Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research

In late December, 2019, patients presenting with suspected of viral pneumonitis due to
an non-identified microbial agent were reported in Wuhan, China. A novel coronavirus
was subsequently identified as the causative pathogen, provisionally named 2019 novel
coronavirus (2019-nCoV). As of Jan 26, 2020, more than 2000 cases or more of 2019-
nCoV infection have been confirmed, most of which involved people living in or visiting
Wuhan, and human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.

The present study aims to compare gross anatomical, histological and
histochemical structures of the larynx, trachea and syrinx between mature(Drake) and
immature (Duckling) male duck(Anas platyrinchous ) . Twelve healthy local males
ducks were divided into two groups. Six Drake at one year old and six Duckling at
three months .For anatomical study the larynx, trachea and syrinx were measured by
using vernia . For histological study specimens from larynx, trachea and syrinx were
fixed in 10% formaldehyde after that the specimens embedded in paraffin. The next step
tissues were sectioned using microtome and stained with routine stain and special stains
.The anatomical results revealed that larynx, syrinx and trachea are identical in position
in both Drake and Duckling , but differ in size . The histological results revealed that
larynx of both Drake and Duckling lined by keratinized pseudostratified squamous
epithelial tissue that appears thicker in Drake than Duckling . Trachea of Drake and
Duckling lined with ciliated pseudostratifed columnar epithelial with mucous glands ,
supported by ossified cartilages in Drake and hyaline cartilage in Duckling . Syrinx of
both Drake and Duckling lining by the ciliated pseudostratifed columnar epithelial with
few goblet cells. Beneath it the lamina properia and sub mucosa that contained in loose
connective tissue with blood vessels and amount of elastic and collagen fibers beneath
it in Drake spongy bone trabeculae that contains bone lacuna fills with osteocytes ,
while in Duckling hyaline cartilage . The hyaline cartilage consists of lacuna which
contains chondrocytes.

The study aimed to determine the effects of higher levels of methionine
supplementation than the recommended NRC level in the diets on the weight and
histomorphology of the bursa of Fabricius as indicators for the immune status of broiler
chickens. A total of 60, one-day-old, broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups (Control, T1,
T2, and T3 groups) and accommodated in separate pens at the College of Agricultural
Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani. The chicks were fed on a starter diet for the
first 11, a grower diet on days 12-25 and a finisher diet on days 26-42. The methionine
supplement MethioGrow was added daily to the drinking water of the treatment groups T1 T2, and T3 by the levels 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 ml per liter respectively for 42 days, whereas those
of the control group were provided with additives-free drinking water. On day 42, the chicks
were euthanized and the bursa of Fabricius was excised, weighed by a sensitive balance and
5μm thick tissue sections were obtained, stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin stains and
examined by a light microscope to examine the histological findings. The weights’ mean of
the bursa of Fabricius on day 42 was significantly higher in groups T2 and T3 than in the
control group and the microscopic examination of the bursa of Fabricius revealed slight
increase in numbers of lymphocytes in the medullary region of the lymphoid follicles in
chicks of the treatment groups 1 and 2 (T1 and T2) and slight increase in lymphocytes in
both the cortical and medullary regions of the lymphoid follicles in chicks of the treatment
group 3 (T3) in comparison with chicks of the control group. In conclusion, the obtained
results revealed that supplementation of higher levels of methionine in the broiler diet than
the level recommended by the NRC has positive effects on the immune status of the broilers
and they support the suggestions of previous reports that referred to the insufficiency of
methionine requirements of broiler based on recommendations of NRC to meet the real
requirements of the commercial poultry farms.

The present study is conduct to evaluated the deleterious effects of
administration of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) on the some oxidative stress and lipid
profile parameters of laboratory male rats (Rattus rattus), we used eighteen adult male
rats randomly divided into three equal groups ( six in each). Group 1 (control) the
animals treated by given oral normal saline (0.2 ml), group 2 was treated by oral
dimethylnitrosamine 30 mg/kg/day, group 3 the animals were treated by oral Nacetylcysteine
300 mg/kg/day followed by dimethylnitrosamine 30 mg/kg/day. At the
end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed. Blood was collected by cardiac
puncture to investigate lipid profile and oxidative parameters including serum MDA,
glutathione, catalase, and SOD. Results showed a significant reduction in SOD,
Catalase, glutathione, and HDL, and a significant increase in MDA, LDL, total
cholesterol, triglyceride, after DMN treatment, while these changes were returned to
nearly normal level when they combined NAC with DMN treatment for the 30 days
treatment when compared with the control group.

This study aims to manufacture protein concentrates from the hydrolysates protein of
poultry feathers and camel hair and comparing the effect of using these protein concentrates on
some productive characteristics. The studied traits included the percentage of egg production,
feed consumption, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion efficiency, and total mortality. As well
as the sensory characteristics of meat (colour, tenderness, juiciness, flavour and general
acceptance). A total of 90 quail females aged 36 weeks were randomly assigned to three
treatments (3 replicates for each treatment). The birds fed the following experimental diets: The
first treatment (control diet containing 5% commercial protein concentrates). The second
treatment (a diet containing hydrolysates protein manufacture from the feather of 5%). The third
treatment (a diet containing hydrolysates protein manufacture of camel hair by 5%). The results
showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the percentage of egg production, egg mass, and
feed conversion efficiency. Except for feed consumption, weight of eggs and total mortality rate,
the differences were not significant. As for the sensory qualities, the quail meat samples treated
with the protein concentrates made of feathers and camel hair have a higher degree of flavour
compared to the control treatment. Differences did not appear in the degree of general
acceptance of the meat product of birds in various treatment. It can be concluded that the
addition of protein hydrolysates from poultry feathers and camel hair to the diets of Japanese
quail by 5% improve the productive performance of this bird and most meat qualities.

Chediack-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is inherited autosomal recessive disorder
affected cattle and other species of animals and caused by LYST gene mutation, and
characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, variations of total and differential
leukocyte count , different severe infections, dysfunction of platelets and a bleeding
tendency.The study included 65 Iraqi water buffaloes of different ages and of both
sexes which was divided as 25 black buffaloes served as controls, 25 buffaloes with
patches or spotted animals and 15 white water buffaloes. The most important clinical
signed showed by the animals are, white, irregular coat, unpigmented skin, hairs,
eyes, with loss of appetite, emaciation, weakness, long hair than normal with tufts,
anemia, photophobia with oculocutaneous depigmentation, and dullness. Animals of
both sexes are affected specially those under one year of age. The results indicated a
significant increases (p<0.05) of body temperatures, pulse and respiratory rate of
diseased buffalo than in controls, However a significant decrease (P<0.05) has been
registered in erythrocytes (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume
(PCV) and main corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), with no statistical
differences was detected in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), whereas the mean
corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly increase (P<0.05). The results were also show lymphocytosis, eosinophelia and basophelia with Nutropenia and
thrombocytopenia with prolonged bleeding time.Conclusion: It has been to our
knowledge that the current study is the first one in this area and the syndrome affected
the Iraqi buffaloes and caused a clear clinical and hematological signs.

Parathyroid glands take a special place in human physiology and anatomy,
as they were the last major organs to be identified in humans. The average parathyroid gland
measures about five to seven mm in length, and
three to four mm in width and weighs about forty to sixty mg. The four parathyroid glands are
derivative from the posterior endoderm of the 3rd and 4th pharyngeal pouches. Normally, there
are four parathyroid glands (superior and inferior). It takes the bean-shaped or oval. The main
function of the parathyroid gland is to release hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH)
consists of 84- amino acid, which is involved in calcium homeostasis.

Ticks are harmful ectoparasite that feed on human and animal blood and causing many
diseases through the world. They infested many hosts including: mammals, reptiles and birds.
Ticks are important vector and they have the ability to transmit a variety of pathogenic agent to
humans and animals. Ticks are divided into two major groups which are hard tick (Ixodidae) and
soft tick (Argasidae). Because there was no such study done on identification of tick species by
PCR technique in Kurdistan and particularly in Duhok Governorate, therefore present study was
done to identify tick species by using molecular study by using of 16S rRNA and DNA
sequencing. About 1000 ticks were collected from both sheep and goat respectively (500 and
500), form Duhok Governorate including: Barwaria, Zakho, Sumeil, Mangeshik, Sersin, Shekhan
and Akre, Iraqi Kurdistan, between May and June 2016, between April and June 2017. The
results of present study three genera of tick were detected in small ruminants by microscopic
identification including: Rhipicephalus spp., Hyalomma spp. and Boophilus spp. Distribution of
tick among sheep and goat according to the gender, the rate of infection in female was higher
than in male in both species Ewe and Doe was 32.6% and 31.11% respectively as compared to
male in both species (Ram and Buck) was 21.15% and 15.11% respectively. The distribution of gender of tick in was higher in male ticks than female tick with ratio 2:1. Distribution of
identified ticks in present study including (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma and Boophilus)
respectively, in Barwaria were (82.6%, 13.3%, and 4.1) respectively, in Zaxo were (48.3%,
42.5% and 10.3%), in Sumel were (47%, 42.7% and 10.3%), in Mangeshik were (73,2%, 26.8%,
and 0%), in Sersink were (61.5%, 38.5% and 0%), in Shekhan were (78.8%, 11.8% and 9.4%)
and in Akre were (60%, 34% and 6%). On molecular study, 60 samples from 150 were positive
with size 460 bp after 16S rRNA amplification and have got clear bands on agarose gel 1% and
electrophoresis and 20 PCR positive products were sent to Humanizing Genomics, Macrogen
Company (Korea) using primer 16S_rRNA gene for sequencing both forward and Reverse. Six
species of tick under two genera were founded including: Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were
identified which including: Hyalomma anatolicum, H. marginatum, R. annulatus, R. sanguineus
and R. turanicus. H. asiaticum asiaticum for the first time was recorded in Kurdistan, and
especially in Duhok city. Moreover, all sequences were submitted to NCBI using BankIt
software and we obtained accession number. Phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 16S
rRNA for both samples: 16S rRNA (MN594483) and (MN594490) were identical 100% to
reference sequences respectively: (KU664367.1 and HM176656.1) and other sequences were
identical 99% to the references sequence. In conclusion the present study is the first study for
identification of tick species among sheep and goats in Duhok Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan by
sequencing analysis.

The present study has been carried out at the department of physiology, College
of Veterinary Medicine of Basrah, to evaluate the role of oil extracted from salvia
officinalis and Thymus vulgaris leaves in some structural and functional
characteristics of mature female rats experimentally induced with gastric
ulcer.Oils of thyme and sage were extracted from dry leaves available in Basrah
market by normal hexane, oils components have been analyzed in a manner GCMAS
(Gas chromatography). Gastric ulcers were induced in starved female rats by
giving indomethacin orally by mouth gavage in a dose 25mg\kg for one day. The
animals have been divided into seven equal groups(8 females in each group). The
first group was received normal saline and served as a negative control. Second
group serve as positive group that received only single dose of indomethacin,
whereas third group treated with thyme crude oil for two week ,fourth group that
treated with thyme dilution oil for two weeks,fifth group treated with sage crude
oil for two week, sixth group treated with sage dilution oil for two weeks and
seventh group treated with cimetidine for two weeks. The blood has been obtained
for hematological assessment the present results: showed no changed in RBCs ,
PCV of female rats groups treated with thyme crude,thyme dilution, sage crude
oil and cimetidine and just group treated with sage dilution caused a significant decrease in RBCs and PCV among treated group. So, the results revealed that
there is no- changed in WBC in groups treated with thyme crude, thyme dilution
and sage dilution ,whereas showed a decreased in gastric ulcer group, sage crude
and cimetidine group. Also neutrophils existed increase significantly in all treated
groups compared with control negative group ,whereas no change recorded in
thyme dilution and sage crude groups compared with control negative group.

The present work aims to study the morpho-histological and histochemical structure of
gall bladder in white – eared bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis) in college of veterinary medicine at
university of Basrah. Fifteen samples of adult healthy males were used, which divided in to
three groups. Each group include (5) male used for this study. Tissue sections stained with
H&E, Mallory’s, PAS, Verhoeffs and Toluidine- blue. The result indicated that the gall
bladder was appear to have blind ovoid- shaped with green color and situated in the middle
ventral surface of the right lobe of the liver. The histological examination revealed that it
consists of three layers (tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa or adventitia).

This study aimed to detect Staphylococcus aureus in local fresh whole chicken and
frozen imported chicken using conventional and PCR assay by targeting specific S. aureus
thermonuclease gene (nuc). A total of 200 whole chicken carcasses were examined and
samples include 100 of local chickens from the Duhok chicken abattoir and 100 of imported
chicken from supermarkets in Duhok city. The samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar
and the confirmation is done by colony morphology, Gram stain, biochemical test including
catalase test and coagulase test. The results showed that 28 (28%) of 100 local chicken and
80 (80%) of 100 imported frozen chicken carcasses were found to be positive with S. aureus
using conventional methods. Amplification of nuc gene specific for S. aureus is used to
confirm the isolates of S. aureus. The results showed that only 18 of 22 coagulase positive
isolates from local chicken and 57 of 68 coagulase positive isolates from imported chicken
were confirmed as S. aureus. The results indicate that PCR assay seem to be more specific for
detection of S. aureus in food sample and appear to be more reliable than conventional
methods for assessing bacteriological safety of food. These results showed high prevalence of
S. aureus in imported chicken than in local chicken meat and thus may happen as a result of
processing and storage conditions.

The establishment of modern sheep production systems in Iraq, lead to presence of various
forms of hybridization between the native and Middle East breeds which have been utilized for
genetic improvement. This occur in consistence with the progressive destruction or deterioration
of sheep habitat. Together, these factors have accelerated the loss of genetic diversity or even
resulted in the extinction of some indigenous breeds. Therefore, it is important to develop
efficient strategies for surveillance, evaluation, conservation and utilization of the available
genetic resources for this species. Seven random amplification polymorphism DNA (RAPD)
marker used. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity for Awassi native breed in
Iraq. The higher polymorphism information contents at the seven markers (Seventy- three bands
obtained with 28.3% of polymorphism) indicate the retention of natural variation from source
populations for the domestic breeds of different geographic regions in Iraq. Analysis of genetic
differentiation revealed substantial divergence among these breeds as 16% diversity indicating
that some evolutionary forces (e.g. selection and migration, uncontrolled selling across borders)
had acted on these populations. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses displayed a
remarkable degree of consistency between geographic origins, breeding histories and the pattern
of genetic differentiation.

The present study has been conducted for detection of Strongyloides papillosus
parasite isolated from cattle in Basrah province from November 2018 to June 2019.
255 and 300 samples were collected from fecal and serum of bovine, respectively.
Samples were collected from slaughterhouse and animals from regions in Basrah
province. Ten serum samples were from Mosul province. 255 fecal samples submitted
to the parasites lab. for routine microscopic examination and 7.54% of those
samples were detected positive for S.papillosus. Serum samples tested by ELISA (SSIgM)
and the results confirmed that 34.7% of samples were infected with
S.papillosus. ELISA showed a high infection rate in comparison with microscopic
examination. Also, this study has detected other types of gastrointestinal parasite of
cattle. Parasites identified in this study included: nematode, Toxocara vitulorum
(13.2%),Capillaria bovis (1.88 %), Gongylonemia spp. (3.77%) (first report in
Basrah city),Oesophagostomum spp.(3.77%), Trichuris spp. (3.77 %),
Trichostrongylus spp. (20.75%),Ostertagia spp. (1.88%); Cestoda ,Moniezia
expansa(1.88 %); Protozoan, Eimeria spp. (3.77 %),Balantidium spp. (1.88
%),Isospora spp. (1.88%), Giardia lamblia (3.77%), Cryptosporidium spp. (5.66%),
Entamoeba histolytica(11.32%) and Trematode , Paramphistomum spp.
(7.54%),Fasciola spp. (5.66%).

The project of research was carrying out to study the effect of N-acetylcysteine on the
wounds which developed in the stomach after gastrotomy. Dogs were used in this study as
experimental animals. Dogs were divided into two groups' treatment and control; each group
contains 5 animals. The surgical incision was closed by two layers of sutures using absorbent
sutures then closed the muscle and skin using traditional steps. The treatment group was treated
using 3% of N-acetylcysteine fluid topically on site of operation, as well as N-acetylcysteine
(140 mg/kg/ day) was administrated orally for 7 days. Gross examination and clinical signs
were recorded after 7 days of operation. Blood samples were collected before the surgery and 7
days after the surgery for complete blood studies on blood samples in both groups.
Additionally, tissue samples were taken from operation areas to study the histological change.
Results of this study show that the healing of treated groups with N-acetylcysteine was
disappeared after 3 days while in control groups the healing sings continued until 7 days after
surgery. The mucous membranes in the group treated with N-acetylcysteine were healthier
comparative to the control group after 7 days of operation. Openings of the surgical area in the
control group suffered from adhesions led to hemorrhage during their separation while in the
treated group there were no adhesions. Blood analysis and liver enzymes tests showed an
absence of inflammation and regularity of all liver enzymes in the treated group. Finally, the treated groups showed the normal arrangement of tissue layers and no adhesion or increasing in
collagen fibers.

This study was carried out in animal house of Collage of Veterinary
Medicine/ University of Basrah. An attempt has been done to induce diabetic by
streptozotocin in male rabbits and investigation of the diabetes was induced oxidative
stress and retina degeneration. Moreover, the purpose of this study was to isolate and
evaluate the ameliorating effect of flavonoid extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves and
glimephan in the prophylaxes or delay the development of diabetic retina
degeneration and scavenging free radical induced oxidative stress and diabetic retina
degeneration in male rabbits.The study was done on (32) adult male rabbits, their
weight ranged between (2000-2500g) and aged between 7-8 months. The male
rabbits were divided randomly into four groups, each group consists of eight rabbits
as the following:
Group1:- Male rabbits at (Negative controls(-ve)) administrated normal saline1ml
orally for 30 days.
Group2:- Male rabbits at(Positive control(+ve)) were given streptozotocin
(65mg/kg B.W. dissolve in sodium citrate I.V.) for two days and remain for 30 days.Group3:- Male rabbits were given streptozotocin( 65mg/kg B.W. dissolve in
sodium citrate I.V.) for two days, then treated with flavonoid extract of Ginkgo biloba
leave (500mg/kg B.W. orally administration) for 30days.
Group4:- Male rabbits were given streptozotocin (65mg/kg B.W. dissolve in
sodium citrate I.V.) for two days, then treated with glimphan drug (0.1mg/kg orally
administration) for 30 days.
At the end of the experimental period, the blood samples were collected from heart
by cardiac puncture for isolated serum and analysis biochemical parameters such as
glucose, insulin, malonaldehyd (MDA),Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione
peroxidase (GPx) concentrations and lipid profile. The results revealed a significant
(P≤0.05) decrease of body weight, body weight gain and HDL concentrations in
serum diabetic rabbits control(+ve) compared with control(-ve) while the results
showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase the glucose, insulin cholesterol
LDL,VLDL,MDA and GPx concentrations in serum diabetic male rabbits
control(+ve) compared with control(-ve). The results obtained a significant decrease
(P≤0.05) in body weight, body weight gain, SOD and HDL concentrations in serum
diabetic male rabbits control(+ve). While male rabbits treated with flavonoid extract
of Ginkgo biloba the results observed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in body weight
and body weight gain compared with control(+ve). Whereas the results were
revealed a significant(P≤0.05)decrease of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, LDL,VLDL.
MDA and GPx concentration rabbits treated with flavonoid extract of Ginkgo biloba
leave compared with control(+ve) and glimephan also in addition, this extract
improved the retina degeneration.Histological examination observed many
pathological changes in pancreas and retina in diabetic group but in treated with
flavonoid extract of Ginkgo biloba, the histological changes were near to the normal
status. It is concluded that good anti-diabetic activity, hypoglycemia effect and
regeneration of retina. Based on these results, we suggested the possible utilization of
Ginkgo biloba as a therapy to prevent diabetic complication and improved the retina
degeneration compared with another treated such as glimephan drugs.

This study was conducted to clarify the anatomical features of nasal cavity and larynx in
Common Moorhen (Gallinula Chloropus)Birds. Five healthy birds were employed for
anatomical study. The head of the birds were section sagittaly and transversely in a rostro-caudal
succession, the nasal cavity was formed rostrally by the nostrils which were two holes, slit-like
in shape located laterally at the upper part of the beak, the nasal cavity possess two conchae
(rostal and middle),the rostral nasal conchae located opposite to the nostrils The larynx of birds
showed as a triangular shaped - mound in the caudal part of the oropharyngeal cavity. It formed
by the single (cricoids and procricoid) cartilages and paired arytenoid cartilages.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral infection of cattle caused by lumpy
skin disease virus (LSDV). This infection has a huge economic impact on the cattle industry
as a result of skin damage, inflammation of mammary glands and decrease milk production,
reduces reproduction and even death as a consequence of secondary bacterial infection. Iraq
is considered as an endemic country by OIE that continues breaking throughout different
parts of the country. The aims of this research work was to detect and molecular
characterization of LSDV in Duhok province for the first time through using a phylogenetic
approach of P32 and RPO30 genes. The results showed that LSDV was detected and
identified over using PCR and sequencing and the isolate 1 LSDV/Duhok/Kurdistan/2019,
isolate 2 LSDV/Duhok/Kurdistan/2019 and isolate 3 LSDV/Duhok/Kurdistan/2019 were
clustered in LSDV lineage for both P32 and RPO30 genes. The phylogenetic analysis of
these isolates showed a close relationship with the previously published isolates based on P32
gene sequences, while this study is the first study to publish genetic information on RPO30
gene of the Iraqi isolates and compare them to the other publicly available data sets of other
countries. To sum up, the findings of this paper could be beneficial to illustrate the spreading
nature of LSDV in Iraq and mainly in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Furthermore, offer the
theoretical references for control and prevention of LSDV infections in future.