Iranian Chicken Research Articles

RNA-Seq Profiling between Commercial and Indigenous Iranian Chickens Highlights Differences in Innate Immune Gene Expression.

The purpose of the current study was to examine transcriptomic-based profiling of differentially expressed innate immune genes between indigenous and commercial chickens. In order to compare the transcriptome profiles of the different chicken breeds, we extracted RNA from blood samples of the Isfahan indigenous chicken (as indigenous) and Ross broiler chicken (as commercial) breeds. RNA-Seq yielded totals of 36,763,939 and 31,545,002 reads for the indigenous and commercial breeds, respectively, with clean reads then aligned to the chicken reference genome (Galgal5). Overall, 1327 genes were significantly differentially expressed, of which 1013 genes were upregulated in the commercial versus the indigenous breed, while 314 were more highly expressed in the indigenous birds. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the SPARC, ATP6V0D2, IL4I1, SMPDL3A, ADAM7, TMCC3, ULK2, MYO6, THG1L and IRG1 genes were the most significantly expressed genes in the commercial birds and the PAPPA, DUSP1, PSMD12, LHX8, IL8, TRPM2, GDAP1L1, FAM161A, ABCC2 and ASAH2 genes were the most significant in the indigenous chickens. Of notable finding in this study was that the high-level gene expressions of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in the indigenous breeds could serve as a guideline for future genetic improvement. This study identified genes with breed-specific expression, and comparative transcriptome analysis helped understanding of the differences in underlying genetic mechanisms between commercial and local breeds. Therefore, the current results can be used to identify candidate genes for further breed improvement.

First detection and characterisation of sub-genotype XIII.2.1 Newcastle disease virus isolated from backyard chickens in Iran.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant poultry disease worldwide. During field surveillance for ND in 2010 in Iran, a backyard chicken flock showed clinical signs of ND with 100% mortality. We aimed to characterise genetically, biologically and epidemiologically an exotic virulent ND virus (NDV) detected in Iran. After observing high mortality, dead birds were sampled and then disposed of by burial, and the chicken house was disinfected. Tissue samples were molecularly tested for NDV. The genetic homogeneity of the isolate RT30/2010 was tested by plaque assay, and then a large virus plaque was used for the second step of plaque purification. Fusion and matrix complete genes were sequenced and used for genotyping and epidemiological tracing. We tested biological pathotypes using mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) assays. The isolate formed heterogeneous plaques in chicken embryo fibroblast cells. The second step of plaque purification produced homogeneous and large plaques. Phylogenetic analysis using both genes classified the virus into sub-genotype XIII.2.1. Nucleic acid and amino acid identities of RT30/2010 fusion gene with the closest available isolate SPVC/Karachi/NDV/43 are 97.95% and 98.73%, respectively. Isolate has 112 RRRKRF117 motif at the fusion cleavage site, and pathogenicity tests showed MDT of 56.4 h and ICPI of 1.85. This study presents the first detection and characterisation of a velogenic NDV of sub-genotype XIII.2.1 from Iran. Our follow-up surveillance for ND shows that timely virus detection and carcass management have led to the cessation of virus transmission in Iran.

Apoptosis in field and experimental cases of avian influenza H9N2 infection in broiler chickens in Iran.

Avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 is widely circulating around the globe affecting many species of animal including mammals and birds as well as human beings. The virus has pandemic potential due to segmented nature of the viral genome. Ultra-structural features of apoptosis in field and experimental infection of H9N2 avian influenza virus were studied. Freshly dead birds from affected broiler farms and experimentally infected broiler chickens with H9N2 subtypes were subjected to routine necropsy. Post-mortem findings in different organs were recorded. Appropriate specimens from the trachea were taken for electron microscopy studies. In electron microscopy study, frequent apoptotic bodies were observed in the epithelial cells of the trachea. Increase of antibody titer to H9N2 virus following challenge with the virus in experimental group indicates that the infectious cycle has been initiated in the affected birds.

Phylogenetic analyses on Marek's disease virus circulating in Iranian backyard and commercial poultry indicate viruses of different origin.

As neoplastic viruses have been affecting Iranian chicken farms more frequentlyin recent years, the first step in prevention may thereforebe to genetically characterize and systematically identify their source and origin. Recently, we published a phylogenetic analysis based on the meq gene of Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2, commonly known as serotype 1 Marek's disease virus (MDV-1), that circulated in Iranian backyard and commercial chickens. In the current study, we are reporting for the first time the identification of a 298 aa meq protein containing only two PPPP motifs from an MDV-1-infected unvaccinated backyard turkey. This protein length has never been reported from any turkey species before. According to phylogenetic analysis, a close genetic relationship (0.68%) to several chicken-origin isolates such as the American vv + 648A strain was found. In addition, we identified a standard meq protein from a MDV-1-infected commercial chicken farm. In corroboration with our previous finding from other Iranian provinces, it is likely that the highly identical MDV-1 viruses currently circulating in Iranian chicken farms, which may be indicative of human role in the spread of the virus, have similar Eurasian origin. Our data suggest that regardless of the meq size, MDV-1 circulating in Iran are from different origins. On the other hand,meq sequences from bird species other than chicken have been reported but are very few. Our investigation suggests MDV-1 circulating in turkey do not have species-specific sequences.

Genotypic characterization of two novel avian orthoreoviruses isolated in Iran from broilers with viral arthritis and malabsorption syndrome.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a major poultry pathogen associated with arthritis, malabsorption, and enteric diseases in chickens. In recent years, emerging ARV strains have become a growing concern causing significant economic losses in broiler chickens around the world. This report focuses on the isolation of ARV from the clinical occurrence of ARV-associated diseases in commercial broiler chickens in Iran and the genotypic characterization of the selected isolates. In 2018, two distinct clinical diseases, suggestive of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) and viral arthritis, were noticed in commercial broiler chickens in the north of Iran. Laboratory investigations were carried out following necropsy, documentation of the gross lesions, and sampling of the affected tissues for histopathology and virology. Molecular diagnosis and characterization of ARV were performed targeting Sigma C (σC) gene sequences of the virus. Two variant ARV strains were isolated from tendon and gizzard of broilers with clinical viral arthritis and MAS, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the ARV σC gene sequences revealed that field isolates were clustered in genotypes 2 and 4 (which were distinct from previous Iranian field ARV strains) with relatively low sequence identity (59.2% and 49.1%) to the classical vaccine strains (S1133 and 1733) in genotype 1. This report, for the first time, represents new emerging ARV variants associated with clinical events in Iran, providing insights on the diversity of endemic ARV field isolates, and urges the need for national-wide surveillance of ARV.

Molecular evaluation and genetic characterisation of Newcastle disease virus's haemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein isolated from broiler chickens in Iran.

BackgroundNewcastle disease (ND) virus (NDV) is one of the major pathogens in poultry farms that causes severe economic damages to the poultry industry, especially broiler chicken and turkey farms. Despite the endemicity of ND and its many epidemics in the country, the nature of the Iranian strain of the Newcastle virus is still largely unknown. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate NDV isolates obtained from commercial poultry farms in Iran in 2019 through haemagglutinin‐neuraminidase (HN) gene sequencing.MethodHN gene of each NDV isolate was amplified and sequenced using specific primers followed by phylogenetic analysis of full length of HN gene open reading frame and amino acid (aa) sequence of HN.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis of the HN gene showed that the virus is very closely related to genotypes VII and III. Analysis of HN gene nucleotide sequences showed that all isolates encode proteins with a length of 571 aa.ConclusionResults of the present study are useful for a better understanding of molecular epidemiology of indigenous NDV strains and determining important molecular differences between fields and commonly used vaccine strains related to main immunogenic proteins.

A histopathological and immunohistochemical study of experimental infected turkeys with a virulent Newcastle disease virus

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious infection of many avian species, mainly chickens and turkeys, with a devastating impact on worldwide poultry production. This study was designed to examine the effect of virulent ND infection in turkey's tissues and the tissue tropism of the virus. During the previous study period, poults were inoculated at 32days of age with 105 EID50 virulent Newcastle disease virus. Three poults on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 14 postinoculations (PI) were selected from each group. They were euthanized by intravenous sodium pentobarbital injection. After macroscopic observation, to histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, the spleen, bursa, cecal tonsils, intestine, proventriculus, lung, kidney, and brain were sampled. Clinically, the infected turkeys exhibited loss of appetite, severe depression, down on hock joint, white to greenish (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, nervous signs, and mild respiratory problems. Out of 45 birds inoculated, 9 (20%) died. Histopathological effects in lymphoid tissues included necrosis and penetration of mononuclear cells on day 4 PI, and subsequent follicular lymphoid depletion on days 6 and 8 PI was observed. Based on the immunohistochemical test, on day 3 in cecal tonsils and spleen, and on day 8 PI, all of them were positive for virus antigen. In conclusion, the NDV circulating in Iranian chicken flocks has the potential to cause severe illness in commercial turkeys.

Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Two Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Chickens in Iran.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting many species of birds that can spread fast between poultry houses and cause a heavy economic burden on the poultry industry all around the world. Fusion and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein are important in the pathogenesis of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The HN protein is a critical viral protein with multiple functions and plays a key role in the formation of the virulence of NDV. Head of HN protein is responsible for receptor binding, neuraminidase activity. This study aimed to investigate the sequence homology of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase of two NDV isolates sampled from infected farms in Iran. The samples were collected from flocks that had been vaccinated by both types of live and killed vaccines for NDV. After isolation of NDV, the viruses were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using two pairs of specific primers designed for the HN gene to amplify the complete HN gene (1730bp). Afterward, the PCR products were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic tree construction software. Based on the analysis, substantial sequence homology among Iranian isolates is within the range of 97.1-100%. Moreover, the sequence homology searching revealed a level of similarity between HN sequences of Iranian isolates and the HN sequences from other countries, particularly Asian ones. For instance, a high homology ratio (95.34%) was found between Iranian isolates and the sequences registered on online molecular databases from China. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the NDV isolates belong to the VIId genotype. Finally, it can be concluded that monitoring the circulation of NDVs among poultry and other birds can help to obtain an insight into the evolution of NDVs and control of panzootic viruses in the future.

Anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole and levamisole in native fowl in northern Iran

BackgroundWith the increasing number of free-range domestic chickens, helminth parasites have potentially become more of a threat to commercial flocks in recent years, and routine poultry deworming is needed to improve the efficiency of chicken production. The present study deals with a field trial to study the efficacy of two generally used anthelmintics, fenbendazole and levamisole, against gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic chickens in northern Iran.MethodsOf 45 domestic chicken flocks involved in the study, 20 flocks were selected to participate in fecal egg count reduction testing based on flock size from April 2017 to September 2018. The infected chickens were randomly divided into three equal groups of 30 each. Ninety chickens in the infected groups received one of the following treatments (d 0 of treatment): Group 1: 5 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) fenbendazole for 3 consecutive days; Group 2: 16 mg kg−1 BW levamisole; Group 3 control: placebo, water + DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing fecal egg counts in the treated and control groups.ResultsExamination of three flocks of chickens from the control group showed that 95.0% of the animals were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with an average geometric value of 361 eggs per gram of feces. Fenbendazole at a dose of 5 mg kg−1 BW for 3 days showed an efficacy of 83.7% (P ≥ 0.05), and levamisole at a dose of 16 mg kg−1 BW showed 71.8% efficacy (P ≥ 0.05) with geometric mean eggs in a gram of feces of 100 and 199.6, respectively. In general, fenbendazole and levamisole treatment led to significantly lower activity. The result of this study revealed that fenbendazole was a better and more effective dewormer than levamisole on the three Iranian domestic chicken flocks, but the difference was not significant. Capillaria spp. were the most generally resistant nematodes followed by Trichostrongylus spp. and Amidostomum anseris.ConclusionOur results indicated that fenbendazole and levamisole effectively reduced the number of nemathodes in three Iranian domestic chicken flocks. Given the results of our study, resistance can be expected in the parasitic helminths of poultry. Additional larger scale studies are required to determine the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in the poultry industry.Graphical

Reduced Performance Due to Adenoviral Gizzard Erosion in 16-Day-Old Commercial Broiler Chickens in Iran, Confirmed Experimentally.

Adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) in broilers is an emerging infectious disease with negative impact on flock productivity. Despite of known primary etiological role of fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) in AGE, there are a limited number of field reports worldwide, possibly because the disease is less noticeable and clinically difficult to assess. The present study documents an outbreak of AGE in 16-day-old broiler chickens on a farm in the north of Iran and the reproduction of the disease in an experimental setting. In the field, a sudden onset of mortality was noticed in affected broilers resulting in 6% total mortality and decreased weight gain leading to approximately 1-week delay to reach the target slaughter weight. Necropsy findings in dead broilers revealed black colored content in crop, proventriculus and gizzard together with severe gizzard erosions characterized by multiple black-brown areas of variable size in the koilin layer and mucosal inflammation. Microscopic examination revealed necrotizing ventriculitis marked with severe dissociation of koilin layer and degeneration of glandular epithelium with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. FAdV-1 was isolated from affected gizzards. Phylogenetic analysis of the hexon loop-1 (L1) sequence of the isolated virus showed 100% identity with pathogenic FAdV-1 strains previously reported from broiler chickens with AGE. Subsequently, an in vivo study infecting day-old commercial layer chickens with the field isolate demonstrated characteristic lesions and histopathological changes of AGE together with decreased weight gain in the infected birds. For the first time, the progress of a natural outbreak of AGE in Iran is described and experimental reproduction of the disease is demonstrated. The findings highlight the economic impact of the disease for regional poultry production due to mortality and impaired weight gain of the affected broilers.

Molecular detection of fowl adenovirus 7 from slaughtered broiler chickens in Iran: the first report.

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are responsible for a variety of clinical symptoms, with an increasing significance in the poultry industry throughout the world. Typical diseases caused by FAdVs include inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), gizzard erosion (GE), respiratory disease, and hemorrhage in muscles and organs. During 2020, broiler chickens from the north of Iran showed ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhages in thigh and breast muscles at the slaughterhouse. Hemorrhages were observed in 10% to 60% (with an average of 20-30%) of chicks per flock. To find out the etiology of these lesions, the present study was conducted. Different environmental factors were investigated, and FAdV, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) were detected using molecular assays. Among the viruses tested, FAdV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequence analysis clustered the virus into species E, serotype 7. This is the first report on FAdV-7 existence among poultry in Iran. Effective screening of the chicks at slaughtering age should be performed from the whole country.

Effect of threonine and potassium carbonate on broiler chicken performance, immunity, carcass traits, and small intestine morphology.

This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of dietary threonine (i.e., 100, 110, and 120%) and low and high dietary potassium (i.e., 0.85 and 0.94% of diet) on the performance, immune response, blood metabolites, carcass traits, and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens in Iran. In a completely randomized design, 300 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Broiler chicken growth performance, blood metabolite concentration, jejunum morphology, and antibody titter against Newcastle disease and influenza viruses were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). High level of dietary potassium led to lower toe web thickness index at 4h post injection while compared to control group, threonine supplementation significantly decreased toe web thickness of broiler chickens at 24 and 48h post injection (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effects on carcass, abdominal fat, and breast and thigh percentages while higher dietary potassium increased serum glucose concentration (P < 0.05). Broilers fed diet supplemented with 20% supplemented threonine and higher potassium level had lower breast meat fat percentage while those fed diet supplemented with 20% threonine and low potassium had higher thigh meat protein percentage (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that although threonine supplementation improved toe web thickness index as cell-mediated immune response and lowered breast meat fat percentage in broiler chickens, there was no interaction between potassium with threonine in broiler chicken nutrition.

Molecular study and genotyping of Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium parvum from free-range and commercial broiler chickens in Guilan province, Iran

Cryptosporidiosis acutely impacts the digestive and/or respiratory tract of the birds in many species of various orders. More importantly, it is also well known as a significant zoonotic disease, which can lead to diarrhea in humans and livestock. Regarding increasing demand for free-range products and increasing the number of free-range poultry farms, the present paper evaluated histopathological and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium parvum in free-range and commercial broiler chickens in the north part of Iran. For this purpose, 100 fecal and tissue samples of the chickens in Guilan province were collected. After microscopic examination using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, molecular analyses of the fecal samples were processed by Nested-PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing of the amplicons and phylogenetic analyses. Eventually, the tissue samples were studied for histological lesions. Findings demonstrated the presence of Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium parvum in 6 % and 2 % of fecal samples, respectively. This is the first identification of C.parvum in avian hosts in Iran, and for the first time, C.baileyi and C.parvum are shown in native free-range chickens in Iran. All of the PCR positive birds with clinical symptoms showed gross lesions of respiratory infections. There was no significant difference between infection rate in free-range and commercial broiler chickens; however, the infection rate was significantly higher in chickens <25 days old. To conclude, we present here a notable Cryptosporidium infection rate in the free-range chicks in Iran, which notify the role of this host as a reservoir and should be more noted due to the economic and zoonotic importance.

Experimental infection of pheasants with a velogenic chicken isolate of Newcastle disease virus

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious infection of many avian species, causing enormous losses in poultry production worldwide. The objective of this study was to reveal the clinical feature, virus shedding, and immune response following infection with a velogenic chicken isolate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in susceptible and vaccinated pheasants. Eighty day-old pheasant chicks were allotted to four groups. At 30 days of age, the birds in groups 1 and 3 were vaccinated with B1 strain via eye drop. Two weeks later, each bird in groups 1 and 2 was inoculated with 100 μL(50 μL/eye) of NDV-infected allantoic fluid containing 105 EID50 of viral inoculum. All groups were inspected daily for three weeks. Swab samples were taken at different time points and verifi ed for NDV infection by using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serological examination was also made by haemagglutination-inhibition assay. Clinically, watery mucoid feces was observed only in one case among the vaccinated challenged birds, whereas the unvaccinated challenged birds showed anorexia, mild depression and head deviation. Out of 20 birds in group 2, one case (5%) died. Based on RT-PCR, virus shedding was only observed among the unvaccinated birds from 5 to 14 days aft er challenge. The NDV was detected more in tracheal swabs (40%) than in cloacal swabs (30%). The infected birds showed a high seroconversion. In conclusion, the velogenic NDV circulating in Iranian chicken flocks has a low pathogenicity for pheasants, and ocular vaccination with B1 strain could provide a good protection.

Gizzard Erosion Associated with Fowl Adenovirus Infection in Slaughtered Broiler Chickens in Iran.

Gizzard erosions have been noticed in slaughtered broiler chickens during inspection at a processing plant in Iran. The condition was detected in piled gizzards derived from seven commercial broiler farms brought to slaughter on the same day. In total, 48 gizzards with lesions underwent thorough pathologic and virologic investigation. Perforation, roughening, and discoloration of the koilin layer as well as inflammation of the mucosa were observed macroscopically. Histologic examination showed dissociation of and cellular debris in the koilin layer accompanied by a loss and degeneration of glandular epithelium with mild to marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layer. Fowl adenovirus serotypes 1 (FAdV-1), 11 (FAdV-11), and 8a (FAdV-8a) were found in 13, 12, and 1 gizzard(s), respectively. Therein included were two gizzards that showed mixed infections with FAdV-1 and FAdV-11. Detailed analysis of the hexon gene revealed that the Iranian FAdV-1 isolates could be divided into two subclusters, more closely related to either the European (CELO) or the Asian (Ote) FAdV-1 reference strains. The present study, for the first time, describes not only the appearance of gizzard erosion but also the isolation of FAdV-1 and FAdV-8a from broilers in Iran and offers insights on the epidemiology of FAdV infection in Iranian flocks.

Experimental Infection of Turkeys with A Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Broiler Chickens.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious infection of many avian species, mainly chickens and turkeys, with a devastating impact on worldwide poultry production. The ND accounts for heavy losses in Iranian poultry flocks. There are some reports regarding the epidemiology of this infection in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the infection of turkeys with a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from a broiler chicken flock in southwestern Iran during 2013. For the purpose of the study, 70 day-old Wishard bronze poults were allocated into two groups of control (n=25) and infected (n=45). At 32 days of age, each bird in the infected group was inoculated with 0.1 mL (50 &amp;mu;L per eye) of NDV-infected allantoic fluid through an ocular route and received 105 EID50 of viral inoculum. On the other hand, the birds in the control group were inoculated with phosphate buffered saline by the same route. Swab samples were taken from both groups at different time points, namely from 1 to 21 days postinoculation, and verified for NDV infection by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Both groups were also examined serologically by haemagglutination inhibition test. Clinically, the infected turkeys exhibited anorexia, severe depression, sitting on the hock joint, white to greenish (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, neurological disorders, and mild respiratory problems. Out of 45 inoculated birds, 9 (20%) cases died. Based on RT-PCR, virus shedding was observed in the challenged birds 3-8 days postinoculation. The NDV was detected more in tracheal swabs (50%) than in cloacal swabs (12.5%). The infected birds showed a high seroconversion. Therefore, the NDV circulating in Iranian chicken flocks has the potential to cause a serious illness in commercial turkeys. The vaccination of turkeys, as well as biosecurity, should be considered carefully to prevent the ND outbreaks in the future.

A System Dynamics Model for Studying the Policies of Improvement of Chicken Industry Supply Chain

The Iranian chicken industry has always been encountered to high and fluctuated chicken prices. The purpose of this article is to find the best choice to prevent chicken prices from increasing more by investments. System dynamics methodology has been used to modeling, evaluating and optimizing chicken supply chain. Considering the existing capabilities for improvement in supply chain and experts opinion, these strategies were proposed; “reduction of breeding period,” “modernization of production facilities,” “Increase in pellet feed production” and “energy conservation.” After implementing the model and testing various scenarios, strategies were prioritized based on key indicators. At last modernization of production facilities is introduced as the best strategy for the next three years.

Emergence of a virulent genotype VIIi of Newcastle disease virus in Iran

ABSTRACTNewcastle disease (ND) is a contagious viral disease affecting numerous avian species, particularly domestic poultry, and causes devastating outbreaks. In spite of its endemicity and importance in Iran, data on the genetic characterization of ND virus (NDV) are scarce. An alarming issue that has just been raised is the occurrence of ND outbreaks with unexpected high mortality and severe clinical signs. The present study was conducted to characterize the emerging NDV genetically. An NDV strain, isolated in 2017 from commercial broilers showing severe nervous and enteric signs, was completely sequenced and found to be 15,192 nucleotides in length. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the virus belonged to subgenotype VIIi, a subgenotype with potential panzootic features which has recently emerged in the Middle East and Asia. The supporting genetic pattern obtained from the complete genome, fusion and haemagglutinin gene analysis showed close relationship of the isolate with Pakistani VIIi NDVs. The analysis of the F protein showed a polybasic amino acid motif and a phenylalanine at position 117 at the cleavage site, which is a characteristic of virulent strains. The isolate showed significant differences from the previously characterized NDV strains from commercial and rural chickens in Iran. This may describe the importance of the illegal trade of pet birds from neighbouring countries leading to the emergence of new genotypes. This study introduces a newly emerging NDV VIIi subgenotype in Iran. This investigation emphasizes the necessity of effective control strategies.

Identification of candidate genes for blood metabolites in Iranian chickens using a genome-wide association study

ABSTRACT1. In order to identify loci associated with metabolic traits, a genome-wide association study was carried out in a chicken F2 population derived from a reciprocal cross between Iranian Urmia indigenous chickens and Arian broiler line using Illumina 60K Chicken single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BeadChip.2. Six traits including plasma level of triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (Chol), glucose (Glu), total protein, albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glo) were recorded. The association between the identified SNPs and metabolic traits was estimated by general linear model (GLM) and compressed mixed linear model (CMLM).3. A total of 38 SNPs were identified at the genome-wide significant and suggestive levels, of which 5 SNPs reached a 5% Bonferroni genome-wide significance (P < 2.58E-6) for TG, Alb and Glo through CMLM, and 21 SNPs were significantly associated with TG, Chol, Glu, Alb and Glo through GLM.4. Gene ontology showed that these SNPs were located within or near the candidate genes responsible for metabolic traits.5. In conclusion, the identified candidate genes provided novel information for molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic traits. These findings are important in marker-assisted selection in the chicken breeding scheme.

Chemical Analysis of Bioactive Compound Produced by Lactobacillusreuteri Isolated From Domestic Chickens in Iran

Chemical Analysis of Bioactive Compound Produced by Lactobacillusreuteri Isolated From Domestic Chickens in Iran