Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were determined in serum samples from 47 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and 56 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) from the Atlantic coasts of United Kingdom and France. Antibodies to T. gondii assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT) were found in 14 (13.6%; IC(95%): 7.0-20.2) of 103 seals tested, with titres of 1:25 in 13 seals and 1:50 in 1 seal. S...

The Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC) is one of the best known and best characterised components of the immune system, yet its functions remain somewhat enigmatic, including both anti-pathogen activity and kin recognition. To explore the importance of the MHC relative to literally hundreds of other components of the immune system, we compared MHC genotype frequencies between pups and adult...

  Shirbot (Barbus grypus) as a species with high potential for aquaculture development recently propagated artificially in South Iran Aquaculture Research Center to extend the species diversity in polyculture system. To provide an effective economic diet for this species 9 experimental diets containing three crude protein levels (250, 300, and 350 g kg -1) and three metabolizable energy levels ...

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are important environmental contaminants, and their toxicity to wildlife and humans are of major concern. PCBs form persistent and abundant metabolites, PCB methyl sulfones, that accumulate in biota. We now report that certain hydroxylated PCB metabolites show a strong and selective accumulation in mammalian blood. Plasma from experimentally PCB-dosed rats and b...

A gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) was trained to touch a target on its left or right by responding to pointing signals. The authors then tested whether the seal would be able to generalize spontaneously to altered signals. It responded correctly to center pointing and head turning, center upper body turning, and off-center pointing but not to head turning and eye movements alone. The seal also r...

The present study was conducted on Shabbot Barbus grypus in Al-Hilla River/middle of Iraq. Monthly samples were collected from September 2009 to August 2010. Water temperature and transparency ranged between 12 37 Cº 39 – 110 cm respectively. 132 specimens collected. highest number individuals June (31) none January February. total length 95 -382 mm wet weight varied 7.7 416 gm. group 180 the m...