Iranian Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology
Volume:13 Issue: 1, Winter and Spring 2021

Our continually changing world has created new demands in society and has profoundly affected ecosystems, cultures, and professions. Ignoring the requirements and consequences of this ever-changing milieu could have devastating effects on all aspects of veterinary medicine. With the increasing global interconnections, several concepts have been created that should be addressed by the veterinary profession; otherwise, some instabilities will affect both the job and the society. In this article, these concepts will be critically analyzed and synthesized to portray an integrated perspective to address the necessities for the economic success of food animal practice, as well as describing the complicated role of veterinary medicine in the future. The first concept is the “evolving veterinary education”, introduced by OIE in 2009, to address the new requirements of competent veterinarians who are able to respond and adapt to modern trading and business requirements. The second concept is “One-Health”, which was introduced to address an integrated and all-inclusive perspective to health issues. All the specifications of this new concept are reflected in each letter of the word HEALTH (Humans, Ecosystems, Animals, Living Together, Harmoniously). The third concept is related to the “virtual water” theory, the total water consumed in the process of every activity, namely, the water footprint. It has been estimated that about 1000 and 15,500 liters of water are consumed in the process of production of a liter of milk and a kilogram of meat, respectively. Finally, the carbon footprint concept has been introduced to measure the total greenhouse gases emissions that enter into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide equivalent through individuals, events, organizations, services, places, products, and industries. The veterinary profession has a critical role and responsibility in the integration of the four abovementioned concepts.

Infectious bronchitis (IB), caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is one of the most important respiratory diseases in poultry. The implementation of preventive measures, including vaccination and biosecurity, is necessary for controlling the disease. To maintain biosecurity, it is important to identify the entry route of new viruses into a region and characterizing markers such as unique mutations that make viruses traceable. During a genotyping study for IBV infected commercial chicken flocks in Khorasan Razavi province, 11 viruses from 11 broiler and layer chicken flocks were detected in different cities by PCR. Sequencing of the S1 partial gene followed by phylogenetic analysis showed that eight viruses can be classified in GI-23 lineage (Is-Variant2), two viruses are classified in GI-1 lineage (Mass), and one virus is classified in GI-12 lineage (793B). Although detected viruses of GI-23 lineage are originated from Iran, seven viruses have synonymous (T954C and G1056A) and non-synonymous (C797T) mutations that have not been previously reported. It was found that the new genetic changes in Iranian IBVs of GI-23 lineage occurred in two different regions in Khorasan Razavi. In conclusion, this study indicates that the high prevalence of GI-23 lineage viruses in Iran may enhance the chance of virus mutations and the emergence of new viral strains, so effective vaccination and biosecurity measures are required to control the virus spread.

Various neurochemical pathways are participating in the regulation of food intake in mammals and birds. Both oxytocin (OT) and nitric oxide (NO) are known as hypophagic agents in birds. This study consisted of 6 experiments and each experiment had 4 groups (ngroup=11, 5-day-old chickens). In all experiments, 3-hour food-deprived (FD3) birds received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections either control diluent or drug solution. Then the birds had ad libitum access to the food and fresh water and then cumulative food intake (gr) was measured based on the percentage of the body weight (%BW). In experiments 1 to 3, ICV injections of L-arginine (precursor of NO, 200, 400, and 800 nmol), L-NAME (NOS inhibitor, 100, 200, and 400 nmol) and OT (2.5, 5, and 10 µg) were performed respectively. In experiment 4, each group received any ICV injections of L-NAME (100 nmol), OT (10 µg) or a co-injection of L-NAME (100 nmol) and OT (10 µg). In experiment 5, L-arginine (ICV, 200 nmol), OT (10 µg), or L-arginine (200 nmol) and OT (10 µg) were injected to the groups. Experiment 6 was similar to the experiment 5, although the dose of OT was 2.5 µg in all the treatment groups. Results showed that the ICV injection of L-NAME (100 nmol) significantly attenuated hypophagic effect induced by OT (10 µg) (p < 0.05). Findings suggested that NO might mediate the hypophagic effect of OT in FD3 neonatal layer-type chickens.

This study was carried out to investigate the causative agents of the parasitic diseases affecting common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in aquacultures in the Erbil region. At first, all fish were visually examined, then, microscopic analysis of mucus, skin and fins scrapings and gastrointestinal contents were carried out, confirming that carps are infested by a large diversity of parasites, predominantly affected by Dactylogyrus sp., followed by Trichodina sp., and copepod parasites, with an infection rate of 25.2%, 17.2%, and 13.2%, respectively. On the other hand, the highest mortality was due to infestation by Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Ichthyophthirius sp. and Gyrodactylus sp., rating 40%, 35%, 29% and 28%, respectively. Several injuries and ulcerations were observed within gills, over fins and skin of infected fish. In conclusion, the results showed that carp fish from Erbil city are infested by several parasites causing pathological and mechanical injuries, which were associated with high mortality rates in carps.

Kisspeptin stimulates gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). The GnRH neurons receive inhibitory inputs from ghrelin, RFamide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased levels of GnRH/LH and kisspeptin, and decreased release of GABA, ghrelin, and RFRP-3. In the present study, the effects of GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, were investigated on GnRH, KiSS1, RFRP-3, and ghrelin gene expression in the hypothalamus of PCOS model rats. For induction of PCOS, female Wistar rats weighing 180-200g received intra-muscular injection of estradiol valerate. Fifteen PCOS rats in three groups received intraperitoneal injections of saline, 5, or 10 mg/kg baclofen for two weeks. The hypothalamic samples were dissected. Gene expression levels of GnRH, KiSS1, RFRP-3, and ghrelin were determined by real time qPCR method. Results revealed that baclofen significantly decreased the mean relative KiSS1 gene expression compared to PCOS group. Also, the mean relative RFRP-3 gene expression significantly increased in the baclofen-receiving rats in comparison to PCOS group. Furthermore, baclofen did not change GnRH or ghrelin mRNA levels in comparison to PCOS group. According to these results it can be concluded that in PCOS condition the GABAergic signaling pathway may suppress GnRH neural activity via down or up regulation of the intra-hypothalamic neuropeptides upstream of GnRH neurons.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different hormonal interventions in the treatment of cystic ovarian follicles (COF) based on different scenarios, including the size of the cyst and the presence of other follicles on the ovaries of dairy cows. A total of 199 Holstein cows with COF in the first 100 days postpartum were enrolled in the study. These cows were randomly assigned to the four following groups: 1) GnRH (G) group: intramuscular (IM) injections of 100 µg gonadorelin acetate on day 0 and 150 µg d-cloprostenol 7-12 days later, 2) double GnRH (DG) group: two IM injections of 100 µg gonadorelin acetate at 6 h intervals on day 0 and d-cloprostenol 7-12 days later, 3) intravaginal progesterone device (IPD) group: insertion of PRID Delta for 7-12 days and injection of d-cloprostenol on the withdrawal of PRID Delta, and 4) control group: IM injection of 2 mL sterile saline on day 0 and 7-12 days later. The cure rate of COF significantly improved in the G and DG groups, in comparison with the IPD and control groups. There was no significant difference between the cows in the G and DG groups. In the control group, animals with ovarian cysts smaller than 2.5 cm had a significantly greater self-cure rate, compared to the other cows. In conclusion, this field study demonstrated a good clinical cure in the groups of cows treated by GnRH. However, no improvement was observed in the reproductive performance of these animals.

Chlamydophila abortus is one of the major causes of pregnancy failure (abortion) in sheep and goats in many countries. In the present study, milk samples from sheep and goat herds of West Azerbaijan, Iran were examined for C. abortus using PCR and nucleotide sequencing. A total number of 360 milk samples were randomly collected from sheep (n=180) and goats (n=180) of three different regions of West Azerbaijan province during 2018. DNA was isolated from samples and the nested-PCR was employed targeting the 16S rRNA gene for detection of Chlamydia spp. The omp gene was amplified and sequenced for the characterization of detected C. abortus.The results showed that 8.61% (95% CI: 6.13%–11.96%) of the examined samples (11.67% sheep and 5.56% goat milk samples) were positive for C. abortus. The frequency of positive samples in the central region was significantly higher than in other regions. Positive samples for C. abortus from animals with a history of abortion were significantly higher than those without a history of abortion. Positive samples in autumn were significantly higher than the other seasons and also, in animals more than four years old were significantly higher than other age groups. Sheep infection was significantly higher than the goats. Phylogenetic analysis based on the helicase gene showed that two sequenced isolates clustered closely with the other C. abortus isolates reported in the GenBank. In conclusion, small ruminants in West Azerbaijan province were contaminated with C. abortus and they could shed this organism into the milk.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) have been applied to modulate various immune-mediated conditions. Prolonged culture of MSCs in vitro reduces their therapeutic efficacy. Pretreatment of the cells with some chemical agents during in vitro expansion could overcome this limitation. This study intended to determine whether pretreatment of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) with Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a glycoprotein hormone, and Vitamin E, an antioxidant, will improve their immunomodulatory ability. In this regard, ASCs were harvested from human processed lipoaspirate. LPS-induced ASCs were preconditioned with 1 mg of hCG and 600 µM of vitamin E for 24h. TSG-6, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 were assessed at the mRNA level in preconditioned and control groups. ASCs were also co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro to determine the functionality of these cells. Results showed that hCG and vitamin E significantly downregulate the pro-inflammatory COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression, while they did not significantly increase TSG-6 expression. Besides, the co-culturing of pretreated ASCs with PBMCs demonstrated that the amount of PBMCs in treated groups (with hCG and vitamin E) was significantly lower than in control groups. These findings revealed that the preconditioning of ASCs with hCG and vitamin E might enhance their immunoregulatory capacity.

Treatment of bacterial diseases such as bovine mastitis with antibiotics has problems such as antibiotic resistance and drug residue in animal products. Essential oil of medicinal plants have antibacterial activity and are suitable alternatives. This study examined the antimicrobial activity of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Satureja hortensis (savory) essential oils on major mastitis-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Chemical compositions of essential oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of oils were determined with serial broth dilution method using autoclaved whole milk rather than synthetic broth. The effect of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of essential oils on the growth curve of tested bacteria in milk was obtained in 0, 1, 2, 4, 10, and 24 hours. Major compositions of sage and savory essential oils were carvacrol (61.01%), thymol (20.41%), 1R-α-pinene (7.88%), eucalyptol (32.45%), thymol (28.24%), and α-pinene (13.42%), respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranged 1.25-2.5% and 2.5-5% for savory, and 0.625-1.25% and 1.25-2.5% for sage, respectively. Savory and sage significantly decreased the S. aureus and S. agalactiae population in 4, 10, and 24 h (p < 0.05) and E. coli population in 10 and 24 h (p = 0.01). The sage and savory essential oils had antibacterial effects against three tested bacteria, and sage had a stronger effect than savory because of stronger antibacterial components (carvacrol and thymol). Further in vivo tests are recommended to evaluate the efficiency of these essential oils on the treatment of bovine mastitis.

Trypanosomosis is an economically important disease that has raised great and diverse kinds of research using different types of animals. Hence, this study is aimed at determining the better laboratory animal between the Swiss albino mice and Wistar albino rats in Trypanosoma brucei brucei studies. This study assessed the pathogenesis of T. b. brucei in Swiss albino mice and Wistar albino rats by probing the level of parasitemia, mean temperature, mean weight, hematological and histopathological parameters caused by the hemoprotozoan. Twenty laboratory animals, of mice (10) and rats (10) were grouped in two (control (5) and infected (5)), with the infected group inoculated with the blood protozoan intraperitoneally. Trypanosoma b. brucei was detected in the blood of both laboratory animals on day one post-infection, with all the infected animals dying between day seven and eight post-infection. The protozoan exerted a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the mean temperature, mean weight, and hematological parameters of the infected animals. Pathological effects of T. b. brucei infection were seen in the liver and lungs of mice, and the liver, lungs, kidney and spleen of rats. The pathogenesis of T. b. brucei was more severe in rats compared to mice based on the studied parameters. These findings showed that rats are better candidates for T. b. brucei studies.

The study analyzed the histomorphometry of the mature female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) stomach with the aid of ImageJ software. The different histological parts were identified using a compound microscope. Five mature laying female Japanese quail were collected and necropsied. The digestive organs, particularly proventriculus and gizzard, were collected and processed for tissue staining. Histological identification and measurement of thickness and depth of various structures were subsequently performed. Comparable to other avian species, the proventriculus was comprised of four layers: thin tunica serosa (22.69 µm), tunica muscularis (235.07 µm) with outer longitudinal and inner circular smooth muscle layers, thick tunica submucosa (2,164.37 µm) containing glands, and innermost tunica mucosa (553.42 µm) with papillae. The gizzard was characterized by four tunics: thin tunica serosa (60.44 µm), thick tunica muscularis (1,480.07 µm), tunica submucosa (112.25 µm), and tunica mucosa (456.15 µm) where the glands, crypts, and koilin can be found. The findings suggest that the histology of proventriculus and gizzard of the Japanese quail have no remarkable difference compared to other poultry species. However, the histomorphometry of the organs examined had remarkable variations as compared to other avians.

Ticks are vectors for several important zoonoses including different species of Anaplasma. The present study aims to determine the presence of Anaplasma spp. in hard ticks collected from livestock of South-Khorasan province, Iran. A total of 684 livestock were sampled and 269 ticks were collected. Two genera and 6 species of ticks were identified including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma detritium, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma spp. Eleven Hyalomma nymphs and 3 Rhipicephalus nymphs were also identified. 100 Out of 269 ticks were chosen for molecular detection. DNA was extracted followed by PCR technique to detect Anaplasma spp. The presence of Anaplasma spp. was confirmed in 20 out of 100 tested samples (20%). All positive samples collected from Birjand county were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Results of the present study showed a relatively high infection rate of Anaplasma in hard ticks in South-Khorasan Province.