Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract It is my distinct honor and pleasure to share a moment of great pride for all of us at Veterinary Research Forum (VRF). Based on the latest 2025 JCR release, our journal has achieved an Impact Factor of 1.4—a remarkable 27% increase over the previous year. This accomplishment not only secures our position within the Q2 category but also reaffirms that VRF continues to stand as the highest-ranking veterinary journal in Iran, unmatched in scientific level among all domestic publications in our field.
This success, however, did not happen overnight. Since our first issue in 2010, we have remained committed to a simple yet demanding principle: consistency with excellence. VRF was published as a quarterly journal until the end of 2022, and since the beginning of 2023, we have successfully transitioned to a monthly publication schedule—a significant operational upgrade that reflects our growing capacity and commitment to serving the scientific community more efficiently. I am proud to say that throughout this entire journey, from 2010 to the present day, we have never delayed a single issue—except during the recent war, when we regrettably fell behind by three issues. Aside from that exceptional and unforeseen circumstance, not even a single day of delay has occurred in our publication history—a discipline rarely seen in academic publishing, and one that reflects the deep respect we hold for our authors, reviewers, and readers.
Behind every achievement stands a dedicated team, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of our Executive Manager, Dr. Mehdi Behfar, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University. His meticulous oversight, operational brilliance, and unwavering dedication have been the backbone of VRF's smooth and timely operations—particularly during the challenging transition from quarterly to monthly publication, as well as through the difficult period of the recent conflict. Dr. Behfar's role in maintaining our publication schedule and ensuring the highest quality standards has been truly invaluable, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to him. I also thank our editorial board members, the diligent reviewers, the supportive administration of Urmia University, and above all, the global community of researchers who entrust us with their scientific work.
This Impact Factor of 1.4 is not merely a number—it is a testament to Iranian veterinary science's growing influence on the world stage. We are more determined than ever to elevate VRF further, with the goal of reaching Q1 in the near future.
I warmly invite researchers from around the globe to join us in this journey by submitting their high-quality manuscripts to VRF. Together, we advance veterinary knowledge—one article at a time.
With respect and gratitude,
Emeritus Prof. Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
Editor-in-Chief
Veterinary Research Forum
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

Abstract Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) has limited prevalence studies and scarce understanding of the predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms involved. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the post-mortem prevalence of EGGD and other gastric lesions in Colombian equids, specifically horses, donkeys, and mules. The study utilized a sample of 300 equids stomachs, with 100 specimens from each group, collected immediately after slaughter. The post-mortem examination included a thorough inspection of the ventral fundus, adjacent area of the margo plicatus, and pyloric antrum of the glandular mucosa, carefully identifying any lesions or abnormalities. The results showed that the overall macroscopic presence of EGGD in the equid population was 68.30% on average, with specific rates of 45.00% in horses, 77.00% in donkeys, and 83.00% in mules, with lesions predominantly affecting the fundus and pyloric antrum regions. Inflammatory processes were observed to be similar between donkeys and horses, while mules exhibited distinct inflammatory patterns in the glandular mucosa. Additional gastric findings, such as gastritis (85.30%), gastric impaction (10.00%), and parasitic infections (13.30%), were also documented during the study. The findings suggested that EGGD was prevalent across all three groups of equids. Although the inflammatory conditions and their distribution were similar in horses and donkeys, differences in the location, frequency, and severity of mucosal lesions were observed among the three species.

Abstract Genetic variations within a partial region of the growth hormone (GH) gene and their associations with growth traits were investigated in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using DNA sequencing. Five haplotypes and ten novel single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the GH gene of European sea bass. In silico analysis revealed two amino acid substitutions between the reference and our partial protein sequence, specifically serine to leucine and serine to threonine. Both variations were located within the α1 helix, which also contains H34, a zinc-binding residue. The genotypes at the g.1611T>C locus of the GH gene were found to be significantly associated with total weight, fillet weight and head length. Additionally, the association between GH g.1557A>T genotypes and both preanal and abdominal lengths was statistically significant. Similarly, the genotypes of g. 1857 C>T loci having the synonymous mutation in phenylalanine amino acid were significantly associated with standard length. The haplotype 4 reported the highest weight and length traits than the other haplotypes. It was concluded that haplotype 4 could be used as a potential genetic marker for selective breeding programs of European sea bass under Mediterranean conditions.

Abstract Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a predominant etiological agent of foodborne infections globally. Salmonella serovars are present throughout the chicken's digestive tract, particularly in the ceca. This study, conducted from October 2024 to April 2025, employed cultural methods to isolate and identify Salmonella from samples collected at the broiler chicken wet market in Sulaymaniyah province, Iraq. The research additionally examined the prevalence of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium in these samples by PCR. Two-hundred and ten samples were obtained from the cecum, cutting boards, knives, body swabs, workers' hands, and water. Salmonella was isolated from the samples and identified by culturing and molecular techniques. Consequently, 103 individuals (49.04%) tested positive for Salmonella via culture. The PCR results revealed that the contamination rate for S. enterica was 74 (71.84%); 47 (63.51%) were S. Typhimurium, and 33 (70.21%) of S. Typhimurium possessed the hilA gene. The highest prevalence was observed in chopping boards, with 91.67% for S. enterica, whereas the maximum rate for S. Typhimurium was recorded in water, at 100%. The phylogenetic tree indicates that the Iraqi isolate with accession number of PV250092 belongs to the principal group of isolates, exhibiting a bootstrap support value of 100%, signifying a robust genetic association with them. To conclude, this research demonstrated a notable prevalence of Salmonella in the broiler chicken processing environment, particularly a high incidence of S. Typhimurium isolates. The placement of the Iraqi isolate within the global isolate clade suggests a recent common ancestor with other isolates, indicating global transmission pathways.

Abstract The current finding reports the development of immunocapture-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) with recombinant apical membrane antigen-1 (rAMA-1) to identify an infection of Babesia in naturally infected cattle. The 48.00 kDa protein-encoding rAMA-1 gene was cloned into the pET-28a (+) expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. The resulting congregate protein was refined under native settings. Towards the evaluation of the diagnostic potential of AMA-1 as a sero-diagnostic reagent, a panel of sera samples from Babesia infected cattle and uninfected sera, as well as Babesia positive samples with other species, including B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. major, B. occultans, were utilized. Additionally, the efficacy of rAMA-1-based serological assays was compared with commercially available kits using 200 samples taken from cattle suspected of babesiosis. The results demonstrated that the iELISA using rAMA-1 exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.89%, when compared to the commercially available ELISA kit as a reference test. The specificity of this assay was 76.66%. These findings suggest that the iELISA employing rAMA-1 can be utilized on large-scale epidemiological surveys and clinical detection of Babesia infection in cattle.

Abstract This study aimed to identify and characterize nitrifying bacteria and their associated bacteriophages from swiftlet house environments as a preliminary step toward developing biological control strategies for nitrate contamination in edible bird nests,a food safety concern due to the excessive nitrite and nitrate accumulation. A total of 80 environmental samples were collected between October and November 2024 from four swiftlet houses in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, including 20 samples each from feces, pond water, soil, and edible bird nests (Aerodramus fuciphagus). Phenotypic characterization (culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests) and genotypic identification (PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) were performed. Bacteriophages were screened using spot tests and plaque assays. The study resulted in the isolation and identification of 15 Nitrobacter isolates. Molecular analysis confirmed all isolates belonged to the Nitrobacter genus. One isolate, Nitrobacter AP6, was selected as a representative host for phage screening due to its consistent growth and plaque clarity. Spot tests revealed four bacteriophages capable of lysing Nitrobacter AP6. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of isolating nitrifying bacteria and phages from swiftlet environments and provide a foundation for future biocontrol development, though further in vitro and in situ validation is required to assess effectiveness and safety.

Abstract Corneal ulcers, particularly from alkaline chemical injuries, are a leading ocular complication in animals, accounting for about 20.00% of emergency referrals. These burns damage the conjunctiva and cornea, causing deep ulcers, potential perforation, delayed healing, infections and blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to accelerate healing and minimize complications like permanent opacity. This study compared the efficacy of blood serums (autologous, homologous, and heterologous) against standard treatment (N-acetylcysteine and ciprofloxacin eye drops) and a control group (Normal saline) in treating induced corneal ulcers in five groups consisting of 10 healthy mixed-breed female dogs. Ulcers were created using 3.00 M sodium hydroxide-soaked filter paper on both eyes. Evaluations on 1, 7, 14, and 21 days assessed quantitative parameters (Total corneal and stromal thickness, ulcer diameter) and qualitative symptoms (photophobia, blepharospasm, discharge, congestion, edema, neovascularization, opacity) via ultrasonography and clinical exams, respectively. Results showed significant time- and treatment-dependent improvements. Heterologous serum notably reduced thickness and ulcer diameter from day seven compared to others. By days 14 - 21, all treatments (serums and drugs) lowered stromal thickness versus control. Qualitative parameters were improved significantly with all treatments from day seven. These findings supported the use of blood-derived serums, especially heterologous serum, to accelerate healing and improving clinical outcomes in canine corneal ulcers.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by Leishmania species and transmitted via sandflies. Current control strategies against reservoir hosts and vectors are not eco-friendly. Using harmaline (HA) from Peganum harmala, and meglumine antimoniate (MA) could be a promising therapy. The study aimed to explore the potential treatment outcomes and action mechanisms of HA and MA against Leishmania major stages by investigating their effectiveness through molecular docking, anti-leishmanial effects, safety assessment, and apoptotic profile evaluations. According to the molecular docking results, the protein-ligand interaction profiler identified that Bcl-2 interacts with HA mainly through hydrogen bonds, while Bax uses both hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions, indicating a stronger binding of HA to Bax compared to Bcl-2. The HA combined with MA (HA/MA) showed potent anti-leishmanial activity without toxicity. In vitro studies significantly demonstrated that HA inhibited the growth of promastigotes and amastigotes. The HA/MA was more effective in inhibiting parasite growth. Based on the study findings, HA and HA/MA mixture can be considered a viable treatment option for cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Abstract Nutritional interventions play a pivotal role in sustaining egg production performance and improving egg quality parameters in aged laying hens. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of L-carnitine (LC) supplementation in diets containing different levels of fish oil (FO) on performance, egg quality parameters and egg yolk fatty acids (FAs) profile in aged laying hens. In this study, 432 laying hens (Hy-line-W36, 65 weeks of age) were used and allocated in a 3 × 3 factorial design with six replications and eight birds per replication. The experimental treatments included diets containing three levels of FO (0.00, 1.50 and 3.00% of the diet) and three levels of LC (0.00, 300, and 600 mg kg^-1 of the diet). The results showed that hens treated with 3.00% FO and 300 and 600 mg LC had the highest egg production rate, egg weight and egg mass which was significantly higher than the treatments without FO and LC. With increasing usage level of FO to 3.00% of diet, egg yolk pH was significantly decreased, however, yolk pH was increased when diet was supplemented with 600 mg LC. The percentage of polyunsaturated FAs, the ratio of polyunsaturated FA/saturated FAs and the percentage of omega-3 FAs were increased significantly with increasing FO usage level in the diet. Overall, these findings suggested that dietary supplementation with FO and LC could synergistically improve productive performance and enhance the nutritional value of eggs in aged laying hens.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the growth, blood parameters, skin mucus, and serum biochemistry of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 300 fish with an average weight of 12.00 ± 0.33 g were randomly distributed in 12 fiberglass tanks with a capacity of 300 L and fed with diets supplemented with ZnO-NPs at concentrations of 0 (control), 10.00, 50.00, and 100 mg kg^-1 for 60 days. The results indicated that 50.00 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs supplementation significantly improved fish weight, length, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. There was no significant difference in survival rates between the treatments and control group; however, the highest survival rate was observed in the treatment with 50.00 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs. This treatment also led to the highest red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and lymphocyte percentages. In contrast, the highest neutrophil counts were observed at 100 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs. The highest serum biochemical parameters, including total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and Zn levels were observed in the treatment with 50.00 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs. While, in the skin mucus, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and alkaline phosphatase significantly increased at groups fed with 10.00 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs. Overall, the findings suggest that dietary inclusion of 50.00 mg kg^-1 ZnO-NPs can effectively promote growth and enhance immune responses of C. carpio juveniles, indicating their potential application in aquaculture practices. However, caution is advised at higher concentrations due to the potential adverse effects on fish health.