Effect of feeding Artemia Urmiana cysts on performance and survival of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) fish at the larva stage

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of Artemia Urmiana cysts on performance and survival of Caspian brown trout fish. The treatments included different levels (25, 50, 75 and 100 %) of Artemia Urmiana cysts to Caspian brown trout fish with an average weight of 120 ± 25 g in active phase of larva stage until the weight of one gram. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) of the treatments were determine and the survival percentage index was calculated based on the number of remaining larvae in the sites on the total number of larvae. The result of study showed that the higher feed intake was for 25 and the lower feed intake was for 50% of Artemia urmiana cysts treatments. Also the best specific growth rate and feed conversation ratio was related to the 25 % of Artemia Urmiana cysts groups (P≤0.05). Additionally the best survival index was for fish that fed by 75% and the worst survival index was for fish that fed by 100% of Artemia urmiana cysts. In conclusion we could demonstrated that feeding Artemia Urmiana cysts may have some beneficial effects on the performance and survival of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) fish at the larva stage.

Sequence analysis of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes in Iranian Afshari sheep

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation in Iranian Afshari sheep breed were analyzed using 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The genomic DNA was isolated by salting out method and amplified 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes using PCR method. PCR amplification of 12S and 16S rRNA generated PCR amplicons at 859 and 1053 bp lengths, respectively. Sequence analysis was performed using BioEdit software. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software. Phylogenetic analysis of haplotype in the combination with the sheep from GenBank showed that Iranian Afshari sheep made a close to the Australian sheep cluster. This study was found informative for establishing relationships between breeds from different parts of the world. This study may facilitate the future researchers and breeders for better understanding the genetic interactions and breed differentiation for devising future breeding and conservation strategies to preserve the rich animal genetic reservoir of the country.

Isolation, molecular identification and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter species of dairy origin: first report from Bangladesh

This study was aimed for isolation, identification and characterization of Campylobacter species from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) dairy farm during the period of January to May, 2016. A total of 80 samples (faecal samples of calves, heifers and cows; milk samples of cows) were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm for isolation and identification of Campylobacter species by using cultural, biochemical and molecular methods. Moreover, the isolated Campylobacter species were subjected for antimicrobial susceptibility test. Campylobacter like organisms were presumptively identified in 20 samples. Isolates were biochemically positive to catalase and oxidase tests and in hippurate hydrolysis test some of the isolates (n=6) shown negative that indicated the isolates were C. coli and some of the test isolates (n=14) shown positive that indicated the isolates were C. jejuni. Campylobacter specific 16S rRNA genes were amplified from the isolates. Out of 20 isolated Campylobacter 14 (17.5%) were detected as C. jejuni and the rest 6 (7.5%) were detected as C. coli by cdtC gene based multiplex PCR assay. C. jejuni were resistant to amoxicillin, erythromycin, azithromycin and susceptible to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and streptomycin. Furthermore, C. coli were resistant to amoxicillin and erythromycin and susceptible to gentamycin, ciproflaxacin. Out of 20 Campylobacter isolates, 57.14% C. jejuni and 33.33% C. coli were identified as multidrug resistant. To the best of our knowledge, this study has brought the first report on the occurrence of Campylobacter species with their antibiogram profiles in any dairy farm of Bangladesh.

Estimation of the economic values for the important traits of Zel Sheep in the intensive production system using a bio-economic model

To estimate economic values (EVs) of seven important traits including pregnancy rate (PR), litter size (LS), lamb weight at birth (BW0), three (weaning; BW3), six (BW6) and nine (BW9) months weight and survival rate until the age of 6 months (SR) in Zel sheep under an intensive production system in Mazandaran province of Iran, data from two farms were analysed using a bio-economic model. Variable costs accounted for about 99% of the total costs and the feed costs had the highest proportion with 72.54%. Among the income sources, the sale of surplus animals formed 81.4% of the total revenues. The EVs were estimated as the amount of change in the profit of the system after each trait mean increased by both 1% and one unit, while all other traits were constant at their mean values. The most important trait in this system was LS, followed by SR, PR, BW9, BW3, BW6 and BW0 respectively. The sensitivity of EVs was investigated by changing prices of feed and live weight of 9-month-old lambs by ±20%. Results showed that the EV of BW9 was the most constant and EV of BW0 was the most variable. As the prices of feed and live weight of 9-month-old lambs were simultaneously changed by ±20%, the variation in the EVs decreased and they showed more consistency. This study showed that the profitability in an intensive production system of Zel sheep could be increased by improving LS, SR, PR and BW9.

Effect of supplementation different levels of calcium salts of fatty acids on performance and some blood biochemical in male Holstein calves

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) on performance in Holstein calves. A total of sixteen 17 month of age male Holstein calves with average of (540 ± 5 Kg) weight were selected and were divided into four groups in order to the experimental complete randomized block design. The calves were fed by control groups with no fat protected and 2, 4 and 6 percentages of fat protected oils until 60 days. Feed intake, Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. The blood samples were taken to investigate the serum content of plasma protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL. Additionally the fat and protein digestibility in each groups were measured. Data from this study showed that the highest FI and BW and the better FCR was related to the calves fed by 2 % fat protected supplement but there were no significant effects on calves performance between treatments. Feeding the fat protected supplementations lead to higher protein and fat digestibility none significantly. The higher use of calcium salts of fatty acids supplements lead to higher serum triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium and LDL significantly (P≤0.05). There were no significant differences between treatments about glucose, phosphorous and protein content in the calves were feed by different levels of calcium salts of fatty acids supplements. In conclusion we could demonstrated that using of different levels of calcium salts of fatty acids may have beneficial effects on performance and some blood biochemical in the male Holstein Calves.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Campylobacter among layer farms

Campylobacter jejuni is an important food-borne pathogen. The main source of this pathogen is poultry and poultry products. Poultry farms of low biosecurity level plays major role in disseminating this pathogen. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter and identify potential risk factors associated with their presence in layer farms in Northern Jordan. A total of 2524 samples from chickens, litter, water and feed were collected from 35-layer farms. Samples underwent conventional and enrichment isolation methods for Campylobacter. Confirmation was done morphologically, biochemically and by PCR typing. The flock-level prevalence of C. jejuni was 40%, 37%, 20% in chicken cloacae, drinking water and litter respectively. C. jejuni was the only confirmed isolated species. None of the feed samples revealed presence of Campylobacter. The concentration of free residual chlorine was below the recommended standard levels. The risk factors were identified using modified semi-structured questionnaire. There was no significant association between evaluated risk factors and isolation status potentially reflecting small number of study farms. The prevalence rate for C. jejuni is within commonly reported range. High stocking density, short distance between farms, improper hygienic practice and low water chlorine level seems to increase occurrence rate of Campylobacter in layer farms. Educational biosecurity programs regarding C. jejuni transmission and their public health importance needs to be established.

Effect of different level of rosemary leave powder in diet on blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and broiler performance

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of rosemary powder in diet on blood metabolite and performance of broiler chickens. 180 one day broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomize design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates and 15 bird in each. Experimental treatments were included: Control (without additive), 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 percent of rosemary in diet. In 42 day of age one bird from each replicate was selected and slaughtering for carcass traits. The results were sowed use of 0.05 percent of rosemary could be significantly increased feed intake of broiler in starter period (p<0.05). Also use of 0.1 percent of rosemary caused to significantly increase broiler body weight gain in overall of rearing period than 0.2 percent group (p<0.05). Use of 0.1 percent rosemary in diet had a significantly feed conversion ratio (FCR) than T4 (0.2% rosemary). Experimental treatments had no significant effect on carcass traits, except in liver percent weight, which had significantly higher in T2 group (p<0.05). Also experimental treatments had no significant effect on glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride level of broiler chickens in 42 day of age. The results of this experiment showed use of rosemary powder could be improved broiler feed intake in starter period.

Effect of using ginger, red and black pepper powder as phytobiotics with protexin® probiotic on performance, carcass characteristics and some blood biochemical on Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the feeding values of ginger, red and black pepper powder with protexin on performance of Japanese quails. A total 240ten days old male Japanese quails with an average weight of 19 ±5 g were divided into 8 treatments with 3 replicates as randomized factorial design. The quails were fed by basal diet as control diet, 2% ginger, 2%red pepper 2% black pepper powder with or without protexin probiotic respectively. At the end of trial for carcass evaluation 2 birds form each group were slaughtered. Also some parameters such as feed intake (FI), body weight gains (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated and compared together. Some blood parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) of quail’s blood were determined. In conclusion it seem that inclusion of ginger, red and black pepper powder in quails diet at level of 2% may be useful and have significantly effects on performance and blood biochemical on Japanese quails

Pharmacokinetics of citicoline after intravenous and intramuscular administration in dogs

Background: New studies have confirmed the role of citicoline in reversing different pathological conditions in canine medicine, but dosing regimens of this drug has not yet been investigated in dogs. Using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, this study aims to quantify the levels of citicoline in dogs plasma after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration.Design and methods: The subjects of this study were 12 male, mixed breed healthy dogs that were approximately 2 to 3 years old and had a body weight between 15 and 25 kg. Plasma samples were extracted following protein precipitation. Samples were eluted from the column at flow rate of 0.7ml min-1. Solvents were degassed. The PH of the mobile phase of HPLC grade acetonitrile: water (20:80, v/v) was adjusted to 3.0 using 1% orthophosphoric acid. Both sample and standard solutions were filtered through 0.22 µm membrane filter. A sample volume of 20 microliter was injected to HPLC to obtain a standard curve.Results: No clinical signs or drug adverse effect was noticed in animals during and after the period of administration of citicoline. Measuring plasma concentration of citicoline sodium after IV and IM administration showed biphasic plasma peaks which occured at 15 minutes and 5 hours after the drug administration in dogs. Conclusions: Giving the drug once a day with 30-50 mg/kg dosage or twice daily with 15-30 mg/kg dosage would cause their levels to remain elevated for much of the day and doesn’t have any serious adverse effect.

Performance of Cobb 500 broiler chicks feed by Chamomile alcoholic extract

This study was to evaluate the effect of chamomile alcoholic extract on performance, some blood parameters and intestinal characteristics of broiler chicks. A total 320 one day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments. Treatments were further divided into 4 replicates. Chicks were fed a basal diet as control group, basal diet with 0.3% chamomile extract (S1), basal diet with 0. 5% chamomile extracts (S2) and basal diet with 0.7% chamomile extract (S3). The experiment was carried out of 42 days. Feed intake FI and body weight gain BW was calculated for estimation of feed conversion ratio FCR. At the end of experimental period (42 days), to determine carcass traits and other parameters, 2 birds form each replicates were slaughtered. Additionally, the blood serum samples were subjected to biochemical analysis. For determination intestinal characteristics, small intestine tissues were collected. Data from this study showed that improvement of body weight gain and feed conversion were found in chamomile extract groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences between carcasses traits in treatments feed by chamomile extract. As result reveled from this study serum triglyceride, cholesterol LDL decreased in groups fed by chamomile alcoholic extract and HDL increased significantly (p<0.05) instead. In addition villus height decreased in S1and S2 groups. An increasing crypt depth was seen on S2. According to these data villus widths, epithelium layer and goblet cells increased by using chamomile extract specially by using S2. In conclusion we could demonstrate that chamomile alcoholic extract may be used as ingredient in broilers ration without harming effects on carcass characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology of Ross 308 broiler chicks.