The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Experimental induction of vitamin E and selenium deficiency by deficient diet was carried out on Awassi ewes and their newborn lambs. The clinical signs were characterized by sudden death in 4 lambs out of 14 lambs in deficient group and other lambs showed a variable signs included inability to suckle, arched back, weakness, dullness, emaciation and recumbency. Serum selenium and vitamin E levels of these lambs were 0.01 ppm and 0.34 mg/L respectively. The clinical signs in ewes included loss of body weight and loss of wool, Weakness, dullness and recumbency. Serum selenium and vitamin E levels of these ewes were 0.02 ppm and 0.61mg/L respectively. It was concluded that vitamin E and selenium are essential antioxidants and their deficiency exposes the sheep industry to many serious losses.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of flavonoids, sugar moiety and antioxidant scavenging activity (in vitro and vivo) of black cumin seed ( Nigella sativa L.) as well as serum lipid profile inhydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative stress and flavonoids treated adult male rabbits were the main aim of the current study. The results showed that black cumin seeds contained 4.50gmcrude flavonoids per kg crushed seeds and the high performance liquid chromatography indicated the existence of 22 flavonoids, only seven of which were identified flavonoids represented nearly 2.751gm/kg of the total flavonoids. The concentration of kaempferol was the highest whereas quercetin the lowest. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were the sugar moiety of flavonoids with an average concentration of 3.22, 2.21 and 3.31 g/kg crushed seeds respectively. Assessment the antioxidant scavenging activity of the extracted flavonoids and its effect on lipid profile in H2O2 treated rabbits were carried out as follows; eighteen adult male rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. Rabbits in the first group were received tap water and served as control (C), whereas animals in 2nd group received 0.5% H2O2 in drinking tap water (T1), animals in the 3rd group were received 0.5% H2O2 in drinking water with 27.5mg/kg B.W. of black cuminseeds flavonoids.Fasting blood samples were collected at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the experiment. The results clarified that 0.5% H2O2 in drinking water caused significant elevation in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduction in glutathione (GSH) concentration of treated animals respectively.The incidence of antioxidant scavenging activity in vitro was more pronounced than that recorded in vivo particularly at the early stages of administration and extracted flavonoids ameliorate to a great extent the incidence of hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress in male rabbits. The results revealed that administration of 0.5% H2O2 in drinking water for 12 weeks to male rabbits caused significant p<0.05 elevation in TC, TAG, LDL-C and VLDL-C concentration, with significant p<0.05 reduction in serum HDL-C concentration as compared with the control where as Black Cumin seed flavonoids caused significant reduction in the serum concentration of TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C and significantly p<0.05 elevation in HDL-C concentration comparing to H2O2 treated group.

A present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Estradiol benzoate 2 (mg/ml) hormone doses on the body weight and blood picture of Turkeys birds through studying the following parameters: body weight, RBC count , total WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelet PLT. Forty growing Turkeys (30 days age) weighting between (250-350)gm were randomly divided into four groups (ten each group) treated as follows: Turkeys in the first group were injected with single dose of Estradiol benzoate (1 mg) on the first day of experiment (30 day post hatching) subcutaneously in the neck and termed as G1 group, the Turkeys in the 2nd group (G2) were injected Estradiol benzoate (2 mg) on the first day of experiment subcutaneously in the neck while the Turkeys in the third group (G3) were injected Estradiol benzoate (0.3 ml) at the first day of experiment subcutaneously in the neck the fourth group (G4) served as control, body weight was determined on (0, 15 and 30) days of experiment and blood samples were collected on 15th and 30th day of the experiment from groups to evaluate the blood parameters. Results revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight of G1, G2 and G3 in a comparison with control group at (15 and 30) days of experiment. Furthermore, in comparison among treated groups G2 and G3 also showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the body weight as compared with G1 group during periods. Moreover, data revealed that all treated groups showed non-significant differences in blood parameters experiment as compared with control group.

This study was carried out on the local buffalo in Ninewah, data were collected from154 buffalo in two herds during the period 1/7/2010 until 18/7/2010 in which milk collected daily in sequence ( 1st day , 5th day , 9th day , 13th day and 17th day ) and recording maximum and minimum temperature .Data were analyzed using general linear model ( GLM) within SAS program to study the fixed effects ( parity , herd , stage of lactation and test day ) , and regression coefficient with heritability . Overall average daily milk yield was 9.69 ± 0.12 kg and it appeared that parity , herd and stage of lactation has a highly significant effects in daily milk yield , while test day recorded no significant effect in the above . Minimum temperatures ranged (23.5 – 27.5 °C) and maximum was (41.8 – 45.6 °C). Regression coefficient for daily milk yield on maximum temperature was -0.259 kg / °C on (P > 0.01) and for minimum was 0.0325 kg / °C and this was non - significant, while the prediction equation (ŷ) was:

This study was undertaken to investigate the deleterious- effect of methionine overload on male reproductive system of adult male rats. It was also aim to studying the beneficial protective effect of alcoholic extract of black current. Eighteen adult male rats (175-200 gm) were used, animals were randomly divided into three groups (6/group) and were treated daily for 42 days as follows: 1-Group C (control); 2- group I(GI), the rats in this group were orally intubated by gavages needle DL-methionine (100 mg / Kg BW.) 3- animals in group II(GII) were administered orally alcoholic extract of black current (60 mg /Kg BW.) in addition to methionine. At the end of the experiment blood samples were collected for measuring serum testosterone (T) hormone and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. As well as histological section, for testis was taken for histopathological study the results revealed that oral intubation of 100mg /kg BW. of methionine for 42 days caused significant decrease - in serum testosterone (T) hormone and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in groups (GI and GII) comparing to control ,while oral intubation of alcoholic- extract of black current (GII) caused significant elevation in the concentration of these two hormones comparing to methionine treated group (GI). Furthermore, methionine intubation caused significant decrease in diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules with cellular degeneration of Sertoli cells, while black current intubation caused significant increase in the previous criteria and regeneration of Sertoli cells. In conclusion, this study pointed to the deleterious effect of methionine overload and assures protective effect of alcoholic extract of black current on adult male rats reproductive system.

This study was conducted to find out the effect of folic acid at different doses (5 g and 10g/animal daily) on blood parameters in adult male rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 equal groups each group contained five animals. One of them as control and other as treated groups T1 and T2. The experiment lasted four weeks. GroupT1 got folic acid at dose 5 g/daily/animal and GT2 10g/animal. To study the hematological parameters such as [total red blood cell (RBC), total white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume PCV, hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and using serum to detect total serum protein. The folic acid was causing significant increasing in most of these parameters due to the stimulating effect of it and anti-oxidant properties that protect the cell membrane from free radical. Therefore, the administration of folic acid is useful especially for children, pregnant women and aging people.

The present study included 98 bovine ovary collected from AL-Shulla slaughter house immediately after the animal was slaughtered. Ovaries were preserved in physiological saline at 37 Co and transport to the laboratory within 3-4 hrs. Diameters of the follicles were measured and divided into large (6-10 mm) and small (1-5 mm) follicles. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from large and small follicles using a 18 G needle connected to a 10 ml syringe COCs surrounded by compact and thick cumulus cell were cultured in an integrated culture media RPMI-1640 , than were divided in to two groups , the first group (control media) using integrated culture media only , the second group alcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris (Tt) plant was added to the culture media RPMI-1640 once a concentration of 50µg/ml , and the other a concentration of 25µ/ml . The results of the current study demonstrated superiority of alcoholic extract of 50µg/ml in the percentage of oocytes maturation which optended or drawn from large and small follicles compared with a concentration of 25µg/ml of the alcoholic extract it was observable the effect of adding alcoholic extract of T. t. plant in two concentrations of 25µg/ml and or 50µg/ml on the percentage of mature oocytes compared to control media (culture media RPMI-1640) .The present results indicated that the oocytes retrieved from larger follicles is better than small follicles in maturing oocytes maturation. In conclusion, alcoholic concentration of 50µg/ml preference extracted first and then the concentration of 25µg/ml T. t. plant extract that was added to culture media RPMI-1640 , superiority in percentage of the mature oocytes compared to control culture media RPMI-1640 , also the large follicle were better than small follicles in terms of equality suitable for mature oocytes.

The present study was carried out to investigate the reproductive activity of mature buffalo bull and months changes on the testes and epididymis. Two hundred and fifty ( 250) testes of mature buffalo bull were collected from the slaughter house east Kerbalaa city from December/2010 to September2011 ,visual examination of the male before slaughter was done to make sure it is healthy. Semen was collection from the left testes before slaughtering via aspiration from the tail of epididymis and make semen evaluation individual motility, viability, concentration and abnormalities. After slaughtering the right testes measuring the length and width then carefully dissected the epididymis and measuring the length and weight of epididymis and measuring the weight of testes, diameter and weight of epididymis tail. The present results demonstrated increased (P<0.05) significantly in weight, length and width in testes in March and April, and increased significantly in length, weight of epididymis, diameter and weight of epididymis tail in April and May. The individual motility higher significantly P<0.05 in December January and April, and the live sperm higher significantly in April, March and May, and the concentration higher significantly in April , May and March, while the abnormalities was higher significant in August ,July and September. From all these results conclusion reproductive activity of buffalo bull and semen physical characteristics increased in the moderate and cold months and decreased in hot months .The increased of ambient temperature in hot months lead to disturbance in reproductive activity but don’t stopped it .

The goal of this study is to determine the effect of Citrullus colocynthis (CC) fruit (bitter apple) on some physiological aspects; the body weight, hematological parameters and the function of thyroid gland of male rabbits as a model for mammals. Two experiments were accomplished on sixty mature male rabbits that equally (30 animals in each experiment) and randomly divided into six groups each one contains five animals. In the experiment No.1 and experiment No.2 , independently, three groups were considered as treated groups in each experiment ( represented as T1, T2 and T3 groups ) and daily orally administrated low dose of CC (4.8mg/Kg/day, experiment No.1) for three groups in experiment No.1 and double dose of CC extract (9.6mg /Kg /day , experiment No.2) for 2, 4 and 8 weeks for the three groups in experimentNo.2,respectively. The other three groups in each experiment were considered as control (C1, C2 and C3 groups, respectively) groups were given orally distilled water (DW) at the same periods of treated groups. Different hematological parameters and thyroid hormones were studied. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the body weight gaining, with no significant changes in RBCs, WBCs, and Hb concentration through the first two weeks in all the treated rabbits compared to before treatment and control groups. Results of this study revealed that all the groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increased in the serum triiodothyronine hormone level and a decrease in the serum thyroxin hormone level of the thyroid gland when both doses were orally administrated through different periods of treatment compared to control groups. It is concluded that low dose of CC treatment has an advantageous physiological effect on the body weight and triiodothyronine hormone with no changes in certain hematological parameters through first two weeks .The significant differences that found following 4 and 8 weeks of CC treatment were within physiological normal level, and accordingly with the dose and treatment periods in rabbits.

The present study is aimed to investigate the influence of an aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris on some biochemical parameters namely, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Iron, phosphate (PO4), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), aldosterone, and cortico steroid in unilateral and bilateral castrated male rabbits. Thirty mature male rabbits which are divided randomly in to six groups. group 1: is control, group2: orally administrated 150 mg / kg / day of an aqueous extract of T. terrestris, group3: is bilateral castrated rabbits received D. W., group4: is bilateral castrated rabbits received (150 mg / kg / day) of the extract, group 5: unilateral castrated rabbits received D. W., group 6 is unilateral castrated rabbits received 150 mg / kg / day of the extract, all doses were given orally every day for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, sera were collected and biochemical tests measured. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) increased in ALP level in group 2 and in PO4 level in group 5 in comparison with group1, while PO4 level tended to be decreased significantly (P<0.05) in group 6 when it compared with group 5. The results also showed a significant(P<0.05) increased in (K+) and (Na+) in group 2 and group 6 in comparison with group1 while there was a significant(P<0.05) decreased in (K+) and (Na+) in group 4 when it compared with group 2. In addition there was a significant (P<0.05) increased in aldosterone concentration in group 6 compared with group 1 and group 2. While there was a significant decreased in cortico steroid concentration in group 3 , 5 and 2 compared with group 1 but the cortico steroid showed a significant (P<0.05) increased in group 6 compared with group 1. There were no significant differences between groups concerning the iron concentration.

The aim of this study was to isolate motile aeromonad strain of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) which was obtained from farms around Baghdad and identification of the isolate by using Analytical profile index API20E. Experimental infection was carried out by intramusculer injecting LD50 does 0.3× 108.66 cell/fish into common carp Cyprinus carpio L. Infected fish after 14 days of injection showed hemorrhage and ulceration on the body surface, eye abnormalities and accumulation of red-colored ascetic fluid . Macroscopically pale liver with hemorrhagic and necrotic spots was seen and kidney showed liquefaction. Microscopically severe necrotic changes in muscular structure and internal organs with intense polymorphonuclear cell. Infiltration characterized by of pyknosis of nuclei with presence of cellular detritus were seen.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of cilantro and garlic aqueous extracts in toxicopathological changes due to acute and chronic mercuric chloride poisoning in rat. The acute toxic signs appeared at short time after treatment with mercuric chloride. Severity of intoxication and mortality rate were proportional to the dose of mercuric chloride given. Chronic clinical signs were checked continuously which characterized by anorexia, body weight loss, pale –yellow mucous membranes, rough skin, ruffled hair, dyspnea and hemoglobin urea the severity of signs was dose dependant. Results showed severe toxicopathological changes in kidneys, liver and brain with precancerous lesions in liver and fore stomach, with residual accumulation of the compound in these organs reaching the highest rate in kidneys in both acute and chronic toxicity. Treatment with plant extracts resulted in decreasing the severity of the pathological changes in the mentioned organs and increase in the immune response of the body especially in the animals treated with combination of cilantro and garlic extracts together. This was reflected in decreased levels of compound accumulation in tissue. It could be concluded that mercuric chloride poisoning in rats causes toxicopathological changes in the kidneys, liver and brain with precancerous lesions in liver and highest residual accumulation in kidneys .Treatment with cilantro and garlic extracts could reduce the severity of these lesions and residual accumulation with elevation in the immune response.

The aim of this study was to detect the influence of high temperature during summer and early autumn seasons on the reproductive activity of Awassi ram lambs. Study conducted in Baghdad from June 1st 2011 to Nov. 30th 2011, using thirty Awassi ram lambs aged 11.5±1.5 months. Testis, Seminal vesicle gland and bulbourethral gland dimensions and weights were taken once monthly, cortisol and testosterone hormones were estimated, percentages of dead and abnormal sperms were calculated and histopathological examination was applied on the testes. The results revealed a significant (P<0.05) effects of hot season on the genital organ dimensions and weight, and on testicular histological texture leading to sloughing and degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules which causes elevating significantly (P<0.05) in percents of abnormal and dead sperms during mid-summer in comparison with fall season. There was decline in testosterone hormone level, while the cortisol hormone levels remains without significant differences. In conclusion: Awassi ram has a great ability to heat stress adaptation to decline the effect of external hyperthermia on reproductive ability as soon as possible, and can resume almost a perfect sexual activity with high fertility rate immediately at the regression of climatic high temperature.