فصلنامه محیط زیست جانوری
سال سیزدهم شماره 3 (پاییز 1400)

The aim of the present study was to estimate the molecular characteristics, structure, genetic diversity and genetic bottlenecks in the three sheep populations native to Iraq (Awassi, Naaimi, and Arabi). For this purpose, 12 microsatellite loci with chromosomal distribution distributions (1, 2, 5, 9 and 14) were used according to the recommendations of FAO and the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). Sixty samples of whole animal blood (both sex) were randomly collected from the relevant populations in Karbala, Najaf and Babel provinces. The genomic DNA extraction, quality and quantity, preparation of PCR, electrophoresis photography was done accordingly based on standard available methods. After observation of raw genotype per investigated loci, allele binning was done for minimizing genotyping errors. More than 9 types of molecular statistical indices (allele frequencies, observed and effective number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity, PIC, Wright coefficient, Shannon index, F-statistical indices, genetic distance and the bottleneck) Checked out. The results were presented in two parts: evaluation of microsatellite loci utility and evaluation of genetic diversity within and between the population. The results of the first part showed that the highest polymorphism was observed in OarFCB226 and TGLA13 markers and the rest had the lowest polymorphism. The results of the second part showed that the Awaasi and Arabi breed have the highest and lowest diversity, respectively. The highest genetic distance was between Arabi and Naaimi breeds and the smallest was between Naaimi and Awassi breeds. Furthermore, bottleneck L-Shape curve showed that the studied populations are in a genetic predicament.

One of the most important and common endoparasites in wild rabbits is a cestode known as Mosgovoyia. This study was aimed to identify Mosgovoyia pectinata in the wild rabbits (Lepus europaeus) from northwestern Iran based on microscopic and molecular methods and determine its phylogenetic position. For this purpose, the intestines of 45 hunted wild rabbits were examined and cestodes were collected. The morphological characteristics of cestodes were recorded microscopically (optical and Scanning Electron Microscope). For molecular analysis, after DNA extraction, approximately a 324-347 bp specific-species fragment of 18S rRNA gene were amplified by the designed primers. PCR products were sequenced. To determine the relationship between the obtained sequence and the sequences deposited to the GenBank, the phylogenetic tree was constructed with maximum likelihood method using MEGA X software. On microscopic examination, 17% of rabbits were infected with cestodes. Microscopic analyses were confirmed M. pectinata morphology characterizations. In molecular analysis, approximately 324-347 bp bands were visualized. The sequencing of PCR products confirmed 333 bands specific to M. pectinata. The alignment of the amplified fragment with the two isolates from Finland (AY752650.1) and United Kingdom (AY752648.1) showed significant intraspecific variations. The Iranian isolate revealed high homology with the British isolate (approximately 96%). To determine the phylogenetic relatedness, the Iranian isolate was placed in the same clade with the Finland and British isolates, as well as with a species of Schizorchis sp. Due to the limited information on this cestode, further studies are needed, especially with other gene regions.

In order to investigate the effect of different levels of energy and protein on performance, digestibility, blood parameters and fertility of 18 females and three male rabbits were selected. Female rabbits were divided into three groups individually for two weeks and from the diet of treatments containing 1- low energy (2200 kcal) -low protein (14%) 2- medium energy (2400 kcal) -medium protein (16%) and 3- High energy (2600 kcal) -high protein (18%) was used in a completely randomized design. Female rabbits were weighed at the beginning of the period. The evaluation of performance, including daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured in every 15 days. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, fecal sampling in the last 3 days of the experiment from 3 rabbits in each treatment measured using acid-insoluble ash method. Blood samples were taken before morning feeding to determine the blood parameters including triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose. After this period, a male rabbit was placed in the group for mating and the next day it was replaced with another. The mating period was six days. Reproductive factors including fertility, offspring and multiple births were examined. Results showed that there was no significant difference between initial weight, final weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and dry matter digestibility. Blood glucose (125 mg/dl) had significant difference between treatments. The medium protein - energy treatment had the highest percentage (100%) of fertility. The offspring in low protein - energy showed the highest percentage. The longest gestation period and the most neonatal weight were observed in high protein -energy. In overall, moderate energy and moderate protein treatments are recommended for female rabbits ready for mating.

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of bacterial inoculant on some in vitro fermentation parameters and quality characteristics of barley silage. Prosage bacterial inoculant (a mixture of Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Propionibacterium acidophilus) was added at three (0, 5, and 10 mg/kg of silage dry matter) levels to barley silages. Silage quality traits including dry matter (DM), pH and buffering capacity were measured and fleig point was calculated. In vitro gas production potential, gas production rate and lag time were measured. Furthermore, total protozoa population and N-ammonia concentration of experimental silages were measured and metabolizable energy, short chain fatty acids and organic matter digestibility were estimated. Results showed that buffering capacity, fleig point and pH of experimental silages were not affected by bacterial inoculant (P>0.05), however, barley silage containing 5 mg bacterial inoculant had greater dry matter content (30.24 vs 28.07 and 28.67 %, P<0.05) compared with the control and silage containing 10 mg of bacterial inoculant. Furthermore, bacterial additive had no effect on gas production parameters and total protozoa population, N-ammonia concentration, estimated metabolizable energy, short chain fatty acids and in vitro organic matter digestibility (P>0.05). Based on the current experiment, use of bacterial additive for the preparation of barley silage is not recommended due to its costs.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of stressors on ewes during pregnancy and the physical characteristics of newborn lambs. To perform the experiment, 144 Zandi ewes with twin embryos were divided into 6 treatments and 6 replications (each replication containing 4 ewes) that were mid-pregnant. Experimental treatments include 1. Control, 2. Injection of cortisol in 10 times, 3. Isolation in 2 times (2 times isolation), 4. Isolation in 10 times (10 times isolation), 5. Simulated wool cut in 10 times and 6. Wool cut in mid-pregnancy. The results showed that the ewes treated with cut wool during lactation had a significant increase in weight compared to the ewes of the group 2 times isolated, 10 times isolated and the simulated cut wool (P <0.05). Sheared wool ewes had greater body condition compared to ewes in the simulated wool cut and cortisol group (P <0.05). Lambs born in the control and wool cut groups had longer body length compared to the lambs in the other groups (P <0.05). The amount of cortisol in ewes that received cortisol and also, wool was cut, there was a significant increase with the control (P <0.05). Lambs born from ewes that had their wool cut had a higher live weight (P <0.05). In general, the results showed that although stresses during pregnancy increase the concentration of glucocorticoids, but their concentration by wool cutting during pregnancy was such that it did not reduce the weight characteristics of ewes and lambs

Consumption of good unheated food of animal origin is one of the main causes of Toxoplasmosis. The present study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in raw milk samples collected from Alborz province. 350 samples of raw milk of cows, sheep and goats were collected and transferred to the laboratory. DNA extraction was performed from the samples and Toxoplasma gondii B1 gene was detected using a polymerase chain reaction. 30 samples out of 350 samples of raw milk evaluated contained Toxoplasma gondii B1 gene (8.57%). The molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in raw milk samples of cattle, sheep and goats was (5.33, 12.00 and 10) percent, respectively. Raw and unpasteurized sheep milk is considered to be the highest risk source for Toxoplasma gondii transmission. Boiling raw milk and using pasteurized milk is recommended to reduce the risk of Toxoplasma gondii.

Adding anions from anionic salt such as calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate to the prepartum diet reduced the incidence of postpartum hypocalcemia in dairy cow but reduced feed intake. Top Chlor ™ is an acidifying coproduce which inducing mild metabolic acidosis and improving the palatability of prepartum diet. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Top Chlor ™ on urine pH, blood calcium concentration and chlorine ion binding with protein fraction of feed. Close-up cows (255 days of gestation) in a dairy farm, were randomly divided into two groups of control (non-anionic salt, n=30) and treatment (Top Chlor ™, n=30). Urine and Serum samples were collected before calving and also at the time of partition, 24 and 48 hours after calving. Molecular structural changes of Top Chlor ™ were studied by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The data were analyzed by mixed procedures of SAS software. The urine pH of cows that consumed Top Chlor™ decreased significantly (6.56 vs. 8.15, P<0.05). Cows that fed Top Chlor ™ before calving had higher blood calcium concentrations within 24 hours of calving (8.38 vs. 7.32 mg/dl, P<0.05). Serum phosphor concentration decreased in cows receiving control diet at 24 hours before calving (4.48 vs. 5.97 mg/dl, P <0.05). Serum magnesium concentration was not significant (P˃0.05). X-ray diffraction analysis showed that organic structures and amino acids were coordinated with magnesium in 6-aqueous magnesium complexes with different states. Also, the molecular structure studies showed that during the processing of Top Chlor™, free NH2 compounds in amino acid structures bonded with chlorine ions and NH3Cl complex was formed. The results of the study showed that the Top Chlor™ has a suitable acidifying power and this improved the postpartum blood calcium concentration of dairy cow. Also, the results of FTIR showed that chlorine ion has bonded with the protein part of the feed.

One of the first issues for the management and conservation of birds is to discuss their migration. The migration is a complicated issue that can be considered and studied for various factors. One of these factors is genetic factors, which can be affected by the occurrence of a specific phenotype (migration). In this study, differential expression analysis of microarray data for four species performed, including three migratory species and one non-migratory species in 22 different samples, using downloaded data from the GEO database. At first, the quality control and normalization of downloaded data performed, and then discriminant analyses to observe the differential gene expression between species carried on. A significant difference was observed between the two groups of migrants and non-immigrants. Also, by applying the genome annotation and finding the names of the genes related to each probe, as well as defining significant criteria, the names of 40 genes with the highest and lowest expression in the Immigrant group compared to non-immigrant, obtained and reported. Then, by gene ontology analysis, it was determined that the genes of migratory and non-migratory birds in particular play which role in each group of biological processes, cellular components, and molecular function. Finally, according to the results, response to stress and anatomical structure of each group discussed, and five genes involved in migration’s catalytic activities were introduced.

Along with the entry of heavy metal contaminants into the environment and the food chain, it is important to investigate the extent of heavy metal contamination in food and consumer organisms. The current research studied the amount of accumulation of heavy metals lead, zinc, cadmium in the food of Columba livia (mature wheat grain, germinated wheat) as well as the amount of mentioned elements in the feather of Columba livia in Zinc Industrial Zone of Zanjan. To this end, 80 wheat samples (Years2019-2020), 160 feathers of Columba livia (Year 2020) were collected. Heavy metals were measured using Atomic absorption device. To statistically analyze the data, SAS 9.1 software was utilized. The mean of lead, zinc, cadmium concentration in the mature wheat grain was respectively, 1.31, 46.04, 0.05 ppm, it was 3.35, 52.17, 0.14 ppm in the germinated wheat. The results indicated that the amount of lead, zinc, cadmium in mature wheat was more than germinated wheat and a significant relationship could be observed among them. The mean of lead, zinc, cadmium concentration in the dead male dove was respectively, 17.12, 319.25, 1.73 (μg/g); it was 14.82, 301.06, 1.36 in alive male dove; it was 17.44, 378.75, 1.92 (μg/g) in the dead female dove; it was 15.14, 307.65, 1.47 (μg/g) in alive female dove. This showed that the mean of these elements: dead female >dead male >alive female > alive male. The final conclusion represented that the amount of heavy metals in the dead samples was more than alive samples and it was more in females than males. Moreover, there was a statistically significant relationship between bird`s gender and its being dead or alive.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), affect the environment and urban areas. Investigation of tissue damage caused by exposure to various contaminants in living organisms as a sentinel species can be used as a biomarker. The study aims to assess the effects of benzo(a)pyrene concentration on the altered tissues in the kidney and liver of rock pigeon (Columba livia), from Tehran megacity as well as 40 days Benzo(a)Pyrene invitro exposure. For this purpose, 2 groups (in same weight and age) were exposed to two group’s concentrations (5 and 10 mg.kg-1 bw and untreated group) of BaP. Also, for comparison of invitro results with urban conditions, 12 samples were captured from Tehran megacity. The liver cells hypertrophy and the proximal tubule cells disruption were only appeared in group of 10 mg.kg-1 bw of BaP. According to the results, it can be concluded that tissue damage caused by BaP in pigeons can be a good biomarker only in high concentrations of it to determine the effect on organisms and the surrounding environment, especially in urban ecosystems.

This study was performed to investigate commercial plant growth promoter (CPGP) (Cinnamaldehyde, Capsaicin, and Carvacrol) on performance, and cecal microbial population of broiler chickens under heat stress. The experiment was done with 4 treatments and 4 replicates with 176 one-day-old chicks in completely randomized design. Treatments were control (without phytogenic), and different levels of CPGP (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg). Heat stress was performed from 22 days of age. Treatments were control (without phytogenic), and different levels of CPGP (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg). Heat stress was performed from 22 days of age. The results of experiment showed that dietary inclusion of 200 mg/kg of CPGP to the diet decreased feed intake (P<0.05) compared to the birds receiving the control diet at the starter period. At the whole period of experiment, dietary inclusion of 300 mg/kg of CPGP improved body weight gain compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). Also, at the starter and whole period of experiment, dietary inclusion of 300 mg/kg of CPGP had better feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet and 100 mg/kg of CPGP (P<0.05). The birds that consumed 300 mg/kg of CPGP significantly had lower abdominal fat pad compared to the birds receiving the control diet and the diet containing 100 mg/kg of CPGP (P<0.05).  Dietary inclusion of CPGP had not significant effect on cecal bacterial population and blood parameters of broiler chickens (P>0.05). It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of 300 mg/kg of CPGP can be improved performance and decrease abdominal fat pad of broiler chickens under heat stress.

This study was performed to compare the effects of levels of hydroalcoholic extract of boerhavia elegans and vitamin E in diets containing oxidized oil on yield, activity of antioxidant enzymes and meat quality of broilers. An experiment was carried out with a 480 Ross 308 one-day-old broilers in a 2×2 ×3 factorial (two levels of zero and 2 percent oxidized oil, two levels of 0 and 200 mg/kg α-Tocopherol (α-Toc) and three levels of 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of  boerhavia elegans (HEBE) in the diet) with 12 treatments and 4 replicates in 10 chickens, in order to the effect of different levels of α -Toc and HEBE on diets containing oxidized oil percentage on performance, antioxidant enzyme activity and meat quality. Feed intake (FI), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chicks was measured periodically. To determine the viability of the meat at the age of 42 days, the amount of malon di aldehyde (MDA) of thighs stored after one month of slaughter was examined. Serum activity of SOD and GPX enzymes was measured by from the brachial vein blood sampling prior to slaughter. The results showed that the FI, DBW and FCR of chicks were affected by the experimental diets (P<0.05). Chickens fed oxidized oil showed decreased levels of SOD and GPX enzymes. Addition of HEBE increased serum SOD enzyme. Diets containing HEBE and vitamin E simultaneously showed the lowest levels of MDA in meat. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were reduced by diets containing the extract HEBE. The results showed that the addition of 100 mg/kg of HEBE along with 200 mg of α-toc improved the antioxidant defense system and performance in broiler chickens under oxidative stress.

The mixture of processed protein meal is a high protein source which is used as a replacement source for soybean meal in poultry feed industry. OBJECTIVES the effect of the different levels of protein meals mixture were investigated on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and cecum microbial population in broiler chickens. The current experiment was conducted by three hundred and seventy five one-day-old male broiler chicks with five treatments in a completely randomized design to investigate the effects of different levels of 0.0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% soybean meal replacement with processed protein meal. During whole the experimental period, replacement of 100% mix of soybean meal with processed protein meal deceased the feed consumption whereas increased the feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). All the replacement levels of mix of soybean meal with processed protein meal deteriorated the weight gain and the lowest weight gain was related to highest processed protein meal level (P<0.05). The birds fed the highest processed protein meal (100%) had the higher liver weight as compared to the other birds (P<0.05). In conclusion, 75 and 100% replacement of mix of soybean meal with processed protein meal deteriorate the performance and carcass weight of broiler chickens.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the bioavailability of manganese glycinate and sulfate and its effects on yield and quality of eggs produced in commercial laying hens. 300 Leghorn laying hens (w36) with 66 weeks of age were divided into 6 treatments and 5 replications in a completely randomized design. Treatments include control (without manganese supplementation), treatments containing manganese sulfate (S), internal manganese glycinate at 30 mg level (M30), internal manganese glycinate at 90 mg level (M90) external manganese glycinate at 30 mg level (B30) External manganese glycinate at the level of 90 mg (B90). The results showed that there was a significant increase in feed intake, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio in treatments receiving manganese supplementation increased significantly compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Egg weight in diets containing manganese supplementation was significantly increased compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). No significant difference in egg quality traits was observed between experimental treatments. Tibia manganese was significantly increased in diets containing manganese supplementation compared to basal diet (P<0.05). Manganese sulfate and glycinate significantly increased the concentration of manganese in yolk, egg shell, serum and liver (P<0.05). Addition of manganese sulfate and glycine to the diet caused more manganese uptake and improved production performance and manganese storage in different body tissues of laying hens.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intra-egg injection of purslane extract levels on reproductive and blood parameters in Japanese quail. 600 Japanese quail eggs were used in 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 30 eggs per observation. Treatments were: non-injection, normal saline injection and injection of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract into the air sac of eggs immediately before incubation. At the end of the incubation period, reproductive indices were assessed. Hatched chickens were reared and blood sampling was done at 35th day of breeding, and slaughter of birds was done at 58th day for evaluation the morphometric characteristics of genitalia. The highest hatching percentage and the lowest embryonic mortality rate were observed in the non-injected and normal saline groups (p<0.05). Embryo growth rate, age of embryonic death, and sera metabolite concentrations were not affected by the treatments. Serum estrogen concentration in female quail was not affected by treatments (p<0.05). The highest level of serum testosterone was observed in 0.2% of purslane extract (p<0.05). 0.1% purslane extract significantly increased the percentage of both testis weight compared to control group (p<0.05). The highest length of left testis was belong to 0.2% purslane extract (p<0.05). The diameter of largest ovarian follicle was higher in treatments of 0.2 and 0.3% of purslane extract than control (p<0.05). In general, due to adverse effect of experimental treatments on hatchability and embryonic viability rates, injection of purslane extract into Japanese quail egg sac is not recommended to improve reproductive performance.

The aim of this study was to analyze survival and its relationship with body weight and average daily gain traits in Japanese quail. For this purpose, Data base with 1854 Japanese quail survival records were used which collected during 4 generations from 1396 to 1398, by Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. The Survival and cmprsk statistical packages were employed to determine the non-genetic effects on survival and culling risk at different times, and variance components estimates of survival trait was performed by MCMCglmm package. Genetic parameters of traits were estimated using single and two-trait analyses via Gibbs sampling. The mean mortality of breeding period (0.206) and the average survival rate (0.793) were calculated. The estimated average heritabilities for survival in single and two-trait analyses were 0.216 and 0.153, respectively. The range of heritability of body weight in single trait analysis was estimated between 0.135 to 0.307) with a mean of 0.219 by two- trait analysis. In two-trait analysis, heritability of body weight trait ranged from 0.155 to 0.014. The highest genetic correlation was -0.3113 (between body weight and average daily gain) and the lowest genetic correlation was -0.0277 (between survival trait and average daily gain). The results showed that optimal management of environmental factors is effective in reducing the culling risk and genetic selection for survival trait can improve the genetic potential of survival.

This study examines and compares the anatomical and histological structure of the urinary tract in three species of lizards Laudakia nupta, a rock-dweller, Trapelus agilis a desert inhabitant and Lacerta media that lives in temperate regions. A total of 12 specimens of Laudakia nupta and Lacerta media were collected from Sahneh and Eslamabad Gharb counties (Kermanshah Province) and population referred to Trapelus agilis from Shadegan county (Khuzestan Province). Collected samples were anesthetized with chloroform and dissected. After an anatomical examination, the urinary system was removed from the body and processed for microscopic studies. The obtained microscopic results showed that the renal system in the studied lizards differs in the relative number of renal corpuscles according to the habitat, so that the number of the corpuscles is directly related to the biological area of lizards. The number of renal corpuscless in Trapelus agilis, which is an arid-dweller species, is very small with small glomeruli scattered at a great distance from each other. It was seen, but in Lacerta media, which is a temperate-resident species, the renal corpuscles are observed in greater numbers with a short distance from each other. The results showed that in lizards which live in dry areas kidneys have adapted to be able to retain body water as much as possible.

In recent decades, the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate has grown significantly in agricultural use. Many amphibian species use agricultural lands as a place to live and reproduction, and as a result are constantly exposed to this chemical fertilizer. This pollutant has negatively affected many biological variables of amphibians, including growth, development and survival, but there is very little research on its effect on cannibalism. In this study, we investigated the effect of ammonium nitrate on cannibalism of larval Marsh frog, Pelophylax sp. in north and northeast of Iran. For this purpose, 360 larval of Marsh frog with a density of 20 and water volume of 1500 ml per container, in three replications at concentrations of 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/l, with an average temperature of 28 °C, conducted for 143 days. According to the results, the start of cannibalism of Marsh frog larvae was recorded at week 8 and the end of cannibalism at week 17. The highest and lowest percentages of cannibalism were measured in the control treatment (31.66% ±25.65) and the concentration of 40 mg /l (0%), respectively. Based on one-way analysis of variance, with increasing the concentration of ammonium nitrate, the percentage of cannibalism decreased significantly (p=0.05).

The effect of long term starvation and refeeding on growth and feeding performances, body composition, blood parameters and structure of liver and intestine tissue in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) with an average initial size of 34.51±0.5g was studied for a period of 49 days. The fish were exposed to 3 different feeding regimes; control: fed four times daily to apparent satiation; T1: 2 weeks’ starvation & 4 weeks refeeding; T2: 3 weeks’ starvation & 4 weeks refeeding. Biometry and samples for the analyses of body composition and blood parameters were collected at the end of the starvation and the refeeding. The results of this study showed that significant differences were observed in final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, total consumed food, daily feed intake, protein effecincy ratio and food conversion ratio varied significantly (P > 0/05) between the control and treatment 1 (T1) with treatment 2 (T2) at the end of the experiment. Also, length of villi in the control group was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than the fish starved for 2 and 3 weeks. The results of microscopy investigations indicated that most pathological signs such as hyperemia, necrosis, fatty degeneration and bile stagnation in the liver of Siberian sturgeon in the deprived fish were observed when compared to the control fish. Overall, it can be concluded that juvenile Siberian sturgeon could resist long term starvation periods for 2 weeks.

The present study was performed to identify growth performance and blood factors in Huso hoso (34.58±5.32) after short term starvation. The treatments consisted of 4 groups in which the control treatment group (F) fed 4 times daily satiety, the SRF1 treatment with four alternate two-day starvation and 8-day feeding after each starvation period. SRF2 with two alternate four-day fasting and 16-day fasting after each starvation and the SRF3 treatment with an 8-day fasting and 32-day fasting period were tested for 40 days. The results showed that growth performance in experimental treatments was significantly affected by feeding process (p<0.05). SRF1 and SRF2 treatments showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than SRF3 treatment (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in liver index, gastrointestinal index and status factor (p>0.05). The effect of starvation and malnutrition on blood parameters was significant (p<0.05). With 8-day starvation (SRF3), the level of red blood cells increased significantly compared to other treatments. According to the results obtained at the end of the experimental period, it can be concluded that the fish were able to adapt to shorter periods of starvation so that the 2 and 4-day starvation treatments had full compensatory growth. But the 8-day starvation treatment (SRF3) had less final weight than the control treatment, which shows a relative compensatory growth in them.

Today, the use of herbal supplements based on medicinal plants in aquatic nutrition has become widespread due to their high effectiveness, availability, and environmental friendliness. Accordingly, the effects of liquorice extract powder in improving some skin mucus immune parameters of rainbow trout were studied. 270 pieces of juveniles with an average weight of 9.46±0.11 g were distributed in 15 plastic tanks with 18 fish per tank density and after two week of adaptation to the new environmental conditions , they were fed with different levels of liquorice aqueous roots extract powder including 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 % for 56 days. The skin mucosal lysozyme activity was measured manually and other mucosal immune parameters were evaluated by a biochemical autoanalyzer. Also, the skin mucus protein pattern was performed by vertical electrophoresis of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). The results showed that lysozyme activity (15.94±0.51 U mL/min), mucosal total protein content (4.87±0.19 mg/dl), total immunoglobulin content (4.89±0.14 U/L) and activity of alkaline phosphatase enzyme (42.0±0.89 U/L) of mucus in fish fed with 2 % of liquorice treatment was higher than other experimental groups (P<0.05). Also, the results of skin mucus SDS-PAGE confirmed the existence of significant differences between mucosal protein units in different treatments (p<0.05). The experimental results showed that the use of liquorice as a medicinal plant, especially at the level of 2%, can have positive effects on safety indices and protein patterns of rainbow trout skin mucus.

Phytoestrogens are plant-based and anti-nutrient substances that usually have estrogenic activities. These substances affect gonadal evolution and sexual differentiation in some aquatic species. Phytoestrogens may have a similar effect to estrogen or, conversely, have the ability to block the effect of estrogens. One of the plants used in the diet of fish, especially Rainbow trout, is soy and its derivatives. One of the most important phytoestrogenic compounds in soy is Genistein. In the present study, genistein was administered in three doses of 40, 400 and 800 mg/kg of feed to larvae during the sex differentiation period. 17 beta-Estradiol treatment and Methyl Testosterone treatment were also considered for comparison. The larvae of one treatment did not receive any hormones as a control treatment. The duration of hormonal feeding to larvae was 60 days from the beginning of active feeding and at the end of the hormonal feeding period, the levels of 17 beta-Estradiol, Testosterone and 17 OH-Progesterone, Vitellogenin level and free phosphate level in different treatments were evaluated and compared. The results showed that at the end of the hormonal feeding period, phytoestrogen Genistein did not have an acute and significant effect on the levels of sex steroids and Rainbow Trout larvae Vitellogenin and partially reduced sex steroids, especially 17 beta-Estradiol and 17 OH-progesterone. The highest level of 17 beta-Eestradiol was measured in treatment E and the treatments containing Genistein had lower levels of this hormone (P≤0.05). Also, the level of Vitellogenin was somewhat lower in the treatment of Genistein but the change in the amount Feed Genistein did not show a significant difference in this regard (P> 0.05).

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Lactobacillus acidophilus and red grape vinegar on growth performance, morphology intestine and carcass composition of rainbow trout. For this purpose rainbow trout with an average weight of85 ± 2 g were distributed in 24 fiberglass tanks with 30 rainbow trout density and were fed for 56 days with different concentrations of Lactobacillus acidophilus and red grape vinegar in eight groups with three replicate including 0 (control), T1 (%1 of red grape vinegar), T2 (%2 of red grape vinegar), T3 (%3 of red grape vinegar), T4 (Lactobacillus acidophilus CFU/g 8×106), T5 (Lactobacillus acidophilus+%1 of red grape vinegar), T6 (Lactobacillus acidophilus+%2 of red grape) and T7 (Lactobacillus acidophilus+%3 of red grape). the results showed that The highest final weight was observed in T7 treatment and the lowest values are observed control. In general, the effect of different Lactobacillus acidophilus red grape vinegar and Lactobacillus acidophilus, level of microspores and number of lactic bacteria (LogCFU/g) in Fish intestines survival and chemical composition was positively and significantly evaluated. Considering the results of Growth factors, intestinal morphology and microbial flora of rainbow trout digestive system by Lactobacillus acidophilus red grape vinegar, it is recommended to use this supplement at a concentration of 3 percent.

In the present study, the effect of using different levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the rainbow trout diet was investigated with the aim of reducing the consumption of fish meal. For this purpose, the fish were divided into four treatments (each treatment with three replications) and fed with diets including control diet (no yeast) and yeast levels of 28, 29, 31% and with the same protein ratio. In each experimental unit, 10 fish with an average weight of 48±2 g were placed and fed twice a day at 3% of body weight for 3 weeks. Fish were sampled 21 days after feeding with experimental diets to determine growth indices and carcass composition. The results showed that fish fed a diet containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae had higher weight gain, specific growth rate and daily growth rate than the control group (p<0.05). The highest feed conversion ratio was observed in the control treatment and the lowest in the 28 and 29% yeast treatment. Carcass compositions including protein, fat, moisture, ash and survival rate did not show a significant difference in the experimental diet and the control group (p≥0.05). According to the results of this study, the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the levels of 28 and 29% has a positive effect on growth indices, survival and carcass composition of rainbow trout. Yeast is a suitable alternative to fish meal in rainbow trout diet.

In this study, the effect of injection of streptococcus / lactococcosis vaccine with alginate / chitosan microparticles on immunogenicity in rainbow trout was investigated. For this purpose, first S. iniae and L. garviae were cultured in TSB medium and inactivated with formalin, then the inactivated bacteria were finely coated with alginate / chitosan particles. 600 pieces of rainbow trout (14 ± 2.1 g) divided to four Treatments: Each treatment was divided into three replications as follows: the first treatment with encapsulated vaccine, the second treatment with uncoated vaccine and the third treatment with alginate / chitosan without bacteria, and the fourth treatment was injected with sterile PBS as control. The fish were fed and maintained for two months and on days 0, 20, 40 and 60, serum samples were prepared from the fish and immunity indicators included: serum antibody titer, complement activity, bactericidal, lysozyme activity, Leukocyte phagocytosis, serum protein and immunoglobulin levels, and expression levels of IL-6 and IgM in anterior kidney were evaluated. Treatments with both bacteria were challenged separately and mortality was compared between treatments. The results showed that the immunity indices in fish vaccinated with encapsulated vaccine improved compared to other treatments. Also, the expression of IL-6 and IgM genes and survival after bacterial challenge were significantly higher in encapsulated treatment than other treatments. Therefore, the vaccine microencapsulated method with chitosan and alginate microparticles is effective and can be used to improve the efficiency of streptococcus / lactococcosis vaccine in rainbow trout.

One of the most important data in the stock assessment models is knowing the coefficients of Length weight relationships of a species. In this study, the results of the length weight relationships of the Caspian roach in the years 2016 to 2018 were evaluated to investigate the trend of changes in coefficients a and b based on nonlinear regression. The total length of the study population in this study was from 12/31 to 30.02 cm and the total weight was between 28 and 346 g. The maximum length and weight were recorded in 2016, 27.26 cm and 262 g, in 2017, 22.28 cm and 178 g, and in 2018, 30.02 cm and 346 g. Relationship between population length and weight in 2016, W= 0.054TL3.26 (r2 = 0.94), in 2017, W= 0.0032TL3.47 (r2 = 0.96) and in 2018, W=0.0090TL3.09 (r2=0.74) was obtained. The results showed that the growth pattern in 1995 is allometric negative and in 1996 and 1997 is allometric positive for this species in the study area. The condition factor was 0.53±0.05 in 2016, 0.35±03 0.03 in 2017 and 0.94±0.04 in 2018.

This study was designed to determine the effects of temperature, pH and dKH on growth performance indices of Macro (Labidochromis caeruleus). In each aquarium, 3 fishes were entered randomly with the weighted average: 0.31 ± 0.05 gr and were fed, 5% of biomass twice daily. After 2 weeks adapting, In two intervals,1-25 days and 25-40 days, the biometric measurements were done and growth indices were calculated. In the end, weighted average of fishes was 0.75 ± 0.05 gr. In each aquarium, there were specific combinations of temperature, pH and dKH, using response surface method by Design Expert 7.0, and in total 14 combinations of factors each with 3 replications. According to the results, the combinations of temperature 26˚c, pH: 7.5 and 7 dKH had the best effect on fishes. Studying growth patterns showed that the best mathematical model to show the changes of growth indices was the quadratic equation. The interactions between pH × temperature, and dKH, was more effective on weight changes. At the first time interval, the optimum conditions were 26˚c, pH 7.5 and dKH 7.97-8.2, and at the second period, the optimum conditions were a combination of 25.37-25.62˚c, dKH 8.2-8.35 and pH 7.5-8.25. The optimum temperature to have the least FCR, was 27.67˚c, dKH: 7.65-8 and pH: 6.7-8. Besides, none of the linear, quadratic and cubic equations, represents the length growth of Macro fishes. Therefore, the results of this study, determined the optimum conditions of rearing this species according to the three mentioned parameters.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary lactoferrin (LF) in combination with feed and sprays on hematological factors and non-specific immune response of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) with an average weight of 10±0.3 g. This study was carried out in a completely randomized design with three treatments and replications in fiberglass tanks with 300 liters volume. Fish were fed with feed containing 0 and 800 mg lactoferrin spray and mix per kg feed for a period of 35 days. At the end of the experiment, blood and plasma samples were collected. The obtained results indicated that dietary LF did not change yellowfin seabream non-specific immune response except for lysozyme activity (P>0.05). TIBC and iron plasma significantly vary in fish fed on 800 mg spray and mixed lactoferrin respectively (P<0.05). Hemoglobin value and red and white blood cells count showed significant differences between the control groups with 800 mg mixed lactoferrin (P<0.05). Although hematocrit value was influenced by spray lactoferrin (P<0.05). Overall, this study showed that hematological and biochemical factors were affected by dietary lactoferrin. Nonetheless, it can be concluded that feeding of yellowfin seabream on the diet supplemented with 800 mg spray lactoferrin for a period of 5 weeks enhance the non-specific immune response.

This research was performed in order to determine of DNA Barcoding of Aphanius dispar and Aphanius sophiae isolated from warm waters in Iran. Samples of the desired fish were collected from Kolo areas (Ashkanan city of Fars province), Gomban spring (Arsanjan city). Molecular study using COI primers for DNA Barcoding of the studied species showed that A. sophiae, isolated from Gomban spring are genetically very close to Aphanius anatoliae, Aphanius maeandricus and Aphanius sureyanus from Turkey, which have shown themselves as separate clusters. However, the dispar species, with a genetic difference of about seven percent, has separated itself from this species and, together with the sophiae species, has created a sister cluster in the same keyboard. At the same time, the two species in question, with a much higher difference than the fasciatus and stiassnyae species in Portugal and Italy, are distinct as a separate clade. The highest genetic difference between the fasciatus and sophiae species was observed in 21% of Germany, which is very significant, was not unexpected due to the deep geographical gap between the mentioned areas. The use of primers used in this research can be effective in identifying genetic diversity, barcoding and the relationship of genetic origin of the target species.

This survey was done in order to use of different levels of the herbal supplement Digestrum P. A. P. in freshwater Angel fish (Pterophyllum scalare) fry and its effect on some growth performance; microbial Flore and morphology of the intestine. 120 fries (1.2±0.4gr) were gathered in a Complete Randomize Design plan with 4 treatments fed on different levels of Digestrum (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 gr/kg in dried food) each with 3 replicates for 60 days. The results showed that Digestrum had positive effects on final body weight, SGR and FCR so that in the treatment fed on 2 gr/kg. The most final weight (6.8g±0.34), the best SGR (4.0±0.12) and the least FCR (1.1±0.22) were observed in the same treatment (p<0.05). The most number of Lactobacilli colonies, the best length of the intestinal villies (600.14±15.44), villi across (105.14±2.18), and cript depth (55.2±2.10) were reported from this treatment too (p<0.05). Based on the results, it could be concluded that the herbal supplement Digestrum P. A. P. can improve growth performance and intestinal bacterial flore in 2gr/kg level of dried diet.

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis bacterium and its suitable level on survival and growth rate of larva Cyprinus carpio Mirzakoochek fisheries education center. B. subtilis bacterium isolated from Cyprinus carpio intestine was added to commercial carp feed as a probiotic. Five diets were prepared by soaking carp feed in to the B. subtilis suspension to achieve 104, 105, 106and 107 levels with a non-treated control. After 28 days, the larva carp fed diet at level 106, showed a higher mean weight gain (1196.43mg). The mean weight gain showed a decreasing trend as the B. subtilis level decreased and increased from 106 in the diets. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in weight gain, daily growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treated and control groups. There were significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments and control in survival rate but no significant differences (P>0.05) in water quality and biochemical composition among treated and control groups. It was concluded that the tested strain may be a promising probiotics for larva C. carpio at a level of 106 B. subtillis in to the carp feed.

Examination of blood and immune indicators is one of the most important items in the field of aquatic health and nutrition plays an important role in maintaining aquatic health conditions by regulating the non-cellular and humoral immune systems. This study was performed to investigate the effect of singular or combined administration of Pediococcus acidilactici and Raffinos on blood indices and non-specific immune parameters in the diet of goldfish (Carassius auratus). 180 goldfish with an average weight of 26.0±3.18, after 10 days of adaptation to laboratory conditions, were fed in 4 treatments with 3 repetitions for 2 months. Experimental treatments included: commercial diet (control group), commercial diet supplemented with 0.9  g kg-1 P. acidilactici, 10 g kg-1 Raffinos and simultaneously supplemented with P. acidilactici and Raffinos. According to the results, there was no significant difference between the treatments in the blood indicators compared to the control group (P>0.05). The comparison was with the control group, however, there was no significant difference between the control group and the treatments (P>0.05). At the end of the study, The results revealed no significant differences with this dose amongst blood indices and non-specific immune parameters in any of the experimental groups(P>0.05). Therefore, it is necessary to use the right dose of the desired adjuvant, because if irrelevant doses are used, no changes in the aquatic immune system may occur. Excessive doses suppress the immune response, and lower doses do not affect pathogens.

Neor Lake in Ardabil Province was ecologically degraded recently and the invasive fish Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) has been dominated. In 2017, the biological study of this species carried out in order to control of its population in the lake. Fish samples were caught by different equipment; Gill-net, Cast-net and purse seine. The average weight of fish was seasonally varied between 59.76±36.25, 54.72±42.85, 102.66±26.32 g while the average length of fish was ranged between 146.20±36.51, 133.40±38.20, 174.41±13.04 mm. The age of fishes was about 2 or 6 years. Intestine length was varied between 2.8±0.28, 2.88±0.34, 3.19±0.34 mm and the condition factor was calculated 1.67±0.28, 1.85±0.16, 1.90±0.15. Feeding intensity was calculated 250.34±136.91, 165.11±64.11, 163.45±86.99. The Prussian carp feed mostly on detritus. Six phytoplankton and four zooplankton phylum were identified in their guts which Bacillariophyta and Rotatoria were dominant respectively. From their gut contents were identified 44 phytoplankton genus and 10 zooplankton genus that Synedra and Rotaria were dominant respectively. The range of length and weight of C.gibelio showed the unfavorable environmental conditions for feeding and living of this fish in Neor Lake. The range of length and weight of carp showed the unfavorable environmental conditions for feeding and living of this fish in Lake Inver.

In this study the distribution and accumulation of diazinon, malathion and azinfos methyl in mullet fish Liza aurata, caspian white fish Rutilus frissi kutum and common carp fish Cyprinus carpio from five estuaries along the Caspian Sea was investigated. Also, the effect of pesticides concentration on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) in fish species was studies. Pesticides concentration varied with fish species, sampling station and toxin type. The results indicate that the pesticides concentration varied from 0.01 to 0.16 mg/kg for diazinon, 0.01 to 0.15 mg/kg for malathion and 0.05 to 0.36 mg/kg for azinfos methyl in three fish species. There was significant difference between different toxin concentrations in fish species, (P<0.05), and the order of toxic concentrations was as follows: azinfos methyl>diazinon>malathion. There was significant difference in toxin concentrations between three fish species, and the highest toxins concentrations were absorbed in detritivores fish (L. aurata), followed by herbivorous fish (C. carpio) and carnivore fish (R. kutum). The results indicate that the AChE enzyme concentration in all estuaries varied from 60.05 to 93.60 ng/ml for L. aurata, 91.47 to 95.41 ng/ml for R. frissi kutum and 70.09 to 83.8 ng/ml for C. carpio. There was negative correlation between pesticides concentration and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme level in fish species and correlation was (r=−0.885) for L. aurata, −0.920 for R. frissi kutum and (r=−0.874) C. carpio. The results confirmed that toxins bioaccumulation in fish species is strongly controlled by habitat and feeding habits. Also, the rsults showed that AChE enzyme activities in the fish tissues were gradually inhibited with increase in the organophosphorus pesticides concentration.

Accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems causes soft tissue destruction and weakens the immune system. On the other hand, consumption of contaminated fish causes several complications in humans. This study aims to measure the amounts of heavy metals lead, nickel, zinc, iron and copper in the edible tissue of gariz fish in islands (Qeshm, Hengam and Hormoz) of Hormozgan province. In the three mentioned regions, during the two seasons of summer and winter, a total of 180 samples were collected in 1398 (30 samples in each station and in each season separately). After bioassay, the concentration of heavy elements in the studied organ was measured using a flame atomic absorption device (Model 700Contr AA). The results showed that the highest mean concentrations of lead, nickel, zinc and copper were observed in Qeshm Island and iron metal in Hormoz Island and the lowest mean concentrations of metals were observed in Hengam Island. Metal concentrations in the analyzed samples were lower than international standards FAO, WHO, FDA, NHMRC and UKMAFF. Also, the level of potential risk and risk index for non-cancerous diseases in adults and children in the aquifer muscle tissue was less than 1. Therefore, it can be concluded that there are currently no problems for human health in terms of consumption of this fish.

The class of Appendicularians or Larvacea are marine suspension feeders that found widely in most oceans in the world, often being one of the most common groups in zooplankton communities. In this study, monthly sampling was carried out around the coastal waters of Hormuz Island, in the Persian Gulf from August 2011 to June 2012 with a plankton net (300µm mesh size). Oblique tows were made from near the bottom to the surface at four localities (South, North, East and West) of the Island each having two stations. 9 species (including two unidentified species) belonging to four genera, notably Oikopleura dioica, O. longicuada, O. fusiformis, O. rufescens, Stegosoma magnum, Megalocercus huxleyi, Fritillaria formica digitata. O. rufescens, O. longicuada, O. fusiformis, Oikopleura sp1 and O. sp2 occurred in more than 80% of the samples. Maximum abundance was during the April (57.94 ±32.3 ind. m-3), while minimum values occurred in August (zero ind. m-3).

In the present study investigated the antibacterial activity of the methanol and n-hexane extracts of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota on Lactococcus garvieae and Aeromonas hydrophila. The antibacterial activity was determined using a serial dilution method with concentration 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/mL methanol and n-hexane extract of gonads and muscle tissue of sea cucumber. Then bacterial samples were added to dilutions, and optical density was recorded at 0 (before bacterial inoculation) after bacterial inoculation, 12 and 24 hours after inoculation. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the extracts were determined by the pour plate method. The results showed that the n-hexane hexane extract from gonads and muscle tissue of sea cucumber did not affect MIC and MBC of the mentioned bacteria. Meanwhile, methanol extract from gonads and muscle tissue of sea cucumber had antibacterial activity against Lactococcus garvieae and Aeromonas hydrophila.

The conservation of biodiversity is necessities sustainable development programs. Conservation of biodiversity relies strongly on the evaluation of extant species factors which affect diversity aspects in a given area. To investigate biodiversity of ants in Miankaleh, a 411 pitfall 110 localities were placed in west, from Oct. 2018 to 2019. Pitfalls were collected 48 hours after place. Then, samples were taken out of the traps, counted, weighted and identified as morphotypes. Sample-based used to test the reliability of sampling. Shannon, Dominance, and Margaret indexes were calculated, dominance and richness respectively. Most individuals were in four genera of Messor, Aphoenogast, Crematogaster and Tapinoma, 84% of samples. Shannon, Dominace and Marglef indices were 0.64, 0.63 and 0.76 respectively. Diversity and richness decreased dramatically in winter so that there were statistically significant differences between them (p<0.01). Taxon's dominance was at the highest in winter and lowest in summer. There was a statistically significant difference between the diversity index of two seasons (p<0.01). Ordination based on principle component analysis Showed the most effective factor on ants’ biodiversity is changes of weather that is associated with seasons change, so that the dominant species were different in springs, winter and summer and a decrease was seen in all taxa in winter. There were a statistically significant positive correlation between Shannon index and minimum and maximum temperatures and negative correlation between dominance and minimum and maximum temperatures and of Dominance was significant negatively.

Healthy behavior is an appropriate alternative method in combating honey bee pests and diseases to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. In this study, the effect of population size (5, 7 and 10 frames), season (spring and summer) and the interaction between population size and season were investigated on the incidence of health and invasive behaviors of lorestan honey bee colonies. For this purpose, 21 colonies belonging to Lorestan province, Khorramabad city, were used. Liquid nitrogen was used to kill pupae in order to determine the incidence of uncapping and removing traits. In the following, the percentage of uncapping and removing cells was counted 48 hours after pouring liquid nitrogen. The mean of cell removing and uncapping were 94.48%, 92.67%, 91.81% and 88.33% in spring and summer, respectively, but these differences was not significant (p>0.05). The 5 frames populations had the lowest mean of cap uncapping (88.29) and removing (84.43) compared to 7 and 10 frames populations. The incidence of health behavior was affected by the interaction of population size and season so that 7 frame populations had the best health behavior in spring. There was no significant difference between treatments in the occurrence of aggressive behavior. A significant positive correlation was observed between uncapping and removing. In general, the results of this study showed that the lorestan honey bee colonies show good health behavior and they can be used in breeding programs to build resistant populations.

Limited water exchange system is an environmentally friendly system that pursues the goals of sustainable aquaculture and is used in modern aquaculture. In the present study, the effect of different levels of dietary protein on water quality, growth performance and biochemical composition of microbial mass in the system with limited water exchange was investigated. Western white shrimp juveniles with an average weight of 2.5 g were studied in fiberglass tanks with a volume of 160 liters and a density of 1 fish per liter for 5 weeks. Four experimental treatments with different levels of dietary protein including 40, 36, 33 and 30% were considered in the system with limited water exchange. The results of the present study showed that the amounts of dissolved oxygen, pH, total ammonia nitrogen (1.11 mg/l) are higher in the treatment of diet with 40% protein. Growth performance in 33% and 36% protein showed a significant difference compared to 30% and 40% level of protein (P<0.05), so that higher values were observed in 33% and 36% protein treatments. The biochemical composition of the microbial mass was affected by different dietary proteins (P<0.05) and higher amounts of lipid (2.17%) and ash (35.44% of dry weight) were observed in the treatment with 30% protein. According to the present study, it was found that different dietary proteins affect water quality, growth performance of western white shrimp and microbial mass composition and the optimal values in the diet are 33% and 36% of protein.

Estuaries play an important role in environmental protection, biodiversity, flood control and drinking water supply and can play an important role in the production of biological materials and the production of medicinal plants. Hormozgan province as a coastal province in the south of Iran has several wetlands. For this purpose, to identify and determine the abundance of Benthose of the international wetlands of the estuary of Shoor, Shirin and Minab in Tiab estuary and Yek shabe in 2016 seasonally. For this purpose, sampling of sediments was carried out using a Van veen grab with a cross section of 0.04 m2 in two estuaries. In this study, different groups of Macrobenthos (Annelida, Mollusca, Crustacea and other macrobenthos (Nemertea, Fish larvae and Echinodermata)) were identified. 23 families of Polychaetes, 5 families of Bivalves, 6 families of Gastropods, 7 families of Arthropods, 2 families of Foraminifera and 1 family of Sipuncula were also identified as 37 genera and 9 species of different families suitable for Tiab. Most abundance belonged to the Foraminifera and also the polychaetes had a considerable abundance. The results of this study showed that a total of polychaetes (17 families), bivalves (5 families), Gastropods (11 families), Scaphopoda (1 family), Arthropods (3 families) and 1 family of Foraminifera as well as 37 genera and 9 species were identified in Yek shabe estuary. Macrobenthos in Tiab estuary with an average of 9428±4376 n/m2 had a higher abundance and Yek shabe estuary with an average of 2.78±0.55 g/m2 had a higher weight macrobenthos in Tiab estuary with average of 9428±4376 n/m2 had higher abundance and in Yek shabe estuary with average of 2.78±0.55 g/m2 had higher weight. According to the results of this study, in general, the abundance of macrobenthos in the Yek shabe estuary was lower than the Tiab estuary, while the weight of all organisms in the Yek shabe estuary was higher than the Tiab estuary. Although several factors affect the final weight of macrobenthos in an area, it seems that the conditions are suitable Yek shabe to provide a greater opportunity for the presence of macrobenthos, followed by feeding, growth and increase in body size and ultimately weight gain.

Kselian River as one of the most important water sources of Savadkooh province, has special importance. This study consisted of the diversity and distribution of Macrobenthos on Kselian River. In the mentioned area, a total of four study stations were selected based on environmental impact, Macrobenthos fauna samples were taken by Surber such that were repeated 3 times at each station with seasonal frequency. Samples were fixed with 4% formalin, were separated in a lab, and then identified and counted. In surveys conducted, 12 families from 5 orders of Macrobenthos were identified.  The results show in the spring season had the most abundance (290 n/m2) and in the summer season had the less abundance (150 n/m2) of the specimen. Ephemeroptera had the most abundance (62.3 % of total) and Plecoptera had less abundance (3.4 % of total) between five classes were identified on Kselian River. During this study the average of the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated 1.31, Simpson dominance species was calculated 0.28 and Margalef richness species was calculated 1.91. According to the biological values of Hilsenhoff (HFBI), the water quality status of Kselian River at stations 1 and 2 and 4 were evaluated excellent, at stations 4 was evaluated very well. Overall according to the results, it was determined that aquatic insects constitute the dominant population of the benthic fauna in Kselian River.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of human activities on health and determination of water quality using biological index of macroinvertebrates functional feeding groups. Sampling of macroinvertebrates was monthly performed using a surber sampler from 4 stations in 2017. During one year of sampling, 46475 samples of macroinvertebrates were collected belonging to 16 orders, 35 families and 49 genera. Macroinvertebrates included five functional feeding groups including Collector-Filterer (CF), Collector-Gatherer(CG), Scraper (SCR), Shredder (SHR), Predator (PRD) and Parasite. CG and CF groups had the highest relative frequencies in all study stations, except station 3, where CG and PRD groups were dominant, respectively. In stations with high pollution (especially station 1), the frequency of CG feeding group has increased significantly compared to other stations (especially stations 2 and 4) (ANOVA; F=0.011, p<0.05). Based on the results obtained from the distribution of macroinvertebrates and their food behavior, the impact of human activities including the entry of agricultural, urban, and rural wastewaters to the little Zab river is quite evident and the stations affected by different types of effluents (Station 1 and 4) had the most unfavorable conditions. Therefore, by examining the macroinvertebrates functional feeding group with the least time and cost, it is possible to find possible anomalies caused by human activities and changes in water quality of little Zab river ecosystems.

This study investigates the presence of heavy metals and 16PAHs of the Neour lake water, in Ardbil Province.   The results of heavy metals analysis of Neour lake water in the cat that the level of heavy metals of Cd, Pb, Co and Cr low. The concentration of those heavy metals in most water sample was under the detection limit of atomic absorption device. the Fe level and then Zn were camper tom other heavy metals were higher. The mean concentration Fe, Zn, Ni and Cu in Neour lake over at sampling station were 0.371±0.008, 0.134±0.003, 0.091±0.006, 0.051±0.007 mg/l respectively which concentration Fe and Ni is higher than the TSE-266, WPCL and EC permissible value. The results of 16 petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analysis showed that the mean concentration of pharantrolin and antrasin in near lake water were 2.7±1.27 and 1.0±1.04 µg/l respectivility this result suggest that the PAHs compound in Neour lake from pyrolytic sources where they originated from petroleum sources. The result of pollution study in Neour lake water showed there the level of pollutant one very low at the current condition where there are at sources of those pollutant the water shad area of Neour lake the result suggest that the lake the is clear.

Oil pollution is an important environmental issue that can destroy marine and coastal ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to rank the coastal strip of Gilan province in terms of sensitivity to oil spills. First, the main criteria affecting oil spills on the coast were identified. Required data through field studies and surveillance by GPS device, topographic maps of 1.25000, maps of protected areas, satellite images, data of Industry, Mining and Trade Organization and etc. were collected. After mapping for each criterion, they were standardized by fuzzy method and combined using WLC method. The results showed that for low, medium and high degrees of sensitivity, 14, 36 and 50% of the coastline are involved, respectively. The high sensitivity is mostly related to the eastern part of the coast, which is located along the rivers. Low sensitivity is also located on the seafront on granular to medium sandy beaches. In order to validate the WLC method, the longitudinal profile of the shore was prepared based on the sensitivity to oil spills. The position of the peaks of the longitudinal profile of the coast in terms of sensitivity to oil spills was extracted and with field studies, the criteria affecting the sensitivity of the coast at each point were investigated. The results showed that the error of the WLC method is less than 5% and in other words, this method can be trusted with 95% confidence.

Kiaklayeh wetland is being destroyed due to the actions of the municipality and the negligence of the natural resources department. The growth and development of urban and industrial activities has led to the release of heavy metals into aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, in the present study, the concentrations of iron, aluminum, zinc, nickel, vanadium, manganese, barium and lead in the sediment of three areas of Kiaklayeh wetland that are affected by Mehr housing effluent, agricultural effluent and municipal waste landfill were investigated. Also, the enrichment coefficient (EF) and land accumulation index (Igeo) were studied among the three regions. The results showed that the accumulation of aluminum, manganese and nickel in sediments receiving agricultural and housing effluents is more than an area of the wetland that is affected by the municipal landfill, but the concentration of lead in sediments near the landfill is more than two areas in another parts of the wetland. An Enrichment ratio higher than 1 was obtained for zinc and lead in the area affected by the landfill, for aluminum in the area affected by agricultural effluent and for vanadium in the area contaminated with Mehr housing effluent.

Today, with the advencement of technology and the development of industries, the level of soil polution by heavy metals has expanded day by day.the aim of thise study was to investigate the indices of Contamination factor, enrichment and Modified Degree of Contamination elements in the around soil of Oxine steel complex in Khouzestan. for this purpose,6surface soil samples were compounded. The around as well as the distances of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 meters from the complex were collected. After chemical preparation and digestion of the samples, the concentration of Lead, Nickle, Chromium, Zinc and Iron in them was measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. Based on the results of this study, the mean concentration of Lead, Zinc, Iron, Chromium and Nickel elements were 87.16, 519.97, 32873.73, 1118.40, 34.44 mg/kg respectively obtained. Also, the concentration of all the studied elemnts decreased with increasing distance from the complex, so that the highest concentration of metals in the vicinity and the lowest rate were obtained at a distance of 500 meters from the complex. The interpretation of Contamination indices was Iron<Nickel<Chromium<Lead<Zinc, respectively. Zinc and Lead matals have been introduced as the most important elements of Oxin complex and soil area was known towards non-contaminated iron metal.

Heavy metal ions have deadly and deadly effects on all life forms and enter the food chain through the disposal of waste in water channels. One of the most important heavy metals is iron. There are several methods used to remove heavy metal ions. The adsorption method is widely used due to its easy operation, low energy consumption, easy maintenance, high adsorption capacity and high efficiency. Activated carbon as an adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and low cost, has many applications in heavy metal removal processes. The purpose of this paper is to remove iron (III) ions from brine entering the chlorinated alcohol system using activated carbon adsorbent to reduce environmental damage. In order to achieve this goal, after preparation of activated carbon adsorbent, and its contact with salt water of chlor-alkali unit containing iron (III) ion, the effect of adsorbent amount factors (0.5 to 2 g/l), contact time (15 to 120 minutes) and pH (3 to 9) were assessed. Based on the results of this study, pH=7 was determined as the optimal pH and 90 minutes as the equilibrium time. with increasing the amount of adsorbent, the removal percentage increased and the maximum removal percentage of iron ions in the amount of 2 g/l of activated carbon adsorbent was obtained. Also, the effect of contact time, pH and the amount of activated carbon adsorbent on the process of iron ion removal was significant (p<0.05).

Nowadays, monitoring the wetlands land-use change trends using satellite images is one of the most important tools for managing and conserving wetlands. The goal of this study was to investigate land cover change in Meighan wetland as a remarkable wintering wetland for water birds and waders in the middle of the country during 2008-2018 in order to evaluate the trend of the changes in this wetland and make managers prompt a proper decision for the effective management. In this study, images of the geo-referenced Landsat satellite, ETM+, OLI 8 TRIS were used and after applying necessary corrections on the images, results were analyzed in the ENVI 5.4 software. The results of the change detections indicated that the area of the wetland has decreased by 63.31% during the study period. Vegetation covers of the wetland diminished by 64%. During the study period, barren lands have increased by 11.6%. Also, the area of agricultural land in the border of the wetland has expanded by 23.15%. Besides, reviewing water birds and waders abundance in 2008 and 2018 showed that abundance of the most families of water birds and waders were higher in 2008. Taking the environmental importance of Meighan wetland into account as a place hosting large populations of water birds and waders, we recommend that management plans to survey and systematically control of this wetland should be implemented.

Considering that Iran is one of the top 20 countries in the world in biodiversity, this issue has a special place in the laws of the country. The general policies of the environmental system emphasize this important point in various paragraphs, especially paragraph 6. Effective criteria, the importance of each using the opinion of experts identified. Therefore, 49 sub-criteria affecting the implementation of the law, under the three groups of general environmental policy criteria, the law of conservation of genetic resources, protocols under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Nagoya) are identified and then Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and binary matrix comparison, the coefficients of importance of the criteria were determined to be prioritized. The results showed that among the main criteria, the criteria of general environmental policies (weighing 0.423) are more important than other criteria (weighing 0.423) is more important than other criteria. Among the sub-criteria, sub-criterion protection of Genetic resources and improving them to international standards (weighing 0.389) Access to genetic resources is the responsibility of the sovereign rights of each country (member), protection, renovate, development of natural restores (With a weight of 0.378) and biodiversity, especially wildlife (with a weight of 0.375) and also the preparation of an ecosystem atlas (with a weight of 0.370) had the highest weight among the sub-criteria. Shows from genetic sources.

Every year, more and more people are eager for nature tourism, especially the animal environment in the world, so that nature tourism is known as one of the main areas of tourism. The prerequisite for entering animal ecotourism is to understand the fundamental challenges in this area. On the one hand, countless tourists count the time to attend animal ecotourism, and on the other hand, environmentalists do not consider animal ecotourism to be in the best interest of a protected area. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of tourism marketers and environmental experts towards the dimensions of animal ecotourism in the Alvand Khomein protected area. The statistical sample of the research was 230 environmental experts and fans, as well as those in charge of tourism marketing who were well acquainted with the Alvand region. After surveying these two groups, it was found that there is a difference of opinion between the attitudes of both groups on the dimensions of animal ecotourism. The social, cultural and economic dimensions were dimensions in which both groups disagreed, and only in the environmental dimension of animal ecotourism were the views of the two groups the same. Environmental experts did not consider the presence of numerous tourists in the form of tourist tours for the region to be socially, culturally and economically beneficial to the region and the animal environment. Tourism marketers, on the other hand, believed that maintaining the Alvand Protected Area required investments and costs that animal ecotourism could make possible.

Tourism in protected areas as a mechanism for financial self-government is a support for conservation and a tool for facilitating management. Therefore, tourism in these regions in order to preserve biodiversity and genetic reserves should be achieved based on ecological potential assessment in susceptible areas so that no damage to biological species is done. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptible areas of ecotourism using two methods of multi-criteria evaluation and system analysis. For this purpose, 19 options were selected in 7 clusters and each layer was combined using Analysis Network Process (ANP) method to determine the power of the options using Weighted Linear Composition (WLC). The results of multi-criteria evaluation method showed that 18.98% in the Class 1, 2.15% in the Class 2, 15.87% in the Class 3, and about 63% in the Class 4. The results of the system analysis also showed that 19.71% in the Class 1, 2.03% Class 2, 11.41% Class 3, and about 61.70% Class 4. The results of both methods are similar and indicate that due to the conservation status, the existence of endangered animal and plant species, as well as considering the ecological nest of animal species, high elevation and slope in the area, the largest in the protected and safe zones, are some of the reasons, that limits access for visitors to the Eshkevarat No-Hunting area.

Regarding the importance of sports tourism and social marketing, this study investigated the role of social marketing in tourism of horse riding in Golestan province. The present study was quantitative, conducted through a survey method and was applied in terms of purpose. Data collection was done by field survey through a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study consisted of horse-riding audiences including tourists (inactive and spectators in this sport) in Golestan province. To measure the research variables, a social marketing questionnaire consisting of 39 questions and 7 components (participation cost, suggestion, motivational context, accessibility, social communication, customer orientation, and public) with 5 Likert range was used. Factor analysis and path analysis were used to analyze the data in the inferential statistics section. For correlation and model fit, SPSS21 and Smart PLS3 were used respectively. The results showed that Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability of all variables were above 0.7 and factor loadings coefficients between indices (questions) and constructs are more than 0.4, so the model is well-fitted. Participation cost, motivational context, accessibility, social communication, and customer orientation were identified as influential factors in the model outputs. Therefore, the relevant authorities of Golestan province should consider these factors in order to develop horse riding and have a specific plan for their improvement.