Capillaria contorta is a parasitic nematode of the oesophagus and crop of a number of domestic and wild birds. This study deals with three cases of capillariasis in the red-legged partridge. Infected individuals in two of these cases presented a history of weight loss, weakness, feather alterations and death, while morbidity and mortality were limited. In the third case, deaths occurred only after the birds were freed for repopulation purposes. Congestion of the crop was seen at necropsy. Histological examination revealed the presence of parasites and their eggs in the epithelium of the oesophagus and crop of every partridge. The worms displayed a characteristic distribution in all three cases: adults were found in the basal portion of the epithelium while the eggs were located in the middle. In one bird, parasites were observed in the anterior segment of the proventriculus. The fundamental epithelial lesion consisted of spongiosis of the oesophagus and crop. In the individual with proventricular parasitism, epidermoid metaplasia was also seen. The inflammatory reaction observed in the lamina propria was discrete and diffuse, except in those cases in which epithelial necrosis and bacterial colonies were detected.

Ostrich production is highly management intensive. The ability to sustain long term profitability is dependent upon the use of strict management techniques by the producer and his workforce. Important factors include those favouring maximisation of production, elimination of disease, reduction in transport and abattoir damage, and minimising feed costs. Given the rise in the global competitiveness of the ostrich industry, the implementation of best practices on the farm is vital if the producer is to remain viable.

Broiler chickens and laying hens are intensively selected for productive traits. The management of these highly productive animals must be optimal to allow their full genetic potential to be expressed. If this is not done, inefficient production and several metabolic diseases become apparent. The causes of the latter are multifactorial but diet and, particularly, interactions between diet, other environmental and genetic factors play an important role. An imbalance between oxygen supply and the oxygen required to sustain rapid growth rates and high food efficiencies causes ascites in broiler chickens. It is clear that several nutritional factors, the amount of food given, its physical form and the composition of the diet have a major impact on the occurrence of ascites and sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens. Furthermore, the possible involvement of structural endogenous factors such as proportional changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, shifts in the glyco1ytic:oxidative muscle metabolism ratio, and structural changes within the lung capillary system cannot be excluded. In addition, functional causal factors, such as the hypothyroid state associated with decreased maintenance metabolism as a result of the selection for fast growth rate and improved food efficiency, are likely to be involved. Both structural and functional causal mechanisms may already be initiated during the embryonic stage.

The Iranian poultry industry which, with nearly 1.2 million tonnes of output, is the largest in the Middle East, is ranked fourth in Asia and 17th in the world. It has moved a long way from the setting of the backyard to become a multibillion dollar business. Its output has increased threefold over the last decade alone, and its products have changed from being a one-time luxury food to something that is found on everyone's table. Although the systems for producing poultry in Iran have undergone drastic changes, had many ups and downs and experienced great difficulties, the industry has never been under greater pressure than it finds itself at present. This paper is intended to provide an overall picture of poultry production in Iran. The historical development, the current aspects of production that typically influence yields and the outlook for the future will all be reviewed. The way that the poultry industry has developed and is now functioning has its own unique characteristics in Iran and deserves special mention.

Poultry manure and litter have the potential to be either land resources or pollutants of surface and ground water as well as giving rise to unpleasant odours. Provided proper attention is paid to nutrient management, they can be used as fertilisers, soil amendments and feed ingredients. Furthermore, the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and other minerals in poultry manure and litter can be reduced by paying careful attention to diet composition – for example, by applying the concept of ideal protein, supplementation with synthetic amino acids, the addition of various types of enzymes including phytase, the lowering of the protein and phosphorus contents and the use of highly available sources of supplementary phosphorus and vitamin D. Good nutrient management also depends on obtaining representative samples of feed, manure, litter, water and soil from each handling system and having these analysed on a regular basis in a reliable laboratory. This not only ensures that proper quantities of nutrients are added to the native soil on which the crops that are ultimately to be used as feed sources are to be grown, but also means that lower amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements are present in the feed. One outcome of the latter effect is that the poultry manure and litter excreted contains fewer potential pollutants and reduces the criticism levelled at the poultry industry that it runs roughshod over environmental concerns. It would be beneficial if all of these analytical procedures were handled in one laboratory specialising in animal agriculture with specialists advising farmers on how best to apply the analytical data.