Evaluation of the Newcastle disease virus genotype VII-mismatched vaccines in SPF chickens: A challenge efficacy study

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains, while falling under a single serotype, are classified into distinct genotypes. Genotype VII virulent NDVs pose a significant threat to poultry due to their association with high mortality rates and economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three commercial live vaccines based on genotype II against genotype VII virulent NDV (vNDV) in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Forty one-day-old chickens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and inoculated with one dose of each ND pneumotropic vaccine-B1, Clone.12IR, and La Sota-or received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control at eight days of age via eye drop. At 28 days of age (20th post-vaccination days), chickens were intramuscularly challenged with genotype VII virulent NDV (≥ 105 LD50). Serum samples were collected at 28 days of age (challenge day), 7 and 14 post-challenge days to measure NDV antibodies via the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were taken on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th post-challenge days to evaluate virus shedding. Vaccinated groups exhibited significantly higher antibody titers and greater protection levels compared to the control group (P≤ 0.001). While HI antibody titer was not different at 28 and 35 days of age between vaccinated chickens, the Clone.12IR groups showed higher HI antibody titer compared to B1 at day 42 of age (9.43 vs. 7.42; P≤ 0.002). La Sota and Clone.12IR vaccines demonstrated superior protection against mortality compared to the B1 vaccine (90 %, 80% vs. 60 %, respectively) with 6.0 and 2.67 odds ratio of survivability. All three mismatched vaccines effectively curbed the shedding of virulent genotype VII NDV, with 0 % to 11 % positive cloacal samples up to the 3rd post-challenge day. These findings demonstrate that in the experimental setting, the administration of mismatched ND vaccines, particularly La Sota and Clone.12IR, confer protection against genotype VII virulent NDV and control viral shedding, which can help to develop effective vaccination strategies to mitigate the impact of vNDV outbreaks in the poultry farms.

Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Can Change the Composition of Secondary Metabolites in Fruits of Solanum nigrum L

Solanum nigrum is a common weed in arable land, while being used in traditional medicine around the world due to its remarkable levels of valuable secondary metabolites. Agronomic and biological techniques can alter the production of a specific metabolite by influencing plant growth and metabolism. The effects of colonization with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), including Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizoglomus intraradices, and Rhizoglomus fasciculatum, on the chemical composition of S. nigrum fruits were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. More than 100 different chemical constituents were evaluated by GC-MS. Our study revealed that the levels of phenols (quinic acid), benzenes (hydroquinone), sulfur-containing compounds, lactone and carboxylic acids were improved by R. intraradices. In contrast, hydroxymethylfurfural increased by 68% in R. fasciculatum inoculated with uninoculated S. nigrum plants, and this species was also the most efficient in inducing sugar compounds (D-galactose, lactose, and melezitose). Our results suggest that AMF colonization is an effective biological strategy that can alter the chemical composition and improve the medicinal properties of S. nigrum.

Serological, cultural, and molecular analysis of Brucella from Buffalo milk in various regions of Iran

Brucellosis is a significant infection that causes abortion, decreased milk production, and sterility in livestock, which greatly affects the industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Brucella in buffalo milk samples across various regions of Iran, utilizing serological, molecular, and cultural analyses. A total of 1860 buffalo milk samples were collected from industrial, semi-industrial, and traditional buffalo farms in four major buffalo breeding provinces. The milk ring test agglutination test (MRT) was initially conducted on all milk samples, followed by culture and molecular testing for positive and negative samples in MRT. The study revealed positive results for the presence of Brucella DNA in various provinces of Iran. The MRT had a relatively low sensitivity, with results ranging from 0 to 0.7% in different provinces. However, the AMOS PCR method showed a significantly higher presence of Brucella DNA, ranging from 13 to 46% in these provinces. The highest abundance of Brucella bacterial DNA was found in Ardabil province, while the lowest was in West Azerbaijan province. Brucella abortus was the most commonly detected bacteria, followed by Brucella melitensis. Interestingly, the B. abortus vaccine strain RB51 was detected in 26.3% of positive samples of B. abortus. The culture assay of milk samples further confirmed the presence of B. melitensis biovar 1 in one sample from Khuzestan province. Overall, the study emphasizes that the AMOS PCR method is the most sensitive in detecting Brucella-exposed milk, while the sensitivity of milk sample culture and MRT is relatively lower.

Global insight into understanding wheat yield and production through Agro-Ecological Zoning

Global food security requires food production to be increased in the future decades. Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) methodology is a successful approach used in land evaluation studies to support sustainable agricultural development. This approach can facilitate finding suitable areas for wheat production on a global scale. This study was conducted based on a climate zone map, soil data, wheat cultivation area, yield, and production under irrigated and rainfed conditions, worldwide. The results for irrigated wheat indicated that there is an area of 59.5 Mha with an average yield of 4.02 t/ha which leads to the production of about 239.6 Mt of grain yield. Furthermore, climate zones (CZs) of 8002, 5203, 5302, 5403, and 8102 have the highest wheat production with an average of 20.7, 14.2, 13.3, 11.8, 11.5 Mt, respectively. The highest amount of irrigated wheat production has been achieved in soil type code 17 (Loam LF120), which has a cultivation area of around 23.6 Mha and a production of about 106.8 Mt. Rainfed wheat production is 410 Mt, and the cultivation area is 160.2 Mha. The highest rainfed wheat production with an average of 17 Mt was related to the 3702 CZ, followed by the other CZs (3802, 1303, 1203, 3602, 4602, etc.). The soil codes 11 (Loam HF120), 10 (Loam HF180), and 14 (Loam MF120) showed the highest rainfed wheat production. The findings of this study can be useful for agricultural scientists, authorities, and decision-makers around the world to find suitable lands to expand wheat cultivation and also to find new locations for increasing global wheat production to feed the increasing population in the world.

Weed community changes in saffron+chickpea intercropping under different irrigation management

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is among the world's most expensive crops; nevertheless, it struggles to compete with weeds. Non-chemical farming practices, such as intercropping and reduced irrigation, can help to decrease weed problems. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in the weed density, biomass and weed diversity under saffron-chickpea intercropping system with two irrigation regimes. The study's treatments included two irrigation regimes, namely one-time irrigation and conventional irrigation (carried out four times from October through May), and six planting ratios of saffron and chickpea, namely saffron sole-crop (C1), chickpea sole-crop (C2) in eight rows, 1:1 (C3), 2:2 (C4), 2:1 (C5), and 3:1 (C6)] as main and sub-plots, respectively. The result showed that the conventional irrigation regimes increased weed diversity, however, it didn't affect the Pielou index. Intercropping ratios decreased weed diversity compared to saffron and chickpea mono-cropping systems. The interaction effect of treatments was significant for weed density and weed biomass. In most intercropping ratios, weed density and weed biomass decreased under one-time irrigation regimes. The lowest values for weed density and biomass were observed with an average of 15.5 plants/m2 and 37.51 g/m2, respectively, under the one-time irrigation regime with C4 intercropping systems. This intercropping system did not show a significant difference with C3. Overall, the results indicate that a one-time irrigation regime and intercropping with chickpea, specifically with a 1:1 saffron-chickpea ratio (C3) and a 2:2 saffron-chickpea ratio (C4), could be effective strategies for weed management in saffron in semiarid cropping systems.

The effect of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 on reproductive variables of cadmium-challenged male Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica)

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, efforts to produce more efficient poultry products have increased due to its high demand. Meanwhile, some stressors have a negative impact on poultry efficiency and reproduction. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a high potential for inducing reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), with antioxidant properties, exerts a free radical-neutralizing effect on biological systems under stressful conditions.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary CoQ10 supplementation on reproductive variables of Cd-challenged male quails.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixteen 42-day-old Japanese quails with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3 were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 72) and fed by experimental diets from 9 to 13 weeks of age (woa). Treatments included a negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and Cd administration (1 mg per 100 g body weight at 10 and 11 woa); and CdQ10: dietary supplementation of CoQ10 (900 mg per kg diet) and Cd administration. At 10 and 13 woa, liver and testis, cloacal gland index, sera concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testicular histology, mRNA abundance of Hsp70 and fatty acid profile of testis, as well as hatchability and fertility, were measured.

RESULTS

Liver and testis weights, cloacal gland index, serum concentration of testosterone, ALT, MDA, TAC, mRNA abundance of HSP70, hatchability, and fertility were not affected by the treatments. However, Cd administration decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium thickness (SET) in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in testis tissue was increased, and the proportion of PUFA and n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratio was decreased in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). In addition, CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated the effect of Cd on decreasing SFA and increasing n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratio proportions.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, Cd exerts several adverse effects on reproductive-associated variables; some, but not all, of them are mitigated by CoQ10 supplementation.

The effect of acidifier supplementation on egg production performance and intestinal histology of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

BACKGROUND

Acidifier are substances with antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, performance and health benefits that are frequently employed in feed acidification, especially in poultry diet. Meanwhile, the most important factor for acidifier efficiency is the proportion of different acids in the final product.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of a commercial acidifier on egg production and histology of the small intestine in laying Japanese quail.

METHODS

One-hundred and sixty female quails at 15 weeks of age were divided into four groups and fed basal diet supplemented with different levels of acidifier (0, 1, 2 and 3 gr acidifier/kg of basal diet) for 8 weeks. Egg production, egg quality attributes and body weight (BW) were measured every 2 weeks. Histology of the small intestine and bacterial population of cecum as well as pH of crop, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and cecum contents were also investigated at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

Feed conversion ratio (FCR), yolk height, shell thickness, pH of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum; duodenum, villus width (VW), villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD); jejunum VH, VW and ileum VH to CD ratio (VCR) were linearly improved by the increasing levels of acidifier supplementation (P < 0.05). Duodenum VH increased in a linear and quadratic manner in response to increasing levels of acidifier. Egg weight, yolk diameter, jejunum CD, ileum CD, ileum VW, duodenum CD and jejunum VCR quadratically improved by grading levels of acidifier (P < 0.01). BW, albumen height, Haugh unit, ileum VH and ileum VCR were cubically enhanced (P < 0.05). Acidifier supplementation enhanced egg production, FCR, jejunum, ileum and cecum pH and VH, CD and VW of duodenum and jejunum, compared to the control group (P < 0.05); however, dietary acidifier did not affect egg mass, gizzard pH, ileum VH and bacterial count of the cecum (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, as calculated, the supplementation of 1 and 2.6 g acidifier per kg of diet was associated with beneficial effects on egg production and quality, gastrointestinal tract pH and histology of the small intestine in laying quails.

The effect of dietary pioglitazone supplementation on milk yield, insulin sensitivity and GH-IGF-I axis in Holstein dairy cows during the transition period

BACKGROUND

High-yielding dairy cows develop insulin resistance during late gestation associated with disruption of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis and cause metabolic and reproductive disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary pioglitazone (PIO) supplementation as an insulin sensitizer agent on milk yield, plasma metabolite status and GH-IGF-I axis in transition Holstein dairy cows.

METHODS

Twenty multiparous cows were randomly assigned into two experimental groups (n = 10 animals per group) and either fed with a basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with 6 mg PIO/kg body weight (BW) from day 14 before parturition to day 21 postpartum. The BW and body condition score (BCS), non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin, glucose, GH and IGF-I concentrations, milk production and composition were measured weekly.

RESULTS

BW and BCS losses were lower in PIO than in control cows (p < 0.05). The percentage and amount of milk fat were decreased, and the amount of protein increased only in the first post-calving week in the PIO-treated cows compared to the control (p < 0.05). Dietary PIO supplementation increased glucose concentration at calving, but insulin concentration was increased at calving and in the first post-calving week (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of IGF-I and the ratio of IGF to GH were increased in the PIO group (p < 0.05). The mean revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index with BHBA, as an insulin sensitivity index, was greater in PIO-supplemented cows (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed beneficial effects of PIO supplementation on improving insulin sensitivity and the GH-IGF-I axis that may cause lower negative energy balance and better metabolic and health status in transition dairy cows.

Determining the Optimal Dosage of Lecithin Nanoliposome in Rooster Semen Freezing Medium and Fertility Potential

Introduction: Lecithin nanoliposome (nano-LPO), with its cryoprotective properties, is considered to enhance the performance of a traditional semen cryoprotectant. Objective: To determine the optimal dose of lecithin nano-LPO added to the rooster semen extender. Materials and Methods: Semen samples collected weekly from eight broiler breeder roosters were mixed and aliquoted into five equal subsamples, during the five successive weeks. The subsamples were then diluted with a semen extender containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, or 2% of lecithin nano-LPO. Post-thawed semen quality attributes, including sperm motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane functionality, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis-like changes, and fertility potential, were evaluated. Results: Total motility and velocity parameters, including curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity μm/s (VAP), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), lateral head displacement (ALH), and wobble (WOB) were quadratically (p < 0.01) influenced by graded levels of lecithin nano-LPO, such that the highest values were obtained when 1% of lecithin nano-LPO was used. Treatments had no significant effect on plasma membrane functionality; however, MMP (p < 0.08) and percentages of live and dead spermatozoa (p < 0.05) quadratically responded to increasing levels of lecithin nano-LPO, where the best outcome was found when about 1% of lecithin nano-LPO was used in the semen extender. The percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa cubically responded to increasing levels of lecithin nano-LPO (p ≤ 0.07). No significant trend of fertility rate was found in response to addition of lecithin nano-LPO levels. Conclusions: Supplementing an extender with 1.10% of lecithin nano-LPO is shown to be the optimal dose associated with the most improvement in post-thawed rooster sperm velocity measurements.

Molecular Characterization of a New Ecotype of Holoparasitic Plant Orobanche L. on Host Weed Xanthium spinosum L

A species of Orobanche was observed on spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) for the first time in Iran and tentatively was named IR-Iso.This study was conducted to make a phylogenetic analysis of the Orobanche using 5.8S rRNA region sequences, and also to better understand its sequence pattern. The full-length ITS1-ITS2 region of the new Orobanche isolate was PCR-amplified from the holoparasitic plant parasitizing X. spinosum. Sequences of the amplicons from the isolate were 100% identical but differed by 5.6-6.7% from most homologous GenBank accessions to 37.9% divergence from distant species. The analysis of the molecular variance showed that variation between-population (61.9%, SE = 0.04) was larger than within-population. Neighbor-joining analysis placed the Iranian isolate in the same clade as most of the Orobanche and Phelipanche species. The isolate was more closely related to Orobanche aegyptiaca (from China), and this was confirmed by using a structure analysis. However, complementary analyses showed that the Iranian isolate has a unique nucleotide substitution pattern, and hence it was considered as an ecotype of O. aegyptiaca (ecotype Alborzica). In this paper we report on the association between this new ecotype of Orobanche and X. spinosum.

Biochemical and Botanical Aspects of Allium sativum L. Sowing

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and compliance of selected Iranian garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars, including Tuyserkan (TSN), Heydareh (HDH), Mouien (MUN), and Taroom (TRM), during two growing seasons. The TRM cultivar germination rate is higher than the other cultivars studied. The TRM cultivars have quite remarkable values for the dry weight, fresh weight, stem diameter, and the number of leaves present. The fresh weight and dry weight of the TRM cultivar for the second year are 33.8 t/ha and 16.7 t/ha, respectively. However, on average, the HDH cultivar is the tallest plant in the experiments. Average pyruvic acid content in fresh samples of the TRM and HDH cultivars is 78 µm/gfw and 69.3 µm/gfw, respectively. It is observed that there are remarkable differences in the level of pyruvic acid between the different cultivars. The growth, development, and yield of plants are highly dependent on their genetic characteristics; in this experiment, the TRM cultivar shows a good yield (16.7 t/ha), and the evaluated characteristics improve compared to the other cultivars studied, which could be due to the high compatibility of this cultivar to the environmental conditions of the study. The excellent performance on the yield of TRM makes this cultivar more appreciable on a commercial level.

Thermoresistant Newcastle disease vaccine effectively protects SPF, native, and commercial chickens in challenge with virulent virus

Background

Due to the more stability and a better homogenecity in immune response, the use of thermoresistant vaccines in different chicken types has been increased.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed Newcastle disease vaccine (ND.TR.IR) originating from I‐2 strain in specific pathogen‐free (SPF) and native and broiler chickens.

Methods

Following determination of pathogenicity indices on the candidate seed, three efficacy examinations were conducted. In the first experiment, 120 1‐day‐old SPF chickens were randomly allocated to six groups and either vaccinated with ND.TR.IR via eye drop at 1, 7, and 21 days of age (V₁, V₇, and V₂₁), or considered as non‐vaccinated control groups (C₁, C₇, and C₂₁). At 20th post‐vaccination day, sera hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titres against ND virus (NDV) were measured and then the chickens were challenged by virulent NDV (vNDV). In the second and third experiments, the efficacy of ND.TR.IR vaccine was compared to routine vaccination program (B1 and LaSota) in native and broiler chickens that were vaccinated at 10 and 20 days of age, respectively. The HI antibody titres were measured on 10, 20, 30, and 40 days of age, and also challenge efficacy test with vNDV was conducted on 30 days of age.

Results

The studied virus, as a vaccinal seed, complied with the pathogenicity indices of avirulent NDV and molecular identity of I‐2 strain. In the efficacy evaluation trials, the vaccinated chickens had higher HI antibody titres against NDV compared with their corresponding control chickens (p < 0.05). Results of the challenge tests indicated 95% and 100% protection against vNDV in native, SPF, and broiler‐vaccinated chickens, respectively.

Conclusions

The present findings indicated that administration of ND.TR.IR induced appropriate HI antibody titres against NDV in SPF, native, and broiler chickens associated with good protection in efficacy test.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on reproductive performance of laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) under cadmium challenge

Japanese quail is an increasingly important bird of economic importance for commercial egg and meat production, particularly in developing countries. There is a need for research aimed at improving efficiency of these birds during stressful challenges, such as oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a highly functional antioxidant, protects cells against oxidative stress. This study was conducted to determine the effects of CoQ10 on reproductive performance of Japanese quail under cadmium (Cd) challenge. A total of 216 six-wk-old Japanese quail were randomly allocated into 3 groups for an 8 wk experimental trial. The treatments include a negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; a positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and cadmium administration (1 mg/100 g BW, at 10 and 11 wk of age), and (CdQ10): feeding CoQ10 supplemented (900 mg/kg diet) basal diet and Cd administration. At 11 and 13 wk of age, egg production, body weight, mortality, oviduct, and ovarian biometry, were recorded. Histology and histopathology of isthmus and magnum, fertility, hatchability, hatchling quality, and HSP70 mRNA transcript abundance in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) were evaluated. Positive control and CdQ10 group had no significant effect on live body weight, stroma weight, follicle size, hatchability, and fertility; however, Cd administration increased (P < 0.01) mortality rate in the PC group compared to the NC and CdQ10 groups. CdQ10 quail produced more eggs and had a higher hatchling quality compared to the PC group (P < 0.01). The thickness and height of isthmus and magnum folds in the CdQ10 group was increased compared to the PC group (P < 0.01) and overall oviduct weight was increased with CoQ10 supplementation (P < 0.01). Compared to PC, the CdQ10 group had a reduction in infiltration of inflammatory cells. Relative abundance of HSP70 mRNA in UVJ was influenced by interactive effect of treatment × time (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CoQ10 showed beneficial effects on some reproduction characteristics of female Japanese quail under Cd-induced oxidative stress.

Mycorrhizal impact on competitive relationships and yield parameters in Phaseolus vulgaris L. - weed mixtures

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to improve plant growth and nutrition and therefore are likely to affect the competitive relationships between crops and weeds. In this study, we evaluated whether AMF (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizoglomus fasciculatum, Rhizoglomus intraradices) change plant competition between Phaseolus vulgaris and the weeds Solanum nigrum L., Digitaria sanguinalis L., and Ipomoea purpurea L. Mycorrhizal colonization, aggressivity index, photosynthetic rates, and yield parameters were measured. While the presence of AMF reduced the total biomass of D. sanguinalis and S. nigrum when grown in competition with P. vulgaris, it increased the total biomass of I. purpurea when grown with P. vulgaris. Significantly, elevated mycorrhizal growth responses (38-44%) improved the competitive ability of I. purpurea. In contrast, the competitive ability of S. nigrum was increased only when plants colonized by R. intraradices. The total protein content of P. vulgaris pods when in competition was negatively affected by AMF, thus leading to low nutritional quality. The results suggest that AMF have the potential to affect the outcome of weed-P. vulgaris competition. We demonstrate that not only colonization with AMF but also AMF species can affect the competitive relationships between crops and weeds, and thus, AMF represent key soil organisms to be taken into account in sustainable weed management strategies.

Conjugated linoleic acid improves meiotic spindle morphology and developmental competence of heat-stressed bovine oocyte

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of introducing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on meiotic spindle organization of heat stressed (HS) matured oocytes and the resulting blastocysts DNA methylation as well as the expression of the genes involved in DNA methylation (DNMT3a, DNMT3b and DNMT1). Immature bovine oocytes were cultured at 41 °C for the first 12 h and 38.5 °C for the second 12 h of maturation time in the presence of 0 and 50 μM of CLA (HS and HS + CLA groups, respectively). A group of oocytes cultured in medium with no CLA supplementation at normal temperature (38.5 °C for 24 h) was considered as negative control (C). Percentage of normal spindle, and cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly decreased in the HS group compared to the C group (P < 0.05). The global DNA methylation and expression level of DNMT3a gene were increased in HS group compared to the C groups (P < 0.05), while the expression level of DNMT3b was decreased. The CLA supplementation improved the percentage of normal microtubules shape in MII oocytes as well as the developmental competence in the HS + CLA group compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). However, global DNA methylation and expression level of DNMT3a/b were not ameliorated by CLA supplementation (P > 0.05). Based on the obtained results, CLA proved to be capable of improving the oocyte developmental competence as well as decreased the aberrant spindle organization of heat-stressed oocytes and it would not cause epigenetic alteration in the obtained blastocysts.

Concentrations-dependent effect of exogenous abscisic acid on photosynthesis, growth and phenolic content of Dracocephalum moldavica L. under drought stress

The drought conditions and the application of ABA reduce the photosynthetic activity, and the processes related to the transpiration of Dracocephalum moldavica L. At the same time, the plant increases the production of phenolic compounds and essential oil as a response to stress conditions. In the semi-arid regions, drought stress is the most important environmental limitations for crop production. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in the reactions of plants towards environmental stress such as drought. Field experiments for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 were conducted to evaluate the effect of three watering regimes (well-watered, moderate and severe drought) and five exogenous ABA concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μM) on growth, photosynthesis, total phenolic and essential oil content of Dracocephalum moldavica L. Without ABA application, the highest photosynthetic rate (6.1 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1) was obtained under well-watered condition and, moderate and severe drought stress decreased photosynthesis rate by 26.39% and 34.43%, respectively. Some growth parameters such as stem height, leaf area, leaf dry weight and biological yield were also reduced by drought stress. ABA application showed a decreasing trend in photosynthesis rate and mentioned plant growth parameters under all moisture regimes. The highest seed yield (1243.56 kg ha^-1) was obtained under well-watered condition without ABA application. Increasing ABA concentration decreased seed yield in all moisture regimes. The highest total phenolic content (8.9 mg g^-1 FW) and essential oil yield (20.58 kg ha^-1) were obtained from 20 and 5 μM ABA concentration, respectively, under moderate drought stress.

Isolation, identification and chemical inactivation of infectious laryngotracheitis virus for use as a vaccine candidate

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a poultry respiratory disease associated with considerable mortality in chicken and decreasing egg production. Vaccination along with biosecurity measures are considered as the main strategy for ILT control. This study was aimed to evaluate the potency of an inactive ILT vaccine candidate derived from a local ILTV isolate. The isolated virus was characterized and treated with various chemicals and their concentrations. The virus infectivity was entirely abolished by treatment of 3 mM binary ethylene imine following 16 h incubation. The immune response of inactivated ILTV suspension with adjuvans was evaluated in both SPF chickens (experiment-I) and Hyline pullets (experiment-II). Efficacy of the inactivated and live ILT vaccines combination was compared. The results of experiment-I showed that the inactivated antigen induced specific antibody titers against ILTV. In experiment-II, despite the increase in serum antibody level administration of the inactivated antigen alone did not offer sufficient protection. The full protection was found in chickens that received the combination regimen. We conclude that simultaneous administration of the inactivated and live ILT vaccines was efficient for induction of immunity against ILTV. Keywords: infectious laryngotracheitis virus; vaccine; inactivation; immune response.

Improvement of in vitro proliferation of cockerel spermatogonial stem cells using different combinations of growth factors

1. This study examined whether in vitro proliferation and maintenance of cockerel spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) could be improved by adding different combinations of growth factors (GFs), including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) into the culture medium. 2. The SSCs were isolated from the testes of immature cockerels. For short-term cultures, a medium supplemented with different combinations of GFs for 7 d in 5 replicates was used. The groups were classified as follows: without GF (control group); with GDNF (G group); with GDNF and bFGF (GF group); and with GDNF, bFGF and LIF (GFL group). The number of colonies and cells per colony, as well as the transcript abundance of STRA8 and OCT4 genes, was determined 7 d after the initial culturing. Immunofluorescence staining of SSEA-1, SSEA-3 and VASA protein markers, besides periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, was carried out. 3. The number of colonies and cells per colony increased in the G, GF and GFL groups, compared to the control group (P < 0.01); however, the highest proliferation and colony formation were observed in the GFL group. The positive immunofluorescence staining of SSEA-1, SSEA-3 and VASA protein markers, as well as PAS staining, confirmed the self-renewal and colonisation of cockerel SSCs. The proliferation results were supported by the increased STRA8 and OCT4 transcript abundance in the treated groups (G, GF and GLF), compared to the control group. The SSC proliferation was associated with the higher transcript abundance of STAR8 and OCT4 genes in the GFL group, compared to the G and GF groups (P < 0.01). 4. The results showed that proliferation and colony-forming capacity of cockerel SSCs were positively improved by GDNF, bFGF and LIF. However, the most significant effect was observed when the medium was supplemented with LIF in combination with GDNF and bFGF.

Comparison of the Immunogenicity of Four Infectious Bursal Disease Intermediate Vaccines in Commercial Broiler Flocks in Iran: A Field Trial Study

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious disease in young chickens worldwide. The major strategy for the prevention and control of IBD virus (IBDV) is vaccination. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the immunogenicity of four commercially available IBD vaccines on broilers (Ross 308) that were raised in areas with very virulent IBDV infection history. Two commercial broiler farms with four standard poultry houses were selected in Alborz (n=6,250 birds per house) and Khorasan Razavi (n=8,000 birds per house) provinces of Iran. In each farm, the houses were randomly assigned to one of the four IBD intermediate vaccine brands including Dn, Vc, Ch, and Razi. The birds in Alborz were vaccinated against IBDV via drinking water at 18 and 22; and 15 and 21 days of age in Alborz and Khorasan Razavi flocks, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody titers against IBDV were measured in 20 birds per group at 1, 28, 35, and 42 days of age. In addition, production attributes including body weight, feed conversion ratio, mortality, and production index were measured during the research period. According to the findings, the IBD antibody titers were not affected by the vaccine brands at 28, 35, and 42 days of age (P&amp;gt;0.05). Following the second IBD vaccination, an increasing trend in IBD antibody titers was noted in the Razi vaccine as well as other brands at days 35 and 42 compared to the previously recorded titers (P&amp;lt;0.05). Moreover, the production attributes of the flocks receiving various IBDV vaccine brands were not different (P&amp;gt;0.05). Regarding the productivity indices and high immunogenicity levels, the results indicated that the potential of the IBD Razi vaccine was comparable to the other investigated brands of commercial IBD vaccines, and nominated it as an immunogenic candidate vaccine for use in commercial broilers.

Effect of Glutathione Supplementation to Semen Extender on Post-thawed Rooster Sperm Quality Indices Frozen After Different Equilibration Times

BACKGROUND

Avian sperm is susceptible to lipid peroxidation, compromising their fertility. The semen antioxidant system protects sperm plasma membrane against reactive oxygen species.

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluates the effect of glutathione (GSH) addition to semen extender during different equilibration times (ET) on rooster sperm cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen samples are weekly collected from 60-week-old broiler breeder roosters. Collected samples were pooled and divided to six equal parts and frozen according to a randomized design (2 × 3 factorial arrangement). Treatments included adding two levels of GSH [0 (GSH-0) or 1 (GSH-1) mM] to semen extender during three ET: 0 (ET-0), 4 (ET-4) or 8 (ET-8) hours. Post-thawed motility and velocity parameters, apoptotic like changes, plasma membrane functionality, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Post-thawed total motility is improved in the GSH-1 compared to the GSH-0 group (P<0.10). Total motility responded quadratically to increasing levels of ET such that the highest value is recorded at ET-0. Although progressive motility (PM) is not affected by GSH or ET, the highest PM is obtained in the GSH-1×ET-0 group (P<0.05). The VAP and STR is improved in the GSH-1 compared to GSH-0 group; however, VAP decreases quadratically, and STR decreases linearly as ET is advanced (P<0.05). The interactive effect of GSH by ET tends (P<0.08) to affect the wobble coefficient (WOB), such that the highest value is recorded in the GSH-1×ET-0 group. Within both GSH supplemented and control groups, the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) is highest (P<0.05) in the ET-0 group. The percentage of live spermatozoa quadratically decreases and the percentage of dead sperm quadratically increases in response to graded levels of ET (P<0.01). The highest plasma membrane functionality is also noted in the GSH-1×ET-0 group (P<0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential quadratically decreases in response to increasing levels of ET (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Generally, GSH supplementation to rooster sperm extender has some beneficial effects on post-thawed sperm motion characteristics, but does not positively interact with ET.

Comparison of the Impact of Different Administration Routes on the Efficacy of a Thermoresistant Newcastle Disease Vaccine in Chickens

Route of vaccine administration has a great impact on immunization and protection outcomes in chickens. This study was conducted to compare the effect of different administration routes on the efficacy of a thermoresistant Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine (ND.TR.IR) in chickens. A total of 100 one-day-old specific pathogen-free chicks were divided into five groups (n = 20 chicks per group) and vaccinated through different routes at 10 and 20 days of age. Treatments included no vaccination (control [C]), 1 dose inoculation through eye drop (ED), 1 dose inoculation through drinking water (DW), 1 dose inoculation through feed (FV₁), and 10 doses inoculation through feed (FV₁₀). At 20 and 34 days of age, antibody titers were measured against ND virus (NDV) in all the chickens by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Chicks immunized with ND.TR.IR vaccine through different routes of administration also were intramuscularly challenged with a local virulent NDV (vNDV) (Ck/ir/Beh/2011) 14 days after booster vaccination (at 34 days of age). Our results showed that in comparison with the FVs groups, the immunized chicks through ED induced a higher HI antibody titers at 20 days of age (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, vaccination through ED induced higher HI antibody titers at day 34 of age compared with all other groups (p > 0.05). The percentages of the protective HI antibody titers (≥log₂³) detected in ED and DW groups at 20 days of age were higher than those detected in the FV₁ group (p < 0.05). However, routes of vaccination had no significant effect on the rate of protective titers at day 34 of age (100%, 90%, 75%, and 85% for ED, DW, FV₁, and FV₁₀, respectively). The percentage of post-NDV challenge survived chickens was not affected by the route of vaccination (p > 0.05), but immunization of chicks with ND.TR.IR in FV₁ group provided relatively poorer protection when compared with the other groups (90% vs. 100%, respectively). Altogether, immunization of chicks with ND.TR.IR vaccine through different routes of administration induced protective NDV antibody HI titers, and provided protection against vNDV. However, when the vaccine was administrated through feed, a higher dose of vaccine is recommended.

The effect of zinc oxide on rooster semen cryopreservation

1. Deleterious effects from the freeze-thawing process on post-thawed sperm quality attributes are main limiting factors in cryopreservation. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of semen extender containing zinc oxide (ZnO) on post-thaw rooster sperm quality indices.2. Semen samples from six, 60-week-old broiler breeder roosters were collected weekly during five successive weeks. The samples were mixed and divided into three equal parts and diluted with semen extender containing different levels of ZnO; 0 (ZnO-0), 1 (ZnO-1) or 2 (ZnO-2) µg/ml. After thawing, motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane functionality, apoptotic like changes, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were evaluated.3. Results showed that the addition of ZnO in the extender quadratically affected (P < 0.01) total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), and average path velocity (VAP) with the highest values were noted in the ZnO-1 group. Levels of ZnO quadratically affected percentages of live (P < 0.01), apoptotic (P < 0.03) and dead (P < 0.10) spermatozoa, where the highest percentage of live, and the lowest percentage of apoptotic or dead spermatozoa was for the ZnO-1 group. Although adding ZnO quadratically affected plasma membrane functionality and MMP (P < 0.01), it did not affect (P > 0.05) DFI.4. In conclusion, there were some beneficial effects of ZnO supplementation in semen extender on post-thawed rooster sperm quality which may result in a better freezability.

In vitro supplementation of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid ameliorated deleterious effect of heat stress on bovine oocyte developmental competence

Environmental stresses, such as heat stress (HS), have been shown to have diverse effects on the developmental competence of oocytes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in maturation medium on bovine oocyte maturation and developmental competence under HS condition. Accordingly, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured at 41 °C and 38.5 °C for the first and second 12 h of maturation in the presence of 0 (PC), 50 (CLA50-HS) and 100 (CLA100-HS) μM CLA. Also, a group of COCs were cultured at 38.5 °C for 24 h of maturation without CLA supplementation as negative control (NC). Nuclear maturation, level of intracellular glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, cleavage and blastocyst rates as well as relative expression of BAX, and BCL2 genes in blastocysts were investigated. Our finding for the PC and NC groups revealed that HS decreased the percentage of MII oocytes, cleavage and blastocyst rates (P < 0.05). Moreover, HS lead to an increase in ROS levels and relative expression of BAX gene, decreased the intracellular content of GSH and relative expression of BCL2 gene (P < 0.05). However, the cleavage and blastocyst rates tended to increase in the CLA-supplemented groups compared to PC group (p < 0.10). Also, ROS and GSH levels in the matured oocytes decreased and increased in the CLA50-HS group compared to the PC group (P < 0.05), respectively. The ratio of expression levels of BAX to BCL2 genes was not different between the PC and CLA50-HS groups (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that HS has undesirable effects on the maturation competence of bovine oocyte and subsequent embryo development while administration of CLA can ameliorate some of adverse effects of HS.

Phylogenetic Analysis of bor Gene in an Escherichia coli Strain 1378 (O78:K80) Isolated from an Avian Colibacillosis Case in Tehran, Iran

Colibacillosis is known as a fatal bacterial disease resulting in a high level of commercial loss worldwide. This study amid to elucidate the sequence, genetic characteristics, and phylogeny of the bor gene in Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain c1378 (O78:K80) isolated from avian colibacillosis in Iran and develop a rapid and optimal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular-based technique with specific primers to detect this gene in E. coli. A virulent avian E. coli (i.e., laboratory designation E. coli strain c1378) isolated from a chicken with systemic colibacillosis from a broiler farm in Tehran, Iran, in 2004 was used as a source of the bor gene. After DNA extraction, PCR method was used to amplify the bor gene. A 658 bp fragment of the bor gene was amplified, sequenced, blasted, and phylogenetically studied. The most similar sequences to the bor gene in E. coli strain c1378 were E. coli APEC O78, Enterobacteria phage HK630, and Escherichia coli BW2952, respectively. There was a high similarity between the bor gene in E. coli bacteria with their phage and plasmid. Moreover, a high similarity was observed between the bor and iss genes (approximately 92%) showing that they were homologous genes. In addition, the similarity analysis of different bacterial species, as well as their plasmid and bacteriophage, to the bor gene indicated that the highest similarity to O78:K80 was related to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Bacillus thuringiensis CT43 plasmid pBMB0558, and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kentucky strain CVM29188 plasmid, respectively. Altogether, the results of the present study confirmed the presence of the bor gene in the studied isolates and clarified its sequence, phylogenetic relationship, and similarities of E. coli strain c1378 (O78:K80) isolated from avian colibacillosis.

Dietary Guanidinoacetic acid modulates testicular histology and expression of c-Kit and STRA8 genes in roosters

Decline in semen quality is considered as a major contributing factor in age-related subfertility of broiler breeder flocks. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), as an alternative energy source along with antioxidant potential, on testicular histology and relative gene expression of some spermatogonial markers (c-Kit and STRA8) in aged roosters. Sixteen 24-week-old male broiler breeders were randomly allocated into four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with increasing levels of GAA including 0 (GAA-0), 600 (GAA-600), 1200 (GAA-1200) or 1800 (GAA-1800) mg/kg diet/day for 26 successive weeks. At the end of the experiment, all the birds were killed and two ipsilateral testicle samples were taken to either quantify relative gene expression or do histology. Except for seminiferous tubules' diameter, testicular weight, and the number of blood vessels, dietary supplementation of GGA improved the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogonia and Leydig cells and the relative gene expression of c-Kit and STRA8 (P < 0.01). Increasing levels of GAA cubically affected (P < 0.01) the diameter of seminiferous tubules and their epithelium thickness as well as the number of spermatogonia. However, number of Leydig cells and relative expression of c-Kit were linearly, and relative expression of STRA8 was quadratically (P < 0.01) enhanced in response to graded levels of GAA supplementation. Taking all parameters into account, daily supplementation of 1300-1450 mg of GAA/kg diet was estimated as an optimum dosage maximizing the evaluated traits.

Determination of optimum carcass weight for meat quality and fatty acid composition in fat-tailed male and female Chall lambs

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum carcass weight for meat quality and fatty acid composition in fat-tailed Chall lambs. Thirty lambs (15 male and 15 female) were allotted to three carcass weight groups: (1) light carcass weight (LCW 10-15 kg), (2) moderate carcass weight (MCW 15-20 kg), and (3) heavy carcass weight (HCW 20-25 kg). Back fat thickness and intramuscular fat (IMF) content were greater (P < 0.05) for HCW and female groups than their counterparts, respectively. Drip loss was lower (P < 0.05) for female and HCW lamb groups than male and LCW group, respectively. Female and LCW lambs had lower (P < 0.05) shear force compared with their corresponding male and HCW groups. Meat from LCW and MCW lambs had higher lightness (L* value; 43.6, 43.5 vs. 39.9), while redness (a* value; 13.6, 13.9 vs. 15.4) was greater for HCW and female (13.7 vs. 14.9) lambs compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). The MCW lambs produced meat with higher overall acceptability compared with other two groups (P < 0.05). The HCW lambs contained lower polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (P:S) ratio, and n-3 PUFA compared with LCW group (P < 0.05). Results show that as the animal grow faster and achieved HCW, the IMF content also increased mainly as storage triglyceride, while functional fats consisting long-chain omega-3 did not increase proportionately. In addition, the study also demonstrates that using IMF for predicting or assessing meat quality aspects such as juiciness and flavor or the nutritional value of meat relating to health claimable fatty acids would not be appropriate.

Physical and mechanical properties of hybrid montmorillonite/zinc oxide reinforced carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites

In this research, a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based nanocomposite films containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) (5%wt) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (1, 2, 3 and 4%wt) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via casting method. The results revealed that addition of NPs decreased water vapor permeability of the films by about 53%, while moisture content, density and glass transition temperature increased. The nanomaterials enhanced resistance of the nanocomposites against tensile stress at the expense of elongation at break. Nano-ZnO was very effective than nanoclay in UV-light blocking (99% vs. 60%) associated with sacrificing the films transparency. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of CMC and MMT was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy. According to the XRD analysis, clay nanolayers formed an exfoliated structure in the nanocomposites, whereas ZnO NPs raised crystallinity. SEM micrographs showed well-dispersed MMT and ZnO NPs through the films surface. Antibacterial test showed that vulnerability of Gram-positive S. aureus toward ZnO NPs was more than that of Gram-negative E. Coli. In conclusion, simultaneous incorporation of MMT and ZnO NPs improved the functional characteristics of CMC film and extended the potential for food packaging applications.

Modeling of glucose release from native and modified wheat starch gels during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion using artificial intelligence methods

Estimation of the amounts of glucose release (AGR) during gastrointestinal digestion can be useful to identify food of potential use in the diet of individuals with diabetes. In this work, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), genetic algorithm-artificial neural network (GA-ANN) and group method of data handling (GMDH) models were applied to estimate the AGR from native (NWS), cross-linked (CLWS) and hydroxypropylated wheat starch (HPWS) gels during digestion under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The GA-ANN and ANFIS were fed with 3 inputs of digestion time (1-120min), gel volume (7.5 and 15ml) and concentration (8 and 12%, w/w) for prediction of the AGR. The developed ANFIS predictions were close to the experimental data (r=0.977-0.996 and RMSE=0.225-0.619). The optimized GA-ANN, which included 6-7 hidden neurons, predicted the AGR with a good precision (r=0.984-0.993 and RMSE=0.338-0.588). Also, a three layers GMDH model with 3 neurons accurately predicted the AGR (r=0.979-0.986 and RMSE=0.339-0.443). Sensitivity analysis data demonstrated that the gel concentration was the most sensitive factor for prediction of the AGR. The results dedicated that the AGR will be accurately predictable through such soft computing methods providing less computational cost and time.

A Comparative Modeling Study of Quince Infrared Drying and Evaluation of Quality Parameters

In this research, infrared drying of thin-layer quince slices with thickness of 5±0.24 mm was investigated at four levels of radiation power. The final temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C were achieved by regulating the radiation power. A comparative study was performed among adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and 10 well-known empirical models to predict the drying kinetics. The ANFIS modeling results showed an excellent prediction of moisture content value (R2=0.9998 and RMSE=0.0041). Among the empirical models, Midilli model fitted the experimental data well for the whole range of temperatures (R2=0.9987–0.9994 and RMSE=0.0068–0.0098). Effect of final drying temperature on the sample color, shrinkage, texture and rehydration ratio was also investigated. Analysis of variance of quality parameters showed that the final drying temperature had a significant effect on the color, shrinkage and texture (p < 0.05). The final drying temperature of 80 °C had a negative effect on the color, shrinkage and texture of samples.

The effect of conspecific ampulla oviductal epithelial cells during in vitro maturation on oocyte developmental competence and maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity in sheep

The acquisition of fertilization ability by oocytes is one of the prerequisites for successful in vitro embryo production. In the present study, we examined the influence of conspecific ampulla oviductal epithelial cells incubated with cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) throughout the IVM phase on the developmental competence and maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity of sheep oocytes. There were six experimental groups in this study, namely four groups with and two groups without oviductal epithelial cells added to IVM media: adult COCs matured in vitro with the ampulla oviductal epithelial cells obtained from adult (AAE; G1) or prepubertal donors (prepubertal sheep ampulla oviductal epithelial cells [PAE]; G4), COCs obtained from prepubertal animals cocultured with AAE (G2) or PAE (G3), and adult (C1) and prepubertal sheep COCs (C2) matured without oviductal epithelial cells. Coincubation of oocytes retrieved from both adult and sexually immature donors with AAE (G1 and G2) resulted in significantly improved rates of metaphase-II (M-II) attainment (G1: 85.1 ± 2.0 and G2: 40.2 ± 1.3) and blastocyst formation (G1: 42.2 ± 1.1 and G2: 21.2 ± 1.0) as well as blastocyst development (total cell count; G1: 130.3 ± 7.8, G2: 70.2 ± 3.5) compared with their respective controls (C1: 94.3 ± 4.1 and C2: 49.7 ± 2.0). Prior to IVM, the activity of MPF was greater (P < 0.05) for oocytes obtained from ewes (G1, G4, and C1) compared with those from ewe lambs (G2, G3, and C2). The greatest increment in MPF activity was recorded in G2 (MPF activity before IVM/MPF activity after IVM = 3.62) followed by C2 and G3 (2.22 and 2.20, respectively), and then all remaining groups of oocytes (C1: 1.89, G1: 1.87, and G4: 1.86). In summary, coincubation with AAE during the 24-hour IVM had a positive impact on ovine oocyte competence and ensuing in vitro embryo production efficiency. A significant increase in MPF activity following IVM of G2 oocytes could be responsible, at least partly, for the improved rate of blastocyst formation after IVF of prepubertal sheep oocytes.

Effect of hypothyroidism on growth performance, carcass composition and meat quality of fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of induction hypothyroidism by propylthiouracil (PTU) on the growth performance and meat quality of fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs. Eighteen Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 6) and received daily treatments (gavage) consisting of 0 (Control: C), 10 (Low: L) or 20 (High: H) mg PTU/kg bodyweight/day for 60 days. PTU decreased plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentration in both L and H (P < 0.0001). Lambs treated with PTU (L and H) had lower feed intake (P < 0.004), feed conversion efficiency (P < 0.003), and greater intramuscular fat than C lambs (P < 0.035). Meat from the L and H lambs had lower cooking loss and shear force, and also higher L* (lightness) than C lambs (P < 0.004, P < 0.015 and P < 0.025, respectively). The meat of H and L lambs was more tender than C lambs (P < 0.032). However, the meat of H lambs required fewer chews before swallowing than C lambs (P < 0.041). Generally, induction of mild hypothyroidism appeared to improve feed conversion efficiency and meat quality of lambs.

First Report of Orobanche aegyptiaca on Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in Iran

The kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is an important ornamental species belonging to Crassulaceae. This plant is grown in commercial greenhouses. A survey revealed infections of broomrape, Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. (syn. Phelipanche aegyptiaca Walp.), on kalanchoe plants in the province of Tehran (Pakdasht, 35°26' N, 51°40' E, 1,003 m elevation) in northern Iran in January 2014. About 1% of total Kalanchoe pots in a greenhouse were infected. The infection of kalanchoe was confirmed by verifying the attachment of the broomrape to the kalanchoe roots. Broomrape plant heights (from the soil surface) were between 13 and 28 cm, with flowering stems 5 to 14 cm. The stems were erect, unbranched, slender, 2 to 4 mm diameter, glandular-pubescent, pale yellowish, and inflorescent rather than lax. The leaves were reduced to bracts up to 3 to 6 mm long. There was one bract and two bracteoles surrounding each flower. The bracts measured 4 to 5 mm, had ovate lanceolates shorter than the calyces, and filiform, lanceolate bracteoles measured 5 mm. The calyces measured 4 to 6 mm, and were gamosepalous, hairy, and glandular. Corollas measured 22 to 28 mm, and were medium slate blue with darker veins, slightly curved, conspicuously infundibuliform, and glandular-pubescent. Stamens were epipetalous, inserted 5 mm above the corolla base, filaments (10 to 12 mm) hairy below, anthers were villous. Style (18 to 21 mm) and stigma lobes were light steel blue. Ovary measured 5 to 7 mm. O. aegyptiaca is the most important species of the broomrape, which parasitizes important crops, such as tomato, potato, tobacco, carrot, celery, mustard, and spinach, as well as some ornamental plants, such as chrysanthemum (1,2). In this survey, low infection did not lead to visible symptoms or damage to kalanchoe, but allowed seed production by the parasite. However, the parasite weed could pose a serious threat to production of this important ornamental plant at high infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of O. aegyptiaca parasitism on kalanchoe in Iran. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this finding reports the first occurrence of a Crassulaceae plants as a host for O. aegyptiaca. References: (1) I. Ghannam et al. Am. J. Plant Sci. 3:346, 2012. (2) J. Rumsey and S. L. Jury. Watsonia 18:257, 1991.

First Report of Orobanche purpurea on Achillea wilhelmsii in Iran

Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch (Asteraceae) is a wild herb widely disturbed in Iran and known locally as yarrow. This plant is an important medicinal plant and it has been used for its analgesic, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, and antibacterial effects in Iranian folk medicine. Field surveys revealed infestations of yarrow broomrape, Orobanche purpurea Jacq., on A. wilhelmsii plants in two locations in province of Zanjan (Zanjan, 36°37'19.85″ N, 48°27'16.87″ E, 1,707.4 m elevation, and Qolabar, 36°19'19.85″ N, 48°19'16.41″ E, 1,663.9 m elevation) in northwestern Iran in May 2012. The annual mean air temperature and the average maximum and minimum air temperatures were 11, 18, and 4°C, respectively. The annual mean precipitation was 298 mm. The infestation of A. wilhelmsii was confirmed by verifying the attachment of the yarrow broomrape to the A. wilhelmsii roots. Broomrape plant heights were between 24 and 37 cm. The stems were erect, unbranched, slender, and swollen near the base at contact with host, 0.5 to 10 mm diameter. The leaves were reduced to scale or bracts up to 10 to 15 mm long. The flowers were in dense terminal spikes, usually restricted to the top third or half of the shoot. There was one bract and two bracteoles surrounding each flower. The bracts measured 7 to 10 mm, had ovate lanceolates shorter than the calyces, and lanceolate bracteoles were 5 to 10 mm. The calyces were gamosepalous, entire, and whitish. Corollas were 13 to 18 mm long, and were dull bluish-purple with dark veins, suffused with whitish-yellow at the base. The upper part was slightly curved forwards. Stamens were epipetalous, inserted 4 to 7 mm above the corolla base, with filaments glabrous. The anthers were glabrous along sutures. Stigma lobes were white. Fruit was an oval capsule, 0.9 to 10 mm. Botanists at the College of Agriculture of Zanjan University confirmed the identity of O. purpurea. A. millefolium has been reported as a host plant for yarrow broomrape (1,2). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of yarrow broomrape on A. wilhelmsii in Iran. Since production and farming of A. wilhelmsii as a medicinal plant has recently started on a commercial scale in Iran, the parasite weed could pose a serious threat to production of this plant. References: (1) B. Prajs. Biodiv. Res. Conserve. 17:33, 2010. (2) J. Rumsey and S. L. Jury. Watsonia. 18:257, 1991.

Comparison of the meat quality and fatty acid composition of traditional fat-tailed (Chall) and tailed (Zel) Iranian sheep breeds

The aim of this study was to compare the meat quality of a traditional fat-tailed breed, Chall, to a tailed Iranian sheep breed, Zel. Lambs were grazed on pasture until weaning, and then were finished until slaughter at 10-12 months. Meat quality traits were measured on the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Zel lambs accumulated more intramuscular fat (IMF) (p<0.01) and had lower shear force and drip loss than Chall lambs (p<0.05). The meat color of Zel lambs was higher for both a* (p<0.001) and b* (p<0.01) compared to Chall lambs. Meat from Zel lambs was more tender (p<0.01) and more juicy (p<0.05) than Chall lambs. The PUFA:SFA fatty acid ratio (P:S) was higher (p<0.05) and the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was lower in Chall compared to Zel lambs (p<0.05). Overall, these results show that the eating quality of Zel lambs was better, but that this was at the cost of less favorable fatty acid profiles and poorer meat color.

Occurrence, pathogenicity and distribution of Fusarium spp. in stored wheat seeds Kermanshah Province, Iran

Fusarium is one of the most important pathogenic and toxigenic fungi widely distributed all over the world, including Iran. Fusarium species are found frequently in stored agriculture products especially wheat. The objective of this study was to identify Fusarium species associated with stored wheat seeds and their pathogenicity on root and head of wheat in Kermanshah, the leading province in wheat production in Iran. In this survey 75 seed samples of stored wheat were collected from 10 different regions during 2006-2008 and tested for the presence of Fusarium. Fusarium spp. were found in 51 (68%) of 75 samples. A total of 580 Fusarium strains were isolated, identified and preserved. All these strains belong to 20 Fusarium spp. according to morphological characters. Each conidial suspension of selected strains representing all species was evaluated for their pathogenicity on roots and spikes of healthy wheat var. Fallat in the greenhouse. F. graminearum, F. crookwellense, F. trichothecioides, F. culmorum and F. verticillioides were the most pathogenic to wheat's head. Foot rot assessment revealed that F. pseudograminearum and F. culmorum were the most damaging species. Of the Fusarium isolates, F. graminearum was the most prevalent followed by F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum. This is the first comprehensive report on identity and distribution of Fusarium spp. from stored wheat seeds in Iran while F. nelsonii was reported for the first time from wheat seeds in Iran.