Genetic parameters and correlations among linear type traits in the first lactation of Holstein Dairy cows

The main objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and relationships of 10 linear type traits in the first lactation of Holstein dairy cows. 3274 records for type traits was used (Ag, angularity; Sta, stature; Bdp, body depth; Rw, rump width; Rs, rear leg side view; Fa, foot angle; Fu, fore udder attachment; Ruh, rear udder height; Sl, suspensory ligament and Ud, udder depth) for the first lactation of Iranian Holstein cows collected during 1980 to 2004 at Animal Breeding Center of Iran.Estimations were performed using restricted maximum likelihood method under an animal model and estimated variance components from single-trait analysis using MATVEC software and covariance components from four-trait analysis using DF-REML software was obtained. Heritability estimates for type traits were low to moderate, from 0.075 for rear leg side (Rs) to 0.376 for rump width (Rw). Genetic correlations between type traits ranged from 0.72 for udder depth (Ud) and fore udder attachment (Fu)to 0.75 for foot angle (Fa) and rump width (Rw). The results of this study showed favorable and high genetic correlation among the mammary system traits such as Ud, Fu, Ruh and Sl. Body conformation traits such as Ag and Bdp were unfavorable and negative for the genetic correlation with mammary system traits including Fu, Ruh and Ud.Key words: Genetic parameter, type traits, Iranian Holsteins

Trace Elements Removal from Waster water by <i>Ceratophyllum demersum</i>

Trace element contamination in aquatic ecosystems is one of the most important concerning of environmental health. Submerged aquatic plants can be used for the removal of Trace elements. The aim of this study was to investigate how Ceratophyllum demersum could affect on wastewater quality for recycling the wastewater to reuse for other purposes in agriculture and industrial fields. In this survey, two treatments in four replications were designed. The treatments were included raw municipal wastewater (RMW) and treated municipal wastewater (TMW). The experiment performed in outdoor of Khorasgan University area without aeration through 18 days period. In this study Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd were measured in wastewater through experiment. The average of removal efficiency of Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd from TMW were 40%, 47.5%, 90.82%, 96.55%, 100% and 100% respectively. Removal efficiency of Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd from RMW were 67.5%, 37.5%, 94.21%, 94.21%, 100% and 97.77% respectively. The results indicated that Ceratophyllum demersum had high capabilities to remove trace elements directly from the contaminated water. Therefore it can conclude that Ceratophyllum demersum could be used for refining the wastewater.Key words: Trace elements, Aquatic ecosystems, Ceratophyllum demersum, wastewate

The effects of vitamin C and menthone on acyclovir induced DNA damage in rat spermatozoa: An experimental study

Background: Acyclovir (ACV) is known to be toxic to gonads, inducing apoptosis in the reproductive system. The beneficial effects of vitamin C (Vit C) and menthone, both as antioxidant agents on various organs has been reported. Objective: This study evaluated the potential role of the Vit C and menthone on the DNA damage in rat spermatozoa induced by the ACV. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male albino Wistar rats with average weight of 250 +/- 10 gr, were divided into six groups (n=18/each), as: ACV (15 mg/kg/day), ACV+Vit C (20 mg/kg/day), ACV+ menthone (100 mu l/d), ACV+ menthone (250 mu l/d), ACV+ menthone (400 mu l/day) and control group without any treatment. At the end of experiment, the animals were sacrificed and sperm samples were collected and isolated in phosphate-buffered saline and examined by TUNEL staining process. The percentage of TUNEL positive spermatozoa was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Each experiment was performed in three repeats. Results: Male rats exposed to ACV had significant increase in DNA damages in comparison to other groups. The percentage of TUNEL positive sperm cells was 90.83 (p<0.001) in ACV group. The protective role of both antioxidants used in high dose, compensate the adverse effects of the ACV. The results showed that the percentage of apoptotic sperm in the ACV+Vit C group was 16.38 (p<0.001) and in the ACV+ menthone (400 mu l/d) group was 16.05 (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present results showed that Vit C and menthone at higher dose have a good compensatory effect with significant reduction in DNA damages in sperm cells by reversing the adverse effect of ACV on the reproductive system in male rat