Buffalo Milk Production Research Articles

Analysis of Factors Affecting Intention to Purchase Buffalo Milk and Milk Products among Malaysian Consumers

Analysis of Factors Affecting Intention to Purchase Buffalo Milk and Milk Products among Malaysian Consumers

Economic Analysis of Dairy Farming under Drought Prone Area in Maharashtra State of India

Background: Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy in India. Maharashtra, particularly its drought-prone districts, is critical in this sector. Despite challenges posed by erratic monsoons and limited irrigation, dairy farming remains a viable strategy for economic stability in these regions. The aim of this study was to examine the financial aspects of dairy enterprises, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, economic viability and constraints faced by farmers. Methods: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method. Key analytical tools included average and percentage calculations, BEP analysis and a Cobb-Douglas production function. Additionally, Garrett’s ranking technique was used to ascertain constraints in dairy farming, while the MOTAD model assessed profitability and risk. Result: The findings reveal that crossbred cow milk production is more lucrative than buffalo milk production, despite its higher average total expenditure per lactation. Break-even analysis confirmed profitability for both types of milk producers. Key determinants of milk production, such as green fodder, concentrate and labour, suggest areas for efficiency enhancements. Farmer-identified constraints include high feed costs, insufficient veterinary services and water scarcity. Utilizing the MOTAD model, the study recommends integrating dairy farming with crop cultivation to maximize returns, mitigate risks and enhance overall farm resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

Temporal Trends and Future Projections: A Deep Dive into India’s Buffalo Milk Production Through Time Series Modelling

Background: Buffalo milk production in India plays a significant role in the global dairy market, with a rich history deeply intertwined with the country’s economy and culture. Over six decades, the dynamics of buffalo farming have been pivotal in shaping India’s dairy landscape. Methods: This paper delves into the subject by analysing a comprehensive time series dataset spanning six decades. The focus lies on understanding the economic and cultural significance of buffalo farming, particularly in relation to milk production. Four forecasting models-ARIMA, SES, Seasonal Naive and ETS-are employed to discern temporal patterns in buffalo milk production. Result: The study reveals that the ARIMA and ETS models outperform SES and Seasonal Naive models in capturing and elucidating data behaviour. Their superior performance underscores their efficacy in predicting buffalo milk production trends accurately. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to optimize buffalo milk production and foster long-term growth in India’s dairy sector.

Impact of diet supplementation of enzymes during hot weather conditions on milk production and nutrient utilization in Murrah buffaloes

Impact of diet supplementation of enzymes during hot weather conditions on milk production and nutrient utilization in Murrah buffaloes

Influence of αs1-casein genetic variant in buffalo milk and rennet coagulation properties

Buffalo milk, recognized for its rich composition, including higher levels of fat, lactose, protein, and ash when compared to cow milk, has been insufficiently studied considering its genetic diversity within the buffalo population in Serbia. This study focuses on the analysis of the CSN1S1 472G>C variant and its potential impact on rennet coagulation properties, critical for cheese production. Rennet coagulation parameters (rennet coagulation time (RCT), setting time (ST), aggregation rate (AR), and gel firmness (GF)), along with fresh curd yield (Yf), were examined in both, raw and high heat-treated buffalo milk. Genotyping results, obtained through Sanger sequencing of blood samples from 30 female buffaloes, revealed the presence of three CSN1S1 472G>C genotypes: GG, GC, and CC. The rheological measurements, conducted using dynamic small amplitude oscillatory rheology (SAOR), indicated significant statistical differences (p<0.05) among the tested parameters for these CSN1S1 472G>C genotypes in both raw and heat-treated buffalo milk. In addition, the influence of genotype on the yield of fresh curd in fresh and thermally treated milk was studied. These results can contribute to optimization in the process of production and processing of buffalo milk, emphasizing the importance of understanding the genetic factors in the composition of buffalo milk and its technological properties.

A Present Vision for Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals in Egypt

It is well known that one of the major limitations in development of farm animals in Egypt is the extremely low reproductive efficiency. As a result, horizontal expansion would be impossible in dairy animals in Egypt. Therefore, such as in developing countries, artificial insemination (AI) programs are one of the most important options for fast development and genetic improvement in animal breeding studies in Egypt. Meanwhile, the proposed genetic improvement of buffalo milk production is being accelerated using an AI network. According to official statistics, Egypt has only two AI centers for selected buffalo sires, serving four AI units. Based on the current status of artificial insemination studies of farm animals in Egypt, this review spots the light on recent progresses in breeding of farm animals such as buffalo, camel, sheep and goat, based on a comprehensive scientific experience for more than a decade to get a better food security in Egypt.

A Systematic Review on Buffalo Breeds, Lactation Performance, and Buffalo Milk Production Characteristics in Sri Lanka

Purpose: The current study aimed to systematically review the publications originating from Sri Lanka on buffalo milk to identify potential dairy buffalo breeds and their lactation performances, milk composition, physicochemical properties, and products originating from buffalo milk.Research Method: Articles published over the last 6 decades were found through Scopus and Google Scholar databases using keywords. Original Research articles which are relevant and published in English were only selected. The six-step selection process in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Approach (PRISMA) was adopted.Findings: The majority of the publications focused on product development aspects rather than buffalo milk production aspects. Pure breeds of the locals, Murrah, Surti, and Nili-Ravi, and their crossbreeds are frequently cited in the literature. The daily average milk yields of Murrah, Local, Surti, and Nili-Ravi pure breeds were 4.7±2.3, 3.1±1.3, 3.0±1.19, and 1.2 L, respectively. Daily milk yields of the crossbreeds ranged from 1.1 – 5.0 L. Average lactation lengths were largely dependent on the breed in which Murrah recorded the highest (341±100 days). The average lactation length of the local breed was exceptionally shorter (156±27 days) than that of the exotic breeds (>235 days). The calving interval of the Murrah and Local buffaloes was the same (636 d). Pure breeds of Surti and Nili-Ravi recorded calving intervals of 489 and 411 d, respectively. Whereas, it ranged from 417-477 d among crossbreeds. Studies focused on milk compositions and physicochemical properties were extremely rare. Curd and cheese were the most focused products originating from buffalo milk.Value: This study summarises the buffalo milk production aspects in Sri Lanka and identifies research gaps in the area. Current literature reflects a satisfactory level of information relevant to the buffaloes reared in the Dry-Zone. This study recommends more research in milk composition analysis and lactation performance of the breeds and buffalo production in the Low-Country Wet Zone and Up-Country regions.

Supplementation of critical micro-nutrients in peri‑parturient dairy buffaloes improves lactation performance

BackgroundThe peri‑parturient period is the most vital period of a dairy animal's life and affects its future performance. Dairy animals get exposed to severe metabolic stress during the peri‑parturient period and their stress tolerance capacity during the period remains a key factor to harvest optimum production from these animals without getting exposed to any of peri‑parturient disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of weekly critical micro-nutrient (CMN) supplementation during the periparturient period on the lactation performance of Murrah buffaloes. MethodsWeekly CMN (vitamins E, A, and niacin with minerals Co, Cr, Cu, Se, and Zn) supplementation during the periparturient period (56 days prepartum, till 56 days post-partum) was performed on twenty-two healthy Murrah buffaloes during their advanced stage of gestation following dividing them into two groups of 11 buffaloes in each group, representing control and supplemented (Treatment) groups. Buffaloes were selected and sustained on recommended practices of feeding as per nutrient requirements, except the inclusion of CMN supplement once a week in the treatment group's buffaloes after proper mixing with common concentrate mixture being fed to buffaloes. Weekly milk production recording was carried out with analysis of milk quality parameters, for an initial 10 weeks of the lactation. ResultsThe treatment helped in improving the milk production record of buffaloes; total milk yield by 18 % and fat-corrected milk by 30 % (P < 0.05). It leads to qualitative improvement as well (percentage of milk fat and protein, P < 0.05). ConclusionIt may be concluded that weekly supplementation of critical micronutrients during the periparturient period helps improve buffalo milk production performance.

Environmental practices used in buffalo milk production: an overview of studies

Environmental practices used in buffalo milk production: an overview of studies

Country Delight: expanding the consumer’s product pantry

Learning outcomes The case study offers interesting learning possibilities and offers the following learning opportunities to the learner. assess and conduct a macro- and micro-environmental analysis, comprehend the nature of the competitive landscape and how it changes when one looks at a digital-only versus an omnichannel marketplace, examine the product mix and policy of the firm and evaluate how it delivers customer value and analyse the pros and cons of growth strategies available to a firm and arrive at a viable and actionable future business and product strategy. Case overview/synopsis The short case study presents the story of a young start-up called Country Delight. The firm began operations in 2011 and was the brainchild of Chakradhar Gade and Nitin Kaushal. The direct-to-consumer firm addressed urban consumers’ non-articulated, latent need to get “fresh and uncontaminated” milk to their doorstep. Country Delight delivered farmer-to-consumer fresh cow and buffalo milk and milk products based on a well-designed and efficient value chain where the supply chain was either wholly owned or quality monitored by the firm. The firm began operations in India’s National Capital Region and was spread across 15 metro cities. Slowly, over the years, Gade and Kaushal added more product categories.Country Delight had a subscriber base of around 500,000, and the ambitious duo wanted to double their subscriber base and reach one million subscribers by financial year 2025. The firm was looking at various paths to achieve this number. Should Country Delight expand into new geographies? Or look at adding to the existing product portfolio? Diversification into agritourism, like the Pune-based vineyard – Sula, also looked attractive to build consumer engagement. Would taking the consumer to the farmers from whom they sourced the milk and vegetables contribute additional revenue to Country Delight and their farmer-suppliers? As the firm got ready to raise another round of funding, it needed a well-articulated growth strategy that was exciting and profitable for all stakeholders. Complexity academic level This case study presents the dilemma entrepreneurs face as they look at the next phase of growth. Thus, this case study serves as a learning opportunity for a graduate-level course in management and as a sounding board for those who aspire to enter the start-up space. Though this case study has the potential to illustrate basic concepts such as value chain and macro- and micro-environment analysis, the protagonist’s dilemma and the problem statement make it apt for integrated discussions that are critical in advanced electives in marketing management. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Enhancing growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes through home-grown forages and complete nutrient diet

This study aimed to boost the growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes while increasing farmers' income in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The approach involved utilizing home-grown forages (HGF), such as napier grass and various legumes (Leucaena, Rensonii, and Indigofera), along with a complete nutrient diet (CND). For growing buffaloes, the CND consisted of 23 kg chopped napier grasses, 3 kg legumes, and 1 kg grower concentrates. For lactating buffaloes, the CND comprised 45 kg napier grass, 5 kg legumes, and 2 kg dairy concentrates. Sixty farmers, collectively raising 348 buffaloes, were trained in HGF production and CND preparation. In a 120-day feeding trial for growing buffaloes, a subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding their buffaloes CND and the other 10 serving as controls. The control group employed traditional feeding practices, involving tethered grazing on native pasture supplemented by cut-and-carry feeding of mixed native grasses. Implementing CND for growing buffaloes resulted in an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.46 kg or an improvement of 53.33% compared to the 0.30 kg ADG observed with traditional feeding. Moreover, CND implementation reduced feed costs, leading to a 98.54% increase in income per growing animal. In a separate feeding trial for lactating buffaloes, another subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding CND and the remaining 10 serving as controls (traditional feeding). Feeding CND to lactating buffaloes increased daily milk yield from 4.6 kg to 6.0 kg per animal, reflecting a 30.43% improvement compared to those fed with the control diet. This translated to a 41.31% increase in farmers’ income over a 180-day lactation period. The findings underline the effectiveness of HGF production and CND feeding in improving the performance of dairy buffaloes and increasing the financial well-being of farmers in Nueva Ecija, marking a significant advancement in sustainable dairy farming practices.

The Influence of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rbST) on the Metabolic Profile and Milk Composition of Lactating Murrah Buffalo.

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) leads to an increase in variable amounts of milk production in buffalo, but there is a lack of information on the influence of rbST on their metabolism. This study looked at the effects of a single 500 mg dose of rbST on the lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and physical, chemical, and cellular constitution of milk in 14 buffalo over 14 days, from the 100th day of lactation, compared with 14 animals in a control group. From the first day after rbST, there was a rise in beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HBO), possibly due to higher dry matter intake or the biotransformation of NEFA into β-HBO. The treatment did not influence blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, AST, GGT, bilirubin, urea, or creatinine levels. In 71.3% of the buffalo, there was a gradual increase in milk production, with the maximal response occurring in the first week followed by a gradual decrease, whilst in 21.4%, the increase in production occurred between 7 and 10 days. Only 7.1% of the animals did not respond. On the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th days after treatment, an increase was found in daily milk production between the two groups equal to 1.04, 1.52, 1.42, and 1.06 L, respectively. In relative terms, this means an increase in milk production, respectively, of 15.1%, 21.0%, 19.8%, and 15.1%. The constitution of the milk showed no difference in the amounts of fat, lactose, total solids, or somatic cell count; however, on the third day after rbST administration, there was a decrease in protein. Notably, from the fifth day, the protein values showed no statistical difference. It can be concluded that the use of rbST in buffalo from the 100th day of lactation is metabolically safe since the treatment neither caused imbalances in fat metabolism nor overloaded the liver or renal function, and the changes in milk composition were transient and limited to a decrease in milk protein.

Comparison of nonlinear functions to describe lactation curves for cumulative milk production in buffalo.

The aim of this study was to examine the suitability of different growth functions (linear, sinusoidal, Gompertz, Schumacher and Richards) to fit cumulative milk production data from buffalo cows. Cumulative milk production at each day in milk was calculated from two published datasets reporting (i) fortnightly test-day milk yield records of the first lactation of Murrah buffalo that had calved during 1977-2012 and (ii) the first lactation records of Jaffarabadi buffalo collected from history-cum-pedigree registers for each quinquennium between 1991 and 2010. Each function was fitted to the lactation curves using nonlinear regression procedures. The Richards and sinusoidal equations provided the smallest root mean square error values, Akaike's and Bayesian information criteria and, therefore, the best fit for the cumulative lactation curves for milk yield. The Richards equation appeared to provide the most accurate estimate of the cumulative milk production at peak milk yield. Sinusoidal and flexible classical growth functions are appropriate to describe cumulative milk production curves and estimate lactation traits in buffalo.

Study of Milk Cost Production in Buffaloes of Telangana State

Background: Telangana state stands 13th position in milk production with 5.61 MT of milk production during 2019-20 as compared to 4.2 MT in 2014-15. The profitability of dairy enterprise is determined by sale price of milk and of late there is lot of uproar from farming community on lack of proper support price for milk. So having adequate data on cost of milk production in different sized farms in buffaloes will enable policy makers to arrive at a minimum support price for milk, so that the farmer will not be put to loss. Methods: An investigation was carried out to study the cost of milk production in buffaloes of dairy farmers in Karimnagar, Khammam and Rangareddy districts of Telangana. The data was collected from 240 farmers spread over 24 villages in 6 mandals in the selected districts. The 240 respondents were interviewed as per the questionnaire. Result: Average milk production per day per animal, sale price of milk per kg per animal per day was 8.63 lit, Rs.35.42 respectively. Cost of milk production in large, medium and small herd size was found to be Rs.26.32, Rs.26.68, Rs.27.08, respectively. Average cost of milk production per animal per day was found to be Rs.26.49. The average net income from cow was Rs.77.03. The average profit/litre of milk was calculated as Rs.8.92/lit. The average benefit-cost ratio was found to be 1.33.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Buffalo Milk Production in India

Context: The vast resource of Indian livestock played an important role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people in rural areas. Dairying has provided strong support to stabilise the Indian economy by ensuring a certain degree of diversification and flexibility.&#x0D; Aim: The present study aims to analyse the costs and returns from buffalo milk production in the Punjab state of India to know about the viability of the dairy business.&#x0D; Methods: The present study is based on primary data collected through a detailed schedule from 420 dairy farmers belonging to different farm size categories (landless households, large, medium, small, and marginal farmers) from 21 villages situated across three different agro-climatic zones of Punjab state in 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique has been used to select the villages and dairy farmers in the study area.&#x0D; Key Results: The study has revealed that the total costs of buffalo milk production are ₹180.16 per day per milch buffalo. The sale of fluid milk constitutes a major component of gross returns. The net returns are calculated as ₹6.42 per litre from buffalo milk production in rural Punjab.&#x0D; Implications: Economic analysis of dairy farming is very important to know about the economic viability of dairy enterprises. The profitability from dairying depends upon the milk yield of dairy animals, the sale price of milk, and the cost involved in dairying. Adequate knowledge of the cost involved in dairying is important as it can be used for policy-making and also for providing incentives to dairy farmers.

Use of a commercial feed supplement based on diatom earth and yeast products on oxidative status and in vitro immune response in buffaloes during peripartum.

The transition period is a critical metabolic phase for dairy ruminants, especially those with high production levels. In spite of this, little is still known about dairy water buffalo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed additive based on diatomaceous earth and hydrolyzed yeasts on health status, milk quality, and immune response of buffalo cows during the transition period. Eighty healthy Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Italian Mediterranean breed were included in the trial. They were subdivided into two groups: one group received the additive (n = 40) while the control group (n = 40) received a placebo. The trial lasted 120d, from 60d before calving to 60d in milk. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo at -60 (60d from the expected calving), -30, 0 (calving), +15, +30, and +60 d (respectively, i.e., 15, 30, and 60d in milking). The biochemical as well as the oxidative profile, and the antioxidant power and enzymatic activity were evaluated in the samples obtained. Moreover, acute phase proteins, reactive proteins, and interleukin plasma levels were determined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocytes were isolated and viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species were measured on PBMC and monocytes. The introduction of additives enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activity, while no differences were observed in oxidation products throughout the trial. Additionally, it significantly reduced the synthesis of ROS in polymorphonuclear cells, supporting a potential positive response in animals experiencing inflammation. The impact of oxidation on the products was not evident. Despite higher enzyme levels in plasma, this did not necessarily correspond to significantly increased enzymatic activity but rather indicated a higher potential. From these results, it was evident that the transition period in buffaloes differs notably from what reported in the literature for cows, probably due to the absence of common postpartum production diseases in dairy cows and lower metabolic challenges linked to lower milk production in buffaloes. Few parameters exhibited notable changes during the transition period in buffaloes, notably certain antioxidant enzymes, PBMC viability, PBMC ROS production, and Hp levels.

Effect of non-genetic factors on lifetime milk production and productive life of Murrah buffaloes

Effect of non-genetic factors on lifetime milk production and productive life of Murrah buffaloes

TWAS revealed significant causal loci for milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes

Milk yield is the most complex trait in dairy animals, and mapping all causal variants even with smallest effect sizes has been difficult with the genome-wide association study (GWAS) sample sizes available in geographical regions with small livestock holdings such as Indian sub-continent. However, Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) could serve as an alternate for fine mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). This is a maiden attempt to identify milk production and its composition related genes using TWAS in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). TWAS was conducted on a test (N = 136) set of Murrah buffaloes genotyped through ddRAD sequencing. Their gene expression level was predicted using reference (N = 8) animals having both genotype and mammary epithelial cell (MEC) transcriptome information. Gene expression prediction was performed using Elastic-Net and Dirichlet Process Regression (DPR) model with fivefold cross-validation and without any cross-validation. DPR model without cross-validation predicted 80.92% of the total genes in the test group of Murrah buffaloes which was highest compared to other methods. TWAS in test individuals based on predicted gene expression, identified a significant association of one unique gene for Fat%, and two for SNF% at Bonferroni corrected threshold. The false discovery rates (FDR) corrected P-values of the top ten SNPs identified through GWAS were comparatively higher than TWAS. Gene ontology of TWAS-identified genes was performed to understand the function of these genes, it was revealed that milk production and composition genes were mainly involved in Relaxin, AMPK, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, along with CCRI, and several key metabolic processes. The present study indicates that TWAS offers a lower false discovery rate and higher significant hits than GWAS for milk production and its composition traits. Hence, it is concluded that TWAS can be effectively used to identify genes and cis-SNPs in a population, which can be used for fabricating a low-density genomic chip for predicting milk production in Murrah buffaloes.

Effect of Adding Calcium Propionate on Productive Performance of Iraqi Buffaloes

This study was conducted at the ruminant research station in Abu Ghraib / livestock research department / agricultural research department / ministry of agriculture. The experiment period from 5/10/2022 to 1/4/2023, and for the production season 2022-2023. In order to study the effect of calcium propionate for different periods to study the difference of these periods in some of the productive characteristics of the Iraqi buffaloes, 15 females of Iraqi milking buffaloes were used, divided into three treatments for each treatment 5 buffaloes aged from 6-7 years, as the first treatment was T1 treatment Control without adding of calcium propionate, the second treatment T2 added 100 g calcium propionate/buffalo, and the third treatment T3 added 150 g calcium propionate/buffalo and for the periods 7 hours before calving, 24 hours after calving and 7 days after calving, calcium propionate was added to the concentrated diet. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant difference (P≤0.05) for milk production within the seventh reading in treatments T2 and T3 g compared with control T1, and a significant difference (P≤0.05) was observed in T2 for milk production within the eighth reading compared with T3 and control T1, and there were significant differences (P≤0.05) for T2 in 1st, 2nd and 3rd months for the percentage of fat compared with treatment T3 and control T1, and the results indicated a significant differences (P≤ 0.05) for treatment T3 in 1st and 3rd months for the percentage of fat compared with T2 and control T1. We conclude that the addition of calcium propionate at a ratio of 100 and 150 gm to buffalo diets during different periods improved the milk production and fat percentage of local female buffaloes.

Effects of CSN1S1 and CSN3 casein gene polymorphisms on milk protein composition, milk production, and curd yield of water buffaloes

The influence of polymorphisms in CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes on composition and individual casein (CN) proteins of milk, milk production, and curd yield of Murrah buffalo cows was evaluated. Higher amounts of the individual casein proteins αS1-CNB and κ-CNX2 in milk were observed in animals with the CT and CC alleles, respectively. Milk from animals with the CT allele showed higher levels of fat, total dry extract (TDE), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) than those from animals with the CC allele. Murrah buffalo cows with genotypic combinations of AACC and AGCT of CSN1S1 and CSN3 were associated with higher milk and curd yields. In addition, the CSN3 gene alleles (CC and CT) are responsible for the higher curd yield in cheese making, which is associated with a higher content of casein κ-CNX1, κ-CNX2, αS1-CNB, and fat.