashk and Bakhtegan are the most important aquatic habitats of waterbirds in the inland of Iran that in recent years, the severe decline in water level and habitat changes have reduced the quality and quantity of habitat for waterbirds. In this study, the trends of biodiversity changes are studied based on the values of waterbird species diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener & Simpson), Species richness indices (Margalef & Minhinick) and species evenness indices (Pielou & Simpson) using the SDR-IV software in the 31 years' period (2018-1998) including two ten-years and one 11-years' time frames.Moreover, the area of alive wetland in the migration season of waterbirds by calculated using the Landsat satellite imagery collected on November to December. Comparison of diversity indices using ANOVA (analysis of variance) at three time intervals showed that there is no significant difference between species diversity indices and Pielou species evenness index (F2,28 = Shannon-Wiener 2.082, Simpson 0.995, Pielou 2.132, P>0.05). The lowest values of the Margalef index were found in the period of 2009–2009 that were significantly different with other previous decade but there was no significantly differences with periods of 1988–1998. The highest value of the richness index of Minhinick and Simpson E were found in the periods of 2009–2019 and were significantly different with previous decades (p < 0.05). The highest of area of alive wetland in the 1990s and the lowest was in 2001 and in the last decade. It seems that fluctuation of water level and decreasing the alive area of Bakhtegan basin wetlands are the most important factors in the changing the values of waterbird diversity. Providing the environmental flow requirement, implementation of comprehensive wetland management programs and establishment of integrated ecosystem management system are the most important strategies for restoring the waterbird biodiversity of the studied wetlands.

Investigating the birds as an indicator of heavy metal pollution is very useful because the biology of birds is well-known, also birds feed on the higher trophic in the ecosystems, so they can provide information about the extent of pollution in the entire food web. This research was done in 2018 to investigate the distribution of heavy metals (lead, iron, zinc, copper, manganese) in different tissues (kidney, liver, muscle, and feather) of Passer domesticus in Dezful city. A total of 60 domestic sparrows from the urban area and 10 from a rural area (Abolhassan village of Dezful city) were randomly collected in the spring with the help of local natives. Biometric characteristics such as body length, wing length, weight and gender were also studied. Acid digestion method was used to prepare the samples. The results were analyzed using SPSS software. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in the feather of Passer domesticus in rural and urban areas was: Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu. Based on the results, the average Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in urban areas were 106.67, 1.95, 12.43, 32.41 mg/kg and 2.69 mg/kg for Pb respectively. Also, the average concentrations of heavy metals of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in the gentian organs of rural areas were 95.96, 1.26, 100.44, 23.88 mg/kg and 2.75 mg/kg for Pb respectively. Comparison between mean values of zinc and manganese in rural and urban areas were significantly at the level of 0.05.

There have been few studies conducted in Iran regarding immigrant fowl especially European turtle dove and its incubation.‌ Considering the stated issues, this study was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of land use change on the incubation of European turtle dove in national parks of Dez and Karkheh.‌ In this case study, the studied bird was European turtle dove.‌ Given the space of regions and the amount of access to the nests, the regions have been divided into various parts and they were selected based on the importance of issue in each region regarding the information provided before.‌ The results of the current research indicated 75% decrease in the number of chickens, 15% success of flight in the periphery inside the fence; and regarding outside of the fence, it showed 83% decrease in the number of chickens all over the region and 5.‌18% success of flight for all chickens during 2019 as compared to 2012.‌ Moreover, the results indicated that there was a significant difference between the chickens inside the fence and those outside the fence and the amount of chickens’ success inside the fence was higher in both 2019 and 2012 due to protected conditions.

Coccidiosis is the most important parasitic diseases in the broilers. This parasite lives in the cells lining the wall of the Lieberkuhn glands in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of garlic powder on the morphology of duodenum, jejunum and ileum villi in the small intestine of broilers with Eimeria tenella. So, 90 one-day-old broiler chickens were purchased and divided into 3 groups (30 pieces in three replicates): Healthy group: Receiving a basic diet throughout the experimental period, Patient control group: Receiving basal diet+0.25 ml of suspension containing 30,000 Eimeria tenella oocytes since fourteen days old (oral inoculation). Treatment group: Receiving a basal diet+0.25 ml of suspension containing 30,000 Eimeria tenella oocytes from fourteen days old (oral inoculation)+garlic powder at dose of 1% in the diet from the beginning of the period. On days 28 and 49, each group (3 chicks from each replicate) was randomly selected, weighted, killed by cervical method and the length of different parts of the small intestine (ileum, jejunum and ileum) were measured. The results showed that garlic powder significantly increased the height, width and area of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum villi as well as the depth of Lieberkohen glands compared to the patient control group in days of 28 and 49. So, garlic powder can affect the morphology of small intestinal villi and improved the size of intestinal villi in broiler chickens with coccidiosis and protect intestinal epithelial cells.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different fat sources on production performance, immune system and intestinal microflora in commercial laying hens. In this study 140 laying hens in 7 groups, with 5 replications for 12 weeks were used studied. Production performance, humoral immunity and intestinal microflora population were investigated. The results showed that different levels of fat sources increased significantly egg production and egg mass but decreased feed conversion ratio(p < 0.05). Different levels of fat sources were able to significantly increase immune responses in laying hens. Antibody titers in response to SRBC at 28 days were higher in soybean oil and kilka oil groups than in soybean oil and control groups (p < 0.05). The result also showed that adding different sources of fat to the diet reduce population salmonella, E. coli and Coliform compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Overall, it can be stated that different fat sources, especially fish oil, can improve the immune responses, performance and microbial population of the intestine in laying hens.

An experiment was conducted in order to study the effects of butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed and different commercial probiotics in drinking water on performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. This experiment was carried out with 240 of Ross308 chicks in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting 2 levels of dietary butyric acid glycerides (0 and 0.2%) and 4 different probiotics in drinking water (0, 0.012% Aqua blend, 0.012% Primalac and 0.5% sour yoghurt) with 24 experimental units and 3 replicates of 10 straight-run chicks. Dietary butyric acid glycerides had no significant effects on production performance, carcass characteristics (edible carcass, breast, thighs and abdominal fat percentages) and production index of broilers (p>0.05). Different commercial probiotics in drinking water had no significant effect on feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio and production index of broilers (p>0.05) too; however, this effect was significant for edible carcass percentage (p < 0.05) as use of Primalac and sour yoghurt increased edible carcass percentage. Interaction effects between dietary butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed and different probiotics in drinking water on production performance, production index and carcass characteristics were not significant (p>0.05). Totally, inclusion of some probiotics in drinking water (Primalac and sour yoghurt) had positive effects on carcass characteristics but supplementation of butyric acid glycerides in pelleted feed had no significant effects on production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens (p>0.05).

The present research, the effects of silver nanoparticles on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sperm in Japanese quail were investigated. The sperm was diluted in medium containing 0, 0.75, 0.125 and 0.250 ppm of silver nanoparticle. Sperm viability, Membrane integrity were assessed using the eosin-nigrosine test. Sperm acrosome health was evaluated after 40 minutes of treatment with silver nanoparticles at 39 ℃ by Formalin-citrate solution. Sperm concentration, motility, and progressive sperm motility were measured. Addition of silver nanoparticles to the semen of quail significantly decreased sperm motility at 0.25 and 0.250 ppm. Addition of silver nanoparticles in 0.125 and 0.250 ppm levels to quail semen significantly decreased motility and progressive motility(p < 0.05). Viability was significantly reduced in 0.125 and 0.250 ppm AgNPs. The acrosome integrity was significantly decreased at 0.125 silver nanoparticles (p < 0.05). The percentage of spermatozoa with an intact membrane (p < 0.05) were significantly decteased in treatments containg of 0.125 and 0.250 ppm silver nanoparticles in comparison to control group. The nanoparticles may be able to damage the acrosomal membrane. The results of this study suggest that silver nanoparticles may have toxic effects on sperm and may cause sperm death.

In the past, morphological traits were used to classify organisms, but because of the problems encountered in classification using this method, the use of molecular markers was due to its advantages. Mitochondrial markers are one of the best options for the study of phylogenetic relationships. In this study, 10 specimens of green sea turtle were collected from three areas of Chabahar, Govater and Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan province. After DNA extraction, the samples were sequenced. Sequences were studied using MEGA, BioEdit and Arlequin software. The results showed that based on the phylogenetic analysis of the studied population, all of the samples were placed in three populations. The average distance of the population with the help of P-distance was 0.18. The results of the Clustal W show that the greatest difference between the sequences is at the beginning and the end of the sequence. The amount of haploid variety was zero, and the number of polymorphic sites was zero, which indicates that the difference was not such as to make the species derivative. No recombination has taken place in sequences that are consistent with the nature of the area under study. The results of this study, can be used to study the genetic diversity of marine turtles in different geographical conditions. It can also help to manage this population and prevent extinction. It can also be a good solution to provide a suitable Gene bank for the identification of this species through molecular techniques, especially in cases where only the eggs or meat of this animal is present.

Green toad (Bufotes variabilis) is the most successful species of the Bufonidae family distributed throughout Iran due to its high ecological tolerance.  In this study, the populations of this species in the northern and southern regions of Khuzestan province were studied with emphasis on microclimate differences and sea level elevation. The results showed that: sex ratio in Northern Province was in favor of females and in south in favor of males.  Results of multivariate analysis of variance confirmed the existence of sexual dimorphy in the species populations of both regions .Demographic separation between the northern and southern populations of both sexes was confirmed.Female populations were completely separated at Shush and Shavour stations, and at Shadegan and Khorramshahr stations, respectively.In the male population, Hamidieh and Shadegan stations had the least similarity and Shavour, Shadegan and Khorramshahr stations were the most similar. The number of chromosomes was 2n=22 in both regions and no polyploidy was observed.

Cannibalism is an aggressive behavior in which the living organism eats whole or part of its body. In amphibians, cannibalism is done by feeding on its own eggs or larvae. The increase in temperature resulting from global warming, by affecting on the rate of intraspecific interaction and intensifying water level fluctuations and change in density, can alter the rate of cannibalism with a high coefficient in amphibian populations. In this study, independent and interactive effects of temperature (high and low), water level (hydroperiod) (high, low, and decreasing water levels), and density (low and high) factors on the cannibalism of Levant green frog Pelophylax bedriagae larvae was investigated in within 10 months. By considering the independent effect of the factors, the highest rate of cannibalism was observed in high temperature (56.6%), low water level (47.5%) and low density (53.33%). Due to the interactive effect, the highest percentage of cannibalism (including biting and whole body cannibalism) was recorded in the high temperature/low water level/low density treatment with 90%. In contrast, the lowest rate of cannibalism was recorded in two treatments: low temperature/low water level/low density, and low temperature/high water level/low density with 20%. The results of study showed that temperature and density had significant independent effects on the cannibalism but water level fluctuations are not significant. Also, interaction of three factors included temperature, water level and density had a significant effect on the rate of cannibalism.

Golden gray mullet, Liza aurata is one of the most valuable and sensitive species in the Caspian Sea. Given the possibility of catching Caspian bony fish only in the second six months of each year, the present study was conducted from autumn to winter 2015 in the Caspian Sea and Gorgan Bay to investigate the effect of season and habitat on hematological and biochemical analysis of golden mullet fish serum. 30 golden mullet fish that were caught in both seasons randomly from the Caspian Sea and Gorgan Bay with a blade net were studied. The blood study was divided into two sections: blood serum studies (liver enzymes, cortisol, glucose and protein) and hematological indices (blood and differential cells). The results of enzymatic indices showed that all indices had the highest amount in the autumn seasons and the lowest in the winter, indicating a greater influence of the season on sampling location. The results of hematological, immunological and biochemical indices showed that these indices did not follow the same trend and did not adhere to a single characteristic and each index showed different responses under different environmental conditions and seasons. Overall, the results of this study confirm that the blood and serum parameters of mullet fish in different environmental and time conditions have different responses and among these parameters, the enzymatic parameters showed significant trend and could be suitable biomarkers.

This study was conducted to determine the diet composition of Cyprinion watsoni in the Marm Cascade of Hormozgan province for period 16 months from June 2017 to September 2018. Sampling was done by hand nets. A total of 392 C. watsoni were measured biometric data and then dissected for diet determination. The results showed that these fish were herbivores, with a rate of %98.8. The results of abundance of food items revealed that the major food groups in C. watsoni were diatoms (Bacillariophyta) with %92.67, Cyanophyta with %5.34 and golden yellow algae, respectively. (Chrysophyta) with %0.28, Green Algae (Chlorphyta) with %0.29 and crustacea with %0.04, Mollusca with %0.04 and Foraminofera (%0.01) are other food items that observed in gut diet. Also unknown food group was %1. The results of the dietary preference index showed that diatoms as main food and food items included green algae, golden yellow algae, crustaceans, molluscs and foraminifera as random foods in this fish diet.

In this study, the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel (Citrus paradisi) on growth performance and some antioxidant parameters of Caspian white fish (Rutilus kutum) blood plasma were investigated. Accordingly, 180 fry fish with an initial mean weight of 4.0 ± 0.3 g were fed with diets containing 0, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg hydro-alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel per kg feed. The fry fish were cultured for 56 days. The highest amounts of body weight gain (50.10±6.18 %), specific growth rate (3.05±0.79 % per day) as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.32±0.11) were observed in the fish fed with Grapefruit juice extract 25 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between treatments in condition factor and survival percentage (P>0.05). In addition, the highest activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase enzyme and catalase enzyme were observed in 25 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel. Also, superoxide dismutase enzyme was significantly increased in fish fed with hydro-alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel compared to the control group. In general, supplementation of the Caspian white fish feed with hydro alcoholic extract of grapefruit peel at 25 mg/kg of feed can improve growth performance and antioxidant responses.

The relationship between length and weight and some biological characteristics of Tinca tinca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Anzali Wetland was investigated. A total of 102 specimens of T. tinca were collected on monthly sampling intervals from spring to winter 2019. The mean total length of fish was 15.97±1.51, minimum 13 and maximum 22.5 cm. The fork length was 15.58±1.55, minimum 12.7 and maximum 22.3 cm. Mean fish weight was 62.64±21.15 g with minimum 30 and maximum 174 g. The obesity factor index was 1.49±0.18 in the whole population and 1.41±0.11 in males and 1.55±0.20 in females with minimum values in autumn and maximum in spring. Mean hepatic index was 1.05±0.76 for the whole population, 1.29±0.89 in males and 0.90±0.63 in females with minimum values in spring and maximum in autumn. The mean gonadosomatic index was 5.62±4.58 for the whole population and 3.35±2.1 in males and 7.02±5.12 in females with the minimum in winter and maximum in spring. The relationship between total length and weight for all fish was W=0.025 L2.8123, female W=0.0363 L2.6907 and male, W=0.0066 L3 .2724. According to the b value of the length-to-weight relationship, T. tinca in the Anzali Wetland has an isometric growth pattern indicating similar growth and length growth rate. In the present study, the obtained CF>1 was obtained indicating a proper feeding conditions of the species in the Anzali Wetland.

Ichthyophthirias is or white spot disease is caused by a ciliated protozoan called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This study is intended to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of garlic, geranium and lavender extracts on I. multifiliis. A total of 140 specimens of naturally infected Capoeta damascina with an approximate weight of 30.21 grams were caught and transported to the laboratory. Fish were exposed to 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/l of garlic, geranium and lavender extracts. The number of parasites in fish and the fish survival rate were evaluated in different groups after 4 hours. The strongest effects were observed in fish receiving 40 mg/l of garlic and lavender extracts which shows a significant difference with the geranium and the control group (p≤0.05). The results also revealed a significant difference between the number of parasites and the concentration of the extracts in test groups (p≤0.05). According to the findings of this study, using herbal extracts especially garlic is recommended, however, more studies are needed to achieve the LC50 dose for different fish species.

In the present study, the sexual dimorphism of Esmaeilius sophiae inhabiting the Cheshme-Ali Damghan (Dashte-Kavir basin) and Shoor River (Namak lake basin) was conducted using landmarks-based geometric morphometric technique. A total of 86 specimens were collected from Cheshme-Ali Damghan (52 specimens) and Shoor River (34 specimens). From the left side of the fresh samples were photographed using a digital camera, then 15 landmark-points placed on the 2D images using TpsDig2 software. The obtained data from the body shape after Generalized Procrustes analysis were analyzed using multivariate analysis including discriminant function analysis using P-value obtained from T-test Hoteling. The observed differences were related to the position of the mouth and pectoral fin and the length of the caudal peduncle. The results showed significant differences between the body shape of the males (p < /em><0.05).The results suggest change in habitat place to reduce food competition as a cause of sexual dimorphism in this species. Comparison of the males and females of both populations (between population) revealed that those of Cheshme-Ali Damghan have deeper body that provide advantage for their swimming.

The aim of this research was to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of recreational fishermen to the conservation of an endangered species ofBrown trout(Salmo trutta, L. 1758), in order to determine the conservation value of Brown trout. In order to do this research, 428 recreational fishermen were selected by simple random sampling method. Data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire comprising items about the recreational fishermen demographic characteristics as well as their willingness to pay for the protection of the endangered species of Brown trout. Eventually, analysis of gathering data was carried out with applying a Logit model under maximum likelihood procedure by using SPSS (version 21) and Eviews (10) Software. The result showed that 79 percent of the recreational fishermen had a positive willingness to pay for the protection of the endangered species of Brown trout. The average payment of WTP for the monthly and annual protection value of Brown trout was estimated 767749.1 RLs and 9212989.25 RLs respectively. According to the results of this research, the variables of the literacy level, income, job, membership in the environmental organization, species recognition and bid have positive effects on the willingness to pay for the protection of endangered species of Brown trout.

In recent years, the use of plant-based safety stimuli in aquaculture has become increasingly common. Ginger has many properties and is often used as a medicinal and spice plant for food use. In the present study, the effects of different levels of ginger extract on diet were evaluated on growth indices, survival and carcass biochemical composition of rainbow trout with a mean weight of 45.80±3.60 g for 56 days. The present study was conducted to evaluate different levels of ginger extract Zingiber officinale on growth indices, carcass biochemical composition, hematological and blood biochemical parameters of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with an average weight of 45.80±3.60 g for 56 days. Seven hundred and fifty fish were randomly distributed in fifteen 3000L cylindrical fiberglass tanks. Fish were distributed completely randomly in 15 cylindrical 3,000-liter fiberglass tanks. Ginger extract in five levels of 0, 1, 3, 6 and 10 g/kg was added to the experimental diet and the fish were fed for 8 weeks in the same culture conditions. Results showed that specific growth rate, body weight gain and average daily growth rate and feed conversion ratio were significantly different in the 10 gr/kg group (p < 0.05), whereas gonadosomatic index, condition index and protein efficiency coefficient showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Also, the ginger extract did not affect body protein, fat, ash and moisture content (P>0.05). The results showed that adding 1% of ginger to the diet improved growth indices in rainbow trout.

Interploid triploid rainbow trout were produced by mating of female tetraploid and male diploid fish and this method is suitable and economical for sterilization of fish. In order to produce tetraploid fish by heat shock, the most appropriate temperature and shock time were investigated. 6 treatments with three replications including control group (fertilized eggs without heat shock) and fertilized eggs greater than 5 mm in diameter and also those less than 5 mm in diameter with shocks of 1, 5 and 10 minutes after Fertilization was investigated at temperatures 28, 30 and 32 °C, respectively. Determination of tetraploidy was done by comparing the DNA content of red blood cell nuclei in different treatments using flow cytometry. The highest tetraploid levels were observed in temperature of 28 ° C in eggs above 5 mm in diameter and below 5 mm (p>0.05) 19.8% and 11.9%, respectively. Based on the results, temperatures of 28, 30 and 32 ° C were induced tetraploidy in the eggs below 5 mm dimeter, and in those above 5 mm, only 28 and 32 °C induced tetraploidy. The favorite temperature for Induction of tetraploidy in trout is 28 ° C and the appropriate time to initiate shock is 65 hour-degree after fertilization for 7 minutes shocking.

Sodium alginate, an anionic polysaccharide, is now considered a new prebiotic due to its immune-stimulating and growth-promoting properties. This study has investigated the effects of sodium alginate on non-specific immune system parameters and growth performance in the rainbow trout fingerling. For these purposes, 90 rainbow trout (3±0.3 g) were fed 3% of body weight with a diet that contain 2.5 g/kg sodium alginate for 45 days. The growth factors and non-specific immune system parameters includes lysozyme, Alternative complement activity (ACH50), bactericidal and respiratory burst activity were investigated in days 15 and 45. At the end of the rearing period, treatments exposed to the toxic dose of ozone. The results showed that the fish feed with diet contain sodium alginate had not significant differences with control treatment on body weight gain, food conversion factor, specific growth rate, condition factor (P>0.05) but there was significant differences in final weight gain (p < 0.05). On both days, 15 and 45, sodium alginate caused the significant increase in lysozyme activity, alternative complement activity, respiratory burst activity and bactericidal of rainbow trout compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when the treatments exposed to toxic dose of the ozone, sodium alginate increased relative percent survival compared to the control treatment. According to the results, using of the sodium alginate in diet improved the performance of the  immune system, increased the fish's resistance to the toxic level of ozone and finally increased the relative percent survival in rainbow trout fingerling.

Targeted use of ammonia and nitrite degrading bacteria could increase the efficiency of the closed recirculating fish culture systems. Ammonia and nitrite assimilation by heterotrophic bacteria are important along with autotrophic species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of two strains of nitrifying bacteria Dyadobacter sp. (no. 68) and of Janthinobacterium sp. (no. 100) in the rainbow trout breeding system. These two types of bacteria with a dilution of 8×109 cfu (A) in a 1000 ml container transferred into 400 liter fish or experimental tanks containing 50 pieces Trout 50.65±3.89 g, also one treatment was considered as control group [n=3] (C). After 10 days, hematological and qualitative indices of water in rainbow trout were investigated. The results showed that the concentration of ammonia in the experimental group containing these two types of bacteria was lower and the nitrite and nitrate in this group were higher than the control group. The hematological indices in the control group did not show any significant changes from baseline, whereas in the control group hematological indices decreased. It was concluded that Dyadobacter sp. (no. 68), Janthinobacterium sp. (No. 100) were usable to assimilate ammonia and nitrite in the rainbow trout system. Finally, it can be concluded that the use of these two strains could have a positive effect on improving the quality of the environment and consequently on physiological conditions in the rainbow trout system.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different level offruitaqueous extracts from cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) on growth, hematological and immunity parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). After 1 weeks for adaptation to the new condition, 96 O. mykiss juvenilewith 40±2.73g average weight randomly distributed in to 12 aquarium tanks with the capacity of 180 L with four treatments and three replicates. Each treatment feed with fruit aqueous extracts from C. mas by 0 (control group), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, blood samples were taken from caudal vein of fish fries. Most of the growth parameters by significant difference from the control group was observed in 100 mg/kg fruit extracts from C. mas (p < 0.05). Most of the RBC, WBC, HCT, Lym, Tp, Cor, Ig, GST, GR, CAT, SOD and GPX was recorded in 100 mg/kg C. mas extracts (p < 0.05). However, the lowest value of MCV, MCH, Glu and MDA activity recorded in 100 mg/kg C. mas extracts (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that fruit extracts from cornus mas for the reason that high level of total phenol, flavonoids and anthocyanins compounds has high antioxidant properties as well as inhibitory activity of free radicals. These properties can enhance the immune system of rainbow trout. Based on the results of these study the use of 100 mg/kg fruit aqueous extracts from Cornus mas extracts had the best results and can be recommended.

In this study, to find an alternative for chemical growth an immune stimulant, the effects of methanolic extract of Savory leaf on the diet of rainbow trout on growth, blood parameters, biochemical and immune responses was investigated. After adaptation period, 360 fishes (with average weight of 14±1.7 grams) were fed with trial diets supplemented with 0% (as control), 1%, 2% and 3% of savory extract for 60 days and then were investigated. Results showed that the final weight in treatment 2 was higher than the control group and the FCR in all the treatments was lower than the control (p < 0.05). As well as the number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit in the control group were significantly lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). The lowest level of glucose and the highest level of triglycerides, creatinine and cholesterol were observed in the control group (p < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme levels were significantly higher in the 3% group than in the control group but the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Total protein in treatments 2 and 3, and the level of lysozyme activity in all treatments were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). According to the results, the beneficial effects of savory in different amounts, especially 2% on growth performance, immune response and hematological parameters fish rainbow trout were observed.

This study was designed to determine the probable effect of rainbow trout cage culture on the biodiversity indicators in the Abbas Abad area, southern basin of the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, biological samples (benthic macro invertebrates, phytoplankton and zooplankton) were collected at distance of 5, 50, 100 and 1000 m from the cages in December 2014 (before the culture period), March and April (production period) and August 2015 (after the culture period). In this study, 9 taxa of benthic macro invertebrates (with the dominance of polychaetes; Streblospio gynobranchiata and Hypaniola kowalewskii) and 42 species of phytoplankton belonging to five phyla (with the dominance of Bacillariophyta) were identified. A total of 10 taxa of zooplanktons were identified with the copepod; Acartia tonsa being the dominant taxa as well. The results showed that the distribution and abundance of biological community were significantly affected by the seasons (p < 0.05) where as it was not affected by the distance from the cages (P>0.05) and in most cases, changes of biodiversity indicators were not affected by cage culture activity. It seems that the rainbow trout cage culture in the Abbas Abad region no remarkable effect on the biodiversity indicators in the vicinity of small scale fish cages due to short duration of cage culture and strong water currents, so that observed changes were more associated with seasonal fluctuant.

This study investigated the effects of different levels of growth hormone on hatching rate, yolk sac absorption and some blood parameters in egg, Alvin and fry stages of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The experiment consisted of 4 treatments 0 (control) 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/l of growth hormone in 3 groups, each group at 3 stages of fish life (egg, Alvin and fry) permeabeled with sodium hypochlorite (0.005%) for 15 seconds and then Immersed in the concentrations of growth hormone for 5 minutes. Results showed that the percentage and duration of hatching time in all treatments were not significantly different with control (p>0.05). The length of absorption period of yolk sac in 0.1 mg/l was lower than 0.5 and 1 mg/l. Moreover, it was significantly lower than control group (p < 0.05). The highest amount of white and red blood cells was in egg stage with 1 and 0.1 mg/l respectively, which was significantly different from control (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin levels were also highest in 1 mg/l in egg stage. Hematocrit levels were significantly higher in all experimental groups (except in 1 mg/l in fry stage) compared to control. The highest levels of glucose were respectively observed in the fry, Alvin and egg stage. The highest amount of albumin and total protein were observed in 1 mg/l in egg stage which significantly were higher than other experimental and control group in different stages (p < 0.05). in conclusion, in egg stage, 1 mg/l of growth hormone had the best performance compared to other stages

In present study, biochemical alterations and metabolite profile of Iranian sturgeon Acipenser persicus which were directly exposed to colloidal silver nanoparticles during different acute and chronic periods were investigated. A number of 480 pieces of sturgeon at releasing weight with mean total weight of 1.8±0.06 g were exposed to three different concentrations of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 mg/L of silver nanoparticles and the alterations of their gill metabolites were investigated in compare with the control treatment using HNMR. The comparison of 0.01 mg/L silver nanoparticles sampled on day 10 with other treatments showed that glycine and glutathione metabolites had the highest value with significant differences (P˂0.05). Acetylcholine had an ionic regulating role and the highest level was observed in freshwater control treatment. The amount of glycine, leucine and valine metabolites in freshwater treatment increased on day 10 compared with the other treatments. Overall, the results showed that glutathione acts as a biomarker and as a sensitive agent to the alterations of the amounts of silver nanoparticles in the gill tissue of Iranian sturgeon.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing the Lysine on growth, survival and body composition in juvenile of stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) during 8 weeks. A total of 144 fish with an initial average weight of 20.10±3.1 gram were randomly distributed in 12 tanks. Fish were fed diets containing 4 levels of Lysine (1%, 2%, 3% and control diet) twice daily with 4% of body weight. Growth and nutrition indices, including condition factor, body weight increasing, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio, food efficiency, visceral index and survival rate as well as carcass composition were evaluated. According to the results, there was a significant difference in growth parameters between the treatments (p < 0.05). The results showed the highest growth indices in the treatment containing 2% Lysine and the lowest in the treatment containing 3% Lysine. There was no significant difference in survival rate in all treatments. On the other hand, the results showed that the presence of Lysine in the diet reduced the ratio of protein and fat in the 2% treatment compared to the 3% treatment. Therefore, it can be stated that the addition of the 2 percent Lysine in the diet of stellate sturgeon juvenile will improve growth performance.

Enzymes and food attractants are the ingredients used to improve the nutritional status of fish in recent years. In this experiment, the effect of dietary administration of betaine and Natozim multi-enzyme on growth indices (Weight gain, SGR and FCR) and growth hormone gene expression (GH) in Great sturgeon (Huso huso) were investigated. For this purpose, 126 fish with an average weight of 32±3 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, growth indices were assessed. RNA extracted from brain a liver, cDNA synthesized using Supreme script RTase kit and Real-time PCR were done using GH an IGF primers. Results showed no significant difference in growth indices and GH and IGF expression gene in fish fed betaine (P>0.05). However, with increasing the amount of Apsozyme multi-enzyme from 250 to 500 mg in the non-betaine condition, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the weight gain, specific growth factor, and growth gene expression, as well as the Food Conversion Rate. The best growth performance indices and growth gene expression were in combination treatments (500 mg of apsazymeand 1 and 1.5% betaine) (p < 0.05). Regarding the results, it seems that the use of apsazymeand betaine can help to improve growth by eliminating the effects of anti-nutrients and attracting fish to foods.

Growth pattern and some biological characteristics of Leuciscus aspius Linnaeus 1758, in the southern parts of the Caspian Sea were studied. Some 96 fish specimens were caught at Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces from October 2018 to September 2019. Fish were at the age classes of 1+ to 4+ years. The highest percentage of fish were at the age class of 2+ (33.72%), while the lowest at 4+ years (11.62%). Male/female age ratio was 0.68-1. Total length varied between 29-54 cm, fork length between 25-49 cm and the body weight was 213- 985 g. The mean total length was 38.91±5.57 cm, fork length 35.06±5.23 cm and mean weight was 639.74±87.27 g. The lowest growth coefficient rate was observed at the ages of 1-2, while the highest at 3-4 years. The mean condition factor (CF) was 0.87±0.22, hepatosomatic index (HSI) was 0.41±0.17 and gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 0.56±0.17. The length- weight relationship of all specimens was W= 0.0204 L2.7361, in males was W= 0.0189 L2.7648 and in females W= 0.0217 L2.8867. According to the obtained b values, the growth pattern of L. aspius was negative allometric meaning that weight and length growth did not follow similar rate. Length growth was faster which resulted in thin fish specimens. Moreover, condition factor below 1 (CF<1) reflects that L. aspius did not have favorable feeding ground in the study area which has led to lower growth. Factors like pollution, destruction of rivers, scarcity of food sources and overfishing could be responsible for these problems.

This research aimed at studying the effect of stocking density on growth indices and performance, survivability rate of common carp fingerlings in 9 fiberglass tanks (1.85×1.85×0.3 m) in around 1 m3 of water for an 8 week. The research was carried out by stocking 9000 pieces with average body weight of 1±0.1 g in 3 treatments and 3 replications in a completely randomized design with different densities 500, 1000, 1500 pieces/m2 in three treatments A, B and C respectively. The results showed that stocking density had a significant effect on growth indices at final weight (FW), final length (FL), growth rate (GR), specific growth rate (SGR) and survivability rate (SR). Significant differences were observed across treatments (p < 0.05). The highest GR and SGR, SR and the lowest FCR were observed in Treatment A. In this study it was found fish concentration had the least effect on growth indices and survivability rate of farmed fish fries. Thus, in order to develop fish farming, it is suggested that a concentration of 500 pieces /m2 forcommon carp fries be used in fiberglass tanks.

Due to the high stability properties of estrogenic compounds, most of them accumulate in aquatic organisms. This feature can directly or indirectly affect the growth rate of aquatic animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effects of 17-alpha-Ethinyl estradiol on growth indices and blood parameters in freshwater Angelfish. According to this, accidentally 63 specimen’s angel fish with a mean weight 4.31± 0.46 divided equally to 3 groups in three replicates. EE2 not used in the control group, while for second and third groups the amount 2.5 and 5 µgkg-1 used respectively that in which combined the ethanol evaporation method. The angelfishes feed two times a day to the fullest extent. In this experiment, significant increasing (p < 0.05) observed to the specific growth rate (SGR) (0.22 % per day) and condition factor (1.76) in second group angelfishes than other groups. Also, significant variations (p < 0.05) performed to hematological indices in angelfishes that feed to different levels of EE2. This variations was increasingly the amounts that red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), blood hemoglobin level, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in second and third groups than control group, respectively. Evaluate of results in this study shows that limit using of EE2 hormone can result in growth increasing in angelfishes.

Kutum (R. kutum) is one of commercial fishes in the southern Caspian Sea that plays an important role in economy of people who live in the coastal areas of the sea. In spite of economic value of this species, there is no accurate assessment on effect of artificial propagation and releasing of fingerlings on stock enhancement. This study aimed assessment this effect using release and catch data in a period of 1989-2017. During the period, catch of kutum showed a significant fluctuation, but the overall trend was positive linear. Fishing effort increased with time (years), the rate of fishing effort increase was higher than that of total catch. Analysis of slope of relationship of catch-time and fishing effort-time revealed that with increase of fishing effort, there was little increase in total catch. Furthermore, analysis of relationship between total catch and CPUE showed that the rate of total catch was higher than that of CPUE, indicating a decrease in catch with increase in CPUE. As an overall, a trend in total catch and total number of fingerling release was observed during the study period, but increase in total number of fingerlings hadn't significant effect in increase of total catch. The same was observed in fingerling release and CPUE.

In this study the morphometric and meristic characteristics of 98 specimens of Garra rufa collected from the Gamasiab, Aran, and Dinvar Rivers (Karkheh River drainage) and Bazoft and Armand rivers (Karun River drainage). The samples were transferred to the Lab after anesthesia and fixed into the buffered formalin 10%. Thirty-three morphometric and 9 meristic traits were measured and counted using digital caliber and stereomicroscope, respectively. Morphometric data were standardized based on the ratio of the head and standard lengths. To compare the studied populations, in terms of the morphological features, One-Way ANOVA, Duncan test, PCA (Principal Component Analysis), CVA (Canonical Variate Analysis) and CA (Cluster Analysis) were used. The results showed a significant difference among the studied populations in all morphometric data except post dorsal- pre Anal and Post-orbital lengths and in lateral and lower line scales, upper and lower gill rackers (p < 0.05). CVA and CA analysis showed population grouping as well. The morphometric was better than those counting traits in expressing the differences among the studied populations.

Bacterial disease is the most common infectious problem of ornamental fish. Most bacterial infections are caused by gram-negative organisms from Aeromonas, Eduardozilla, Felaxibacter, Pseudomonas, Vibrio and Citrobacter. Aeromonas bacteria are facultative anaerobe, gram-negative, oxidase and catalase positive and belong to the Aeromonadsaceae family and are divided into two motile and non-motile groups. In this study, a total of 250 ornamental fish including Molly, Guppy, Angel, Parrot, Oscar, Goldfish, Platy, Swordfish, Fighter collected from aquarium fish sales centers in Ahvaz city or referred to the Veterinary Hospital Was investigated. After examination of fish suspected of bacterial infection, samples were taken from skin wounds, gills, kidneys and brain and bacterial culture was performed. After isolation and purification of Aeromonas susceptible was evaluated and confirmed via biochemical tests and molecular methods (with 16s rRNA specific primers). Results of biochemical and PCR tests showed high prevalence of Aeromonas in ornamental fish in Ahvaz city, with 49.4% of suspected specimens being Aeromonas genera. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent and control Aeromonas infections in ornamental fish.

The increasing of using pesticides are the major threat to natural ecosystems and organisms. Accordingly, the aquatic organisms especially Artemia sp are being used in determining the lethal and legislation concentration of these compounds. The present study was carried out to investigate the lethal effect of Abamektin pesticide which is used in Sistan area for agriculture and domestic activities, on nauplii 24, 48h and adult Artemia urmiana. This study was also focused to evaluate the effects of Abamektin toxicity on stages of A. urmiana. The lethal concentration including LC10, LC15, LC50, LC85, LC90, LC95 and LC99 were determined with Probit analysis program for three groups of A. urmiana after 24 hours exposure and conducting a range definitive Abamektin in static process according to O.P.D.C 202 protocol. Results showed the highest mortality rate was observed for adults in comparing to 24h nauplii and the adults were higher sensitive in comparing to other groups. The LC50 amounts were determined 4.72, 1.15 and 0.726 µg/l for 24h, 48h nauplii and adult respectively. These results indicate that Abamektin is a very high environmental toxic substance.

White spot disease (WSD) is one of the shrimp lethal viral diseases that causes heavy losses on all shrimp of Penaeid family. In this study comparison of histopathological effects of Red algae Gracillaria corticata dietary in shrimp challenged to white spot syndrome virus was investigated. For this aim 1200 SPF white leg shrimp (L. vannamei) sub adult with average weight of 10±1.02 g was collected and divided to four groups. The first group (T1) fed G. corticata powder was mixed with shrimp feed (2 g/Kg), second group (T2) fed G. corticata (2 g/ Kg) and after 14 days injected with WSSV and all groups maintained for 25 days, third group (T3) fed with commercial pellet and fourth group fed with commercial pellet and then injected with WSSV and all group maintained for 25 days. For histopathology survey, the samples of gills, hepatopancreas, lymphoid tissue, stomach and gut were fixed in davidson solution. Tissues were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned at 5µm and stained with hematoxylin-floxin eosin. The histopathology results indicated that samples fed with algae and positive control in the face of white spot syndrome virus were inclusion body cells observed in gills, stomach, gut and hepatopancreas.  Survival rate in T2 group was higher and significantly different (p < 0.05) from T4.

Metal pollutants enter to the aquatic environment and organisms through various natural and anthropogenic processes. Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) are of the important contamination in the aquatic environment due to its high dispersal and bioconcentration. Therefore, this study investigates the concentration of Ni, Cu and Fe in the sediments and Macrobrachium nipponense. Sediment and shrimp samples were collected from Alagol international wetland and prepared according to acid digestion method. Nickel, Cu and Fe concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and their associated risk in sediment and shrimp were assessed according to existing index. The concentration of Ni and Fe in M. nipponense exceeded from FAO guideline but target hazard quotient didn’t show any risk for consumers. Nickel, Cu and Fe levels in sediments were lower than some sediment quality guidelines. Sediment risk indices showed low level of contamination. In general, our study showed that Ni, Cu and Fe were in safe levels and their contaminations were lower than dangerous levels.

The critical status of marine living habitats as well as the oil pollution caused by the water balance of the tankers as well as the effluent of the shrimp farms are now accelerating the decline and extinction of living organisms and endangering important economies species. It is therefore important to create genomic banks of living organisms in order to maintain copies of the genome of valuable genetic stocks of marine resources. In this study, genetic identification and gene bank preparation of 4 important species of shrimp in the Persian Gulf (P. semisulcatus, p < /em>. indicus, P. merguiensis, p < /em>. monodon, M. affinis) were performed. Sampling were performed in Autumn 2017 by trawl method from Bushehr, Jask, Goatr and Hormuz areas, which are the most important biodiversity of the studied species, Total DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. PCR amplification was performed to amplify the 16SrRNA gene. After sequencing, genetic distance between sequences was measured. The results showed that sequences of two morphotypes of P. semisulcatus sampled from Bushehr and Hormozgan with significant genetic difference of about 0.03 were able to differentiate the two morphotypes in their respective clades. In this study, the highest genetic distance between the species of p < /em>. merguiensis and P. monodon was 12%. The genetic distances between P. indicus and P. monodon was recorded 10% as well.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the accumulation of copper, zinc and cadmium in sediment, muscle tissue and carapace of ghost crab (Ocypode saratan) in the two climatic periods pre- and post- Mansoon in Chabahar Bay and Gowater. In total 60 samples of crabs were collected, and the heavy metal concentrations in their muscle and shell were measured. The metal accumulation pattern was obtained in both tissues and in both periods as Zn> Cu> Cd. The highest concentrations of metals with 99.39±4.5 micrograms per gram of dry weight were related to zinc in pre- Mansoon and the lowest concentrations were related to cadmium with 0.0016± 0.007 micrograms per gram of dry weight in post Mansoon in muscle. In general, a comparison of metal concentrations between two seasons in muscle tissue, carapace, and sediment showed that the concentration in muscle and carapace tissue were significantly higher in post-Mansoon than pre-Mansoon (p < 0.05). Except for the copper in muscle tissue, the results showed that the concentration of copper in the post-Manson muscle was slightly higher than pre- Mansoon. The concentration of copper and zinc metals was higher in the post-Mansoon than in the pre- Mansoon (p < 0.05), but cadmium was reported to be slightly higher than in the pre Mansoon than post Mansoon. It was also found that the concentration of metals in the Gowater mangrove forests was higher than in Chabahar (p < 0.05). Comparison of metal concentrations in ghost crab muscle tissue with international standards showed that zinc concentration was higher than all standards except NHMRC and WHO. But cadmium was found to be below the all standard values. Copper and zinc were found to have excessive values, which is a concern for species health and therefore the food chain. The necessary steps should be taken to conduct the possible controlling actions. The concentrations of metals in the sediment were lower than the sediment quality standards of the United States and Canada. Therefore, the metals in the sediments of the studied areas may not be a big threat to the organisms.

S. haddoni is one of the venomous animals of Persian Gulf and characterization of its biological activity and toxicity are of great value concerning discovery of new potential pharmaceutical agents as well as study of toxicity of the crude venom. The main goal of this study was to survey biological activities fractions isolated from methanol extract of tentacles from the Persian Gulf sea anemone. LD50 of isolated fractions venom of S. haddoni was recorded on Balb/c mice with intravenous injection. Edematogenic activity of isolated fractions from venom was performed by injection into the sub plantar region of the left hind paw male Balb/c mice (average weight 20–22 g) in tetra plicate. Dermonecrosis activity of the venom was checked on male New Zealand rabbit's skin (3kg). LD50 of F1 was recorded at 38.8 mg/ml. The highest edematogenic activity was seen just two hours after injection 5mg/ml from F4 (179.4 %) and decreased up to 70.5% during 10day. 30mg/ml of F1, F3 and F4 fractions made necrosis area 4, 3, 5mm respectively after 3 hours. Instant potent edema and rapid dermonecrotic activity are significant phenomena after injection of intradermal. This is the first report on instant edematogenic and rapid dermonecrotic activities of the Persian Gulf Sea Anemone venom, Stichodactyla haddoni. The results would also be of high value to better management of clinical conditions and follow up treatment strategies as well.

In this study, the direct absorption of zinc oxide nanoparticles by M. linearatus and D. polymorpha was investigated over a short period of 96 hours. Sixty D. polymorpha legs with a range of 2.53±0.85 cm and sixty M. linearatus with a range of 2.7±0.5 cm was taken from the natural environment. The nanoparticles were spread using an ultrasonic device at 400 rpm. In order to phase together water reservoirs with nanoparticle solution by homogenizer device with 14000 rpm was used and Treatments were prepared at concentrations of 0.25, 25 and 50 ppm. The accumulation of nanoparticles in bivalve tissue mass with an ICP device and the distribution of nanoparticles in bivalve reservoirs were measured by DLS test. The results of ICP showed the highest accumulation of nanoparticles in bilayer tissue mass at the highest exposure concentration (p < 0.05). The lowest uptake was observed at the lowest exposure concentration (p < 0.05) compared to other treatments. D. polymorpha bivalve showed higher uptake ability than the bivalve M. lineatus during the exposure period. The DLS test results showed that the particles were in the range of 10-110 nm in size, confirming the non-segregation and homogeneity of the nanoparticles in the tanks. Both bivalve species are suggested as very good indicators for monitoring the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the aquatic ecosystem.

Encarsia Förster (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae) are powerful parasitoids of several species of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) which can have efficient role for control of these agricultural pests. Regarding to importance of these beneficial insects in biological control programs, species diversity of Encarsia was studied in some regions of Guilan province, northern Iran. Samplings were conducted in different regions upon the rearing of whiteflies' and scale insects' pupae as the main hosts of Encarsia species in optimum condition, and identification of emerged parasitoids. In total, eleven species including, Encarsia aurantii (Howard, 1894), Encarsia azimi Hayat, 1986, Encarsia berlesei (Howard, 1906), Encarsia citrina (Craw, 1891), Encarsia fasciata (Malenotti, 1917), Encarsia formosa Gahan, 1924, Encarsia inaron (Walker, 1839), Encarsia lounsburyi (Berlese and Paoli, 1916), Encarsia lutea (Masi, 1909), Encarsia perniciosi (Tower, 1913),and Encarsia smithi (Silvestri, 1926) were collected and identified. Encarsia smithi is newly recorded from Guilan province. Species group, host records and distributional data are given. Checklist of Encarsia species in Guilan province (with totally 15 species) is given too.

One of the effects of the progress of vehicles on natural resources, including rangelands, is the establishment of soil roads for different purposes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of road on plants (distance of impact) on the number of flowers per plant for three plant species (Helichrysum oligocephalum, Helichrysum rubicundum and Helichrysum araxinum) with 15 m distance in Shabestar rangelands. Results were analyzed by split plot design with completely randomized design with four replications for each species. In Helichrysum rubicundum, the average number of flowers per plant at 30 m distance from the road was not significantly different from 100 m (control) and 45 m from the road. The effect of road impact on flowering of this species is 15 meters. The reduction in flower number per plant for Helichrysum araxinum and Helichrysum oligocephalum was 20.46% and 39.42%, respectively, 30 m from the road compared to 100 m (control). For these two species, the effective distance of the road to flowering is 30 m. The study showed that flowering rates of these plants are affected up to 15 m from the road margin.

Skin as one of the organ, plays an important role in many physical functions. In skin aging process, should be prevented collagen degradation and multiple enzymes increasing, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMp < sub>S). Chlorella vulgaris is a marine alga and its beneficial effects on skin make it a proper ingredient to be used in anti-aging products. In this study, the effect of C. vulgaris extract and vitamin C on type І collagen and MMP-1 production in the human cell line Hu02 was investigated. Chlorella was extracted using ultrasonication plus enzymatic hydrolysis, and Chlorella extract at different concentration was investigated for its effect on gene expression of collagen І and MMP-1 in Hu02 cells. First, it was investigated whether alga extract induced cytotoxicity in Hu02 cells. MTT assay showed that extract was non-toxic to Hu02 cells. Using quantitative PCR, it was confirmed that extract increased the gene expression of types І collagen and decreased the MMP-1 expression, comparing to the control group. Chlorella extract and vitamin C with a similar viability (97%) was used to investigate the effect of extract on mentioned genes expression, compared to vitamin C. Type І collagen increased in both alga and vitamin C groups. The gene expression of MMP-1 in both alga and vitamin C groups was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that C. vulgaris extract induces collagen synthesis and MMP-1 enzyme inhibition in Hu02 cells.

The present study investigates, the effects of sub lethal doses of CuSo4 on the expression of vitellogenin (Vtg) in females Zebrafish (Danio rerio). For this purpose, 180 Zebrafish with an average weight of 0.3±0.05 gr were exposed to two doses of 0.02 and 0.046 mg /l of CuSo4, and a control group for 30 days. At the end of experiment RNA extracted from liver, cDNA synthesized with Superscript RTase kit and PCR was done using primers relate to Vtg and Betaactin as housekeeping genes. The evaluation of Vtg expression genes showed reduction in CuSo4-treated groups compared to the control. In the CuSo4-treated groups (0.02 and 0.04 mg /l), Vtg gene expression was 0.66 and 0.59 fold of control which showed dose-dependent reduction pattern. Results indicated that CuSo4 can have a negative effect on the growth and development of sexual cells in zebra fish.

The distribution, abundance and assemblage structure of macrofauna as one of the important tools in assessing the quality of water, were determined during 9 stations in Karaj River, seasonally; 2017-2018. Sampling of macrofauna was performed with Surber sampler. Also, depth (11±3 cm), temperature (10.5 ± 4.3 ◦C), Salinity (0.01±0.01 ppt), DO (9.3±0.9 mg/l), EC (0.19±0.1ᵘs/m), pH (8.5±0.2), TDS (0.12±0.07 g/l) and Turbidity (19.6±29.1NTU) were measured in each station by multimeter device. A total 38454 individuals belonged to 42 families and 52 taxa were identified. Chironomidae was the most dominant family. The nine families making up 83% of all specimens (Baetis, Tubifex, Micrasema, Rhithrogena, Eporus, Hydropsyche, Leptophlebiidae and Simulium). The maximum density (7758 ind/m2) was obtained at station 8 while the minimum (592 ind/m2) was observed at station 5. The station 7 was characterized by the higher species diversity (H', 2.78) and the stations 8 was characterized by the lowest diversity indices (H', 1.57). The PCA showed that TDS, EC, Salinity and pH were the main parameters, and the cluster analysis divided the stations into three groups (G1: St2, St 6; G2: St 8, St 9, St 1, St 7; G3: St 4, St 5, St 3). Although the Shannon Index evaluated the upstream stations better, it generally assessed the water quality of the Karaj River as medium.

Various virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus. Proteins that mediate adhesion to the host cell surface are important factors in the binding and invasion of Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of genes encoding adhesion proteins FnbA, FnbB, Cna, Efb, Ica, Bbp < /em> and SdrE in Staphylococcus aureus strains in Ahvaz. In this study, 231 Staphylococcus aureus specimens were isolated from 4 hospitals in Ahvaz after biochemical tests. DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform method and the frequency of cna, fnbA, fnbB, efb, ica, bbp < /em> and sdrE genes was determined using specific primers for each gene by Multiplex PCR. In this study 16srRNA was used as internal control. Finally, the PCR products were applied on acrylamide gel. The frequency of genes studied in this study were as follows: fnbB gene (67.53%), fnbA gene (53.24%), ica gene (51.94%), cna gene (40.25%), efb (37.66%), sdrE (26.40%) and bbp < /em> gene (11.68%). Based on this study, the variable frequency of pathogenic genes in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus confirms that bacterial virulence factors play an important role in bacterial invasion and pathogenicity. Given the importance of Staphylococcus aureus in creating a wide range of diseases and the role of various adhesins produced by this mass, complete information on the distribution of the aforementioned adhesins among isolated strains in Iran is essential.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of wastewater treatment plant of Zabol in Sistan and Balouchestan province according to related standards. Also, the possibility of agricultural and fisheries usage was investigated with CWQI model. A total 10 physicochemical parameters including pH, EC, COD, BOD5, TSS, TDS, TKN, NO2-, NO3-, PO43- and some heavy metals concentration were measured in effluent and influent of wastewater of treatment plant in middle of June, August and November of 2019. In order to achieve better wastewater application, the results were entered into CWQI (Canadian water quality index) calculator model. Due to effects of accumulation of heavy metals, this determined in agricultural areas that irrigated with treated and untreated wastewater flows. The data shows the wastewater effluent physicochemical parameters were appropriate for irrigation, except BOD5, COD and PO4-3 according to available standards. The heavy metals concentrations were within the range of available standards. The organic matters pattern was obtained in NO2-< NO3-<PO4-3. Conclusions the CWQI results showed that the quality of Zabol wastewater effluent is suitable for irrigation (71), livestock (85) and recreational (100) usage, but not suitable for fisheries (14) and drinking (45).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in water, surface sediments and algae at 12 stations on the shores of the Makran Sea with 3 replications in the summer of 2020. Heavy metals were measured using the ConterAA700 atomic absorption spectrometer. The average heavy metals of zinc, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, copper and iron in water are 0.135, 0.061, 0.118, 0.018, 0.018, 0.036 and 0.123 mg, respectively. In liters and in sediments, 36.893, 25.952, 43.815, 21.588, 0.184, 32.55 and 24.069 mg/kg were obtained. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between heavy metals zinc, nickel, lead, chromium, copper, cadmium and iron in water, sediments and algae (p < 0.01), but in the case of metal, the relationship between zinc and cadmium (R=0.364) and iron-cadmium (r=0.280) correlation was weak (P>0.01). The concentrations of zinc, chromium, nickel, copper, iron, lead and cadmium in surface sediments were higher than the studied water and algae. Based on the analysis of studied heavy metal clusters in water, sediments and algae were divided into two main groups. The first group consisted of nickel, iron, zinc, copper, lead and chromium, and the second group consisted of cadmium. Different cluster groups represent differences in the geochemical behavior and different origins of metals. Therefore, the metals in a group have the same and natural origin. Health risk assessment showed that some heavy metals in the study area can cause health problems and pathogenicity in humans. The transfer of heavy metals by water in algae for chromium, nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc and iron was higher than 1, but the transfer of heavy metals by sediments for all metals was less than 1 and in some cases it was calculated in the range of 1-2.5.

Bacteriocins are peptides produced by bacteria that are known for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Some chaperone peptides can be probably applied to neutralize the toxic effect of the peptide and produce a soluble form of the protein, as well as to provide high amounts of bacteriocin using recombinant DNA technology. Laterosporulin is described as a 49 amino acid bacteriocin that is naturally secreted from Brevibacillus laterosporus GI-9. In the present study, for the first time, the amine region of the SH2 protein was used to construct a fusion protein for the production of recombinant laterosporulin. In the current study, a fusion gene construct was designed containing the histidine sequence, the SH2 domain, the enterokinase cleavage site, and the laterosporulin peptide. The findings demonstrated that N-SH2 with suitable hydrophobic surfaces can be capable of preventing the aggregation and irreversible structural disruption of bacteriocin laterosporulin as a suitable chaperone. Furthermore, our analysis raised the possibility that target peptide can be expressed with appropriate folding in vitro. The present study revealed that the N-SH2 peptide region could be considered as a suitable alternative for the production of recombinant bacteriocins in Escherichia coli.