Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Fifty local breed rabbits were purchased from commercial markets in Mosul city for Toxoplasma gondii detection during the period from April 2007 to October 2007, using five techniques. Of these, impression smear made from different body organs were positive in 82% of the tested samples. Trypsin digestion technique was positive in 68% of the samples, while pepsin digestion in 82% of them. Serological techniques (latex agglutination test and modified latex agglutination test) were positive in 86% of the tested samples, with IgG titer of 1/64. Biological assay in mice was performed by intraperitoneal inoculation of 0.1 ml digested organs suspension, (lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, muscles, uterus, testes and brain). Brain tissue shows the highest rate of tissue cysts detection among all other organs examined of scarified mice post one month of inoculation.

Ten duodeni of adult ram were fixed in chilled acetone, 80% ethyl alcohol, formol- alcohol solution, alcoholic bouins solution and neutral buffered formalin solution. The distribution of alkaline and acid phosphatases were similar in their location but different in their intensity and distribution according to different fixative The distribution of alkaline phosphatase in absorptive columnar cell was more intense than in goblet cells, whereas the concentration of acid phosphatase was more intense in goblet cells than in absorptive cells in the mucosa of sheep duodenum. The study revealed that the samples was fixed with chilled acetone gave highest reaction for alkaline and acid phosphatases than other fixative samples. No reaction for alkaline phosphatase include the lower parts of intestinal glands, paneth cells and sub mucosal glands in different fixative ,whereas, paneth cells and sub mucosal glands revealed wreaked reaction for acid phosphatase in samples fixed in 80% ethyl alcohol and chilled acetone respectively in duodenum of native sheep.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hemi-castration on testicular size and semen characteristics of Iraqi local bucks. Eighteen adult bucks aged 1.5-2.5 years, weighing 36.9-43.7 kg were used. Animals were randomly divided into three groups (6 in each); groups 1 control group. Animals in groups 2 and 3 were subjected to hemi-castration in left and right testicles, respectively. Testicular circumference was measured two weeks before hemi-castration and ten weeks after. Semen samples were collected using electro-ejaculator two weeks after hemi-castration. Volume, color, mass motility, individual motility, percentage of live sperm, percentage of abnormal sperm and sperm concentration were analyzed immediately after collection. Results of the present study showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in testicular circumference after hemi-castration. Testicular circumference in left hemi-castration was higher than that in right hemi-castration. Result also showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in semen volume, mass motility individual motility and percentage of live sperm in semen of animal without any differences between left and right hemi-castrated animals comparing with control groups. The study concluded that hemi-castration leading to improve semen characteristics due to compensatory mechanism of the remaining testis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of laparoscopic intrauterine insemination to the improvement of fertilization and embryo recovery in Awassi ewes superovulated with FSH in breeding and non-breeding season. Twelve nonpregnant and cycling Awassi ewes of 3-4 years of age were randomly allocated in equal numbers (n = 6) to two groups. Each ewe was treated with a progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponge for 12 days. All ewes were superovulated with FSH in eight reducing doses for four days in the morning and evening from two days prior to sponge withdrawal. Ewes of group 1 were mated naturally at least two times with Awassi rams of proven fertility. Ewes of group 2 had intrauterine insemination and were conducted 44-46 h after sponge removal, under laparoscopic visualization of uterine horns, depositing 1 ml of semen in the distal portion of each uterine horn. Ovarian response was assessed by determining number of corpora lutea by laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. Embryo recovery was performed by hand assisted laparoscopy and by flushing both uterine horns. Ovarian response of the ewes superovulated with FSH was decreased to half in the non-breeding season. High number of unfertilized ova (P<0.05) was observed in ewes superovulated with FSH in the non-breeding season when naturally inseminated compared to ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic technique. Higher rates of embryo recovery (P<0.05) were achieved in superovulated ewes in the breeding season when ewes were inseminated by laparoscopic intrauterine insemination. The fertilization rates in ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic techniques in breeding season and non-breeding season were 88.1% and 37.98%, respectively. It could be concluded from the results of the present study that the use of FSH to induce superovulation in Awassi ewes combined with laparoscopic intrauterine insemination can increase the fertilization rate in the breeding season.

A bacteriological study was conducted on the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from ruminant milk (Buffaloes, Cow, Sheep, Goat). Four hundred milk samples were collected from these animals (100 samples from each) from different locations in the Ninevah governorate during the period from October 2008 till May 2009. The results showed that the percentage of Staphylococcus aureus isolation from the above mentioned animals was as follows: Buffalos (78%), Cow (55%), Sheep (65%), Goat (49%). Sensitivity test applied on the isolated organisms showed different result between milk samples of different animals and within the same species. It is interesting to note that some of our S.aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin, and thesis resistance was 50% in buffaloes; 20% in cow and sheep and 20% in goat.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C administration (200 mg/ kg, orally) concomitantly with sodium fluoride (100 ppm in drinking water) for 60 days, the effect of vitamin E administration (500 mg / Kg diet) with sodium fluoride (100 ppm in drinking water) for 60 days and the effect of both vitamins in adult male rats. Sodium fluoride alone caused significant decrease in total sperms count, the percentage of the live sperms and epididymal head weight associated with significant increase in the percentage of the sperm abnormalities compared with the control group. Administration of vitamin C with sodium fluoride and the two vitamins with sodium fluoride produced a significant increase in total sperms count, the percentage of the live sperms and the relative weight of the epididymal head weight, accompanied with a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm abnormalities compared with sodium fluoride group. There were no significant changes in the total sperms count in vitamin E group. A significant increase in the percentage of the live sperms and the epididymal head weight, and a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm abnormalities compared with sodium fluoride group. It could be concluded that antioxidants administration (vitamin C or vitamin E and the interaction between vitamin E and C) concomitantly with sodium fluoride reduce the adverse effects caused by sodium fluoride on sexual efficiency of the adult male rats.

The aim of the present study was to assess developmental toxic effects in suckling pups of rats from dams treated with diclofenac (0.5, 2.5, 5, 15, 30, 60 mg/kg, i.m.) given once daily for 10 consecutive days (first nursing period). Exposure of suckling offspring to diclofinac through the milk caused severe toxic effects in pups which appeared as high mortality rate in pups from dams treated with diclofenac at (15, 30, 60 mg/kg) manifested by sharply reduced in the percentage of survival of the pups to weaning to (0%). In addition, the pups from dams treated with diclofenac (2.5 mg/kg) demonstrated retardation in somatic growth which appearred as significantly decreased body weight rate and index of development accompanied by a significantly increased in the liver / body weight ratio of pups. In conclusion, the results suggest that diclofenac induced developmental toxic effects in suckling pups of rats exposed to its through the milk.

The study was included 70 native donkeys at age 3-4 years, 60 animals naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasite and 10 clinically normal served as control group. Coprological examinations revealed that the donkeys were infected with Nematodes such as Large strongyles Strongylus spp. 70%, Triodontophorusspp. 36.6%, Smallstrongyles (caythostomines) 33.3%, Trichostrongylus axei 33.3%, Parascaris equorum 20%, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi 13.3%, Strongyloides westeri 10%, Habronema musca 10%, Oxyuris equi 6.6% and Trematode Worm Gastrodiscus spp., Dicroceolium spp. 3.3%. The rate of a single infection was 20% and mixed infection was 80%. Diagnoses was based on the measurement and the characteristic shapes of eggs and larvae. Results indicate that diseased donkeys exhibited emaciation 30%, rough coat 68.3%, pale mucous membranes 60%, Pica 53.3%, colic 68.3%, moist ralse 6.6%. Significant decrease (P<0.05) were encountered in the RBCS count (P<0.01) and Hb and PCV values of infected donkeys compared with control, while there were significant increase at (P<0.05) in WBCS and eosinophils at (P<0.01).

The aim of this study was to know the etiological agent of mortality which occurred in broilers and parent stocks farms in Ninava province. The main noticed symptoms was swollen head. The suspected samples were inoculated in to embryonated egg to isolate the suspected virus. Neutralization test was performed using hyperimmune serum of pneumo virus and sera from infected birds. Experimental infection via nostrils was performed, samples from bronchi and lungs were taken for histopathological examination. Results showed that gross lesions were observed after second passage of isolates, two which showed mortality after first passage. Hyperimmune serum and sera from infected birds neutralized the isolates, there was variation among isolates. Histopathological picture showed congestion of bronchiole , hemorrhage between alveoli with clot in most of blood vessels with in the lung.

Ten duodeni of adult goat were fixed in chilled acetone, 80% ethyl alcohol, alcohol-formalin solution, alcohol bouins solution and buffered neutral formalin solution. The distribution of alkaline and acid phosphatases noticed in absorptive and goblet cells that lining the duodenal mucosa of black goat, but different in their intensity and distribution according to different fixatives. The distribution of alkaline phosphatase in absorptive columnar cells that lining intestinal glands was more intense than other cells, whereas the concentration of acid phosphatase was more intense in goblet cells than other cells in the mucosa of goat duodenum specially in samples fixed in chilled acetone and ethyl alcohol 80%. The study revealed that the samples were fixed with chilled acetone gave highest reaction for alkaline and acid phosphatases than other fixative samples. No reaction for alkaline and acid phosphatases included some absorptive cells lining villi, all cells lining the lower parts of intestinal glands, paneth cells and submucosal glands in different fixatives, except submucosal glands revealed positive reaction for acid phosphatase in samples fixed in chilled acetone and 80% ethyl alcohol, paneth cells reveal positive reaction for the same enzyme in samples fixed in 80% ethyl alcohol in all examined areas of the duodenum wall of the native black goat.

This study was conducted to investigate the role of Ginger as antihyperlipidemic agent and its histopathological effects in rats exposed to oxidative stress. Results of rats treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 1% in drinking water, showed highly significant increase in the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and atherogenic index, which are indicators for the occurrence of serum hyperlipidemia. Rats treated with H2O2 then with Ginger at 2 mg/kg in diet, revealed significant decrease in the level of LDL-C, VLDL-C and atherogenic index. Histopathological study illustrate no changes in rats treated with Ginger in heart and liver tissues, while rats treated with H2O2 then with Ginger, showed amelioration in histological picture of heart and liver tissues compared with rats treated with H2O2. In conclusion, The Ginger considered as a good antihyperlipidemic agent.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two types of finisher diets differed in metabolizable energy (ME) level, but formulated to be iso-nitrogenous, on certain blood lipid profile and some productive traits of broiler chickens from 3 to 7 wks of age. The relationship, as correlation coefficients, among these traits were studied. Birds fed high (ME) diet showed heavier body weight (BW), better feed conversion ratio (FCR), higher dressing and fat pad percentages with more observed fat depots. Serum biochemical parameters for the birds of the two dietary treatments showed that birds fed high (ME) diet, 3200 Kcal / Kg, had higher values of total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high density lipoprotein – cholesterol (HDL-C) than their counterparts fed lower (ME) diet, 3070 Kcal / Kg. However low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (VLDL-C) values were relatively similar in the two treatment groups. Regarding the relationship analysis among some productive traits, a significant (P≤0.05) positive correlation coefficient was found between (BW) and fat pad percentage at 49-days of age for both groups. Moderate relationship values were found between (BW) and (TG). On the other hand, fat pad percentage and (TG) correlation values were 0.721 and 0.297 for the high (ME) and the low (ME) dietary treatments, respectively. (VLDL-C) value was shown to be so consistent in both groups of birds with a significant (P≤0.05) positive correlation with (TG).

This study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of brucellosis in non vaccinated goats in different areas in Mosul city and to compare Rose Bengal and indirect ELISA tests for the detection of the antibodies. A total of 102 blood serum samples were examined, representing 396 goats distributed in different areas. Results of Rose Bengal test showed that the total seroprevalence of brucellosis was (6.8%) and the highest rate in Al-Rahmania (11.1%), and lowest (7.1%) in Al-Muthana area. No seroprevalence of Brucellosis was recorded in Googjaly and Basheka areas. Indirect ELISA test showed that the total percentage was (24.5%) and the highest (55%) were reported in Al-Rahmania area and the lowest percentage was (10%) in Basheka area. The compatibility between the two tests was (0.30) on Kappa value indicating sensitivity of indirect ELISA test compared with Rose Bengal test in detection antibrucella antibodies in serum goats.

One hundred and sixty five fecal samples, collected from calves (1-12 months), with (75) and without (90) diarrhea, were examined for intestinal protozoal infection, using four diagnostic methods, direct smear, iodine staining, flotation method and modified Zeil Nelson stain. Results showed that the total rate of method intestinal protozoal infection was 54.5%. Three protozoal genera were identified. Their percentages were as follows: Cryptosopoidium 52.2%, Eimeria 28.3%, Giardia 19.6% respectively. Singular and mixed protozoal infection were 51.1% and 48.9% respectively. While those showing sign of diarrhea and subclinical cases, the infection rate were 73.3% and 38.9% respectively. According to age, the rate of infection with intestinal protozoa was 89.7% in calves 1-2 months of age, the trend of infection was progressively decreased with increasing age to one year or more as it reached 15.6%.

One hundred diseased cases of pigeons (Columba livia) in Mosul city were examined, 67 birds (67%) showed pathological lesions in digestive system. Most of the gross and histopathological lesions occurred in intestine (29.3%) followed by oropharynx, liver, esophagus, crop, proventriculus, and pancreas the values (20.8%, 16.6%, 12.5%, 10.4%, 6.2%, 4.2%) respectively. Gross lesions of intestine showed severe tape worms infestation with petechial hemorrhage in some cases, histopathologically there were catarrhal enteritis, necrotic and hemorrhagic enteritis were less, and desquamation of mucosa with bacterial colonies. Gross lesions of oropharynx, esophagus and crop in most cases were yellow caseated masses or necrotic material. In some cases white diphtheritic membrane with thickening of mucosa in esophagus, crop and proventriculus were founded, petichial hemorrhage on the mucosa of proventriculus were less some cases. Histopathological lesions of oropharynx and esophagus were thickening of mucosa and presence of necrotic caseated foci on the submucosa. In crop there were epithelial hyperplasia and in some cases infiltration of inflammatory cells with cocobacilli bacteria and desquamation of epithelial cells were founded. In proventriculus desquamation and necrosis of epithelial cells of mucus glands with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Gross lesions in liver and pancreas were limited represented by enlargement and congestion, histopathologically coagulative necrosis of hepatic cells with cocobacilli bacteria, pancreas showed two types of inflammation one was non-suppurative and another was suppurative.

This research was conducted for evaluation of the effect of pollutants of Tigris on some parameters of oxidative stress in common carp. In addition to detection of Glutathione, Malondialdehyde, vitamins E and C and the results were compared with control group. The results revealed that the presence of congestion on blood vessels in kidney with vacuolar degeneration in hepatic cells with infiltration of inflammatory cells and swelling and fatty change in the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules in addition to coagulative necrosis with infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitial tissue of kidney. Furthermore fatty change in cardiac muscles with infiltration of inflammatory cells and congestion of blood vessels in heart were observed. The statistical analysis referred to a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in glutathione and increase in the malondialdehyde concentrations levels for the most tissues but there was no difference in E and C vitamins except that of the kidney which show a decrease in C vitamin level. It is concluded from the present study that there is a worse effect of pollutants in river of Tigris on the levels of lipid peroxidation indicators for carp fish tissues naturally exposed to those pollutants which may affects the nutritional and hygienic values of these fishes.

This study was conducted to detect the intestinal coccidial types in 80 fecal samples of domesticated ducks in different parts of Ninevah governorate. During the period from October 2007 to June 2008. Flotation method was employed for detection. The results revealed that the total incidence of the genus Eimeria and genus Tyzzeria was 63.75%. Two species of the genus Eimeria and Tyzzeria were detected, namely E.anatis and E.butlakhi with a percentage of 17.5 % and 10 % respectively, while T.anseris and T.perniciosa were found in 25 % and 11.25% respectively. This study is regarded the first study in detection of these species in duck in Ninevah governorate.

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and sub acute toxicity of ciprofloxacin on lipids metabolism of chicks which included determination of cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and albumin levels in serum of chicks. The biochemical changes induced by giving ciprofloxacin as a single dose (200 and 400 mg/kg. body weight intraperitoneally) included significant increases of cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels in serum, whereas albumin level significantly decreased, and there was no significant changes in high density lipoprotein levels as compared with control group. Repeated treatment with ciprofloxacin (100 mg/kg. body weight intra peritoneal) for 14 days caused significant increase in cholesterol level, albumin level significantly decreased as compared with control group, whereas it did not change significantly high density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, repeated treatment of ciprofloxacin also showed significant decrease of the body weights of the chicks as compared with control group. The results suggest that there are toxic effects of ciprofloxacin on lipids metabolism as seen through changes in cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and low density lipoprotein level.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaccination against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease on some biochemical parameters in serum of broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty Ross 1-day old unsexed broiler chicks were divided into two groups (unvaccinated and vaccinated), blood samples were obtained from each group weekly until 8 weeks old. The results revealed significant differences in values of some biochemical parameters according to various ages of chickens within either unvaccinated or vaccinated groups, the effect of different ages on parameters was more clearly observed in vaccinated group. It was also revealed from this study that vaccination had no effect on levels of glucose, total protein, total lipids cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Vaccinated chickens showed a significant reduction in the level of albumin, albumin/globulin ratio and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity accompanied with an elevation in the level of globulin and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared with their values in non vaccinated chickens. These data suggest the interference of age and vaccination in broiler chickens on some biochemical parameters.

This research was carried out mainly to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract and proteinous fractions of Aloe vera leaves on cholesterol, acetycholinesterase in brain, glycogen, glutathione in liver and malonaldehyde levels in heart in normal male albino mice. The antioxidant properties and inhibition of acetylcholine-sterase in tissue were detected. Intraperitoneal administration of Aloe vera extract in concentration of 400 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of AchE in brain by (-88.27%) and glutathione content in liver by (-35.48%), and increased the levels of glycogen in liver and malonaldehyde in heart by (22.60%, 85.50%) respectively. At a concentration of 300 mg/kg Aloe vera extract significantly increased the level of cholesterol in brain by (24.39%). These results clearly show the antioxidant property of the extract of Aloe vera leaves.

This research was conducted to explore the effect of rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on female rats on oxidative stress which induced by 0.5% H2O2. Oxidative stress has been investigated via tissue (aorta and heart) malonadyaldehyde (MDA) as indirect lipid peroxidation index. For atherosclerotic lesions follow up light microscopical technique has been applied. The result elucidate significant reduction in lipid profit parameters namely: low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (vLDL-c), atherogenic index and significant elevation in high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) in few animals treated with H2O2 and rosella extract, parallely, this research illustrate reduction in aorta and heart MDA concentration, concomitant with significant rising in glutathione (GSH) level. Histopathologically, this study revealed fatty streaks associated with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells have been detected after 60 days, in animal treated with rosella revealed reduction in lipid vacuoles and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMcs) in media toward intimal layers after 40 days from treatment.

This study was conducted for isolation and identification of the pathogenic bacteria presented in the genital tract infection of the Arabian mares, and shows the anti microbial sensitivity. The study included 75 samples taken from infected mares suffering from genital tract infection diagnosed on the basis of case history and clinical signs which included bloody purulent discharge ranched from yellow to green in colure, fetid oder with congested and oedematous vagina and from some abortion cases, and from mares suffered from tetanus disease symptoms during the period between October 2007 to April 2008 in stud farms breeding mares in Mosul. The samples were collected by swabs from the clitoris, clitorial fossa and the vagina. Isolation of bacteria was performed using aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques. Results of the present study showed a total of isolation 75% from all samples taken with a high percentage isolation of Clostridium tetani (16.6%), followed by Archanobacterium pyogenes (10.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), (6.7%) for each Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus dysagalactiae subsp equisimilis, and (5.3%) for each bacteria Actinobacillus equilli, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Staphylococcus aureus, then Proteus vulgaris (2.6%), and Escherichia coli (1.3%). The most bacterial isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (100%), ampicillin (90.9 %), and erythromycin (65.9%), while the most isolates were sensitive to kanamycin (70.4%). It could be concluted that the most important bacteria causing genital tract infection of mares could be Clostridium tetani and Archanobacterium pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most bacterial isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin.

The aim of the present study was to determine seroprevalence of brucellosis in non vaccinated sheep in different areas in Mosul city, and make a comparison between Rose Bengal and indirect ELISA tests for the diagnosis of the Brucellosis in sheep. The study included examination of 228 serum samples representing 1906 sheep distributed in ten flocks.The results of Rose Bengal test showed that total seroprevalence of brucellosis was (8.7%), being highest in Talkaf (40%), while no seroprevalence of Brucellosis was recorded in Al-Rashedia, Bazwaya and Al-Chaban areas. Using indirect ELISA test the total seroprevalence was (23.6%) and the highest percentage (100%) was in Al-Namrood area, but lowest (5.2%) in Bazwaya area. The results showed that the compatibility between the two tests was (0.380) on Kappa value which indicated that the indirect ELISA test is more sensitive when compared with Rose Bengal test in detection of antibodies of Brucellosis in serum sheep.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of infection of ewes with toxoplasmosis and/or brucellosis on some serum biochemical parameters. Ninety six samples of blood were collected from aborted ewes at different stages of gestation, suspected to be infected with toxoplasmosis and /or brucellosis from different regions in Nineveh governorate. The percentage of toxoplasma and brucella infection depending on Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) and Rose Bengal Test were 21.88% and 23.96% respectively. The results of biochemical analysis showed that infection with toxoplasma caused significant elevation of serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). As well as the concentrations of glucose, total protein and copper. Where as the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the concentration of calcium and zinc were reduced. Infection with brucellosis caused a significant increased in serum AST, ALT and LDH, ALP and creatin phosphokinase (CPK) activities, and glucose, zinc and cholesterol concentrations. While serum calcium and total protein concentration were decreased. Association of toxoplasma and brucella infection induced significant elevation of serum AST, ALT and LDH and CPK activities and the concentrations of glucose and copper with significant reduction in serum ALP activity and both calcium and zinc concentrations. It was concluded from this study that infection of ewes with toxoplasma and/or brucella caused changes in some biochemical parameters in the serum.