Buffalo Breeds Research Articles

Reproductive Characteristics of Buffaloes: A Review

Interest in buffalo breeding has increased, due to certain advantages in relation to cattle breeding. The objective of this article was to review the reproductive biological characteristics of buffaloes. Buffaloes have their peculiarities regarding the reproductive characteristics, the females are seasonal polyestrous breeders of short days, the puberty’s buffalo is reached in ages more than in the bovine, the detection of the estrus is more difficult because of the estrus it happens at dawn and the females of buffalo have few physiological changes producers have difficulty detecting estrus. The gestation period varies between 300 and 320 days. Males have smaller external reproductive organs and less intense sexual behavior in relation to cattle. Buffalo females exhibit reproductive differences such as the hyperpigmented vulva and smaller and lighter, more rigid and tortuously inner structures with more muscle tone. There are some advantages in the creation of buffaloes were evidenced, such as their rusticity and adaptation to areas that would be unsuitableto cattle production, besides counting on products such as milk and meat of good quality. Several protocols of oestrus and ovulation synchronization have been adopted, to improve reproductive efficiency. These protocols have resulted in a pregnancy rates increase of 30% to 50%. It is concluded that buffalo breeding has space within the animal production system, especially in areas that would be suitable for the breeding of other ruminant species.

Exploring novel single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes of the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene and their effects on protein structure in Iranian buffalo.

Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) plays a key role in the synthesis of triglycerides. Recent studies have shown that a transition mutation resulting in substitutions of guanine by adenine in the DGAT1 gene in cattle has considerable effects on milk yield and composition. Currently, there is no systematic research reporting on the utilization of this gene segment in Iranian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In this study, the genetic differentiation of three indigenous Iranian buffalo populations was investigated in the region spanning exon 3 to exon 17 of the DGAT1 gene. A total of 200 buffaloes were genotyped, all the samples were sequenced directly in both directions with forward and reverse sequencing primers. Sequence analysis showed novel SNPs compared to the reference GenBank sequence (DQ886485) at nucleotide positions g.6097A>G, g.7036C>T, g.7338G>A, g.7710C>T, g.8087C>T, g.8259G>A, g.8275G>A, g.8367C>T, and g.8426C>T. No polymorphisms were found within exon 8. Therefore, the K232A position was thought to be a conserved and fixed region for high milk fat content (K allele) in Bos indicus and all buffalo breeds. Comparison with Indian buffalo revealed three exonic SNPs, one of which was nonsynonymous. A unique 22bp insertion was observed in intron 10 of DGAT1. Linkage disequilibrium analysis allowed the identification of nine haplotypes among the sampled animals. To our knowledge, this is the first report of sequencing analysis of the DGAT1 gene in Iranian buffalo. Our results suggest that genetic diversity exists and could be useful in examining the association between the DGAT1 gene and milk production traits in buffalo.

Successful cloning of a superior buffalo bull

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology provides an opportunity to multiply superior animals that could speed up dissemination of favorable genes into the population. In the present study, we attempted to reproduce a superior breeding bull of Murrah buffalo, the best dairy breed of buffalo, using donor cells that were established from tail-skin biopsy and seminal plasma. We studied several parameters such as cell cycle stages, histone modifications (H3K9ac and H3K27me3) and expression of developmental genes in donor cells to determine their SCNT reprogramming potentials. We successfully produced the cloned bull from an embryo that was produced from the skin-derived cell. Growth, blood hematology, plasma biochemistries, and reproductive organs of the produced cloned bull were found normal. Subsequently, the bull was employed for semen production. Semen parameters such as CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis) variables and in vitro fertilizing ability of sperms of the cloned bull were found similar to non-cloned bulls, including the donor bull. At present, we have 12 live healthy progenies that were produced using artificial insemination of frozen semen of the cloned bull, which indicate that the cloned bull is fertile and can be utilized in the buffalo breeding schemes. Taken together, we demonstrate that SCNT can be used to reproduce superior buffalo bulls.

Scrotal infrared thermography and testicular biometry: Indicator of semen quality in Murrah buffalo bulls

This aim of this study was to assess the relationship, if any, of scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular covering thickness (TCT) with semen quality in Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this, buffalo breeding bulls (n = 130) were selected from four different semen centres. The ejaculates of each bull were evaluated for ejaculate volume (EV), mass motility (MM); concentration (SPC), motility (SM), viability and abnormalities (SA). The SSTG, SC and TCT of individual bulls were quantified using digital infrared thermography, measuring tape and ultrasonography, respectively. The bulls were divided into three groups on the basis of SSTG (≤ 4 °C, 4.1 to 6.4 °C and ≥ 6.5 °C), and SC (<31, 31 to 35 and> 35 cm) and into two groups on the basis of TCT (5 to 7.2 and 7.4 to 10.4 mm). Results indicated the bulls with a larger temperature gradient and larger SC produced greater quality semen than those with a lesser temperature gradient. The MM (P < 0.01) and SPC (P < 0.05) varied among the groups along with SSTG. Among the SC groups the EV, MM, SPC and SM (P < 0.01), and viability (P < 0.05) varied as did the SC. The bulls with a lesser TCT had a lesser SA (P < 0.05) as compared to the group with the greater TCT. Buffalo bulls having a greater SSTG, SC and lesser TCT produced semen of greater quality and these variables may be used as criteria for breeding soundness evaluation.

English

This study was conducted to determine the heterologous expression of eukaryotic gene in Escherichia coli variable. The expression of Pakistani buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cow (Bos taurus) proinsulin genes in BL21 codon plus cells is 30% of total cellular protein. Total RNA was isolated from pancreatic tissues of local (Pakistani) breeds of buffalo (B. bubalis) and cow (B. taurus), converted to cDNA and cloned in a T/A cloning vector. There are five silent mutations: one in B-chain, two each in A-chain and C-peptide encoding regions of local Pakistani buffalo proinsulin DNA sequence as compared to the internationally reported cow proinsulin sequence. The DNA sequence of local (Pakistani) cow proinsulin shows there is one nucleotide encodes C-peptide that has mismatch with the reported cow proinsulin sequence but mismatched nucleotide is same between Pakistani cow and Pakistani buffalo proinsulin sequence. This indicates the genetic similarity of Pakistani cow with Pakistani buffalo. Both genes were expressed in BL21 Codon plus (DE3)-RIL cells with 0.2 mM IPTG at 37°C for 6 to 8 h. Proinsulin was expressed as 30% of total cellular proteins as insoluble inclusion bodies. Key words: Bubalus bubalis, Bos taurus, cDNA, T/A cloning vector, BL21 Codon plus (DE3)-RIL cells.

Changes in milk yield and composition of colostrum and regular milk from four buffalo breeds in China during lactation.

Chinese local buffalos are mainly used as draft animals because of their low productivity but their crossbreeding with Murrah and Nili-Ravi breeds can produce offspring with a greatly improved milk yield. However, no studies have reported the characteristics of milk produced during lactation by these crossbred buffalo. This study investigated changes in yield, and the physicochemical composition of milk of Murrah, Nili-Ravi, Murrah×local, Murrah×Nili-Ravi×local buffalos with milk yields of 1022.49 ± 90.26 kg, 1193.02 ± 97.65 kg, 805.46 ± 76.57 kg and 1499.35 ± 105.32 kg respectively over a 210-day period. The protein, fat, ash and total solids contents of milk from the hybrids decreased, but the yield of these nutritional components increased because of the greater improvement in milk yield. As lactation progressed, lactose content increased, but this change was not significant after the 15th day postpartum; the protein content decreased whereas fat content increased significantly during the first three days; ash content changed significantly during the first 24 h postpartum but further changes were not significant. Gel electrophoresis was used to identify the protein profile with no difference found between the four breeds. After crossbreeding, the milk production of triple-crossbred buffalo was higher than Murrah, Nili-Ravi and the local Chinese buffalo, making it a potential resource for the Chinese dairy market. The results of this experiment will provide basic data for making better use of buffalo milk, planning crossbreeding programs, and establishing standards for buffalo milk. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Antioxidant Sericin in Tris Extender on Oxidative Markers during Cryopreservation (–196ºC) of Bovine Semen

This investigation was carried out during winter season on the semen of three mature, healthy breeding bulls each of Gir cattle and Murrah buffalo breeds. The aim was to assess the effect of different concentration of antioxidant Sericin (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0%, w/v) in standard Tris fructose egg yolk glycerol (TFYG) extender on cryopreservability of bovine semen based on sperm motility and oxidative markers in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and cryopreserved semen. The mean sperm motility observed in freshly diluted and frozen-thawed Gir bull semen, irrespective of Sericin levels, were 76.93±0.39 and 43.47 ± 0.58 % and in Murrah bulls 78.20±0.38 and 44.10 ± 0.48 %, respectively. The values of malondialdehyde (MDA, μmol/ml) in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen of Gir bulls, irrespective of Sericin levels, were 21.68±0.38 and 24.99 ± 0.56, and in Murrah bulls 21.49±0.57 and 25.60±0.94, respectively. The corresponding values of superoxide dismutase (SOD, U/ml) were 1.77 ± 0.06 and 1.37 ± 0.05 in Gir and 1.18 ± 0.06 and 0.85 ± 0.04 in Murrah bulls, and those of glutathione peroxidase (GPx, nmol/min/ml) 417.10 ± 12.00 and 349.76 ±11.92 in Gir and 385.71±9.21 and 320.02±9.49 in Murrah bull semen. Sperm motility and activities of all three enzymes differed highly significantly (plessthan00.01) between stages. SOD was significantly (plessthan00.05) lower in buffalo than cattle semen. Inclusion of 0.5% and/or 0.25% Sericin in TFYG extender gave better protection to spermatozoa over other levels against ROS mediated injuries as the MDA production was significantly reduced with increased sperm motility and higher levels of SOD and GPx enzymes in the seminal plasma.

A Gene Expression Atlas of the Domestic Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) makes a major contribution to the global agricultural economy in the form of milk, meat, hides, and draught power. The global water buffalo population is predominantly found in Asia, and per head of population more people depend upon the buffalo than on any other livestock species. Despite its agricultural importance, there are comparatively fewer genomic and transcriptomic resources available for buffalo than for other livestock species. We have generated a large-scale gene expression atlas covering multiple tissue and cell types from all major organ systems collected from three breeds of riverine water buffalo (Mediterranean, Pandharpuri and Bhadawari) and used the network analysis tool Graphia Professional to identify clusters of genes with similar expression profiles. Alongside similar data, we and others have generated for ruminants as part of the Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes Consortium; this comprehensive transcriptome supports functional annotation and comparative analysis of the water buffalo genome.

Anti-Chlamydia abortus and Anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Antibodies in Buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Background: The occurrence of economic losses in buffaloes may be related to reproductive problems such as chlamydiosis caused by the bacteria Chlamydia abortus considered as a zoonotic agent; and digestive problems highlighting the infection by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), responsible for paratuberculosis. There is a little information about these diseases in buffaloes, therefore the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Chlamydia abortus and anti- Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) antibodies in water buffaloes in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The 262 bubaline sera belonging to the serum bank of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory (LIDIC) of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) were analyzed. The samples were from nine properties distributed in the municipalities of Agreste and Zona da Mata of the state of Pernambuco. For the detection of anti-Chlamydia abortus and anti-Map antibodies was used a technique of Enzyme immunoabsorption Assay (ELISA) of the IDEXX® by following the manufacturer's instructions. Regarding the detection of anti-Chlamydia abortus antibodies, it was observed that 47.70% (125/262) of the samples were positive. All properties showed at least one positive animal for the investigation of anti-Chlamydia abortus antibodies. It was also verified the occurrence of 7.25% of suspected animals for the investigation of anti-C. abortus antibodies. No positives animals were observed for Map in the bubaline analyzed.Discussion: The occurrence of anti-C. abortus antibodies in buffaloes in the region can be explained by the fact that properties with buffalo breeding has sanitary management that allows the contact between animals, thus increasing the risk of transmission of the agent. In addition, the variation found from 35% to 68.75% may be associated with divergences to the type of management and breeding system used in each property. The percentage of suspected animals may suggest that the number of positive animals is higher or that there were non-specific reactions with other species of Chlamydia, but it is not possible to determine the seroconversion without the accomplishment of paired serology. Because it is a zoonosis, C. abortus may be a risk to the health of the population involved, since the transmission of the bacteria to humans can occur by contact with secretions and excretions of these animals. No positive animals were found for the occurrence of anti-Map antibodies, however, there are reports of the infection identifying animals with clinical signs or properties with a history of the disease, and this may be related to the differences in each property in relation to the history and sanitary management. Moreover, the ELISA test may not be sensitive to the agent depending on the phase of the infection, because if the response is predominantly cellular, the number of antibodies is diminished, making the serological diagnosis difficult. The use of more sensitive tests for the bubaline species can also favor the diagnosis of the infection. Although the occurrence of anti-Map antibodies in the analyzed samples was not detected, it is important to carry out routine epidemiological studies, since the disease has already been registered in water buffaloes in the state of Pernambuco. Considering the occurrence of anti-Chlamydia abortus antibodies it is suggested to conduct studies in order to isolate the agent and verify its real importance in the reproductive disorders of the bubaline species, since this agent causes reproductive losses and has a zoonotic character.

Effect of Vaccination on Sexual Behavior of PandharpuriBuffalo Bulls

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of vaccination on the sexual behavior of six Pandharpuri buffalo bulls. The bulls were vaccinated against HS-BQ in July and FMD-I in September and FMD-II in February. The work was divided into four periods, viz., control/pre-vaccination period (Nov-Jan), and post-HS-BQ, FMD-I and FMD-II vaccination periods. Overall mean libido and sexual behavior score of bulls during the pre-vaccination period was 90.76±0.19 percent, which significantly decreased for first three (76.65±2.79 to 79.17±2.39), two (77.50±1.71, 76.67±3.07) and one (79.15±2.71) week after FMD-II, FMD-I, and HS-BQ vaccination, respectively. Mean reaction time (seconds) of bulls during vaccination free period was 46.25±0.14, it increased significantly in first four (59.17±2.01 to 56.67±2.11), three (56.67±2.11 to 57.50±2.14) and one (57.50±2.81) week post-FMD-II, FMD-I, and HS-BQ vaccination, respectively. FMD-II (February) vaccination had a more harmful effect on sexual behavior and reaction time compared to FMD-I (September) vaccination, perhaps due to the succeeding summer season. It was concluded that sexual rest should be recommended for three, two and oneweek post-FMD-II, FMD-I and HS-BQ vaccination, respectively, return to normal sexual behavior in Pandharpuri buffalo breeding bulls.

Assessing the Economic Losses to Buffalo Owners Due to Late Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Their Milch Buffaloes

Aim: The present study was conducted purposively to measure the economic losses to buffalo owners due to late diagnosis of pregnancy in their milch buffaloes.&#x0D; Research Design: Ex-post facto and exploratory research design was used.&#x0D; Place of the Study: Hisar and Jind districts of Murrah buffalo breeding tract in Haryana, India. Data were collected between June 2017 to December 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Data were collected through structured interview schedule from 37 buffalo owners who were taking artificial insemination services from State Department of Animal Husbandry and taking their buffaloes for the pregnancy diagnosis after three months of artificial insemination.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed that the average per day per buffalo loss was found of Rs. 702 in study area. Average loss incurred by respondents per buffalo on feed was Rs. 5918, on labour Rs. 4155, on milk Rs. 13640 and total economic loss was Rs. 3925 due to late diagnosis of pregnancy.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus there is need to create awareness among the farmers regarding advantages of timely pregnancy diagnosis in their animals to minimize these losses in order to get maximum revenue from the animals.

Associations between prolactin receptor (PRLR) polymorphisms and milk production traits in dairy buffalo

Buffalo milk is economically important, and an understanding of the genetic basis of milk production traits may facilitate buffalo breeding for this purpose. In this study, polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism was used to analyze polymorphisms in prolactin receptor (PRLR) exons 3, 5, 7, and 10 in Murrah, Nili-Ravi, and crossbred buffaloes and Holstein cows. A site in PRLR exon 3 exhibited variation in all three buffalo breeds and cows, and the three genotypes GG, GT, and TT were detected. In PRLR exon 5, nucleotide differences were detected between buffalo and Holstein dairy cow populations; the genotypes AA, AG, and GG were observed. In PRLR exon 7, polymorphisms were not detected. In PRLR exon 10, at 9637 bp, the TT, TC, and TT genotypes were observed. At the three polymorphic loci, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was reached in the crossbred buffalo population for exons 3 and 5 and in all three buffalo populations for exon 10. In an analysis of the associations of the three polymorphisms with milk production traits, only PRLR exon 10 in Murrah buffaloes was associated with milk yield, with a significant difference between the TT and CC genotypes.

Study of whole genome linkage disequilibrium patterns of Iranian water buffalo breeds using the Axiom Buffalo Genotyping 90K Array.

Accuracy of genome-wide association studies, and the successful implementation of genomic selection depends on the level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the genome and also the persistence of LD phase between populations. In the present study LD between adjacent SNPs and LD decay between SNPs was calculated in three Iranian water buffalo populations. Persistence of LD phase was evaluated across these populations and effective population size (Ne) was estimated from corrected r2 information. A set of 404 individuals from three Iranian buffalo populations were genotyped with the Axiom Buffalo Genotyping 90K Array. Average r2 and |D'| between adjacent SNP pairs across all chromosomes was 0.27 and 0.66 for AZI, 0.29 and 0.68 for KHU, and 0.32 and 0.72 for MAZ. The LD between the SNPs decreased with increasing physical distance from 100Kb to 1Mb between markers, from 0.234 to 0.018 for AZI, 0.254 to 0.034 for KHU, and 0.297 to 0.119 for MAZ, respectively. These results indicate that a density of 90K SNP is sufficient for genomic analyses relying on long range LD (e.g. GWAS and genomic selection). The persistence of LD phase decreased with increasing marker distances across all the populations, but remained above 0.8 for AZI and KHU for marker distances up to 100Kb. For multi-breed genomic evaluation, the 90K SNP panel is suitable for AZI and KHU buffalo breeds. Estimated effective population sizes for AZI, KHU and MAZ were 477, 212 and 32, respectively, for recent generations. The estimated effective population sizes indicate that the MAZ is at risk and requires careful management.

Multi-trait genetic evaluation for horn traits of economic importance in the Cape buffalo (&lt;i&gt;Syncerus caffer caffer&lt;/i&gt;)

The wildlife industry in South Africa has shown immense growth since the 1990s, which was brought about by the private game segment of the industry. In recent years, trophy quality Cape buffalo breeding animals have achieved extremely high prices. Much of the economic value of these animals can be attributed to horn size, which is important for breeding and hunting purposes. The main objective of the study was to estimate variance components for horn traits of economic importance as well as to develop guidelines for recording these traits. To date, no quantitative genetic analysis has been done for any traits in Cape buffalo. The total number of horn measurement records included in the evaluation was n = 945 for outer spread (BHSO), n = 470 for tip to tip (BHTSCI), n = 468 for left boss and n = 479 for right boss. For descriptive statistics, males and females were considered separately while age was divided into clusters of six months. A multi-trait animal model using Monte Carlo Markov Chains methods was used for the estimation of genetic parameters. Results suggest that it is not economically viable to measure horn spread and tip to tip of females after 48 months of age. Horns of the males continue to grow beyond 91 months of age. Boss records were unreliable owing to the applied measurement techniques for female and young animals. An inbreeding coefficient of 0.008 was calculated, suggesting adequate genetic diversity in the studied population. The heritability estimates of the horn traits were low, showing that extreme care has to be taken to develop effective selection programmes for the buffalo game industry using their horn genetic parameters. Further quantitative studies are required to support the results of the current study. Keywords: genetic correlation, genetic parameters, heritability, Monte Carlo Markov Chain

Genetic characterization and assessment of diversity in Pandharpuri buffalo breed of India using heterologous microsatellite markers

The present study was aimed at genetic characterization and diversity analysis of Pandharpuri buffalo population using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended bovine microsatellite markers. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 50 unrelated animals and a total of 23 microsatellite loci were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. Among 23 recommended microsatellite markers, 14 markers (BM2113, BM1818, CSSM66, HEL13, INRA037, ILSTS05, HAUT27, INRA023, INRA035, HEL5, ETH3, NRA063, MM12 and ETH10) were found to be highly polymorphic in Pandharpuri population. The amplified products were run on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) apparatus along with a ladder; subsequently, the allele typing was done based on silver staining of the gel. The effective and observed number of alleles, heterozygosity (expected and unbiased) estimates and polymorphic information content (PIC) levels were estimated for each locus. A total of 87 alleles were secured for 14 polymorphic loci studied giving an overall average of 6.21 alleles per locus. The number of alleles ranged from 2 (INRA063) to 9 (BM1818 and HEL13). The mean effective number of alleles across all polymorphic loci was found to be 4.28. The overall mean expected heterozygosity and unbiased expected heterozygosity values were 0.77 and 0.76, ranging from 0.50 (INRA063) to 0.88 (BM1818) and 0.50 (INRA063) to 0.88 (BM1818), respectively. The average PIC estimate across all polymorphic loci was 0.73 ranging from 0.373 (INRA063) to 0.864 (BM1818). In the present study, the characterization and diversity estimates are reported for Pandharpuri population. It was found to maintain optimum diversity based on 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis).

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Vitamin B12 and its binding proteins in milk from cow and buffalo in relation to bioavailability of B12

Milk is an important source of highly bioavailable vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in human nutrition. In most animal products, vitamin B12 is strongly bound to various specific protein carriers. The 2 vitamin B12-specific proteins, predominantly transcobalamin (TC) and haptocorrin (HC), were earlier found in milk from Holstein Friesian cows and in human or sow milk, respectively. As the type of vitamin B12 binders may influence bioavailability of the vitamin, we examined vitamin B12 carriers in pooled milk specimens derived from European and Indian cow and buffalo herds. The total endogenous vitamin B12 concentration was comparable in all milk pools (≈3 nM), but the vitamin carriers varied considerably: TC + caseins in Danish cows, TC + HC in Indian cows and buffaloes, and mainly HC in Italian buffaloes. Danish cow milk contained half as much TC as vitamin B12, and the surplus vitamin was all attached via a single coordination bond to abundantly available histidine residues of casein. The specific binding proteins in Indian cow milk (TC + HC) approximately matched the molar content of vitamin B12. Milk from the 2 buffalo breeds contained more specific binders than vitamin B12, and the surplus proteins included the unsaturated TC ≈ 3 nM (Indian stock), or both TC ≈ 4 nM and HC ≈ 23 nM (Italian stock). The abundant HC of the latter sample bound nearly all endogenous vitamin B12. We tested (in vitro) the transfer of vitamin B12 from milk proteins to human carriers, involved in the intestinal uptake. The bovine TC-vitamin B12 complex rapidly dissociated at pH 2 (time of half reaction, τ1/2 < 1 min, 37°C) and was susceptible to digestion with trypsin + chymotrypsin (pH 7.5). Transfer of vitamin B12 from the precipitated bovine casein (pH 2) to human carriers proceeded with τ1/2 ≈ 7 min (37°C) and τ1/2 ≈ 35 min (20°C). Liberation of vitamin B12 from buffalo HC was hampered because of its pH stability and slow proteolysis. Nutritional availability of vitamin B12 is expected to be high in cow milk (with TC-vitamin B12 and casein-vitamin B12 complexes) but potentially constrained in buffalo milk (with HC-vitamin B12). This especially concerns the Italian buffalo milk, where a high excess of HC was found. We speculate whether the isolated stock of Italian buffalo maintained the ancestral secretion of carriers (HC ≫ vitamin B12, TC ≈ 0), whereas intensive crossbreeding of cows and buffaloes from other regions caused a change to TC ≤ vitamin B12, with low or absent HC. The substitution of HC by less sturdy carriers is apparently more beneficial to human consumers as far as vitamin B12 bioavailability is concerned.

The productivity of female swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in East Java, Indonesia

The purpose of this research is to collect and analyze the necessary information needed to develop a sustainable buffalo breeding program, which includes the potential for production performance of buffaloes in East Java Indonesia. This research was conducted on swamp buffalo smallholder farms in five Regency East Java (Ngawi, Madiun, Malang, and Banyuwangi). The research method used was survey method. Primary data was obtained from direct observation on 1089 buffalo by 816 breeders. Variables observed were population growth and productive performance of buffalo. The data obtained were tabulated in average and stand at deviation then analyzed descriptively. The results showed the availability of buffalo adult female amounted was 57.21% of the total population sample. The average height of body age 24-36 months is (112,42 ± 7,46) cm, age 36-48 months (116.88 ± 8.30) cm, age 48-60 months (119.05 ± 8.56) cm, and more than age 60 month (125.40 ± 6.19) cm. Average length of body age 24-36 months (107,25 ± 17,26 cm), age 36-48 month (115,16 ± 15,01), age 48-60 month (119,59 ± 13,74 cm), more than age 60 month (123.52 ± 11.91). The average chest girth age 24-36 month (153,17 ± 22,74) cm, age 36-48 month (169,54 ± 22,13) cm, age 48-60 month (176,20 ± 16,16), more than age 60 month (187,28 ± 13,76) cm. Estimated weight, for the average body weight age 24-36 month (311,96±76,62) kg, age 36-48 month (371,73±80,10) kg, age 48-60 month (395,41±61,75) kg, more than age 60 month (439,87±56,30). Meanwhile Natural Increase (NI) value as big as 21.56 %. In general, the productivity of buffalo in East Java is considered low. However, the vital statistic of buffalo in this province is still as the National standard need of this buffalo of Indonesia. It was concluded that vital statistical measure swamp buffalo respectable, live weight and Natural Increase swamp Buffalo in East Java is still low. Base on the low-value production of swamp Buffaloes in East Java is recommended breeding program is continuously based on reproduction control.

Effect of testicular consistency on semen quality of Murrah buffalo breeding bulls

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of testicular consistency on semen quality of Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this study, 64 mature Murrah buffalo breeding bulls, which were in regular semen collection, were selected. Four ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for semen quality attributes viz. ejaculate volume (EV, ml), mass motility (MM, 0-5), sperm concentration (SPC, million/ml), sperm motility (SM, %), viability (%) and sperm abnormality (SA, %). Testicular consistency was measured by palpation of the testis and categorised them as soft, moderate and firm state; the bulls were also grouped on the basis of testicular consistency as soft, moderate and firm group. The results revealed that EV, MM, SPC, SM, sperm viability and SA did not show any significant difference among the groups , however better quality semen was obtained in soft testicular group than firm and moderate groups. From this study it can be concluded that the bulls having soft testicular consistency produced better quality semen, therefore testicular consistency can also be included in routine breeding soundness evaluation of buffalo bulls.

Draft genome of the river water buffalo.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), a large‐sized member of the Bovidae family, is considered as an important livestock species throughout Southeast Asia. In order to better understand the molecular basis of buffalo improvement and breeding, we sequenced and assembled the genome (2n=50) of a river buffalo species Bubalus bubalis from Bangladesh. Its genome size is 2.77 Gb, with a contig N50 of 25 kb and the scaffold N50 of 6.9 Mbp. Based on the assembled genome, we annotated 24,613 genes for future functional genomics studies. Phylogenetic tree analysis of cattle and water buffalo lineages showed that they diverged about 5.8–9.8 million years ago. Our findings provide an insight into the water buffalo genome which will contribute in further research on buffalo such as molecular breeding, understanding complex traits, conservation, and biodiversity.