Toxoplasma is an intracellular parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. In this disease, parasitic cysts of Toxoplasma gondii can remain present in various tissues such as the brain throughout the host's life. The potential role of toxoplasmosis should be considered in many neurological diseases with unknown mechanisms. In horses, behavioral disorders like crib-biting have multifactorial causes and may be due to neurophysiological dysfunction. This research aimed to determine the role of toxoplasmosis in the manifestation of crib-biting behavior in horses. A casecontrol study was conducted in horse riding clubs in Fars province, Iran, near the city of Shiraz. Ten horses with crib-biting behavior and 10 clinically healthy horses matched for sex, age, and breed were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected from cribbers and healthy horses, along with a thorough history-taking. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on sera to detect T. gondii-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). The results of this study revealed that all horses were free of toxoplasmosis. It is concluded that this relation was not detected in the horse farms of Shiraz suburbs. Further research is required to explore more aspects of crib-biting behavior and its relationship with causative factors.

Purpose: Berberis integerrima Bunge and Berberis vulgaris L. are traditional plants known for their many health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal potential of B. vulgaris and B. integerrima fruit extracts against Fusarium spp. pathogens as an environmentally compatible natural antifungal compound. Research methods: The antifungal activity of methanolic fruit extracts of B. vulgaris and B. integerrima against Fusarium solani, and Fusarium graminearum was investigated using the microdilution method, growth area measurement, and morphological Changes were studied using scanning electron microscopy analysis. Findings: The methanolic fruit extracts of B. vulgaris and B. integerrima had significant antifungal activity against the studied plant pathogens, with B. integerrima exhibiting a stronger effect. The MIC values of B. vulgaris fruit extract against F. graminearum and F. solani were 150 and 75 mg mL-1, and B. integerrima fruit extract had 100 and 75mg mL-1, respectively. F. graminearum was the most resistant fungal species. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the extracts of both medicinal plants changed the structure and morphology of mycelia and, dose-dependently, inhibited conidia formation. Research limitations: There were no limitations. Originality/Value: The study showed that fruit extracts of B. vulgaris and B. integerrima have the potential to be used as natural and environmentally friendly agents against Fusarium species.

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels.Study designCross‐sectional observational.MethodsA total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS).ResultsThe insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p = 0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p = 0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p = 0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p = 0.012) and globulin (p = 0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r = 0.290, p = 0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r = −0.309, p = 0.029), CNS and glucose (r = −0.315, p = 0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r = −0.360, p = 0.01).Main limitationsIncreasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability.ConclusionAlthough insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

The associations between early lactation changes in the body condition score (BCS) and mid-lactation levels of blood insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-1), prolactin, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk production and some reproductive indices were investigated. Monthly milk yield and BCS were recorded. Blood samples were collected on days 60, 90, and 120 (±5 days) of lactation. Twelve and 17 cows showed BCS losses ≤0.75 and >0.75 on day 60, respectively. BCS losses ≤0.75 till day 60 after calving enhanced the IGF-I concentration on day 90 (57.8 ± 10.7 vs. 35.6 ± 17.8 ng/mL; p = .001). The differences in blood metabolites were prominent on day 90. Trends of insulin changes between day 60 BCS (p = .04) groups were different. Inverse correlations were detected between IGF-I and NEFA (-0.6, p = .001), IGF-I and milk production (-0.4, p = .05), NEFA and prolactin (-0.8, p < .001) on day 90. Higher percentages of cows with BCS loss >0.75 (day 60) showed their first heat after day 40 postpartum. In conclusion, irrespective of BCS at the time of breeding, the level of BCS loss during the first 60 days of lactation may affect further reproductive performance due to prolonged alterations of IGF-I, NEFA, prolactin and insulin levels. The extent of postpartum BCS loss may be a predictor of the metabolic status of cows during mid-lactation.

Pomegranate peels (PoP) have recently gained attention for their therapeutic properties. Although several studies reported the therapeutic effect, the side effect of feeding pomegranate peels supplemented ration has not received full attention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding dried PoP supplemented ration on body weight gain and selected blood parameters of male Baluchi lambs. Eighteen lambs were randomly assigned to control and two treatment groups, receiving rations with 5

One-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) exhibit remarkable adaptability to harsh desert environments through various physiological adaptations. This study aimed to assess variations and reference values of Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), physiological parameters, mineral concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 90 healthy female one-humped camels from Zabol’s outskirts in Iran. The objective was to understand how these camels adapt to heat stress. Blood samples were collected from camels located at five geographical regions and analyzed using standard kits and methods. Reference intervals for heat-shock protein 30 (HSP30), heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40), heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), and heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) were determined using the reference value advisor (RVA). The study found significant differences among different regions for HSPs (P < 0.05), MDA (P = 0.021), and TAC (P = 0.042) levels, indicating variations in adaptation mechanisms. However, no notable differences were observed for other measured parameters between these regions. There were no significant differences observed in the evaluated parameters between the age categories of > 36 months and < 36 months. The positive correlation between HSPs and MDA levels (ranging from 0.754 to 0.884) suggests that the synthesis of HSPs is triggered as a response to oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. This oxidative stress, in turn, is a consequence of thermal stress. Additionally, the study reveals a negative association between TAC and HSP levels (ranging from − 0.660 to − 0.820), emphasizing the role of antioxidants in mitigating heat stress. The findings of this research offer compelling support for the critical role that HSPs play in protecting cells from heat-induced damage. Additionally, the presence of higher levels of HSPs in regions with more severe climate conditions serves as evidence of camels’ adaptation to heat stress. These findings emphasize the substantial impact of environmental factors on HSP production and further reinforce the crucial role of HSPs in bolstering the resilience of camels. Further research is needed to explore HSP expression and mechanisms to effectively manage and enhance camel resilience in extreme temperatures.

Background:The quality of colostrum is affected by IgG level and microbial load.Aims:The quality of colostrum used in feeding dairy calves and passive immunity transfer in selected dairy farms in Fars province, Iran was investigated.Methods:A total of 75 colostrum and neonatal blood samples were collected from 11 herds. The immunological quality of colostrum was assessed using a Brix digital refractometer. The bacteriological quality was assessed by performing total plate count (TPC), total coliform count (TCC), spore-former count, fungi count, and species-specific PCR assay to detect some bacterial species.Results:The mean Brix of colostrum samples was 25.4% and 72% of the samples had a Brix score ≥22%. The mean serum Brix and the prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) were 10% and 4%, respectively. The mean TPC, TCC, spore-former count, and fungi count were 3.6 × 105, 2.8 × 104, 3.2 × 104, and 1.1 × 104 CFU/ml, respectively. The results showed that 50, 5.9, and 4% of colostrum samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp. and Maycobacterium paratuberculosis, respectively. There was no evidence of contamination with Brucella spp., Corynebacterium bovis and Mycoplasma bovis.Conclusion:Considering all colostrum quality indicators comprehensively, only 37.3% of the studied samples met the industry standard. A large number of calves were at risk of receiving poor quality colostrum, especially in terms of microbial contamination. Further researches are needed to evaluate the colostrum management and the effect of bacterial contamination of colostrum on the health of neonate calves in this region.

The presence of aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) in 24h bulk milk and aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) in concurrent total mixed rations (TMR) and feed ingredients were assessed in 12 large dairy operations. The bulk milk was sampled on days 1, 15 and 30 during winter and summer (n=72). Total mixed rations (n=48) and feed ingredients (n=230) were sampled two times with a 30-day interval. Aflatoxin was measured using direct competitive ELISA kits with detection limits of 1-81 ngkg −1 for milk and 1.25-101.25 ngkg −1 for feeds. Aflatoxin M 1 was identified in all milk samples (100%), ranging from 2.03 to >81 ngkg −1 , with a median of 70 ngkg −1 and averaging 61.25±28.91 ngkg −1 in winter and 54.20±25.51 ngkg −1 in summer (P=0.279). Contaminations <81 ngkg −1 (below the Iranian standard of 100 ngkg -1 ) were detected in 76% (n=55/72) of samples. Contaminations >81 ngkg −1 were detected in 24% (n=17/72) of samples and were more frequent in winter than in summer (42% vs. 6%). Sixty-nine percent of the winter milk samples (n=25/36) had contaminations above the median (70 ngkg −1 ). A reverse result was detected in summer. The chance of contaminations above median was higher in winter than in summer (OR=5.33, P=0.007). All TMR and ingredient samples had higher AFB 1 contaminations in summer (P<0.05). Six TMR samples had non-detectable (<1.25 ngkg -1 ) values (5 in winter) and 7 samples had levels >101.25 ngkg -1 (all in summer). The chance of TMR contamination above the median (716 ngkg -1 ) was 5.57 times higher in summer than in winter (P=0.002). Seventy percent of the TMR samples had contaminations above the median in summer. Elevated levels of AFB 1 of rations in summer (1375.50±905.02 vs. 537.05±558.79; P<0.002) did not result in elevation of AFM 1 in milk, probably due to reduced AFB 1 metabolism in the liver and lower dry matter intakes caused by heat stress. The AFB 1 content of grain mix succeeded by corn silage, wet beet pulp, dry beet pulp and alfalfa hay were correlated with TMR contamination. Ration AFB 1 and milk AFM 1 were not correlated. Based on the results, a great majority of milk produced in the studied farms could have AFM 1 contaminations below the Iranian standard limit (100 ngkg -1 ). Contaminations below 50 ngkg -1 appear to be achievable and affordable. Intensifying the controlling measures in summer, when the feed contaminations are elevated, may reduce the overall milk contamination.

Purpose: Comparison and determination of ZEN production capacity of F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, and F. solani. The influence of low temperature stress and incubation time on the production of ZEN was also investigated. Research Method: Production of ZEN was evaluated by incubating media cultures at a constant temperature of 25°C for a period of 14 days before being incubated at 8°C for 14 days (Low-temperature stress/ LTS). The second set of the samples was incubated at constant 25°C for 4 weeks’ time (constant- temperature/ CT). HPLC and a fluorescence detector were employed to measure the concentration of ZEN. The species-specific pair of primers was used to perform a PCR assay on the fungal DNA. Findings: The higher levels of ZEN were seen at LTS compared with CT in three Fusarium species. The highest ZEN was produced in F. oxysporum media cultures. The significant production of ZEN was seen when F. oxysporum incubated at LTS compared with CT (P≤0.05). The highest and the lowest levels of ZEN were seen in F. oxysporum and F. solani and the difference of ZEN production by them were significant in CT and LTS, respectively (P≤0.05). ZEN production for the F. graminearum was in the intermediate level. Presence of PKS4 gene was confirmed by PCR in these Fusarium species. Limitations: Higher cost of ZEN detection by HPLC was a limitation. Originality/Value: Production of ZEN in LTS and CT by the Fusarium evaluated species was confirmed. However, LTS stimulate ZEN production in Fusarium media cultures, especially for F. oxysporum.

Many types of mycotoxins are found in food sources contaminated with fungi, and if these are ingested in large quantities or over a long period, they can affect the health of humans and domestic animals. Berberine (BBR) is a plant alkaloid with multiple pharmacological functions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of the plant alkaloid BBR on reducing toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in broilers by examining performance characteristics, blood biochemistry, antioxidant systems, ileum morphology, and histopathology of the liver. The experiment was performed with 288 Ross 308 broilers reared in floor pens for 42 d in a randomized design with 9 treatments. Each treatment was replicated 4 times, and each replicate contained 8 chicks. Experimental treatments included (1) negative control diet with no additives (NC); (2) NC + 2 ppm AFB (positive control AFB; PCAFB); (3) NC + 2 ppm OTA (positive control OTA; PCOTA); (4) PCAFB + 200 mg/kg BBR; (5) PCAFB + 400 mg/kg BBR; (6) PCAFB + 600 mg/kg BBR; (7) PCOTA + 200 mg/kg BBR; (8) PCOTA + 400 mg/kg BBR; and (9) PCOTA + 600 mg/kg BBR. Compared with NC, feeding PCAFB and PCOTA diets reduced average daily feed intake, weight gain, serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the length and width of ileum villi (P < 0.05). At the same time, these parameters increased in birds fed PCAFB or PCOTA diets supplemented with 600 mg/kg of BBR (P < 0.05). Feeding PCAFB and PCOTA diets increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, serum urea, and liver lesions compared with NC. By contrast, compared with PCAFB and PCOTA, adding 600 mg/kg BBR decreased FCR, AST, LDH, ALT, and GGT activities, urea, and liver lesions (P < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with 600 mg/kg BBR may improve growth performance, liver function, and antioxidant status of broilers fed diets contaminated with AFB and OTA.

Milk thistle (MT) or Silybum marianum is a weed that grows in many parts of the world. Since centuries, its seeds are used as herbal remedies for many diseases. In this study, an in- vitro model was designed to mimic the temperature, pH, and the time of passage of seeds through the stomachs and the intestinal tracts of chickens to investigate the absorption capacity of MT seeds for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Forty-eight flasks, each containing 25 g of rice and 250 or 500 mu g/kg AFB1 in the presence of 125, or 250 mg MT seeds were used in six treatments with two samples and four replicates, I) 250 mu g/kg of rice contaminated with AFB1 as the control; II) 500 mu g/kg AFB1 as a control; III) 125 mg MT seeds plus 250 mu g/kg AFB1; IV) 125 mg MT seeds plus 500 mu g/kg AFB1;V) 250 mg of MT seeds plus 250 mu g/kg AFB1; VI) 250 mg MT seeds plus 500 mu g/kg AFB1. A high proportion of milk thistle was bound by 250 mu g/kg of AFB1 in treatment number V. The highest and lowest levels of AFB1, i.e., 331.64 +/- 9.57 mu g/kg and 45.62 +/- 4.25 mu g/kg, were determined in treatments II and V, respectively. The mechanism by which MT seeds diminish AFB1 is not fully understood. MT seeds are a rich source of fiber, and therefore, they may have a high capacity for binding to the aflatoxin. On the other hand, silymarin, a component of MT seeds, is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that has antioxidant properties. Polyunsaturated fatty acids may also act as antioxidants, where by preventing the absorption or bioactivation of mycotoxins by enhancing their metabolism and excretion. It was concluded that the MT seeds were able to effectively diminish AFB1 in vitro.

Background and Aim: Mycotoxin-contaminated feed causes significant concern in poultry production and public health because of serious economic losses and health problems caused by them. Berberine hydrochloride (Berberine), a natural plant alkaloid derived from Chinese medicine, is characterized by diverse pharmacological effects. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of different levels of Berberine (BBR) on carcass traits and meat quality of broilers fed diets contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 (AFB) and Ochratoxin A (OCT). Methods: A 42-day floor pen trial was performed with 288 Ross 308 broilers. A randomized design, with 4 replicates of 8 birds each, was conducted with the following 9 treatments: (1) negative control diet with no additives (NC); (2) NC + 2 ppm AFB (positive control AFB; PCAFB); (3) NC + 2 ppm OCT (positive control OCT; PCOCT); (4) PCAFB + 200 mg/kg BBR; (5) PCAFB + 400 mg/kg BBR; (6) PCAFB + 600 mg/kg BBR; (7) PCOCT + 200 mg/kg BBR; (8) PCOCT + 400 mg/kg BBR; and (9) PCOCT + 600 mg/kg BBR. At the end of the experiment, from every group, eight birds were selected, slaughtered, and subjected to analyses. The analyzed parameters carcass and cut yields and meat quality according to water-holding capacity (WHC) and breast level MDA. Results: Both PCAFB and PCOTA diets decreased carcass relative weight, breast level MDA, and WHC values compared with the NC diet (p 0.05). Carcass efficiency in PCAFB and PCOTA treatments was lower than in the NC treatment (p˂0.05), and supplementation with BBR at multiple levels partially or fully reversed these effects. The addition of 600 mg/kg BBR to PCAFB diet increased carcass relative weight compared to PCAFB alone (p>0.05). Conclusion: These data provided supplementation of BBR (600 mg/kg) improves meat quality in broiler fed diet contaminated with mycotoxins. *Corresponding Author: Nazar Afzali; Email: nafzali@birjand.ac.ir Please cite this article as: Malekinezhad P, Afzali N, Farhangfar SH, Omidi A, Mohammadi A. Berberine Improves Meat Quality and Carcass Traits in Broilers Challenged with Mycotoxins. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2020;6:1-9 (e23). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v6.33330

ABSTRACT Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi. Pure preparations of the toxin should be available for in vitro and in vivo studies. The growth medium affects the activity of the fungus and the production of the toxin. ZEN producing capacity of three Fusarium species (F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, and F. solani) and the effects of Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) and rice culture on the ZEN production were investigated. The Fusarium fungi were incubated in SDB and rice culture at a constant temperature of 25°C for 30- and 48-day periods respectively. HPLC with fluorescence detection was used to measure the concentrations of ZEN. The amounts of ZEN produced by various Fusarium species on SDB were not statistically different. However, the quantity of ZEN produced on rice culture was significantly higher for F. graminearum compared to the amounts produced by F. oxysporum and F. solani (P<0.001). F. graminearum produced significantly higher amounts of the toxin (P<0.001) on rice culture than on SDB. In fact, the highest amount of ZEN production was seen by F. graminearum on rice culture. The amount of ZEN produced by F. oxysporum and F. solani were not different between SDB and rice cultures. The in vitro ZEN production by Fusarium fungi may be different on SDB and rice culture. F. graminearum can produce higher amounts of ZEN on rice medium compared to SDB. The activities of F. oxysporum and F. solani appear to be almost similar on these media. Keywords: Fusarium species, Rice, media culture, SDB, Zearalenone

BACKGROUND:It was hypothesized that under apparently good management practices in dairy farms, some cows may not be metabolically perfect during the breeding period and this may affect their performance. AIMS:This study was conducted to assess probable metabolic drawbacks in mid-lactation dairy cows affecting their performance. METHODS:Thirty-seven clinically healthy Holstein cows were assessed for plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), thyroxin (T4), and tri-iodothyronine (T3) on days 60, 90 and 120 of lactation. The relationships of the measured analytes with some performance indices were also studied. RESULTS:Continuous declines in plasma glucose (within reference values; P<0.006), T4 (P<0.001) and T3 (0.003) were found during the study. Non-esterified fatty acids showed relatively high levels through the study with a rise at day 90 (P<0.041). Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations did not change significantly (P>0.05) but were higher than those reported by others in mid-lactation cows. By progress in lactation 27% of cows had glucose concentrations <2.5 mmol/L, 62% had NEFA concentrations >0.40 mmol/L and 13.5% had BHB levels above 1200 µmol/L, which are the threshold levels of peri- and post-parturient problems. Milk production had negative correlations with glucose and T4 while the correlation was positive with NEFA. The interval between calving to the 1st heat had positive correlations with BHB concentrations. The interval between calving and the 1st insemination was inversely correlated with glucose and positively correlated with NEFA levels. CONCLUSION:The changes of the studied analytes in mid-lactation cows resembled those that would happen during negative energy balance in early lactation cows and feed restriction in mid-lactation cows and may affect the general health and the performance of the cows.

BACKGROUND:Evaluation of energy metabolism indices in mid-lactation Holstein cows is critical to monitor health status. Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of low (≤0.75) vs. high (>0.75) drops in body condition score (BCS) until day 60 post-partum on energy metabolism indices during mid-lactation in Holstein cows. METHODS:Twenty-eight Holstein cows were included in the study from the day of calving to day 120 of lactation. Whole blood samples were taken on 60, 90, and 120 days in milk (DIM). Serum was analyzed for insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels. RESULTS:In cows with low BCS drop (LoD group), insulin did not change significantly through days 60 to 120 of lactation, but increased in high drop cows (HiD group) (P<0.001). Glucose concentrations decreased linearly in the LoD cows (P=0.039) and showed a quadratic increase in the HiD group on day 90 (P=0.028). Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids showed both linear (P=0.04) and quadratic (P=0.002) changes in the HiD group. The HiD cows had significantly higher concentrations of insulin on day 120 (P=0.017) compared to the LoD group. Glucose concentration was lower (P<0.01) in HiD cows on 60 DIM. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher in HiD cows on day 90 (P<0.01). Surrogate indices of insulin resistance (calculated based on the concentrations of the measured metabolites) were different between the groups on day 90, indicating decreased insulin sensitivity in the HiD cows. CONCLUSION:Greater depletion of body reserves during early lactation may result in some inconsistencies in energy metabolism during mid-lactation periods. Controlling BCS loss during early lactation may help alleviate such alterations possibly through modifying insulin sensitivity of the tissues.

Objectives The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage of cervical cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser or high-speedhand piece and bur.Methods This in vitro experimental study was performed on 40 sound permanent third molar teeth randomly assigned into two equalgroups (n = 20). In the first group, high-speed hand piece and bur and in the second group Er:YAG laser was used to prepare class V cavitieson the buccal or lingual surfaces. Filtek Z250 composite resin was used as the restorative material. The teeth were thermocycled for 1000cycles, placed in 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours, sectioned at the center of restoration and evaluated under a stereomicroscopeat x40 magnification for microleakage. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test at 0.05 level of significance.Results There was no significant difference between the occlusal or gingival margin microleakage of cavities prepared with Er:YAG laserand high-speed hand piece (P = 0.445 and P = 0.758, respectively). However, the difference in the occlusal and gingival margins wassignificant within the high-speed hand piece (P = 0.042) and Er:YAG laser (P = 0.002) groups.Conclusion Cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser and high speed hand piece and bur is not significantly different in terms of microleakage.

BACKGROUND:The sub-clinical carry-over effects of post-partum (PP) conditions and the problems independent of parturition may affect the cows' performance during the breeding period. AIMS:It was hypothesized that some mid-lactation cows may have compromised liver functions and calculating liver activity index (LAI; -1.5 to +1.5) may be helpful in detecting such conditions. METHODS:Plasma lipid and protein profiles, retinol and ceruloplasmin were measured in 37 Holstein cows on days 60, 90, and 120 PP. Liver activity index was calculated using the measures of cholesterol, albumin and retinol. The results were interpreted using some health and performance indices. RESULTS:The mean LAI was 0.00 ± 0.61. Sixteen cows (45.7%) were LAI‾ and 19 cows (54.3%) were LAI+. In LAI+ cows the concentrations of cholesterol and albumin were unchanged, but in LAI‾ cows both of them increased through the study (P<0.05). Greater concentrations of low density lipoproteins (LDL) (P<0.01) and lower concentrations of γ- and total globulins (P<0.05; day 60) were detected in LAI+ cows. Ceruloplasmin was not different between the LAI groups with the highest level on day 90. Cholesterol had the strongest and the most repeated correlations with LAI during the study. The correlation of albumin with LAI faded on day 120 and vitamin A had a relationship only on day 60 PP. Triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (day 60) and LDL (days 60 and 90) had positive correlations with LAI. All globulin fractions showed negative correlations with LAI on day 60. Seventy percent of the cows without endometritis (day 30 PP) and 33% of the infected cows were LAI+ during the breeding period. About 79% of the cows with body condition score (BCS) loss ≤0.75 (day 60) and 38% of the cows with BCS loss >0.75 were LAI+ during the breeding period. CONCLUSION:Compromised liver functions may exist in dairy cows during the breeding period and may be detected by calculating LAI. The relationship of LAI during the progressed lactation with herd's performance needs to be investigated.

Limited information is available for normal biochemical reference values in captive Persian wild goats (Capra aegagrus). The objectives of this study were to establish reference values and to evaluate changes associated with gender and age for 22 mature, captured, clinically healthy Capra aegagrus. The reference values were obtained: glucose, 34.10–204.90 mg/dl; urea, 11.81–49.45 mg/dl; creatinine, 0.075–2.032 mg/dl; triglyceride, 15.71–84.90 mg/dl; cholesterol, 10.02–131.30 mg/dl; total bilirubin, 0.011–0.875 mg/dl; direct bilirubin, 0.0–0.079 mg/dl; indirect bilirubin, 0.011–0.875 mg/dl; total protein, 3.294–7.460 g/dl; albumin, 2.315–3.926 g/dl; globulin, 0.0–3.589 g/dl; calcium, 4.252–9.190 mg/dl; phosphorus, 0.421–24.668 mg/dl; magnesium, 0.021–4.330 mg/dl; iron, 35.88–148.60 μg/dl; AST, 49.63–134.60 U/L; ALT, 11.31–6.13 U/L; ALP, 68.88–1311.25 U/L; lipase, 11.90–59.701 U/L; and amylase 1.469–44.450 U/L. We found no significant difference between males and females with the exception of glucose, ALT, ALP, and amylase. Levels of glucose, ALT, ALP, and amylase were higher in males compared with the values obtained for females. No significant differences were found between various biochemical values in Capra aegagrus over and under 3 years with the exception of AST. AST had a higher activity in Capra aegagrus less than 3 years. Blood biochemical values determined in this study can be used as a guide for disease diagnosis in Capra aegagrus in Zoological Studies.

Crib-biting is a repetitive and compulsive behavior that is characterized by “grasping a fixed object with incisor teeth and aspirating air with an audible grunt.” Little is known about etiology and pathophysiology of crib-biting behavior in horses. Previously, we have shown that oxidative stress is linked to crib-biting, with crib-biters showing lower antioxidant capacity than non–crib-biting horses. The aim of the present study was to extend our understanding of oxidative stress in crib-biting to determine the serum contents of some mineral trace elements (manganese [Mn], magnesium [Mg], selenium [Se], copper [Cu], and zinc [Zn]), and electrolytes (sodium [Na], potassium [K], calcium [Ca], and phosphorus [P]). Also, the activity of enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyl transferase), some hormones (cortisol, ghrelin, β-endorphin, and serotonin) and blood biochemistry values of various parameters was measured to evaluate their possible association with crib-biting behavior in horses. Blood samples were taken from all horses under the following conditions: basal conditions of crib-biting horses, during or immediately after crib-biting periods, and from non–crib-biting, healthy horses (control group). Serum Se concentration was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.001) in crib-biting horses than in controls, with the lowest levels seen during crib-biting behavior. Other measured parameters did not differ between acute crib-biting horses and healthy controls. These observations suggest that alterations in serum Se, an important component of the antioxidant system, may play a role in the pathophysiology of crib-biting behavior in horses, adding further evidence to the theory that crib-biting may be related to increased oxidative stress and alterations in essential trace elements.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor consisting of squamous epithelial cells. This tumor is relatively uncommon in goats. In this report, we discuss clinical, gross and histopathological features of SCC in six goats. The goats were referred to the veterinary clinic with a progressive ulcerative and hemorrhagic mass located in the perineal area. The vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate) were normal. Biopsy specimens were taken and histopathological examinations were done. The tumor cells were large and had an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, ovoid nuclei with a prominent nucleolus. Keratin tonofibers and keratin pearls were also seen. The mitotic figures were moderate. The mass was found to be a moderately differentiated SCC. Ulceration with infiltration of neutrophils was observed on the surface of the tumors. The SCC tumors are uncommon in goats and have multi-factorial etiology. Age, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, lack of epidermis pigmentation, and viruses may be involved in the presence of SCC.