Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract This study compared the effects of a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration at the time of insemination on the reproductive outcome of estrus-synchronized Mongolian ewes subjected to two artificial insemination methods during the breeding season. All females were treated with a polyurethane intravaginal sponge impregnated with 45.00 mg of flurogestone acetate for 12 days, followed by an intramuscular injection of 330 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin at sponge removal. In Experiment 1, 150 ewes were inseminated using a laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination method 48 hr after sponge removal. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group which received 500 IU of hCG at the time of insemination, and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. In Experiment 2, 85 ewes were inseminated twice at 48 and 60 hr after sponge removal using a cervical artificial insemination method. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group, which received 500IU of hCG at the time of the first insemination and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. The pregnancy rate in the control group was not significantly different compared to the hCG group in Experiment 1 and the pregnancy rate in the control group was significantly higher compared to the hCG group in Experiment 2. In conclusion, the administration of hCG at the time of insemination could not be recommended in ewes when implementing a fixed time artificial insemination protocol during the breeding season.

Abstract Antioxidant potential of different milk types and thermal-treated milks may be of interest to milk processors, consumers, and nutritionists. The objectives of this study were comparison of the antioxidant potential of milk, defatted milk, whey, and deproteinized whey from cow, sheep, and goat, and also evaluation of the effect of thermal treatments (pasteurization and sterilization) on the antioxidant activity of the milk. The antioxidant potential of different milk samples and their fractions was examined using reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid methods. The results showed that the antioxidant potential of sheep raw milk was significantly higher than that of cow milk and goat milk. The results also indicated that thermal processing increased the reducing power and antioxidant potential of milk, and increasing heating temperature significantly increased reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of milk, especially sheep milk and goat milk. Removing of whey proteins from whey of all animal species, particularly sheep, caused a significant decrease in the antioxidant potential of whey. The results of this study showed that sheep milk and its fractions are a good source of natural antioxidants, which may have higher health promotion effects on consumers from nutritional point of view.

Abstract Respiratory infections are considered within the major constraints of animal production; viruses are the major causing pathogens. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of parainfluenza virus-3 (PIV-3), bovine viral diarrhea virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in sheep and goats and the existence of co-infections. A total of 270 sheep and 220 goat pneumonic lung tissues were collected from slaughterhouses in four different areas. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the antigen of the three viruses, fluorescent antibody technique and polymerase chain reaction confirmed enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay positive results. Prevalence detected for PIV-3 was 11.10% in sheep and 9.50% in goats, pestivirus was 10.40% in sheep and 7.70% in goats, and RSV was 17.80% in sheep and 5.00% in goats. Detected co-infections were 5.60% for PIV-3 and pestivirus in sheep and 4.00% in goats and pestivirus and RSV was observed only in goats (1.40%). Co-infection of the three viruses was detected in only one goat sample (1.00%). The existence of the three viruses in sheep and goats was confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the co-infections of PIV-3, pestivirus, and RSV in sheep and goats in the studied areas.

Abstract Medical imaging methods (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray, and ultrasound) are used to guide physicians when diagnosing diseases and planning their treatment. Thorax radiography is frequently preferred for the detection of diseases related to the respiratory system and the heart. When the thorax anatomy is known, this facilitates the detection of diseases in these regions. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a parameter used for the detection of cardiac anomalies. In cases such as cardiomyopathy and chronic pneumonia, the heart silhouette changes and cardiac enlargement is ensued. Knowing the normal VHS parameter is important in the detection of anomalies. In the present study, 15 male and 30 female adult Awassi sheep were used. The thorax region was imaged with an X-ray device in the right lateral position. Each animal was measured for nine parameters in the region. In the measurements, the female and male VHS scores were found to be 9.77 ± 0.48 and 9.69 ± 0.52, respectively, using one method and 10.11 ± 1.64 and 9.96 ± 0.73, respectively, using the other method. No statistical difference was found between the two methods. The cardiodiaphragmatic contact parameter was observed to be statistically significant between males and females. No statistical difference was found in other parameters. Consequently, this study was carried out to determine the VHS values in Awassi sheep, and the thorax measurements were evaluated. This study is considered to contribute to veterinary surgeons and the field of veterinary surgery.

Abstract Bone structure has been widely studied in mammals, however, osteon structure in sheep has received relatively little attention, especially in terms of its location on the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the histometric characteristics and mineral composition of the metacarpus and metatarsus of adult Sanjabi sheep. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were collected from five adult Sanjabi sheep (n = 10). Morphometric measurements were performed on computed tomographic scan images. Histometric parameters were measured on histological sections. The mineral composition of the bone samples was detected using the X-ray fluorescence method. The diameter of the Haversian canal in the right metatarsus was significantly greater than that in the other bones. The smallest diameter of the Haversian canal was observed for the right metacarpus. The diameter and area of the osteons in the right metacarpal were significantly greater than those in the other bones. The amount of essential mineral elements was not significantly different among bones. Aluminum and lead were significantly greater in the left metatarsus. The highest amount of copper was observed in the left metacarpus. These results indicated that there was a greater load on the right limb. This compensatory mechanism might be used to put more weight on the right forelimb and reduce the pressure caused by the weight of the rumen on the left forelimb. However, to prove this hypothesis, more detailed and extensive studies are needed in the future.

Abstract Echocardiography is a noninvasive, highly sensitive method for evaluating heart disease in veterinary medicine, crucial for measuring cardiac structures and functions. Despite its importance, limited data exist on sheep, particularly the Ghezel breed, a significant breed in Iran. This study aimed to establish normal echocardiographic values for Ghezel sheep, providing reference data for both clinical and research applications. We evaluated 15 healthy Ghezel sheep with a mean age of 16.50 ± 1.80 months and a mean weight of 42.69 ± 4.73 kg. Comprehensive clinical exams, biochemical and hematological tests and color Doppler echocardiography were performed. Descriptive results from standard right and left parasternal views in both longitudinal and transverse planes were obtained and compared to existing studies. The study successfully established pulse wave Doppler reference values for the Ghezel breed. These findings could be used in diagnosing heart disease in Ghezel sheep and would be beneficial in future research particularly in sheep used as an animal model for translation in human cardiac studies.

Abstract Borrelia species are spirochetes transmitted by ticks that are important in human and animals. In most countries, there is still no molecular epidemiology of borreliosis in ruminants. This study was aimed to evaluate the existence of Borrelia spp. DNA in the blood samples of small ruminants using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. To detect Borrelia spp. DNA, about 1,018 ruminants (456 goats and 562 sheep) blood samples were examined from different bioclimatic regions in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. The DNA extracting and PCR were conducted. In sheep, the following prevalence rates were respectively obtained for the 16S rRNA, 5S - 23S rRNA and ospA genes: 3.55% (20/562), 2.13% (12/562) and 0.88% (5/562). And so, the prevalence rates of the genes in goats were 0.87% (4/456) for 5S - 23S rRNA gene, 1.75% (8/456) for 16S rRNA gene and 0.65% (3/456) for ospA gene. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. was significantly different in small ruminants based on the farms and localities. The sheep and goats in humid areas (north of West Azerbaijan) were infected statistically more than those in sub-humid areas (south of West Azerbaijan). It is demonstrated that host species like sheep and goats may have a key role in natural Lyme disease cycles and other borreliosis diseases in Iran.

Abstract The genetic diversity of Brucella strains has not been fully understood. To investigate this, the genetic characteristics of 64 isolates of Brucella melitensis from sheep and goats’ milk were studied using random fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) methods developed in Orsay, France (MLVA-16_Orsay). The RFLP analysis revealed that all 64 isolates were of biovar one. The MLVA-typing showed that one sample was simultaneously infected with two strains of B. melitensis and the genotype of 65 isolate was analyzed. Four genotypes (47, 42, 43, and 63) were identified using MLVA-8 (panel 1), whereas six genotypes (138, 125, 116, 108, and two unknown genotypes) were identified using MLVA11 (panels 1 and 2A). From the review of MLVA-16 (panels 1, 2A, and 2B), panel 2B showed a very high discriminatory power. Two loci of Bruc04 and Bruc30 from this panel had diversity index values higher than 0.71 and the average diversity index was 0.619. So MLVA-16_Orsay 34 showed the genotype indicating a low genetic homogeneity among the isolates. The findings of MLVA genotyping of the isolates suggest that strains of B. melitensis isolated from the milk of small ruminants in Iran are most closely related to the isolates from neighboring countries of the Eastern Mediterranean group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate the potential use of MLVA genotyping for simultaneous detection of specimen contamination using two different B. melitensis biovars.

Abstract This study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species isolated from macroscopic sarcocysts of naturally infected sheep and goats using histopathological and molecular studies. A total of 260 macrosarcocyst samples were randomly collected from 1,337 infected sheep and goats slaughtered at different abattoirs in Duhok province, Iraq, from May 2021 to June 2022. The macroscopic cysts, which were found in the esophagus, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles, were classified into fat and thin cysts. Histopathological examination of the observed fat and thin cysts showed a thick eosinophilic wall, several internal septa-forming compartments enclosing numerous bradyzoites, and mild mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating around the cysts. The 18 Subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and 28 Subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes of Sarcocystis spp. were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 200 macrosarcocysts samples. Molecularly, the DNA sequencing results obtained from fat macrocysts of sheep and goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis gigantea, and from thin cysts of sheep proved to be similar to Sarcocystis medusiformis, while from thin macrocysts of goats were found to be identical to Sarcocystis moulei. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis observed a very close relationship between identified species of Sarcocystis and other Sarcocystis DNA sequences of sheep and goats across the world. To our knowledge, this is the first histopathological and molecular study for identification of Sarcocystis spp. isolated from different macroscopic forms of sarcocysts of sheep and goats in Iraq.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parainfluenza 3 (PI3) virus antigen through histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods in sheep lung samples collected from Erzurum province, Türkiye. Between August and November 2017, 1462 sheep were dissected in the slaughterhouse and their lungs were examined macroscopically. In total, 100 of the lung samples with pneumonia were selected. Routine histopathological and IHC analyses of the collected lung tissues with pneumonia were performed. Pneumonia observed through macroscopical and histopathological examinations of the lung samples was classified as purulent-catarrhal bronchopneumonia (14.00%), fibrinous bronchopneumonia (23.00%), interstitial pneumonia (69.00%), granulomatous pneumonia (7.00%), verminous pneumonia (19.00%) and pulmonary adenomatosis (6.00%). Two or three types of pneumonia were observed in many of the same cases. The PI3 virus antigen positivity rate in the IHC analysis of sheep lung samples was 19.00%. In the IHC tracing, positivities were found mostly in the alveolar macrophages and cytoplasm of bronchial, bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, the prevalence of PI3 virus in sheep in Erzurum province, Türkiye, was determined to be 19.00% using KLN BVB IHC method.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine and compare the macro-anatomical structures and configurations of plexus sacralis in Hasmer and Hasak sheep breeds. For this purpose, 18 sheep (eight female Hasmer sheep, three male Hasak sheep and seven female Hasak sheep) were assessed. After induction of anesthesia, the body cavities were opened. The sheep were fixed with formaldehyde after draining of the blood. The nerves of the plexus sacralis were dissected separately and photographed. Both in Hasmer and Hasak sheep breeds, the plexus sacralis was a large anastomotic complex of nerves which gave rise to nerves distributed to pelvic cavity and pelvic limb. It was derived from the ventral branches of the six spinal segments. It was observed that this plexus was formed by the ventral rami of four (first to fourth) sacral spinal nerves as well as ventral ramus of the sixth and fifth lumbar nerves. The results of this study are believed to be improved further with the future morphometric studies and to make a contribution to future anatomical and surgical studies in this area.

Abstract In this study, it was aimed to investigate the association between inflammatory reaction of tumoral microenvironments with interleukin responses in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinomas (OPAs). Material of the study consisted of 26 sheep lung tissue samples being brought to the Pathology Department for routine diagnosis. Cases were collected between years 2009 - 2021; pre-diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, anamnesis and gross lesion of the lungs. These tissues were designated in two groups as control (n = 6) and OPA (n = 20) groups. Choice of immunohistochemical staining was avidin-biotin peroxidase method. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus from paraffin-embedded tissues. On gross examination of OPAs, lesions seen were mostly in the caudal lobes of the lung, 1.00 – 2.00 cm in diameter as gray-white consolidated foci and in microscopic observation, tumor cells showed acinar, papillary or mixed growths. No expressions of interleukin (2 and 8) were observed in the control group. All OPAs cases were positive for interleukins (2 and 8) expressions. A total of eight tissue samples were detected as positives through RT-PCR. In conclusion, in this study, it was determined that interleukin-2 and interleukin-8 were produced from tumor microenvironment elements, especially tumor-associated macrophages, and these interleukins showed pro-inflammatory effects. Interleukins and the inflammatory reaction may promote the development of OPA.

Abstract Despite being important, there are no equations for prediction of ionized calcium (iCa) in sheep and cattle. The objectives of this study were i) to create equations for the calculation of serum iCa concentration based on the serum concentrations of total calcium (tCa), albumin (Alb) and total proteins (TP) and ii) to investigate whether predicted serum iCa values are beneficial in clinical practice. Serum samples from 30 sheep and 30 dairy cattle were used. Serum tCa was determined colorimetrically, while serum iCa was determined with an ion selective electrode method. Serum Alb and TP concentration were determined using bromo-cresol green and biuret methods, respectively. Ionized calcium was also calculated based on serum tCa, using regression analysis, and with two equations based on Alb and TP concentration. Bland–Altman plots were plotted to evaluate the agreement between measured and predicted iCa; Passing and Bablok (P - B) regression analysis was used to assess their agreement. The initial equations were corrected using the P - B generated equation and Bland – Altman plots were run to evaluate the level of agreement between measured and predicted iCa using the final equations. Six equations were finally created for cattle and 6 for sheep. The total bias exceeded 10.00% in all of them indicating that they are clinically unacceptable for iCa prediction especially when the predicted result is very close to the cut-off point of < 1.00 mmol L^-1. So, it could be suggested that, when necessary, iCa concentration should be directly determined.

Abstract Different living organisms are used as applicable bioindicators to determine heavy metal pollutions. Recent studies have shown that helminths parasites can be used as efficient environmental sentinels. This study aimed to evaluate Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum as bioaccumulators of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu). For this work. A total of 50 samples (F. hepatica, D. dendriticum, and livers from the infected and uninfected sheep, each of 10 samples) were collected from sheep slaughtered in Tabriz abattoir. One gram of each sample was incinerated and analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The analysis of samples showed that Pb, Cr and Cu values in F. hepatica were higher than those in D. dendriticum, but only the differences of Pb and Cu were significant. The values of heavy metals in F. hepatica were significantly higher than those in the infected livers (except for Cd), while in D. dendriticum, Cr and Cd were only higher. Based on metal levels in livers, it was found that bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of Cr, Pb and Cu for F. hepatica were much more than one, and BCFs of these three metals between two flukes were statistically significant. This study indicated that F. hepatica had a higher bioindicator potential than D. dendriticum to evaluate environmental pollutants by some metals.

Abstract Toxoplasmosis, a foodborn disease, in human occurs commenly after the ingestion of tissue cysts via the raw and/or undercooked meat of different infected intermediate hosts such as sheep and cattle.The current study aimed to detect the genetic structure of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from various organs of sheep and cattle in the north of Iran. Convetional PCR was carried out by B1 and REP-529 genes of T. gondii. Nested and RFLP-PCR were performed for all positive samples using SAG2 and GRA6 genetic markers. Amplicons from second round of nested-PCR were sequenced and analyzed with NCBI database. Among of 179 examined samples, 38(21.20%) were positive. The highest of positive cases were found in kidney (28.60%). PCR-RFLP of SAG2 and GRA6 genes demonstrated the alleles of clonal type III in the all of isolates. Sequence analysis of the amplicons revealed the alleles of clonal type III and atypical isolates (Tg-67, Tg-100 and Tg-106). Phylogenetic analyses showed separate clade for the atypical isolates from others in the present study and the reference strains clades. In conclusion, the genetic characterization of T. gondii isolates from sheep and cattle showed high genetic diversity compared with standard type I, II and III genotypes. These results support the hypothesis of the existence of polymorphic and overlapping strains within livestock in Iran. It also suggested the necessity of increased genotyping and sampling efforts to accurately estimate T. gondii intra specific genetic diversity

Abstract Ocular tumors are rarely seen in farm animals. Iridociliary epithelial tumors are the second most common tumor of the eye in dogs and cats, but there is just one report of this tumor in sheep. This case report described the history, clinical signs, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, and surgical management of an iridociliary adenoma tumor in a 3-year-old Iranian Shaal sheep with signs of anorexia, depression, loss of vision, and a mass covering the left eye. The mass had protruded from the left eye globe but had not penetrated the periocular tissues. Enucleation was performed to excise the tumor. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue staining methods were done for the mass, but the result for both of them was negative. Slides were also immunostained for antibodies against cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, and S-100 protein. The results were positive for vimentin but negative for cytokeratin and S-100. According to the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry, the type of tumor was diagnosed as iridociliary adenoma. To our knowledge, it was the second report of the iridociliary tumor in the sheep and the first report of this tumor in the Iranian Shaal breed.

Abstract Parasitic nematodes of ovine abomasum are of economic and hygienic importance throughout the world and Iran. This study was aimed to evaluate molecular identity and species diversity of parasitic nematodes in the abomasum of slaughtered sheep in Ilam, Iran. In this study, a total number of 240 of abomasa were randomly collected from the slaughtered sheep at industrial slaughterhouses in Ilam in all seasons between 2017 and 2018. The abomasum content and abomasal mucosa were removed and washed. The collected nematodes were morphologically identified. The genomic DNA was extracted and a 300 bp-fragment-length from internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ITS2-rRNA) gene was amplified. Overall prevalence was 66.70% (160/240). Five species of four genera of nematodes including Marshallagia marshalli (43.70%), Ostertagia circumcincta (15.50%), Parabronema skrjabini (5.00%), M. occidentalis (2.50%), and Haemonchus contortus (0.04%) were identified. Ostertagia circumcincta and H. contortus were found to be different in two nucleotides. There was no nucleotide difference between M. marshalli and M. occidentalis. This study revealed a significant prevalence of parasitic nematodes in sheep abomasum and species diversity of Trichostrongylid nematodes in the region.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in sheep and their products pose a risk to public health. The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in sheep in Veracruz State, Mexico. The study was cross-sectional and it was carried out in thirteen municipalities distributed in three regions of Veracruz State. A total of 414 blood samples were collected from four districts of Veracruz State and analyzed for T. gondii antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total seroprevalence was 35.90% (149/414; 95.00% CI = 31.40-40.80). Seroprevalence by the municipality was 10.50% to 85.70% and for the district was 28.80% to 47.80%, respectively. Age, breed and productive status were identified as risk factors associated with T. gondii infection significantly. The infection by T. gondii is widely present in the districts of the Veracruz State with a high seroprevalence and risk factors associated with infection.

Abstract We report the occurrence of lung cancer in a six months old lamb of Ouled Djellal breed from Algeria. The main clinical sign was a considerable amount of whitish foamy fluid discharge from the nostrils when the animal head was lowered and the rear end was lifted. The post-mortem examination revealed the presence of enlarged, heavy and edematous lungs with diffuse or foci areas, reddish or white-gray in color. The gross and histological lesions of the lungs were compatible with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Lung adenocarcinoma in sheep is caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and originated from differentiated alveolar type II cells and non-ciliated bronchiolar epithelial Clara cells. We evidenced the expression of the oncogenic JSRV by immunostaining of lung slides with specific antibodies against the JSRV envelope. The viral proteins were expressed only in the tumor cells from the affected areas. As already described in other countries, JSRV-induced lung adenocarcinoma is present in the sheep population in Algeria.

Abstract Scorpion envenomation is a main general health problem in developing countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Hemiscorpius lepturus as a member of the Hemiscorpiidae family is cause of the most scorpion sting lethality in Iran. In the present study, the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in serum of envenomated sheep with the venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus were investigated. Nine sheep were randomly divided into three groups (three in each). Groups A, B and C received 0.10, 0.05 and 0.01 mg kg^-1 of H. lepturus venom subcutaneously, respectively. Blood sampling were performed 30 min before envenomation (control) and 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 6 hr after envenomation and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malonedialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were determined. The TAC was significantly increased at the doses of 0.10 mg kg^-1 (at 3 hr) and 0.05 mg kg^-1 (at 6 hr) compared to pre-injection time. However, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of MDA and PCO in different groups. It can be concluded that the dose of 0.01 mg kg^-1 of venom had no effect on stress factors of serum, but according to increased level of TAC at the doses of 0.05 and 0.10 and no significant changes in serum levels of MDA and PCO, the oxidative damage has been prevented by the antioxidant defense system response.

Abstract Immune system plays crucial role in body and lymph nodes are essential parts of this system for combating pathogens. However, no study has ever been conducted on morphometric development of sheep lymph nodes in fetal period. Thus, this study attempted to examine the morphometric characteristics of a number of important lymph nodes of some lymphocenters of sheep during fetal period. To this end, 60 pieces of sheep fetuses collected from Ahvaz slaughterhouse were fixated in 10% formalin and then divided into four categories based on crown-rump length (CRL) following gender and weight determinations. Mandibular, caudal superficial cervical (prescapular), caudal mediastinum, jejunal mesenteric and popliteal lymph nodes were evaluated in five lymphocenters of head, neck, thoracic cavity, abdominal viscera and pelvic limbs, respectively. In each sample, nodes formation was visually checked and in cases of nodes formation, they were measured in terms of weight, length, width and thickness and collected data were statistically analyzed. The longest and shortest fetal CRLs were found to be 48.50 cm and 3.50 cm, respectively. Gender had no effect on study parameters in 32 male and 28 female fetuses. Study of sheep fetuses’ lymph nodes revealed no macroscopic lymph node development by day 45, while all nodes were observable after the day 59. The shortest lymph node was mandibular node and the longest one was caudal mediastinum. Based on the results, it seemed that although the size of lymph nodes grows by age, this increase is not the same for all nodes and groups.

Abstract The middle ear ossicles are important due to transmission of sound to the inner ear leading to sound understanding. The aim of present study was to determine the anatomical and morphometrical aspects of middle ear ossicles in Makouei sheep fetuses. For this experimental study, eight sheep fetuses at the age of 2 to 3 months were provided from public slaughterhouse; their middle ear ossicles were removed from tympanic cavity subsequently and assessed anatomically using stereomicroscope. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used. The results showed that rostral process of malleus doesn’t exist, but an osseous lamina extending to the tympanic bulla and tympanic ring is located in this place. Moreover, lenticular bone and muscular process of stapes weren’t found. These findings were similar to the other animal’s ossicles anatomical features, but there were also some differences that can be useful for study of these ossicles developmental evolution.

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors of transcription factors composed of three family members: PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ. This study was aimed to evaluate the role of PPARs in the estradiol production via follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the ovine Sertoli cells. At the first step, transcripts of PPARα, PPARβ /δ and PPARγ were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the ovine Sertoli cells in vitro after FSH treatment. PPARγ transcript was increased in FSH-treated cells while PPARα and PPAR β /δ transcripts were unchanged. At the second step, Pioglitazone as PPARγ agonist and 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide (GW9662) as PPARγ antagonist were used in the FSH-treated Sertoli cells and then, the estradiol production and aromatase transcript were evaluated. Aromatase transcript was increased by pioglitazone in the FSH-treated Sertoli cells while GW9662 did not change its transcript. The estradiol production was increased by low concentrations of pioglitazone in FSH-treated Sertoli cells while the production of this hormone was decreased by the high concentration of Pioglitazone. The GW9662 did not change the production of estradiol in FSH-treated Sertoli cells. It is concluded that FSH regulates the estradiol production and aromatase expression in a way independently of PPARβ/δ and PPARα activation, although FSH increases the transcript of PPARγ and in this way, it could affect (mostly increase) aromatase transcript and estradiol production. Probably, this effect of FSH in the estradiol production via PPARγ is only a servo-assist mechanism which if it was inhibited, the estradiol production was not considerably affected.

Abstract Astrocytoma as one of the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumors is rarely reported in veterinary literature. A 7-year-old Persian Lori-Bakhtiari ewe was presented to the clinic with a two months history of progressive blindness, nystagmus to the right, bilaterally decreased pupillary reflexes, head pressing and paddling. At necropsy, a whitish well-circumscribed mass with dimensions of 3.50×2.50×1.50 cm was observed in the dorsal parietal lobe of the left cerebral hemisphere. Microscopically, the mass was well-circumscribed and highly cellular, consisted of round to elongated cells with scant and vacuolated cytoplasm with few, flaccid processes. The nuclei were round to oval with densely stippled chromatin and indistinct nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analyses showed positive staining for vimentin, S100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Definitive diagnosis of cerebral protoplasmic astrocytoma was made on the basis of the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This type of neoplasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of CNS lesions in the sheep.

Abstract Althoughpoultry meat is considered as the main source for human Campylobacter infections,there is limited information about non-poultry sources. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and the antibiotic resistance of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in fecal samples of the cattle and sheep in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 302fecal samples were obtained from clinically healthy, slaughtered cattle and sheep from Shiraz slaughterhouse. The animals were clinically healthy before being slaughtered. The samples were cultured according to the specific cultivation method under thermophilic conditions. The susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates were determined for 13 antimicrobial agents. All enriched samples and cultured isolates were targeted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of 16S rRNA and multiplex PCR for determining their species. Among 302 fecal samples, 65 (21.5%) and 205 (67.8%) samples were positive for the presence of Campylobacter species with the cultivation and PCR techniques, respectively. All 65 distinct isolates were susceptible to neomycin and colistin and the isolates showed high resistance to cephalotin (83.0%) and ciprofloxacin (67.7%). After the multiplex PCR, 78.5% of total positive samples showed the simultaneous presence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. In conclusion, the results emphasized that non-poultry farms are important as a possible source of Campylobacter infections.