Surveying the relations among traits affecting seed yield in sesame (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesamum indicum</Emphasis> L.)

To determine the most important traits influencing seed yield of sesame, 18 lines were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replicates in two years during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. Following a combined analysis of variance, multivariate statistical analyses such as simple correlation coefficients, factor analysis, stepwise analysis, path analysis, and cluster analysis were administered on combined means. The correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant negative correlation between seed yield and number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule. Correlation between germination period and seed yield was positive and significant at 5% probability level. Factor analysis divided the 14 measured variables into five factors. In the stepwise regression analysis for seed yield as the independent variable, four traits including number of capsules per plant, first capsule height, number of seeds per capsule, and stem length to first capsule were entered into the regression model in four steps with r² =0.72. The regression coefficient of number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and stem length to first capsule were negative and the regression coefficient of the first capsule height was positive and significant at the 5% probability level. The path coefficient analysis based on seed yield as a dependent variable implicated that the number of seeds per capsule had the highest negative direct effect on seed yield. The highest negative indirect effect on seed yield was related to the number of capsules per plant through the number of seeds per capsule. Cluster analysis using Ward’s method divided 18 investigated lines into five clusters.     

Brainstem removal using compressed air for subsequent bovine spongiform encephalopathy testing

The use of compressed air to expel the obex through a hole in the skull generated using a captured bolt stunner. The obex is the part of the brain that is tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.     

Paratuberculosis in Holstein-Friesian cattle farms in Central Iran

Paratuberculosis is an important disease of ruminants with a worldwide distribution. In developing countries where funding constraints challenge establishment of control schemes, large losses are incurred on cattle farmers due to paratuberculosis. In this study, faecal specimens from Holstein-Friesian cows with progressed and moderate clinical paratuberculosis (N = 223) from 13 dairy farms in Isfahan, Central Iran, were subjected to bacterial culture. Culture growth diagnostic for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis was found in cattle from nine of the 13 farms and in 71 of the cattle studied. These results illustrate the emergence of PTb in this region, and they imply that PTb should be given a higher priority for veterinary measures.     

Effect of natural neosporosis on bull sperm quality

Neospora is one of the protozoans that can infect the male and female’s reproduction system. Despite the existence of N. caninum in the genitalia, its effect on sperm characteristics was not studied yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of natural neosporosis on the sperm parameters of bulls. Using 30 bulls with neosporosis diagnosed by modified agglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 15 healthy bulls, some sperm parameters such as sperm concentration, viability, motility, and morphology were studied and compared. Also, the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level as the biomarker of lipid peroxidation was investigated. Results showed that sperm concentration, viability, and motility were significantly lower in bulls with neosporosis in the present study. There were no significant differences in activities of SOD and MDA level but GPX activity was significantly increased in infected bulls.     

Ovarian Fibrothecoma in an Arabian Mare: A Rare Case

The occurrence of ovarian tumors is uncommon in domestic animals. Reports are documented more often in the bitch, mare, and cow. In the mare, granulosa-thecal cell tumor is the most common ovarian neoplasms, and other tumors occur less often. Fibrothecoma is a rare gonadal-stromal tumor of the ovary. There is only one reported case in the veterinary literature. This tumor consists of theca cells and fibrous tissues. The present study describes a rare case of fibrothecoma in a 10-year-old Arabian mare that was presented due to infertility problems. The abnormal left ovary was detected via rectal palpation and ultrasonography. Postoperation study showed a solid tumoral mass that completely replaced the normal ovarian tissues. The tumor was large, firm in consistency, with smooth surface. On the cut surface, the mass was white-gray to yellow with cystic areas containing green gelatinous materials. Microscopic examination revealed the structure was composed of fibroblastic cell producing collagen fibers and theca cells containing lipids. Based on histopathologic features, diagnosis of fibrothecoma was confirmed postoperatively.     

Evaluation of Textural and Structural Properties of Barbari Bread During Storage

This study was performed using three Barbari flours (strong, medium, and weak) with different physical, chemical, and rheological properties. Determination of texture firmness of Barbari breads (A, B, and C, made of strong, medium, and weak flours, respectively) during storage was carried out with a texture analyzer and evaluating the bread crumb properties and changes during storage with a nondestructive ultrasonic technique. The bread microstructure was assessed with scanning electron microscopy, and the general process of starch gelatinization and retrogradation was evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry. The bread sensory properties were evaluated by 10 trained panelists. Barbari A, made from strong flour, had less firmness, lower transition of ultrasonic wave velocity, lower value of elastic modulus, reduced value of enthalpy, lower average temperature, larger pore diameter and area of images, and higher point total in sensory evaluation than Barbari B and Barbari C, particularly the latter, as storage time progressed. Barbari A's desirable quality characterization and longer shelf life were owing to the qualities of the flour, which enabled the production of dough with the appropriate properties. Eventually, the results of device‐based and sensory tests were significantly correlated. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing is recommended over other methods for assessing the texture, cell structure, and elastic properties of bread after baking and during storage, because it is fast, nondestructive, and less expensive than other methods and can be used during production.